Postdoctoral positions to study mechanisms and biology of neural APA and splicing (NYC)

The Eric Lai lab at Sloan Kettering Institute, NYC (https://www.mskcc.org/research/ski/labs/eric-lai) has availability for two postdoctoral candidates to join our efforts on alternative mRNA processing in neurons, including regulated splicing and alternative 3′ UTRs. We use integrated approaches in Drosophila and mammals to elucidate molecular mechanisms that generate programs of alternative neural isoforms, reveal their genomic breadth, and understand their phenotypic consequences on neural differentiation, development and behavior.

The ideal candidate will be experienced with either Drosophila or ESC models of neural differentiation, and be familiar with general molecular and CRISPR methods. Knowledge or interest to learn genomic analyses are welcome, and can be mentored by current lab members. Candidates will be able to take advantage of extensive unpublished tools and resources on this project, which has natural synergies with other lab efforts on miRNAs and RNA modifications (m6A). We have an interactive, supportive, and collaborative team engaged in diverse RNA topics, and the Sloan Kettering Institute provides a vibrant research community that promotes inclusivity and diversity.

Federally funded positions with nearby subsidized housing and medical benefits are available immediately.

Please provide CV, motivation letter and references to Eric Lai, laie [at] mskcc.org.

Recent papers on APA mechanism and biology

Wei et al (2020). Overlapping Activities of ELAV/Hu Family RNA Binding Proteins Specify the Extended Neuronal 3′ UTR Landscape in Drosophila. Molecular Cell 80: 140-155.

Garaulet et al (2020). miRNAs and neural alternative polyadenylation specify the virgin behavioral state. Developmental Cell 54: 410-423.

Lee et al (2021). ELAV/Hu RNA binding proteins determine multiple neural alternative splicing programs. PLoS Genetics 17(4):e1009439.

Recent papers on miRNAs and other RNA regulatory pathways

Vedanayagam et al (2019). Cancer-associated mutations in DICER1 RNase IIIa and IIIb domains exert similar effects on miRNA biogenesis. Nature Communications 10: 3682.

Shang et al (2020). Genomic clustering aids nuclear processing of suboptimal pri-miRNA loci. Molecular Cell 78: 303-316.

Joseph and Lai (2020). The Exon Junction Complex and intron removal prevents resplicing of mRNA. BIORXIV/2020.07.31.231498.

Kan et al (2021). A neural m⁶A/YTHDF pathway is required for learning and memory in Drosophila. Nature Communications 12(1):1458. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-21537-1.

Bejarano et al (2021). A comprehensive in vivo screen for anti-apoptotic miRNAs indicates broad capacities for oncogenic synergy. Developmental Biology 475:10-20.