In 2014, Development organised a very successful meeting on how the use of stem cell technologies can inform our understanding of human development (you can read about it here or watch the movie below). The next edition of this meeting will take place in the USA this September and applications are now open! The deadline for applications is the 15th of June, but we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment. Just click the image above or follow this link.
The idea of human germline genetic modification is too close for comfort right now. However, society in general does not seem to realise the proximity of this threat or the technical basis of this threat, making the publishing of Paul’s book ‘GMO Sapiens – The Life-Changing Science of Designer Babies’ timely. This book is 250 pages of a digestible history of genetic modification and technologies and opinions that are leading to the very real and urgent threat of heritable human genetic modification.
In reading this book it should be noted from the start that while the validation of many that modification of the human germline would be useful for eliminating human disease, in the light of existing, safer and more efficient PGD (pre-implantation genetic diagnosis ) technologies (Chapter 5), this argument seems to front a human desire for modifications towards predicted ‘improvement’ of humans, Human+ if you want to go for the transhumanist view (Chapter 7). Personally, I do not believe there is a valid argument for genetic modification of the nuclear genome in the human germline (in light of PGD). To hide ‘positive eugenics’ (Chapter 7) behind a veil of ‘eliminating human disease’ is frankly wrong. Expert interviews in this book from renowned scientists shamelessly expressing their desire to ‘improve’ humans is scary. However, it was mentioned early that creating panic or scaring people is not the goal of this book, but rather to inform and energize people to become part of the discussion about this new inevitable reality. Reading this book is going to catch you up with the best of the best.
If we stick to arguments and perspectives on the heritable genetic ‘improvement’ of humans, Paul provides a thorough and balanced view. Who should choose what is better? Do we know enough about the human genome to safely predict ‘better’? Will better be for the individual or for society as a whole? All of these views and more are discussed in the book giving time to both sides. There are however a lot of question marks, which reasonable people will approach with caution. But it is not the reasonable who will be pioneering clinical germline modification. It is a fact that someone will heritably modify the human genome (someone has – Chapter 4 and Chapter 9) and use this to enhance perceived positive traits. How will we react to this? How will we manage the unseen consequences.
However, once the mistakes have been made, the technology refined and the benefits become clear, would I say no? Paul presents a story where you have yourself wondering what choices you would make if presented with a list of options; Should I choose that my children are resistant to diseases? Should I choose that my children have reasonably sizes physical features so they do not get teased at school? In a society where these options were available as a reproductive shopping list, what parent would not choose what is ‘best’ for their child? Are we aiming towards human agriculture?
There may be someone in the world right now miscarrying or having an abortion from a defective genetically modified human embryo. This urgency and a thread of caution is present throughout the book. But what I find troubling, exciting but scary, is that I find myself agreeing with an undertone, I do not support human germline genetic modification but with all the new information and perspectives available to me I have found myself questioning my own views and will be watching any developments with a fascinated interest I would rather not admit to.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and outstanding postdoctoral researcher to join a multidisciplinary team led by Prof. Chris Thompson. This project aims to address the role and regulation of heterogeneity in development using Dictyostelium discoideum as a model system. Dictyosteliumpermits a uniquely powerful combination of approaches to be applied (e.g. imaging, informatics, genetics) and thus provides an opportunity and generate the first integrative ‘top to bottom’ understanding of how heterogeneity, stochastic differentiation and cell sorting result in robust developmental patterning.
You will address the fundamental biological questions regarding the role and regulation of heterogeneity in development you will use Dictyostelium discoideum as a model system. Dictyosteliumpermits a uniquely powerful combination of approaches to be applied. Firstly, developmental patterning in Dictyostelium is based on ‘salt and pepper’ differentiation followed by sorting out, and therefore heterogeneity has been proposed to play a pivotal role. Secondly, Dictyostelium is amenable to forward and reverse genetic manipulation, is easily and rapidly grown in the lab to biochemical scales, whilst its relatively small number of defined cell types can be tracked in vivo by live cell imaging during development. Dictyostelium therefore provides an opportunity and generate the first integrative ‘top to bottom’ understanding of how heterogeneity, stochastic differentiation and cell sorting result in robust developmental patterning.
You will use your extensive experience in bioinformatics, computational biology, molecular biology, genetics, cell biology or live cell imaging techniques to determine the molecular basis and gene networks that regulate heterogeneity. These different approaches are highly complementary and your ability to integrate these approaches is crucial. Consequently, multidisciplinary training (especially in computational and wet lab skills) is essential. You should currently hold or be about to obtain a PhD in a relevant field.
Although you will be based in Manchester, several short visits to collaborators will be required for data analysis and project development.
The post funded by the Wellcome Trust and is available for up to 3 years.
Successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment screening carried out on our behalf by a third party. The offer of employment will be dependent on the successful candidate passing that screening. Whilst you will be required to provide express consent at a later stage, by continuing with your application now you acknowledge that you are aware that such screening will take place, and agree to take part in the process.
The School of Life Sciences is committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN charter for promoting women’s careers in STEMM subjects (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) in higher education. The School received a Silver Award in 2009 for their commitment to the representation of women in the workplace and we particularly welcome applications from women for this post. Appointment will always be made on merit. For further information, please visit: http://www.wils.ls.manchester.ac.uk/athenaswanawards/
Researchers at IRB Barcelona and CSIC discover a mechanism through which the cells of an organism interact with their extracellular matrix
The cells of an organism interact not only with each other but with the extracellular matrix that surrounds them. Increasing evidence is unveiling the relevance of this structure—which is secreted by the cells themselves— for the correct function of the organism and also for the development of various diseases.
A new study published in eLife and headed by Jordi Casanova and Sofía J. Araújo, both scientists at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) and the Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), describes a cell communication mechanism that allows the organisation of the extracellular matrix and how this structure affects cells through a feedback system.
Image of the larval tracheal main tube, stained in white to mark the chitinous extracellular matrix and in red to mark the cell-cell junctions
For this study, the team of researchers used the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster—a particular useful model for biomedical research. The study focused on the tracheal system, tubes that are analogous to the function of the human respiratory apparatus. This system has an extracellular matrix that covers the inside of the trachea, forming a structure that is comparable to the hose of a vacuum cleaner. Until now, it was believed that this matrix served only a structural purpose, preventing the tube from collapsing, but the team of scientists has demonstrated that it also regulates the cells that form it.
In 1929, the Canadian biologist W. R. Thompson published a study describing the tracheal system and its structure. Although he was able to describe it, he was unable to explain how it formed. This new study now provides an explanation of this 80-year enigma.
“The biological context of these cells modifies not only their behaviour but also their internal structure,” comments Casanova. “When we modify only the extracellular matrix, the cytoskeleton is also altered.”
“It is a two-fold mechanism,” says Sofía Araújo. “First actin filaments, a very important component of the cytoskeleton, serve as a mould for the deposition of the chitin of the matrix. Next, the matrix itself stabilises the cytoskeleton, anchoring actin in place.” The scientists propose that Src42A—a protein that belongs to the family of kinases that regulates the structure of the actin filament—is one of the main contributors to this system.
Casanova considers that the study explains one of the many mechanisms that allow communication between the extracellular matrix and cells. “The way in which cells communicate has been conserved over evolution: we are sure that this process will be discovered in other organisms. In our lab, we address how such communication allows cells to arrange themselves in such a way as to form tissues.”
The interaction between the cell and its extracellular matrix is also very important in inflammatory and cancer processes. “Tumour cells often take advantage of existing mechanisms, such as the one we have described, to cause havoc. The unravelling of these mechanisms may provide us with new tools to study diseases,” concludes Casanova.
A PhD opportunity is available in the area of Developmental Biology/Teratology (starting September 2016) under the Medical Traineeship in Anatomy scheme in University College Dublin, Ireland. The project will be focused on investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The medical trainee will be required to undertake a higher degree and also teach Anatomy within the dissection room to medical and allied health students within the School of Medicine. There is a tax-free stipend of €18,000 per year plus payment of 75% of student fees. For informal inquiries and further particulars about the project, please contact deirdre.brennan[at]ucd.ie or 00 353 1 7166630. Please submit your curriculum vitae indicating your interest in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome by 5pm on Monday 29th February 2016 to anatomy[at]ucd.ie
Here is some developmental biology related content from other journals published by The Company of Biologists.
Using the developmental biology toolkit to study cancer
Aiello and Stanger review the similarities between embryogenesis and cancer progression and discuss how the concepts and techniques of developmental biology are being applied to provide insight into all aspects of tumorigenesis. Read the review here [OPEN ACCESS].
A new gestational diabetes mellitus model
He and colleagues successfully establish a new chick embryo model to study the molecular mechanism of hyperglycemia-induced eye malformation. Read the paper here [OPEN ACCESS].
Cathepsin D sorting in neurons
Jadot and colleagues show that SEZ6L2 can serve as a receptor to mediate the sorting of cathepsin D to endosomes, and that this sorting process might contribute to neuronal development. Read the paper here.
Demethylase activity in ESC differentiation
Becker and colleagues show that KDM6-specific H3K27me3 demethylase activity is crucially involved in the DNA damage response and survival of differentiating murine ESCs. Read the paper here.
Hic-5 in angiogenesis and myofibroblast differentiation
Two studies investigate the role of focal adhesion protein Hic-5. Bayless and colleagues examine whether Hic-5 regulates endothelial sprouting in three dimensions (here), while Van De Water and co-workers report a crucial role for this protein in myofibroblast differentiation in response to TGF-β (here).
A role for miR-20a in endothelial-mesenchymal transition
Krenning and colleagues show that FGF2 induces the expression of miR-20a, a non-coding microRNA identified in a previous screen, which targets the TGFβ receptor complex and abolishes endothelial–mesenchymal transition. Read the paper here.
Characterising the fourth WASP
Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome proteins (WASPs) are nucleation-promoting factors that differentially control the Arp2/3 complex. Here, Bogdan and colleagues characterized WHAMY, the fourth Drosophila WASP family member, and show that it plays a role in myoblast fusion, macrophage cell motility and sensory organ development in Drosophila. Read the paper here.
Loss of PPARγ leads to impaired angiogenesis
Loss of PPARγ in mice leads to osteopetrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension in mice, and is associated with vascular disease. Alastalo and colleagues now report a novel mechanism by which PPARγ can regulate endothelial cell homeostasis and angiogenesis. Read the paper here.
The embryos of Austrofundulus limnaeus, a killifish that resides in ephemeral ponds, routinely enter diapause II, a reversible developmental arrest promoted by endogenous cues rather than environmental stress. Toni and Padilla use A. limnaeus to examine epigenetic features associated with embryonic arrest. Read the paper here.
Department/Location: Wellcome Trust – Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge
Salary: £28,982-£29,847
Reference: PS08402
Closing date: 20 March 2016
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
The Wellcome Trust – Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute at the University of Cambridge provides outstanding scientists with the opportunity and resources to undertake ground-breaking research into the fundamental properties of mammalian stem cells (http://www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk/).
Transcriptional control of lineage decisions in embryonic stem cells.
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position to investigate the molecular control of embryonic stem cell lineage commitment and differentiation. The successful applicant will be part of an interdisciplinary collaboration between The Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and Microsoft Research to understand how information is processed by individual stem cells to bring about cell fate decisions.
For this position demonstrated experience in the analysis of transcriptional mechanisms will be required. The candidate is expected to have considerable expertise in molecular biological and biochemical techniques, basic mammalian cell culture, and to be familiar with basic programming and computational methods. Previous experience in higher-level programming, mammalian stem cell biology, and/or chromatin biochemistry is highly desired. The position will be based in the Hendrich laboratory and is available immediately.
You should have been awarded a PhD degree or equivalent and have several years laboratory experience.
To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/9561. This will take you to the role on the University’s Job Opportunities pages. There you will need to click on the ‘Apply online’ button and register an account with the University’s Web Recruitment System (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.
The closing date for all applications is the Sunday 20 March 2016.
Please upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application to supplement your application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Interviews will be held on Monday 04 April 2016. If you have not been invited for interview by 01 April 2016, you have not been successful on this occasion.
Please quote reference PS08402 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Cat Vicente, who many of you will know as the Node’s Community Manager, is moving on to exciting new ventures. We’re really sorry to see her go – I’m sure you’ll agree that Cat has done a fantastic job running the Node over the past few years and she’ll be sorely missed, but we wish her all the best for the future.
And this means that her job is up for grabs – would you like to be the next Community Manager of the Node?
You can find full details of the position here, including more information on what the job actually entails, what kind of person we’re looking for, and the timeline for application.
Informal queries can be directed to our HR department, or feel free to drop me an email if you want to know more.
The Company of Biologists and its journal Development are seeking to appoint a new Community Manager to run its successful community website the Node and the journal’s social media activities.
Launched in 2010, the Node is the place for the developmental biology community to share news, discuss issues relevant to the field and read about the latest research and events. We are now looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person to develop and maintain the site.
Core responsibilities of the position include:
Creating and commissioning content, including writing posts and soliciting content from the academic community, societies and other organisations.
Providing user support and ensuring site functionality on a day-to-day basis.
Providing creative and practical input into the development of the site.
Maintaining and developing Development’s and the Node’s presence on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
Contributing non peer-reviewed content to the journal.
Representing Development and the Node at international conferences.
Contributing to the Company of Biologists’ outreach activities.
Applicants should have research experience in a relevant scientific field, ideally a PhD in developmental or stem cell biology. The successful candidate will have proven blogging and social media skills (ideally including experience with WordPress) and a clear understanding of the online environment as it applies to scientists. Applicants should have excellent writing and communication skills, and strong interpersonal and networking abilities – both online and in person. Experience with additional media, such as video or podcasting, would be an advantage. We are looking for an individual with fresh ideas, a willingness to learn new skills and to contribute broadly to the Company’s activities.
This is an exciting opportunity to develop an already successful and well-known site, engaging with the academic, publishing and online communities. The Community Manager will work alongside an experienced in-house team, including Development’s Executive Editor, as well as with the journal’s international team of academic editors. Additional responsibilities may be provided for the right candidate. The position is based in the Company of Biologists’ attractive modern offices on the outskirts of Cambridge, UK.
The Company of Biologists exists to support biologists and inspire advances in biology. At the heart of what we do are our five specialist journals – Development, Journal of Cell Science, Journal of Experimental Biology, Disease Models & Mechanisms and Biology Open – two of them fully open access. All are edited by expert researchers in the field, and all articles are subjected to rigorous peer review. We take great pride in the experience of our editorial team and the quality of the work we publish. We believe that the profits from publishing the hard work of biologists should support scientific discovery and help develop future scientists. Our grants help support societies, meetings and individuals. Our workshops and meetings give the opportunity to network and collaborate.
Applicants should send a CV along with a covering letter that summarises their relevant experience (including, if possible, links to online activities and/or samples of science writing), salary expectations, and why they are enthusiastic about this opportunity.
Applications and informal queries should be sent by email no later than March 14th to our HR department.
We anticipate conducting interviews in the week commencing April 4th, and may request written tests in advance of any interview.
Evolution of the gene regulatory network controlling wing pigmentation patterns in Drosophila
We are looking for a PhD student to study the evolution of the gene regulatory network controlling the formation of a wing pigmentation pattern in Drosophila species. This wing spot has emerged from a spot-less ancestor, around 15 millions years ago, and then diversified in shape, color and intensity between species.
The goal of the project is to peer into the genomic changes responsible for these different evolutionary transitions. The student will use comparative functional genomics across species to identify candidate genes and cis-regulatory sequences associated with these transitions. These candidates will be further validated in vivo by functional manipulations using genome editing approaches.
Ultimately, these results will help to better understand how a gene regulatory network emerge during evolution and give rise to a novel morphological trait, and how alterations of this network underlie morphological diversification of a morphological trait.
Candidates (from any nationality, with no requirement to understand French) are expected to have a background in developmental biology, genetics, and a strong interest in evolution.
Please send a CV, a motivation letter, a description of research experience and interests and e-mail contact for 2-3 references to benjamin.prudhomme@univ-amu.fr
The position is funded for 3 years by an ERC grant and must start before July 1st 2016.
Our lab is part of the Institute of Developmental Biology of Marseille (IBDM), an interdisciplinary research center studying developmental biology and neurobiology. More information about the lab and the institute can be found here: www.prudhommelab.com & www.ibdm.univ-mrs.fr
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Krenning and colleagues show that FGF2 induces the expression of miR-20a, a non-coding microRNA identified in a previous screen, which targets the TGFβ receptor complex and abolishes endothelial–mesenchymal transition. Read the paper
Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome proteins (WASPs) are nucleation-promoting factors that differentially control the Arp2/3 complex. Here, Bogdan and colleagues characterized WHAMY, the fourth Drosophila WASP family member, and show that it plays a role in myoblast fusion, macrophage cell motility and sensory organ development in Drosophila. Read the paper 
The embryos of Austrofundulus limnaeus, a killifish that resides in ephemeral ponds, routinely enter diapause II, a reversible developmental arrest promoted by endogenous cues rather than environmental stress. Toni and Padilla use A. limnaeus to examine epigenetic features associated with embryonic arrest. Read the paper