Candidates should have a Ph.D. and a strong background in molecular biology or related field. A putative phenobarbital-responsive enhancer element of the mouse Cyp2b10 gene is identified in the primary hepatocyte system. Purification of the nuclear factors that bind to the enhancer and a signal transduction pathway to regulate these factors will be studied. Study of the regulation of gene expression during differentiation and the mechanism of action of retinoids is being conducted. The role of nuclear receptors and other transcriptional factors in the control of gene transcription is being investigated.
Studies involve characterization of promoters of several genes.
Applicants must have experience in molecular biology techniques. An Intramural Research Training Award position is currently available in the Gene Regulation Section for an individual to investigate the differential regulation of lactoferrin gene expression in various tissues. The candidate must be highly motivated and have excellent communication skills. We use fluorescent substrates, confocal microscopy, and image analysis to characterize xenobiotic transport mechanisms in renal and nonrenal epithelial tissues. The focus is on understanding the specificities, energetics, and regulation of both plasma membrane transporters and intracellular mechanisms, such as vesicle-mediated transcytosis.