진학프로석·박사 채용 접수 플랫폼

‘Regulation of neuronal function and plasticity by border-associated macrophages’

The surface of the Central Nervous System (CNS) is connected to the periphery by layers of highly vascularized membranes, the meninges. Although the brain has been considered immunoprivileged for decades, it has been recently shown by our team and others that the meninges are populated by a myriad of resident immune sentinels. Unexpectedly, immune cells specifically located in the meninges play a role in neuronal function, tissue homeostasis as well as infectious and neurodegenerative diseases. Due to their strategic location at the interface between the periphery and the brain, the meninges thus function as a nurturing tissue enveloping the CNS and also represent its first line of protection.

Even though meningeal macrophages represent promising candidates involved in CNS function and dysfunction due to their abundance and location, virtually nothing is known about their pro-neuronal properties. The objective of this project is to understand how macrophages at the brain surface maintain neuronal functions. We hypothesize that meningeal macrophages are heterogeneous and that distinct macrophage subpopulations differ in the magnitude and quality of their pro-neuronal functions. To address these questions, we will combine several techniques, e.g. multiparametric single-cell transcriptomics, stereotactic injections, electrophysiology and behavioral approaches to analyze the heterogeneity and functions of meningeal macrophages in wild-type and transgenic mouse models, in steady-state and inflammatory conditions.

You will join a passionate, friendly and dynamic team, in an institute with state-of-the-art equipment, at the border of the Calanques national park in the south of France.

The candidate should have a PhD in neuroscience and a strong background and interest in neuronal functions, at the molecular, cellular, circuit and/or behavioral levels. Prior experience in the field of neuroimmunology is not required. Applications should be sent to rua@ciml.univ-mrs.fr.