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Beyond Gap Junctions: Connexins as Orchestrators of Tumor–Stroma Communication

We are looking for an ambitious postdoctoral researcher to develop an independent Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship project at the interface of cancer cell communication, metabolism, and tumor microenvironment biology.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF)

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF) are part of the Horizon Europe programme and support postdoctoral researchers in developing an original research and innovation project through international mobility.

The programme aims to strengthen researchers’ careers through excellent science, international collaboration and interdisciplinary experience, while fostering integration in both academic and non-academic environments. The MSCA-PF call is highly competitive and represents an excellent opportunity to attract international talent and support researchers in consolidating their scientific careers through an ambitious mobility-based fellowship.

The 2026 call closes on 09/09/2026 (17:00 Brussels time). For candidates applying to a European Postdoctoral Fellowship, the fellowship duration is from 12 to 24 months.

Full eligibility details: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

Background

Connexin 43 (Cx43) presents a long-standing paradox in cancer: it can act as either a tumour suppressor or a tumour promoter depending on context. Beyond its classical role as a gap junction protein, Cx43 regulates tunnelling nanotube (TNT) formation, mitochondrial transfer, and extracellular vesicle (EV) signalling. Its alternatively translated isoform GJA1-20k further controls actin remodelling and mitochondrial dynamics, suggesting that connexins play a broader role in coordinating communication between tumour cells and their microenvironment.

This project will test the hypothesis that Cx43 acts as a master regulator of intercellular communication, linking these pathways to tumour plasticity and therapeutic resistance across breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer.

Objective

The aim is to define how connexin-regulated tumour-stroma communication drives cancer progression and therapy resistance. Possible research directions include: (1) how Cx43 and GJA1-20k regulate TNT formation and organelle transfer; (2) non-canonical mitochondrial exchange pathways including annular gap junctions; (3) Cx43 control of EV biogenesis and signalling; and (4) how these pathways collectively regulate metabolic adaptation and therapy resistance. The project will be developed together with the fellow based on their expertise and interests.

Our Group

The Intercellular Communication Group, led by Trond Aasen, studies connexin-regulated tumour progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance in breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer. We combine mechanistic cell biology with advanced imaging and functional cancer models. Recent tools include dual-colour HiBiT-based mitochondrial tracing systems for quantifying intercellular organelle transfer. This is a growing field with real room for discovery.

Main responsibilities and duties:

• • You will define your own questions, develop your own ideas, and build your scientific identity. Mentoring and support for the MSCA application are part of the deal, but scientific ownership is yours.
• • The fellow will have access to advanced live-cell and super-resolution imaging, cell engineering platforms, and well-established cancer models, as well as active collaborations with Marc Liesa (mitochondrial metabolism and redox biology) and Henrique Girão (EV biology and connexin signalling).
• • The goal is to provide the successful candidate with both scientific freedom and strong mentorship, supporting not only the MSCA application but also the longer-term transition toward research leadership.