CERT (Center for Expertise and Technological Resources). The center conducts highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research combining experimental, theoretical, and clinical approaches. The host team, "Stromagics", led by Coralie Sengenès, comprises 15 people and focuses on tissue repair and regeneration via the circulation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) between tissues. The scientific objectives of Stromagics are: i) to identify the molecular and cellular characteristics of mobilizable adipose stem cells (ASCs) and the mechanisms regulating this unique dynamics, and ii) to characterize this dynamics in the context of aging. The project will also be conducted in collaboration with the MOBIDIC team in Rennes, with Dr. David Roulois serving as project director.
PhD Opportunity: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) — and particularly adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs) due to their clinical accessibility — hold immense promise for regenerative medicine and cell therapy. However, clinical translation remains hampered by cellular heterogeneity, variable efficacy, and a lack of standardized characterization. Recently, our team identified a distinct and highly active subpopulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue ASCs (sSAT-ASCs) that actively migrates to injured muscle to stimulate tissue repair. To turn these discoveries into a concrete therapeutic strategy, we aim to map the molecular signatures of this high-potential subpopulation and develop computational strategies to reprogram heterogeneous or suboptimal clinical ASCs into standardized, high-performance cell therapy products.
To decipher what sets these mobilized ASCs apart from others, the candidate will integrate published and in-house multi-omic datasets (e.g., scRNA-seq, bulk transcriptomics, epigenomics) from adipose and muscle tissues during aging and regeneration.
Leveraging these multi-omic insights alongside advanced bioinformatic workflows and computational/AI tools, the candidate will identify potential pharmacological targets and molecules capable of reprogramming suboptimal or clinical ASCs toward high-efficacy regenerative phenotypes.
This work will yield fundamental insights into cell fate decision mechanisms, particularly during aging, and lay the foundation for novel targeted cell therapies and rejuvenation strategies.
Where to apply
Website: https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/Doctorant/UMR5070-ELZBAS-016/Default.aspx
Requirements
Research Field: Biological sciences
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Languages: FRENCH
Level: Basic
Research Field: Biological sciences
Years of Research Experience: None
Additional Information
Website for additional job details: https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/Doctorant/UMR5070-ELZBAS-016/Default.aspx
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: RESTORE, a geroscience and rejuvenation research center
Country: France
City: TOULOUSE
