Secretory cell fate specification in the mammalian intestine absolutely requires the Atoh1 (Atonal, Math1) transcription factor (Yang et al., Science 2001). This requirement is also instrumental in inhibiting colon cancer formation and progression (Bossuyt et al., PLoS Biol 2009). Recent evidence points to a key genetic interactions between Math1 and the Notch signaling pathway (van Es et al., Nature communications 2010) and to the fact that Atonal family transcription factors regulate a myriad of signaling events during development (Aerts et al., PLoS Biol 2010).
Financing: Interim financial support is potentially available for up to two years, however the successful candidate will be required to obtain their independent fellowship before or shortly after joining the lab.
Keywords: mouse intestine, Atonal, colon cancer, signaling
Start date: The position will remain available until the best candidate is found.