Exploring Protein-Protein Interactions in Membrane Transport Proteins: From Biological Networks to Therapeutic Targets

  • What it is

    Mobility experience with a research focus

  • Who it’s for

    PhD sandwich; Post Doc

Department

Department of Biology, University of Padua

Main research activities/topics/projects

The research focuses on studying various aspects of protein-protein interactions (PPI) of transport proteins at the level of biological membranes, particularly the plasma membrane and mitochondrial membrane. The analysis of biological networks represents a crucial challenge in biological research, as PPIs play a fundamental role in all vital processes and cellular activities. These interactions regulate cell survival and death, in addition to mediating numerous biochemical reactions such as signal transduction and metabolism. The modulation of PPIs is of great significance both in basic research and clinical applications, as it represents a rich repertoire of pharmacological targets for the development of new therapies. Ion channels and transporters, being membrane proteins, control a wide range of cellular functions. It has been demonstrated that mutations and malfunctions of these proteins contribute to the onset and progression of numerous human diseases, including cancer.

The laboratory collaborates and has collaborated with various national and international laboratories. These collaborations have enabled work in diverse environments, interaction with scientists from different fields, and the production of high-impact scientific publications.

The laboratory includes members from various countries, so both Italian and English are used as working languages.

 

Working language

Knowledge of English is required

 

Special entry requirements

Lab experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology is required

 

Duration in months (min-max)

PhD sandwich: 2-12

Post Doc: 2-12

Contacts

Main Scientific Contact Person

Vanessa Checchetto

vanessa.checchetto@unipd.it