Neuroscience
RNA Biology of the Neuron
Our research focuses on understanding how neuronal networks are established and maintained throughout the life of an organism.
Neurons are morphologically complex and highly polarized cells that require the tight control of their proteome at the subcellular level. The local synthesis of proteins in restricted neuronal compartments, such as axons, dendrites and synapses, is crucial for neuronal function and survival. Highlighting the importance of this biological process, dysregulation of mRNA transport and/or translation has been linked to several neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
Our laboratory studies the molecular mechanisms underlying the transport and translation of specific mRNAs in neuronal subdomains, and the physiological role of this process in neuronal development and function. Additionally, we investigate how alterations in post-transcriptional mRNA regulation participate to the etiology behind neurological disorders.
Open positions
We are looking for a post-doc with technical expertise in cellular biology, biochemistry and general molecular biology, as wells as a strong interest in cellular and molecular neuroscience. Main activities:
- live-cell imaging;
- cellular and molecular biology;
- biochemistry;
- genome-wide analysis.
For more information about the position adn to apply ⮞ click here
Cioni*, J-M., Lin*, J.Q, Holtermann, A., Koppers, M., Jakobs, M., Azizi, A., Shigeoka, T., & HoltŦ, C. Endosomes serve as a platform for mRNA translation in axons and promote mitochondrial and axonal integrity. Cell, 2019, 176 (1-2), 56-72.
Schaeffer, J., Tannahill, D., Cioni, J-M., Rowlands, D., Keynes. R. Identification of the extracellular matrix protein Fibulin-2 as a regulator of spinal nerve organization. Developmental Biology, 2018, 442(1), 101-114.
Cioni, J-M., Wong, H., Bressan, D., Kodama, L., Harris, W., & Holt, C. Axon-axon interactions regulate topographic optic tract sorting via CYFIP2-dependent WAVE complex function. Neuron, 2018, 97(5), 1078-1093.
Wong, H., Lin, J.Q, Ströhl, F., Roque, C., Cioni, J-M., Cagnetta, R., Turner-Bridger, B., Laine, R., Harris, W., & Holt, C. RNA docking and local translation regulate site-specific axon remodeling in vivo. Neuron, 2017, 95(4), 852-868.
Cioni*, J-M., Koppers*, M., & Holt, C.E. Molecular control of local translation in axon development and maintenance. Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 2018, 51, 86-94.
Hörnberg*, H., Cioni*, J-M., Harris, W., & Holt, C.E. Hermes regulates axon sorting in the optic tract by post-transcriptional regulation of neuropilin 1. The Journal of Neuroscience, 2016, 36(50), 12697-12706. *Authors contributed equally to this work.
Telley*, L., Cadhillac*, C., Cioni, J-M., Saywell, V., Bachy, I, & Ango. F. Dual function of NRP1 in axon guidance and subcellular target recognition in cerebellum. Neuron, 2016, 91(6), 1276-1291.
Saywell*, V., Cioni*, J-M., & Ango, F. Developmental gene expression profile of axon guidance cues in Purkinje cells during cerebellar circuit formation. Cerebellum, 2014, 13, 307-317.
Cioni, J-M., Telley, L., Saywell, V., Cadilhac, C., Huber, AB., Huang, JZ., Jahannault, C & Ango. F. SEMA3A signaling controls layer-specific interneuron branching in the cerebellum. Current Biology, 2013, 23(10), 850-861.
