Research Trainee function of GLUTglycan

The Department of Biology is recognised as one of the leading and most accomplished departments at York, with a global reputation for excellence in both teaching and research. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where staff and students can thrive, contribute their best, and achieve their full potential. We take great pride in holding the Athena Swan Gold Award.

A major action of insulin is to increase the rate of glucose transport into fat and muscle. This is achieved through regulated trafficking of the facilitative glucose transporter GLUT4, and is defective in individuals suffering from insulin resistance and Type-2 diabetes. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie GLUT4 trafficking therefore represents an important step in the development of rational therapies for these disease states.

Research in this area has focused on information contained within the protein sequence of GLUT4 with far less attention being paid to the role of post translational modifications received by the transporter, in particular the single N-linked carbohydrate moiety carried by GLUT
4. This project builds on our recent exciting discovery that GLUT4’s glycan contains an unusual monosaccharide. The post holder will investigate the how the structure of GLUT4’s glycan is used by various lectins to regulate levels of GLUT4 at the cell surface.

The Bryant group has expertise in investigating insulin dependent GLUT4 trafficking, while the Ungar group is specialized in characterizing and modulating glycan biosynthesis in mammalian cells. The candidate will be seamlessly embedded in the two labs, who share space at the J0 cell biology labs in the Biology Department and already have active collaborations along several different projects.

The post holder will conduct research into the function of GLUT4’s glycan, liaising regularly with the two principal investigators while getting help from members of the Bryant and Ungar groups as and when required. They will also be expected to liaise with collaborators in the Department of Chemistry as well as group members with regards to glycan and sugar composition analytics experiments.

The candidate should have experience with experiments and knowledge in

• Molecular cell biology of endosomal trafficking, including relevant research techniques and methodologies
• Mammalian glycosylation
• Insulin responsive GLUT4 trafficking

In addition, good skills are expected in

• Fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry
• Lab management and organisation

Moreover, the candidate should have experience in interdisciplinary collaborations, especially with colleagues in chemistry

Interview date: to be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Nia Bryant () or Daniel Ungar ()