One of our major goals is to unravel how the action of RSPO1 orchestrates ovarian differentiation. The PhD student will use available RNA-seq data from XX and XY control and Rspo1 mutant gonads and several mouse mutant lines to: 1- Determine what are the gonadal cell populations under RSPO1 control for their specification, proliferation or differentiation, 2- Identify the molecular targets of RSPO1/WNT/ß-catenin signaling, 3- Characterize the function of target genes potentially involved in ovarian development, 4- Analyze whether these genes are mutated in a cohort of DSD (Disorders/differences of Sex Development) patients, and validate their role in these pathologies by introducing mutations into IPSCs (induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, in collaboration with the team led by Anu Bashambu, Institut Pasteur, Paris). Methodological approaches mastered in our laboratory will be used: bio-informatics analysis (in collaboration with the team led by Fréderic Chalmel, IRSET, Rennes), mouse genetics, histology, immunofluorescence, in situ hybridization, confocal imaging, quantitative PCR, in vitro gonad culture, flow
cytometry.
For more info: PhD_Sexdetermination_Nice_2