Profile : Postdoctoral follows interested in structures and mechanisms of membrane proteins. Ion channel electrophysiologists who are interested in learning cryo-EM are encouraged to apply.
The project : Our current research program focuses on structures, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology of receptors, transporters, and ion channels that play pivotal roles in the kidneys and, when malfunction, cause various diseases in human. In one recent study, we determined structures of the PKD2 channel, which, when mutated, leads to development of polycystic kidney diseases (PKD) – a common genetic disorder that affects 12.5 million patients worldwide. We also determined structure of a gain-of-function PKD2 mutant, providing an initial glimpse of gating-associated conformation changes of PKD2.
The lab : The University of Utah houses a state-of-the-art cryo-EM facility, including FEI Titan Krios and TF20 microscopes, both of which are equipped with a direct electron detector K2 camera. The University of Utah is committed to become a world-class center for elucidating fundamental biology by using cutting edge cryo-EM methodology.
Application : Interested candidates are welcome to send his/her C.V. directly to Erhu Cao (erhu.cao@biochem.utah.edu).
More details about our research programs are available at our website: http://medicine.utah.edu/biochemistry/labs/cao-lab/