Dissecting the role of calcium on collagen secretion in osteogenesis imperfecta

Position: Research appointment (pre-doc) Institute: Uni. Pavia
Posted on: 23/01/2026 Deadline: 26/02/2026

Scientific-Disciplinary Group

05/BIOS-07 - Biochemistry

Description

Collagen type I is the most abundant structural protein in the human body and its synthesis and secretion require tightly regulated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function and intracellular calcium (Ca²⁺) homeostasis. Ca²⁺ is essential for collagen I folding, post- translational modification, ER stress signaling, and COPII-mediated export. The objective of this project is to investigate how alterations in ER and cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration and dynamics affect collagen I trafficking and secretion. Using in vitro cellular models the study will (1) characterize ER and cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels and fluxes and (2) determine their impact onCOPII assembly and collagen I secretion.

Funding body

Università di Pavia