Axis 3: Biological membranes and pharmacology

Biological membranes isolate cells from the extracellular environment and organelles from the cytoplasm. They protect the cell from external disturbances and are responsible for transporting molecules (ions, nutrients, toxic agents) and information between the inside and outside of cells and between intracellular organelles. These lipid bilayers are dynamic structures composed of phospholipids, cholesterol, and proteins, which are important pharmacological targets. A defect in these membrane signaling pathways can lead to dysfunctions and even pathologies.

The teams in axis 3 are interested in the various membrane components (lipids, ion channels, transporters, receptors, cytoskeleton, etc.) and different aspects of membrane and membrane protein dynamics (transport, assembly, etc.). Each team has its own specific research questions, but they share a common thread: understanding the mechanisms of cellular transport and its role in signaling.

An important aspect of the research in this area concerns the study of the biochemical and biophysical properties of membrane lipids and proteins. These studies are conducted at both the molecular and cellular levels, using reconstituted systems or animal models, and in various physiological and pathological contexts. Researchers in this area possess complementary methodological expertise in the biochemistry and biophysics of membranes and membrane proteins, as well as in cell biology and quantitative biology. This constitutes a major asset and fosters cooperation between the teams in this area and with other research areas within the institute.