Axis 4: Pharmaco-genomics and epigenetics

The teams in Axis 4 share a common focus: developing research projects around the regulation of gene expression in its broadest sense, its pathological dysregulations, and their correction, which we address through different and complementary approaches. Among the actors regulating gene expression that we study are non-coding RNAs, transcription factors, and RNA-binding proteins, which are potential targets of post-translational modifications. In the pathophysiological conditions we are interested in, such as cancer or neurological disorders, gene expression can be altered at various stages, ranging from transcription in the nucleus to local translation in the case of polarized cells. This leads to a deficiency in specific cellular functions and deleterious expression of dysregulated cells. The development of therapeutic strategies then relies on correcting these disorders, for example, through the identification of pharmacological treatments, immunotherapies, or new approaches based on the use of coding or non-coding RNAs.

Within this framework, some of our teams already interact through collaborative projects, knowledge sharing, and animal models, and publish jointly. The creation of Axis 4 aims to strengthen this dialogue and promote the emergence of new exploratory, cross-cutting scientific and/or technical projects. Furthermore, the theme of our axis inherently links our projects to the four technical platforms of the IPMC: genomics, proteomics/lipidomics/metabolomics, imaging/cytometry, and functional exploration. The emergence of new scientific collaborations and technical developments within the axis will strengthen ties between teams, as well as with and between platforms. For example, our theme is conducive to the development of projects that jointly use data from large-scale proteomics and genomics or cytometry/imaging studies. This will make it possible to create bridges between these platforms, in particular through the development and use of common bioinformatics tools dedicated to the analysis and valorization of "OMICS" data.

Finally, within the broader framework of the institute, other IPMC teams/themes could be associated in a more peripheral way with axis 4. For example, teams focused on cell morphology and membrane transport could provide complementary insights into the topic of cell polarity. In neurobiology, the molecular study of the impact of certain RNAs or RNA-binding proteins on neuronal physiology could be complemented by physiological or behavioral analyses drawing on the expertise of other neurobiology teams within the institute.