The pivotal role of Transcription Factors (TFs) in cell fate decisions is notorious and yet, the molecular mechanisms coordinating their functions remain puzzling. My core interest is to understand how the many functions of TFs are orchestrated at the molecular level. I tackled this question during my PhD using cancer cells, and for my postdoc in a developmental context, using the Drosophila embryo and Hox TFs as models. Using a versatile approach to identify tissue- specific protein complexes, I showed that Hox TFs establish tissue-specific networks with proteins controlling distinct layers of gene expression. It provided experimental validation of a long-standing assumption about the cell-specific assembly of Hox protein complexes. Moreover, my work uncovered a new layer of Hox function at the mRNA regulatory level, by demonstrating a role of Hox TFs on mRNA splicing. This work resulted in 11 research papers, 6 reviews and several oral communications and posters at international meetings. My research program now focuses on unveiling the RNA-regulatory function of TFs and its contribution to cell fate decisions. We tackle this issue at structural, molecular and functional levels using the homeodomain TFs and Drosophila as model organism. Overall, we aim to unlock novel entry points to unravel the molecular mechanisms orchestrating cell and tissue diversity in animals and their aberrant regulation in diseases.
In front of a jury composed of :
- Mr. Samir MERABET
- Mr. James CASTELLI GAIR HOMBRIA
- Mrs. Alexandra Moreira
- Mr. Emiliano RICCI
- Mrs. Odil PORRUA
- Mrs. Reini FERNANDEZ DE LUCO
Section CNU n°64 - Biochimie et biologie moléculaire
Gratuit
Disciplines