Research Themes
Summary of Research
We work with many different viral systems (Influenza, Ebola, Poliovirus, Hepatitis C, HIV-1, HIV-2, Epstein Barr Virus.....) to tackle the molecular mechanisms of RNA gene expression. We are interested in many aspects of translation that involve initiation factors (eIF4A, eIF4E, eIF4G...), cellular RNA binding proteins (DDX3), selenoproteins, RNA structures (IRES, SECIS). We are also interested in RNA modifications that can influence gene expression such as splicing and methylation of adenosines (m6A). Finally, part of our activity is also devoted to the design of biotechnological tools that can directly be used for our research (patent filed for the hybrid system and patent for the Nanoblades).
Research Activities
Infection of the host-cell by viruses induces multiple changes that perturb gene expression. We study these modifications at the level of post-trancriptionnal gene expression both by looking at viral and cellular RNAs.
As depicted below, our research focuses on translational control (WP1 and WP2), the development of innovative tools for RNA based studies (WP3), m6A modifications of the mature RNA and the role of alternative splicing in the context of EBV infected cells (WP4).
Major achievings
- IRES in lentiviruses
- Elaboration of in vitro translation systems
- Mechanism of miRNA repression affects ribosomal scanning
- The Dead box RNA helicase DDX3 is needed for translation of structured mRNAs
- Characterization of the transactivator proteins BZLF1 (EB1) and BRLF1 of the Epstein-barr virus (EBV)
- Characterization of the BMLF1 (EB2) viral RNA metabolism regulatory factor of the EBV virus
- Identification of the vPIC complex initiating the transcription of late EBV genes
Sponsors
Inserm, ANRS, Région Rhône Alpes