WELCOME
The Institute of Functional Genomics (IGF) is a multidisciplinary research centre which is developing a project focused on the functional genomics of physiological and pathological cellular communications in the fields of neurobiology, endocrinology, oncology and cardiology.
This project is based on a multi-scale strategy from 'molecule to systems' and combines structural, biochemical, genetic, epigenetic, omics, physiological and behavioural studies. A major effort is paid to the development of single-cell studies through multiple dimensions and multi-omic approaches, that are necessary to address the complexity of life.
The project of IGF is increasingly based on translational research, promoted by the recruitment of teams of clinicians from different fields (neurovascular, diabetology, neuro-oncology and psychiatry). The objective is to identify new mechanisms and concepts in the field of cellular communications, in order to develop new therapeutic strategies and diagnostic tools.
The Neuroscience Department comprises 12 teams whose research topics focus on the mechanisms that determine the functioning of the nervous system. The topics include molecular, cellular and integrated aspects of CNS physiology and pathology, including epilepsy, mental retardation, depression, anorexia/bulimia, pain, schizophrenia, and various neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases.
The historical strengths of the department (molecular & cellular analyses of receptors, ion channels, and of their signaling complexes) have been reinforced by the recruitment of new teams, with a strong know-how in behavior analyses and in vivo studies of CNS functions, and by the integration of clinicians in the department. We use several experimental models (cell cultures, drosophila, zebra fish, rats, mice), and a variety of methods (crystallography, cryo-EM, multi-omics approaches, optical methods, opto and chemogenetics, electrophysiology, behavior analysis), and we develop new tools (nanobodies, photo-switchable molecules) to bridge molecular/cellular knowledge with integrated functions of the CNS and identify new therapeutic targets and biomarkers of CNS diseases.
Coordinator : Étienne AUDINAT