Advancing knowledge, transforming health care

The cells in our bodies can move, proliferate, interact with each other, adapt their shape or even change function. We study how biomolecules (proteins, lipids, DNA, etc.) or cellular structures, such as membranes or chromosomes, control cell dynamics and how their dysfunction leads to the development of cancer.

The program aims to elucidate the variations in the human genome that play a role in the development or progression of human diseases. Studies focus on DNA, RNA and protein alterations in order to understand the normal and abnormal functioning of cells and organs. Bioinformatics and artificial intelligence are used extensively in this program.

We are surrounded by bacteria and viruses, both inside and outside our bodies. While many of these micro-organisms are beneficial, others can pose a threat to our health, as we saw during the recent Covid pandemic. Our research aims to improve our understanding, at the molecular level, of the mechanisms that govern the survival of micro-organisms. In this way, we hope to facilitate the development of new treatments for bacterial and viral infections, and take advantage of the micro-organisms present in our microbiota to improve our general health.

Our immune system is perfectly adapted to detecting and destroying invading pathogens and tumors, while avoiding self-harm, thanks to a complex, multilayered system of checks and balances. Our work is helping to understand how these processes are regulated and how they can be exploited by new immunotherapies to combat cancers, infections, immunodeficiencies and autoimmunity.

In order to respond to changes in their environment, cells must be able to translate external signals into specific responses. We are studying how protein and metabolic signals affect cellular biochemical processes and are relayed to the nucleus. Our discoveries provide a better understanding of the molecular basis of life and help to understand and treat diseases such as cancer, inborn errors of metabolism and neurodegenerative disorders.