Institut de Génétique Humaine (IGH), UMR 9002
CNRS - Université de Montpellier
host : E. JULIEN(IRCM)
ZEISS RMS Microscopy
hôte : A. DJIANE (IRCM)
Valérie de Crécy-Lagard, PhD
Distinguished Professor, AAAS & ASM fellow
Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida
"From Bacteria to Humans: Using Comparative Genomics to Reveal Hidden Gene Functions"
host: A . David (IRCM)
This talk highlights how comparative genomics, combined with biochemistry, structural biology, and machine learning, can uncover the functions of genes across all domains of life. It explains why functional annotation remains one of biology’s biggest challenges—due to paralogs, missing genes, inconsistent curation, and the limits of sequence?based prediction.
Through case studies, the presentation shows how bacterial model systems help solve long?standing mysteries in human biology. Examples include the discovery of the t6A tRNA?modification pathway, the functional and medical relevance of the PLPBP/YggS protein family, and the identification of the long?missing queuine/queuosine transporter in eukaryotes (SLC35F2). The talk emphasizes that accurate gene?function discovery requires integrative approaches and community?driven curation, as AI alone cannot yet resolve complex functional questions.
CRUK Cambridge Centre Early Detection Programme,
Hutchison/MRC Research Centre; Cambridge University
host: A. Maraver (IRCM)
Harvard Medical School - Massachusetts General Hospital (USA)
hôte : Nathalie Bonnefoy & Maeva Chauvin (IRCM)
Pr. David Pépin, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. He trained as a molecular and developmental biologist, earning his doctorate at the University of Ottawa and completing postdoctoral training in reproductive biology and ovarian cancer research at MGH. His laboratory is focused on women’s health, from fertility to ovarian cancer. His team has pioneered research on the role of developmental hormone signals, such as anti?Müllerian hormone (AMH), in regulating the tumor microenvironment through stromal cells such as cancer?associated mesothelial cells (CAMCs). Pr. Pépin’s work combines advanced preclinical models and biological insights to uncover novel therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer and women’s health, bridging basic science with clinical applications.
Angiogenesis Research Group, School of Kinesiology and Health Science,
Muscle Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
host : L Linares (IRCM)