Scientific results
CEA
Wednesday December 09 2009
S’affranchir du platine dans la production et l’utilisation de l’hydrogène
Des chercheurs du LCBM[1] (CEA[2] -CNRS-Université J. Fourier, Grenoble), de l’Iramis[3] (CEA, Saclay) ainsi qu’une équipe du Liten[4] (CEA, Grenoble) ont combiné nanosciences et chimie bio-inspirée pour élaborer, pour la première fois, un matériau capable de catalyser sans platine aussi bien la production d’hydrogène que son utilisation dans les piles à combustible. Cette avancée est un nouveau pas vers le remplacement du platine, métal rare et précieux, dans ces procédés. Ce résultat, majeur dans la perspective d’une économie de l’hydrogène plus compétitive, fait l’objet d’une publication à paraître dans la revue Science.
S’affranchir du platine dans la production et l’utilisation de l’hydrogène
Des chercheurs du LCBM[1] (CEA[2] -CNRS-Université J. Fourier, Grenoble), de l’Iramis[3] (CEA, Saclay) ainsi qu’une équipe du Liten[4] (CEA, Grenoble) ont combiné nanosciences et chimie bio-inspirée pour élaborer, pour la première fois, un matériau capable de catalyser sans platine aussi bien la production d’hydrogène que son utilisation dans les piles à combustible. Cette avancée est un nouveau pas vers le remplacement du platine, métal rare et précieux, dans ces procédés. Ce résultat, majeur dans la perspective d’une économie de l’hydrogène plus compétitive, fait l’objet d’une publication à paraître dans la revue Science.
From hydrogenases to noble-metal free catalytic nanomaterials for H2 production and uptake hydrogen. Le Goff A., Artero V., Jousselme B., Dinh Tran P., Guillet N., Métayé R., Fihri A., Palacin S., Fontecave M., (2009), Science, in press.
CEA
Tuesday November 24 2009
Atomic-resolution description of slow protein motion
Dynamics (rates, movements, interactions) play a pivotal role in protein function. Deeper insight into this role will shape the more rationalized design of pharmacological products. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is an exceptionally powerful tool for studying protein dynamics.
Atomic-resolution description of slow protein motion
Dynamics (rates, movements, interactions) play a pivotal role in protein function. Deeper insight into this role will shape the more rationalized design of pharmacological products. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is an exceptionally powerful tool for studying protein dynamics.
Towards A Unified Representation of Protein Structural Dynamics in Solution. P.R.L. Markwick,G. Bouvignies, L. Salmon, J.A. McCammon, M. Nilges and M. Blackledge. J.Am.Chem.Soc. 131(46) : 16968-16975, 2009.
CEA
Thursday October 15 2009
Regulating the production of red blood cells: bringing balance under control
Janice Haney-Carr. The body has massive needs for red blood cells. To meet these needs, around 100 million RBCs have to be produced every single day. Research in progress at the iMETI (Institute of emerging diseases and innovative therapy, CEA/Fontenay-aux-Roses) is steadily delivering insights on the mechanisms involved in what has to be a tightly-governed regulatory system controlling RBC production. iMETI teams have demonstrated the pivotal role of a protein called GATA-1 in controlling the balance between erythroid precursors and RBCs. They pinpointed the involvement of an interaction between GATA-1 and two essential partners: the pRb/E2F-2 complex and the protein FOG-1.
Regulating the production of red blood cells: bringing balance under control
Janice Haney-Carr. The body has massive needs for red blood cells. To meet these needs, around 100 million RBCs have to be produced every single day. Research in progress at the iMETI (Institute of emerging diseases and innovative therapy, CEA/Fontenay-aux-Roses) is steadily delivering insights on the mechanisms involved in what has to be a tightly-governed regulatory system controlling RBC production. iMETI teams have demonstrated the pivotal role of a protein called GATA-1 in controlling the balance between erythroid precursors and RBCs. They pinpointed the involvement of an interaction between GATA-1 and two essential partners: the pRb/E2F-2 complex and the protein FOG-1.
CEA
Thursday October 15 2009
Successful preclinical trial on gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease
A Franco-British research collaboration has succeeded in developing a new treatment therapy for Parkinson’s disease. The project harnessed contributions from researchers and neurosurgeons at MIRCen[1[ (CEA/CNRS-URA 2210), Paris 12 University and Henri Mondor Hospital (AP-HP) with research teams led by Oxford BioMedica, a British biotech company specialized in developing gene therapies. These preclinical results were published in the 14 October issue of Science Translational Medicine, available online. Trials led on primate models of Parkinson’s disease and designed and developed at the MIRCen, a CEA-Inserm research centre dedicated to translational research, gave fresh impetus for the launch of phase I/II clinical trials on Parkinson’s patients at Henri Mondor Hospital.
Successful preclinical trial on gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease
A Franco-British research collaboration has succeeded in developing a new treatment therapy for Parkinson’s disease. The project harnessed contributions from researchers and neurosurgeons at MIRCen[1[ (CEA/CNRS-URA 2210), Paris 12 University and Henri Mondor Hospital (AP-HP) with research teams led by Oxford BioMedica, a British biotech company specialized in developing gene therapies. These preclinical results were published in the 14 October issue of Science Translational Medicine, available online. Trials led on primate models of Parkinson’s disease and designed and developed at the MIRCen, a CEA-Inserm research centre dedicated to translational research, gave fresh impetus for the launch of phase I/II clinical trials on Parkinson’s patients at Henri Mondor Hospital.
Jarraya B, Boulet S, Scott Ralph G, Jan C, Bonvento G, Azzouz M, E. Miskin J, Shin M, Delzescaux T, Drouot X, Hérard A.S, M. Day D, Brouillet E, M. Kingsman S, Hantraye P, A. Mitrophanous K, D. Mazarakis N, Palfi S, Sci Trans Med Vol 1 2009.
CEA
Thursday October 15 2009
Tuberculose : vers une nouvelle piste thérapeutique
Des chercheurs de l'iBiTec-S et de l'Institut de génétique et microbiologie (Université Paris-Sud 11, CNRS) ont découvert de nouvelles enzymes impliquées dans la biosynthèse de cyclodipeptides complexes, des molécules très répandues chez les microorganismes et qui possèdent des activités biologiques variées.
Tuberculose : vers une nouvelle piste thérapeutique
Des chercheurs de l'iBiTec-S et de l'Institut de génétique et microbiologie (Université Paris-Sud 11, CNRS) ont découvert de nouvelles enzymes impliquées dans la biosynthèse de cyclodipeptides complexes, des molécules très répandues chez les microorganismes et qui possèdent des activités biologiques variées.
CEA
Thursday October 01 2009
Putting the squeeze on sperm DNA
In the quest for speed, olympic swimmers shave themselves or squeeze into high-tech super-suits. In the body, sperm are the only cells that swim and, as speed is crucial to fertility, have developed their own ways to become exceptionally streamlined. Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg and Grenoble, the Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS) and the Institut Albert Bonniot, both also in Grenoble, have been studying the secrets of speedy sperm. Their work, published today in Nature, shows how a protein only found in developing sperm cells, Brdt, directs tight re-packaging of sperm DNA.
Putting the squeeze on sperm DNA
In the quest for speed, olympic swimmers shave themselves or squeeze into high-tech super-suits. In the body, sperm are the only cells that swim and, as speed is crucial to fertility, have developed their own ways to become exceptionally streamlined. Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg and Grenoble, the Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS) and the Institut Albert Bonniot, both also in Grenoble, have been studying the secrets of speedy sperm. Their work, published today in Nature, shows how a protein only found in developing sperm cells, Brdt, directs tight re-packaging of sperm DNA.
CEA
Wednesday September 30 2009
Visualizing carbon nanotubes in vivo to investigate their effects on health
There has been a flurry of research into the toxicity of nanometer-scale elements, yet a CEA team has managed to develop an isotopic labelling technique that enables extremely reliable visualization of how carbon nanotubes behave in living organisms. The results, which have been published online in the 29 September issue of the Journal of the American Chemistry Society, pave the way to more far-reaching toxicology studies that will finally clear up whether or not these compounds are toxic.
Visualizing carbon nanotubes in vivo to investigate their effects on health
There has been a flurry of research into the toxicity of nanometer-scale elements, yet a CEA team has managed to develop an isotopic labelling technique that enables extremely reliable visualization of how carbon nanotubes behave in living organisms. The results, which have been published online in the 29 September issue of the Journal of the American Chemistry Society, pave the way to more far-reaching toxicology studies that will finally clear up whether or not these compounds are toxic.
CEA
Friday September 25 2009
First issue of BIO'actif — out now!
Atouts Bio and CEA Bio give way to BIO'actif: the new review published by CEA’s life sciences division. This new broadbase quarterly delivers the latest news on research at 8 Life Sciences Division (‘DSV’) research institutes, with updates on developments at the DSV Fontenay-aux-Roses centre. The features highlight research challenges and outlooks and the potential applications for healthcare and biomedical technology. Sign up — it’s free!
First issue of BIO'actif — out now!
Atouts Bio and CEA Bio give way to BIO'actif: the new review published by CEA’s life sciences division. This new broadbase quarterly delivers the latest news on research at 8 Life Sciences Division (‘DSV’) research institutes, with updates on developments at the DSV Fontenay-aux-Roses centre. The features highlight research challenges and outlooks and the potential applications for healthcare and biomedical technology. Sign up — it’s free!
CEA
Monday September 14 2009
Human and environmental nuclear toxicology: state-of-the-art review co-published by the CEA and the IRSN
How do the major stable or radioactive naturally-occurring or anthropic elements found in the environment go on to interact with living organisms? What do we know about their proven or potential effects on human health and on ecosystems? What resources are available for detecting them, or for depolluting contaminations? All these questions are addressed in a new collectively-authored book entitled Toxicologie nucléaire environnementale et humaine [Human and environmental nuclear toxicology] that has just been published by Editions Lavoisier. This round-up, drafted by teams from the CEA and the French national institute for radioprotection and nuclear safety (IRSN), integrates the latest cutting-edge results from nuclear toxicology and ecotoxicology research, and is well set to become the new French-language reference textbook on these scientific disciplines*.
Human and environmental nuclear toxicology: state-of-the-art review co-published by the CEA and the IRSN
How do the major stable or radioactive naturally-occurring or anthropic elements found in the environment go on to interact with living organisms? What do we know about their proven or potential effects on human health and on ecosystems? What resources are available for detecting them, or for depolluting contaminations? All these questions are addressed in a new collectively-authored book entitled Toxicologie nucléaire environnementale et humaine [Human and environmental nuclear toxicology] that has just been published by Editions Lavoisier. This round-up, drafted by teams from the CEA and the French national institute for radioprotection and nuclear safety (IRSN), integrates the latest cutting-edge results from nuclear toxicology and ecotoxicology research, and is well set to become the new French-language reference textbook on these scientific disciplines*.
CEA
Tuesday September 08 2009
Proteins and sugars league against HIV
Researchers from five institutions (CEA/CNRS/Institut Pasteur/Université Joseph Fourier/Université Paris-Sud 11)* teamed together to engineer a new molecule – baptised CD4-HS – capable of blocking HIV entry into cells. What sets this new approach apart from currently-available treatments, which are designed to block virus replication, is that it exploits a groundbreaking alliance between a sugar and a peptide to deliver an exciting new therapeutic strategy designed to act long before the virus can enter the cell.
Proteins and sugars league against HIV
Researchers from five institutions (CEA/CNRS/Institut Pasteur/Université Joseph Fourier/Université Paris-Sud 11)* teamed together to engineer a new molecule – baptised CD4-HS – capable of blocking HIV entry into cells. What sets this new approach apart from currently-available treatments, which are designed to block virus replication, is that it exploits a groundbreaking alliance between a sugar and a peptide to deliver an exciting new therapeutic strategy designed to act long before the virus can enter the cell.
CEA
Monday September 07 2009
Identification of two new factors driving genetic susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease
There are over 850,000 sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease in France, making it the leading cause of memory loss and impaired intellectual functioning in the elderly — and a major public health issue. A team of French and European researchers has recently identified two new factors of genetic susceptibility associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Identification of two new factors driving genetic susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease
There are over 850,000 sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease in France, making it the leading cause of memory loss and impaired intellectual functioning in the elderly — and a major public health issue. A team of French and European researchers has recently identified two new factors of genetic susceptibility associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.
CEA
Thursday September 03 2009
Des chercheurs de la DSV participent à l'expédition Tara Océans
Au sein de l’équipe scientifique internationale et multidisciplinaire de cette nouvelle mission, des chercheurs du Genoscope (CEA/DSV/IG) étudieront la biodiversité des génomes et la richesse en gènes des échantillons prélevés en mer.
Des chercheurs de la DSV participent à l'expédition Tara Océans
Au sein de l’équipe scientifique internationale et multidisciplinaire de cette nouvelle mission, des chercheurs du Genoscope (CEA/DSV/IG) étudieront la biodiversité des génomes et la richesse en gènes des échantillons prélevés en mer.
CEA
Thursday September 03 2009
Green chemistry: getting close and personal with an enzyme synthesizing heavy-metal traps
Researchers from the Institute of Environmental Biology and Biotechnology’s joint research unit UMR6191 (CEA/CNRS/Aix-Marseille 2 University) at Cadarache working with the INRA’s Montpellier centre have just uncovered the mechanisms of action of a plant enzyme that regulates nicotianamine synthesis. Nicotianamine is able to bind heavy metals, which are widespread pollutants responsible for soil contamination and therefore a very real environmental hazard. These findings, which have been published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA, could make it possible to optimize the development of in-plant heavy-metal biosensors and thus create a new soil remediation tool.
Green chemistry: getting close and personal with an enzyme synthesizing heavy-metal traps
Researchers from the Institute of Environmental Biology and Biotechnology’s joint research unit UMR6191 (CEA/CNRS/Aix-Marseille 2 University) at Cadarache working with the INRA’s Montpellier centre have just uncovered the mechanisms of action of a plant enzyme that regulates nicotianamine synthesis. Nicotianamine is able to bind heavy metals, which are widespread pollutants responsible for soil contamination and therefore a very real environmental hazard. These findings, which have been published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA, could make it possible to optimize the development of in-plant heavy-metal biosensors and thus create a new soil remediation tool.
CEA
Tuesday September 01 2009
Gilles Bloch, new Head of the CEA Life Sciences Division
Gilles Bloch takes over from Pierre Legrain as Head of the CEA Life Sciences Division, effective from 1st September 2009.
Gilles Bloch, new Head of the CEA Life Sciences Division
Gilles Bloch takes over from Pierre Legrain as Head of the CEA Life Sciences Division, effective from 1st September 2009.
CEA
Friday August 28 2009
Alcohol: episodic memory and grey matter microstructure alteration
Researchers from the CEA’s Neuroimaging and Psychiatry unit (I²BM/SHFJ/Neurospin) working in collaboration with the Inserm, Paris 11 University, Paris 5 University, Stanford University and the Paris hospitals group (AP-HP) have just demonstrated ties between episodic memory[1] deficits in alcohol-dependents and microstructure alterations in the brain. These results were recently published in the 26 August online issue of PLoS One.
Alcohol: episodic memory and grey matter microstructure alteration
Researchers from the CEA’s Neuroimaging and Psychiatry unit (I²BM/SHFJ/Neurospin) working in collaboration with the Inserm, Paris 11 University, Paris 5 University, Stanford University and the Paris hospitals group (AP-HP) have just demonstrated ties between episodic memory[1] deficits in alcohol-dependents and microstructure alterations in the brain. These results were recently published in the 26 August online issue of PLoS One.
CEA
Monday August 17 2009
The origins of life: French researchers review ancestral enzymes for Nature
Since 1995, researchers at the Protein Crystallogenesis and Crystallography Laboratory (Institute of Structural Biology, CEA/CNRS/UJF Grenoble) have been focused on a class of proteins that are able to metabolize various gases. They are called metalloenzymes. Could deeper insight into metalloenzymes provide deeper insight into the origins of life on Earth? Is there room for developing biotech applications by mimicking metalloenzyme functions? These are questions being addressed by researchers the world over. Juan C. Fontecilla-Camps and his team have helped make strides forward by providing insight into structure-function relationships in many of these enzymes. This has gained them a solid international reputation cemented in the fact that they have authored 3 of the top 11 most-cited papers in the field. This extensive expertise has now been acknowledged by leading science journal Nature, which has invited the team to author a review on the state-of-the-art for its Insight column. Published online on August 12, this review describes several enzymes that have the ability to metabolize gases including hydrogen (H2), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2) and methane (CH4), going on to discuss the implications of these results before attempting to define the link tying these proteins to abiogenesis. The nature.com website also features a podcast tie-in.
The origins of life: French researchers review ancestral enzymes for Nature
Since 1995, researchers at the Protein Crystallogenesis and Crystallography Laboratory (Institute of Structural Biology, CEA/CNRS/UJF Grenoble) have been focused on a class of proteins that are able to metabolize various gases. They are called metalloenzymes. Could deeper insight into metalloenzymes provide deeper insight into the origins of life on Earth? Is there room for developing biotech applications by mimicking metalloenzyme functions? These are questions being addressed by researchers the world over. Juan C. Fontecilla-Camps and his team have helped make strides forward by providing insight into structure-function relationships in many of these enzymes. This has gained them a solid international reputation cemented in the fact that they have authored 3 of the top 11 most-cited papers in the field. This extensive expertise has now been acknowledged by leading science journal Nature, which has invited the team to author a review on the state-of-the-art for its Insight column. Published online on August 12, this review describes several enzymes that have the ability to metabolize gases including hydrogen (H2), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2) and methane (CH4), going on to discuss the implications of these results before attempting to define the link tying these proteins to abiogenesis. The nature.com website also features a podcast tie-in.
CEA
Monday August 17 2009
“Where do the voices come from?”: anatomy of the schizophrenic brain
Why is it that some schizophrenic patients hear voices inside their head whereas others claim the voices come from outside? A CEA-Inserm research team from I²BM working collaboratively with the psychiatric wards at Sainte-Anne hospital and the Chenevier-Henri Mondor and Cochin-St-Vincent de Paul (AP-HP) hospital centres has shown that this split in the source of voices heard can be explained by anatomic difference in the brain, within a region that is involved in the spatial localization of sound.
“Where do the voices come from?”: anatomy of the schizophrenic brain
Why is it that some schizophrenic patients hear voices inside their head whereas others claim the voices come from outside? A CEA-Inserm research team from I²BM working collaboratively with the psychiatric wards at Sainte-Anne hospital and the Chenevier-Henri Mondor and Cochin-St-Vincent de Paul (AP-HP) hospital centres has shown that this split in the source of voices heard can be explained by anatomic difference in the brain, within a region that is involved in the spatial localization of sound.
CEA
Monday July 27 2009
Artificial molecule-snaring pores
A technique pioneered just a few years ago makes it possible to detect suspended molecules or particles in a sample by gating them through single-pore membranes. However, this technique is still practically unable to identify the group type of the molecules detected. One of the methods that could overcome this issue is to “functionalize the pore”, i.e. fit it with biosensors that specifically recognize the molecules of interest and snare them inside the pore. A research team partnering the Biochips Laboratory (iRTSV/DSV) and the SPrAM molecular architecture properties and structure research laboratory (INAC/DSM) have discovered a new technique enabling ultra-localized organic or inorganic material deposition on the inner pore-wall surface. Thanks to this technique, the biosensors only need to be bonded to the inner pore surface, with no parasitic deposition on the membrane itself. These findings, which have been published online in the academic review Small, pave the way to the production of functionalized pores that can be custom-tailored to separate, purify or capture specifically targeted macromolecules or particles, such as bacteria or cells.
Artificial molecule-snaring pores
A technique pioneered just a few years ago makes it possible to detect suspended molecules or particles in a sample by gating them through single-pore membranes. However, this technique is still practically unable to identify the group type of the molecules detected. One of the methods that could overcome this issue is to “functionalize the pore”, i.e. fit it with biosensors that specifically recognize the molecules of interest and snare them inside the pore. A research team partnering the Biochips Laboratory (iRTSV/DSV) and the SPrAM molecular architecture properties and structure research laboratory (INAC/DSM) have discovered a new technique enabling ultra-localized organic or inorganic material deposition on the inner pore-wall surface. Thanks to this technique, the biosensors only need to be bonded to the inner pore surface, with no parasitic deposition on the membrane itself. These findings, which have been published online in the academic review Small, pave the way to the production of functionalized pores that can be custom-tailored to separate, purify or capture specifically targeted macromolecules or particles, such as bacteria or cells.
Bouchet A., Descamps E., Mailley P., Livache T., Chatelain F., Haguet V. Contactless Electrofunctionalization of a Single Pore. Small, en ligne.
CEA
Wednesday July 08 2009
Nanodrops for bioactive compound synthesis and screening
New drug R&D is an expensive and time-intensive process. Scientists from the CEA’s Biochips Laboratory* have developed a new technology that dramatically cuts the time required for bioactive molecule synthesis and screening, as well as offering a thousand-fold cut in the quantity of reagents needed.
Nanodrops for bioactive compound synthesis and screening
New drug R&D is an expensive and time-intensive process. Scientists from the CEA’s Biochips Laboratory* have developed a new technology that dramatically cuts the time required for bioactive molecule synthesis and screening, as well as offering a thousand-fold cut in the quantity of reagents needed.
CEA
Tuesday July 07 2009
Genetic susceptibility in a region of chromosome 9
French research teams collaborating with European and international consortiums report that they have identified genetic variants located on chromosome 9, in a region (9p21) common to several different cancers including skin cancer (melanoma) and brain tumours (glioma).
Genetic susceptibility in a region of chromosome 9
French research teams collaborating with European and international consortiums report that they have identified genetic variants located on chromosome 9, in a region (9p21) common to several different cancers including skin cancer (melanoma) and brain tumours (glioma).
CEA
Friday June 26 2009
A section of the population proves more vulnerable to oxidative stress
There is group of proteins that is tasked with repairing DNA damage, especially that caused by oxidative stress. A team from the Laboratory of Genetic Instability Research (iRCM, Fontenay-aux-Roses) has demonstrated that one of these proteins has a variant that possesses a weaker reparative activity, and consequently allows a build-up of DNA mutations. The team identified the mechanisms that shape this activity.
A section of the population proves more vulnerable to oxidative stress
There is group of proteins that is tasked with repairing DNA damage, especially that caused by oxidative stress. A team from the Laboratory of Genetic Instability Research (iRCM, Fontenay-aux-Roses) has demonstrated that one of these proteins has a variant that possesses a weaker reparative activity, and consequently allows a build-up of DNA mutations. The team identified the mechanisms that shape this activity.
CEA
Tuesday June 16 2009
The Role of Conformational Flexibility in Weak Protein-Protein Interactions: An NMR Study
Following the successful development of structural genomic initiatives dedicated to the determination of the three dimensional conformation of a large number of proteins, attention is now turning to the characterization of the multitude of interactions between these proteins that control cellular processes and biological function. This paradigm, the description of the molecular basis of the interactome, is expected to provide a comprehensive portrayal of the overall interaction structure of an organism's proteome and thereby represents one of the major challenges for structural biology in the coming decade. The Protein Dynamics and Flexibility group at the IBS/DSV, is developing novel techniques to study and understand the importance of molecular flexibility in protein-protein interactions at atomic resolution, even in the most challenging experimental systems.
The Role of Conformational Flexibility in Weak Protein-Protein Interactions: An NMR Study
Following the successful development of structural genomic initiatives dedicated to the determination of the three dimensional conformation of a large number of proteins, attention is now turning to the characterization of the multitude of interactions between these proteins that control cellular processes and biological function. This paradigm, the description of the molecular basis of the interactome, is expected to provide a comprehensive portrayal of the overall interaction structure of an organism's proteome and thereby represents one of the major challenges for structural biology in the coming decade. The Protein Dynamics and Flexibility group at the IBS/DSV, is developing novel techniques to study and understand the importance of molecular flexibility in protein-protein interactions at atomic resolution, even in the most challenging experimental systems.
CEA
Thursday May 28 2009
More efficient control of energy and material resource use – inspired by plants
Living organisms have developed their own systems for regulating the metabolic pathways so crucial to maintaining their survival. Why not draw inspiration from these mechanisms to improve how we control our own cycles of material and energy use? This is the perspective that prompted CNRS, INRA and CEA researchers to mathematically model the biosynthetic pathways of amino acids in the Arabidopsis plant. This model has made it possible to faithfully reproduce the measurements performed on whole plants, thus demonstrating its accuracy. Running simulations with the models thus provides key qualitative and quantitative insight into how this kind of regulatory control system works.
More efficient control of energy and material resource use – inspired by plants
Living organisms have developed their own systems for regulating the metabolic pathways so crucial to maintaining their survival. Why not draw inspiration from these mechanisms to improve how we control our own cycles of material and energy use? This is the perspective that prompted CNRS, INRA and CEA researchers to mathematically model the biosynthetic pathways of amino acids in the Arabidopsis plant. This model has made it possible to faithfully reproduce the measurements performed on whole plants, thus demonstrating its accuracy. Running simulations with the models thus provides key qualitative and quantitative insight into how this kind of regulatory control system works.
CEA
Tuesday May 12 2009
Mental arithmetic activates the cortical circuitry involved in spatial attention
Do our mathematic capacities hinge on the brain circuitry involved in spatial attention? This is one of the questions raised in a study led by a convergently-skilled team of CEA, Inserm, Inria and Paris-Sud University scientists headed under the NeuroSpin-based joint Inserm/CEA “Cognitive Neuroimaging” research unit.
Mental arithmetic activates the cortical circuitry involved in spatial attention
Do our mathematic capacities hinge on the brain circuitry involved in spatial attention? This is one of the questions raised in a study led by a convergently-skilled team of CEA, Inserm, Inria and Paris-Sud University scientists headed under the NeuroSpin-based joint Inserm/CEA “Cognitive Neuroimaging” research unit.
CEA
Wednesday May 06 2009
Uncovering novel enzymatic activities to design bioinspired drug molecules
A team of CEA-CNRS researchers has just published pioneering results in two reviews, focusing on the biological synthesis of complex cyclodipeptides, which are molecules widely found in microorganisms. The team has uncovered a new family of enzymes presenting the standout feature of peptide-bonding cyclodipeptides using amino acids loaded on the transfer RNA. They also demonstrated that these enzymes work in tandem with other enzyme groups to alter the cyclodipeptides, conferring them novel biological activities. This research opens up promising new perspectives for the rational design of complex molecules, especially medical drugs.
Uncovering novel enzymatic activities to design bioinspired drug molecules
A team of CEA-CNRS researchers has just published pioneering results in two reviews, focusing on the biological synthesis of complex cyclodipeptides, which are molecules widely found in microorganisms. The team has uncovered a new family of enzymes presenting the standout feature of peptide-bonding cyclodipeptides using amino acids loaded on the transfer RNA. They also demonstrated that these enzymes work in tandem with other enzyme groups to alter the cyclodipeptides, conferring them novel biological activities. This research opens up promising new perspectives for the rational design of complex molecules, especially medical drugs.
L. Godart
Wednesday April 08 2009
Huit acteurs de la recherche française créent l’Alliance nationale pour les sciences de la vie et de la santé
Le CNRS, l'Inserm, le CEA, l'Inra, l'Inria, l'IRD, l'Institut Pasteur, la Conférence des Présidents d'Université (CPU), franchissent un pas majeur dans la coordination des sciences du vivant et de la santé en créant l'Alliance nationale pour les sciences de la vie et de la santé. Cette alliance s’inscrit dans la politique de réforme du système de recherche voulu par le gouvernement visant à mieux coordonner le rôle des différents acteurs. Objectif : renforcer la position de la recherche française dans ce secteur par une programmation concertée.
Huit acteurs de la recherche française créent l’Alliance nationale pour les sciences de la vie et de la santé
Le CNRS, l'Inserm, le CEA, l'Inra, l'Inria, l'IRD, l'Institut Pasteur, la Conférence des Présidents d'Université (CPU), franchissent un pas majeur dans la coordination des sciences du vivant et de la santé en créant l'Alliance nationale pour les sciences de la vie et de la santé. Cette alliance s’inscrit dans la politique de réforme du système de recherche voulu par le gouvernement visant à mieux coordonner le rôle des différents acteurs. Objectif : renforcer la position de la recherche française dans ce secteur par une programmation concertée.
CEA
Thursday March 26 2009
Bioénergies : de la recherche fondamentale à l’industrialisation
En ce début d’année 2009, l’actualité du CEA dans le domaine des bioénergies a été marquée par la publication de résultats scientifiques prometteurs concernant la production d’hydrogène par les microalgues (travaux d’une équipe de l’Institut de biologie environnementale et biotechnologies – iBEB) et la biodégradation d’un additif du diesel (travaux d’une équipe de l’Institut de recherches en technologies et sciences pour le vivant - iRTSV). De plus, CEA Valorisation vient d'entrer au capital de Fermentalg, jeune société innovante qui a pour ambition de devenir le leader de la production de microalgues pour les marchés de l’agroalimentaire, de la santé et de l’énergie.
Bioénergies : de la recherche fondamentale à l’industrialisation
En ce début d’année 2009, l’actualité du CEA dans le domaine des bioénergies a été marquée par la publication de résultats scientifiques prometteurs concernant la production d’hydrogène par les microalgues (travaux d’une équipe de l’Institut de biologie environnementale et biotechnologies – iBEB) et la biodégradation d’un additif du diesel (travaux d’une équipe de l’Institut de recherches en technologies et sciences pour le vivant - iRTSV). De plus, CEA Valorisation vient d'entrer au capital de Fermentalg, jeune société innovante qui a pour ambition de devenir le leader de la production de microalgues pour les marchés de l’agroalimentaire, de la santé et de l’énergie.
CEA
Monday March 16 2009
Parkinson’s disease: use of PET imaging to monitor the therapeutic efficacy of intracerebral gene transfer
These results concern the development and validation of a method of therapeutic monitoring for gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease: use of PET imaging to monitor the therapeutic efficacy of intracerebral gene transfer
These results concern the development and validation of a method of therapeutic monitoring for gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease.
CEA
Monday March 16 2009
MRI and brain ageing
Researchers at the Centre for Imaging, Neuroscience and Disease Applications CI-NAPS (I²BM/Caen) have developed and validated an automatic algorithm for the detection, quantification, localisation and mapping of small lesions of the brain’s white matter (WMLs) in MR images.
MRI and brain ageing
Researchers at the Centre for Imaging, Neuroscience and Disease Applications CI-NAPS (I²BM/Caen) have developed and validated an automatic algorithm for the detection, quantification, localisation and mapping of small lesions of the brain’s white matter (WMLs) in MR images.
CEA
Monday March 16 2009
Brain research at the CEA
Diseases of the nervous system constitute a major public health challenge. Millions of persons are or will be affected by one of these disorders, which often become chronic and disabling. The overview drafted for the European Brain Week draws a panorama of the research being conducted on the brain at the CEA.
Brain research at the CEA
Diseases of the nervous system constitute a major public health challenge. Millions of persons are or will be affected by one of these disorders, which often become chronic and disabling. The overview drafted for the European Brain Week draws a panorama of the research being conducted on the brain at the CEA.
CEA
Monday March 16 2009
Direct and bystander effects of ionising radiation
Researchers at the Institute of Cellular and Molecular Radiobiology - iRCM (CEA/Fontenay-aux-Roses) have characterised some of the mechanisms involved in late cell death after irradiation.
Direct and bystander effects of ionising radiation
Researchers at the Institute of Cellular and Molecular Radiobiology - iRCM (CEA/Fontenay-aux-Roses) have characterised some of the mechanisms involved in late cell death after irradiation.
CEA
Monday March 16 2009
Bioprobes for more sensitive and more selective MRI
A team at iBiTec-S (CEA/Saclay) has now perfected a method for the simultaneous detection of biological events by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Bioprobes for more sensitive and more selective MRI
A team at iBiTec-S (CEA/Saclay) has now perfected a method for the simultaneous detection of biological events by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
CEA
Tuesday March 10 2009
Research on low doses of irradiation
Epidemiological studies have not found any evidence that ‘low doses’ are damaging to health. However, the absence of detectable effects does not automatically mean there is no risk. Experimental studies are thus being pursued to improve our knowledge of their effects on the body and to optimise radioprotection standards. A report drafted for a press statement reviews the advances in research in this field.
Research on low doses of irradiation
Epidemiological studies have not found any evidence that ‘low doses’ are damaging to health. However, the absence of detectable effects does not automatically mean there is no risk. Experimental studies are thus being pursued to improve our knowledge of their effects on the body and to optimise radioprotection standards. A report drafted for a press statement reviews the advances in research in this field.
CEA
Thursday March 05 2009
Une seconde pour sonder des nanomachines moléculaires au niveau atomique
Des chercheurs de l’Institut de biologie structurale Jean-Pierre Ebel (IBS, Institut mixte CEA-CNRS-Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble) viennent de développer une nouvelle technique, basée sur la Résonance magnétique nucléaire (RMN), permettant de réduire considérablement le temps nécessaire pour sonder, au niveau atomique, des assemblages biomoléculaires de grandes tailles. Les temps d’analyse passent ainsi de plusieurs minutes à près d’une seconde ce qui ouvre un nouveau champ de recherche dans l’étude structurale de ces assemblages. Elles devraient permettre d’observer en temps réel les changements structuraux et dynamiques au sein de nanomachines [1] moléculaires lorsqu’elles exercent leur action. Ces résultats viennent d’être publiés en ligne par la revue Journal of the American Chemical Society.
Une seconde pour sonder des nanomachines moléculaires au niveau atomique
Des chercheurs de l’Institut de biologie structurale Jean-Pierre Ebel (IBS, Institut mixte CEA-CNRS-Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble) viennent de développer une nouvelle technique, basée sur la Résonance magnétique nucléaire (RMN), permettant de réduire considérablement le temps nécessaire pour sonder, au niveau atomique, des assemblages biomoléculaires de grandes tailles. Les temps d’analyse passent ainsi de plusieurs minutes à près d’une seconde ce qui ouvre un nouveau champ de recherche dans l’étude structurale de ces assemblages. Elles devraient permettre d’observer en temps réel les changements structuraux et dynamiques au sein de nanomachines [1] moléculaires lorsqu’elles exercent leur action. Ces résultats viennent d’être publiés en ligne par la revue Journal of the American Chemical Society.
CEA
Thursday March 05 2009
Une seconde pour sonder des nanomachines moléculaires au niveau atomique
Des chercheurs de l’Institut de biologie structurale Jean-Pierre Ebel (IBS, Institut mixte CEA-CNRS-Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble) viennent de développer une nouvelle technique, basée sur la Résonance magnétique nucléaire (RMN), permettant de réduire considérablement le temps nécessaire pour sonder, au niveau atomique, des assemblages biomoléculaires de grandes tailles. Les temps d’analyse passent ainsi de plusieurs minutes à près d’une seconde ce qui ouvre un nouveau champ de recherche dans l’étude structurale de ces assemblages.
Une seconde pour sonder des nanomachines moléculaires au niveau atomique
Des chercheurs de l’Institut de biologie structurale Jean-Pierre Ebel (IBS, Institut mixte CEA-CNRS-Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble) viennent de développer une nouvelle technique, basée sur la Résonance magnétique nucléaire (RMN), permettant de réduire considérablement le temps nécessaire pour sonder, au niveau atomique, des assemblages biomoléculaires de grandes tailles. Les temps d’analyse passent ainsi de plusieurs minutes à près d’une seconde ce qui ouvre un nouveau champ de recherche dans l’étude structurale de ces assemblages.
CEA
Tuesday February 10 2009
Crystal structure of plant light-harvesting complex shows the active, energy-transmitting state
Plants dissipate excess excitation energy as heat by non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). NPQ has been thought to resemble in vitro aggregation quenching of the major antenna complex, light harvesting complex of photosystem II (LHC-II). Both processes are widely believed to involve a conformational change that creates a quenching centre of two neighbouring pigments within the complex. Using recombinant LHC-II lacking the pigments implicated in quenching, we show that they have no particular role. Single crystals of LHC-II emit strong, orientation-dependent fluorescence with an emission maximum at 680 nm. The average lifetime of the main 680 nm crystal emission at 100 K is 1.31 ns, but only 0.39 ns for LHC-II aggregates under identical conditions. The strong emission and comparatively long fluorescence lifetimes of single LHC-II crystals indicate that the complex is unquenched, and that therefore the crystal structure shows the active, energy-transmitting state of LHC-II. We conclude that quenching of excitation energy in the light-harvesting antenna is due to the molecular interaction with external pigments in vitro or other pigment–protein complexes such as PsbS in vivo, and does not require a conformational change within the complex.
Crystal structure of plant light-harvesting complex shows the active, energy-transmitting state
Plants dissipate excess excitation energy as heat by non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). NPQ has been thought to resemble in vitro aggregation quenching of the major antenna complex, light harvesting complex of photosystem II (LHC-II). Both processes are widely believed to involve a conformational change that creates a quenching centre of two neighbouring pigments within the complex. Using recombinant LHC-II lacking the pigments implicated in quenching, we show that they have no particular role. Single crystals of LHC-II emit strong, orientation-dependent fluorescence with an emission maximum at 680 nm. The average lifetime of the main 680 nm crystal emission at 100 K is 1.31 ns, but only 0.39 ns for LHC-II aggregates under identical conditions. The strong emission and comparatively long fluorescence lifetimes of single LHC-II crystals indicate that the complex is unquenched, and that therefore the crystal structure shows the active, energy-transmitting state of LHC-II. We conclude that quenching of excitation energy in the light-harvesting antenna is due to the molecular interaction with external pigments in vitro or other pigment–protein complexes such as PsbS in vivo, and does not require a conformational change within the complex.
CEA
Tuesday February 10 2009
L’IRM : un outil pertinent pour le bilan clinique de l’autisme
Un groupe de chercheurs du CEA, de l’Inserm et de l’Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris vient de montrer, grâce à l’utilisation de l’IRM1 que des anomalies cérébrales sont associées à certaines formes de l’autisme, une affection dont les causes sont multiples. Il s'agit d’une nouvelle piste de recherche à approfondir pour étudier les bases neurologiques de l'autisme. Les données issues de l’analyse IRM pourraient aider à mieux catégoriser les patients en vue d’investiguer plus finement les causes de l’autisme. L’imagerie par résonance magnétique montre en effet que plus de 40 % des enfants autistes présentent des anomalies cérébrales. Ce résultat a été obtenu par l’analyse systématique des images IRM de 77 enfants âgés de 2 à 16 ans atteints d’autisme, sans cause identifiée, ayant bénéficié d’un bilan pédopsychiatrique, neuropsychologique, métabolique et génétique très détaillé. L’ensemble de ces résultats vient d’être publié en ligne par la revue PLoS ONE.
L’IRM : un outil pertinent pour le bilan clinique de l’autisme
Un groupe de chercheurs du CEA, de l’Inserm et de l’Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris vient de montrer, grâce à l’utilisation de l’IRM1 que des anomalies cérébrales sont associées à certaines formes de l’autisme, une affection dont les causes sont multiples. Il s'agit d’une nouvelle piste de recherche à approfondir pour étudier les bases neurologiques de l'autisme. Les données issues de l’analyse IRM pourraient aider à mieux catégoriser les patients en vue d’investiguer plus finement les causes de l’autisme. L’imagerie par résonance magnétique montre en effet que plus de 40 % des enfants autistes présentent des anomalies cérébrales. Ce résultat a été obtenu par l’analyse systématique des images IRM de 77 enfants âgés de 2 à 16 ans atteints d’autisme, sans cause identifiée, ayant bénéficié d’un bilan pédopsychiatrique, neuropsychologique, métabolique et génétique très détaillé. L’ensemble de ces résultats vient d’être publié en ligne par la revue PLoS ONE.
CEA
Thursday January 22 2009
Un simple test pour déterminer si un patient est conscient ou non
Est-il possible de déterminer si un individu est conscient en observant l’activité de son cerveau ? Cette épineuse question scientifique est également cruciale pour les cliniciens qui prennent en charge des malades non communicants en réanimation ou des patients qui émergent d’états inconscients tels que le coma ou l’état végétatif. Une équipe française de l’Inserm et du Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière (Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris) dirigée par le Dr Lionel Naccache, associant le Dr Tristan Bekinschtein, neuroscientifique post-doctorant argentin, et le Pr Stanislas Dehaene, directeur de l’unité Inserm/CEA « Neuroimagerie cognitive » à NeuroSpin vient de mettre au point un test combinant les principes de la psychologie de la perception auditive avec l’enregistrement de l’activité cérébrale. Il permet de détecter l’existence d’une vie mentale consciente sans reposer sur les signes souvent limités de l’examen clinique. Ces travaux, publiés dans la prochaine édition avancée en ligne des PNAS, s’inscrivent dans un récent mouvement de recherches neuroscientifiques appliquées aux malades comateux, végétatifs et non-communicants qui tendent à modifier notre regard sur ces malades et à rechercher de nouveaux modes de communication innovants.
Un simple test pour déterminer si un patient est conscient ou non
Est-il possible de déterminer si un individu est conscient en observant l’activité de son cerveau ? Cette épineuse question scientifique est également cruciale pour les cliniciens qui prennent en charge des malades non communicants en réanimation ou des patients qui émergent d’états inconscients tels que le coma ou l’état végétatif. Une équipe française de l’Inserm et du Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière (Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris) dirigée par le Dr Lionel Naccache, associant le Dr Tristan Bekinschtein, neuroscientifique post-doctorant argentin, et le Pr Stanislas Dehaene, directeur de l’unité Inserm/CEA « Neuroimagerie cognitive » à NeuroSpin vient de mettre au point un test combinant les principes de la psychologie de la perception auditive avec l’enregistrement de l’activité cérébrale. Il permet de détecter l’existence d’une vie mentale consciente sans reposer sur les signes souvent limités de l’examen clinique. Ces travaux, publiés dans la prochaine édition avancée en ligne des PNAS, s’inscrivent dans un récent mouvement de recherches neuroscientifiques appliquées aux malades comateux, végétatifs et non-communicants qui tendent à modifier notre regard sur ces malades et à rechercher de nouveaux modes de communication innovants.
"Neural signature of the conscious processing of auditory regularities", Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)
CEA-APHP-Inserm
Wednesday January 21 2009
Un test simple pour déterminer si un patient est conscient ou non
Est-il possible de déterminer si un individu est conscient en observant l’activité de son cerveau ? Cette épineuse question scientifique est également cruciale pour les cliniciens qui prennent en charge des malades non communicants en réanimation ou des patients qui émergent d’états inconscients tels que le coma ou l’état végétatif. Une équipe française de l’Inserm, du Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière et du CEA vient de mettre au point un test combinant les principes de la psychologie de la perception auditive avec l’enregistrement de l’activité cérébrale. Il permet de détecter l’existence d’une vie mentale consciente sans reposer sur les signes souvent limités de l’examen clinique.
Un test simple pour déterminer si un patient est conscient ou non
Est-il possible de déterminer si un individu est conscient en observant l’activité de son cerveau ? Cette épineuse question scientifique est également cruciale pour les cliniciens qui prennent en charge des malades non communicants en réanimation ou des patients qui émergent d’états inconscients tels que le coma ou l’état végétatif. Une équipe française de l’Inserm, du Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière et du CEA vient de mettre au point un test combinant les principes de la psychologie de la perception auditive avec l’enregistrement de l’activité cérébrale. Il permet de détecter l’existence d’une vie mentale consciente sans reposer sur les signes souvent limités de l’examen clinique.
Friday January 16 2009
La toxicologie nucléaire au cœur de Biofutur
Le magazine Biofutur poursuit l’exploration du thème de la toxicologie nucléaire et la présentation des résultats acquis dans le cadre des programmes ToxNuc-E et EnvirHom du CEA et de l’IRSN. Après un dossier intitulé « de la molécule aux écosystèmes » publié en septembre 2008 (n°291), le dossier du mois de janvier (n°295) est ainsi consacré à la détection et aux traitements de contaminations, depuis l’environnement jusqu’à l’homme. Le troisième et dernier dossier, sur les grandes familles de toxiques chimiques ou radioactifs, sera publié en septembre 2009.
La toxicologie nucléaire au cœur de Biofutur
Le magazine Biofutur poursuit l’exploration du thème de la toxicologie nucléaire et la présentation des résultats acquis dans le cadre des programmes ToxNuc-E et EnvirHom du CEA et de l’IRSN. Après un dossier intitulé « de la molécule aux écosystèmes » publié en septembre 2008 (n°291), le dossier du mois de janvier (n°295) est ainsi consacré à la détection et aux traitements de contaminations, depuis l’environnement jusqu’à l’homme. Le troisième et dernier dossier, sur les grandes familles de toxiques chimiques ou radioactifs, sera publié en septembre 2009.