Scientific results
INRA / Jean-Marie Prosperi
Monday 21 November 2011
Genome of model legume Medicago truncatula sequenced
Scientists from the INRA (French National Institute for Agricultural Research) in collaboration with teams from Genoscope (CEA) and the CNRS as part of an international consortium of US and European research laboratories, has decoded the genome of a model legume, Medicago truncatula (Mt), also known as Barrel Medic. This genome sequence provides easy access to the location of genes-of-interest in crop legumes (peas, fava beans, lentils, alfalfa, clover), which will greatly facilitate breeding efforts. Legumes have the capacity to fix atmospheric nitrogen, and as a result, legume crops do not require nitrogen fertilizers, which represents a real asset for a sustainable and more environmentally-friendly agriculture. Full results have been published in the 16 November 2011 issue of Nature.
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Genome of model legume Medicago truncatula sequenced
Scientists from the INRA (French National Institute for Agricultural Research) in collaboration with teams from Genoscope (CEA) and the CNRS as part of an international consortium of US and European research laboratories, has decoded the genome of a model legume, Medicago truncatula (Mt), also known as Barrel Medic. This genome sequence provides easy access to the location of genes-of-interest in crop legumes (peas, fava beans, lentils, alfalfa, clover), which will greatly facilitate breeding efforts. Legumes have the capacity to fix atmospheric nitrogen, and as a result, legume crops do not require nitrogen fertilizers, which represents a real asset for a sustainable and more environmentally-friendly agriculture. Full results have been published in the 16 November 2011 issue of Nature.
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CEA
Thursday 17 November 2011
XRCC4-Cernunnos complex thought to facilitate DNA double-strand-break repair via a filament superstructure
An iBiTec-S team has succeeded in resolving the three-dimensional structure of the XRCC4-Cernunnos complex. Coupling crystallography with electron microscopy studies has revealed the architecture of the filamentous superstructures formed by these two DNA repair factors, thus providing grounds for proposing a new model of double-strand break ligation.
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XRCC4-Cernunnos complex thought to facilitate DNA double-strand-break repair via a filament superstructure
An iBiTec-S team has succeeded in resolving the three-dimensional structure of the XRCC4-Cernunnos complex. Coupling crystallography with electron microscopy studies has revealed the architecture of the filamentous superstructures formed by these two DNA repair factors, thus providing grounds for proposing a new model of double-strand break ligation.
Ropars V, et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 108, 12663-12668.
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Descamps, INRA
Tuesday 15 November 2011
Domestication of wheat, or when gene evolution gets things right
Wheat was at the very origin of farming and agriculture, and even now, millennia later, it is still the most widely-grown plant worldwide and the main staple food for a third of the world’s population. Today’s farmed wheat species, which have been shaped by generation upon generation of human-driven selection, present a complex set of genetics associating two or three homologous genomes. A study led by researchers from the INRA and the CEA/Genoscope in tandem with US-based co-workers and published in the 15 November 2011 issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, has revealed that the different copies of a gene called Q, which is largely responsible for the widespread domestication of wheat, make a coordinatedly differentiated contribution to domestication traits. The work represents a textbook example of regulation and interaction between duplicate gene copies within a multi-genome organism.
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Domestication of wheat, or when gene evolution gets things right
Wheat was at the very origin of farming and agriculture, and even now, millennia later, it is still the most widely-grown plant worldwide and the main staple food for a third of the world’s population. Today’s farmed wheat species, which have been shaped by generation upon generation of human-driven selection, present a complex set of genetics associating two or three homologous genomes. A study led by researchers from the INRA and the CEA/Genoscope in tandem with US-based co-workers and published in the 15 November 2011 issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, has revealed that the different copies of a gene called Q, which is largely responsible for the widespread domestication of wheat, make a coordinatedly differentiated contribution to domestication traits. The work represents a textbook example of regulation and interaction between duplicate gene copies within a multi-genome organism.
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CEA
Thursday 03 November 2011
Regulation of DNA repair: new proteins involved
A team of researchers from the iRCM working with Basle University (Switzerland) and the University of California, Davis (USA) has shed new light on the potential functions of Rad51 paralogues [1], which are proteins known to be involved in predisposition to cancers and other human diseases. Working on yeast, the team was able to demonstrate the role played by these paralogues in regulating one of the essential basic mechanisms of DNA repair: homologous recombination. Full results have been published in Nature.
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Regulation of DNA repair: new proteins involved
A team of researchers from the iRCM working with Basle University (Switzerland) and the University of California, Davis (USA) has shed new light on the potential functions of Rad51 paralogues [1], which are proteins known to be involved in predisposition to cancers and other human diseases. Working on yeast, the team was able to demonstrate the role played by these paralogues in regulating one of the essential basic mechanisms of DNA repair: homologous recombination. Full results have been published in Nature.
Jie Liu, Ludovic Renault, Xavier Veaute, Francis Fabre, Henning Stahlberg, and Wolf-Dietrich Heyer. Rad51 paralogs Rad55-Rad57 balance the anti-recombinase Srs2 in Rad51 pre-synaptic filament formation. Nature (2011)
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CEA
Wednesday 26 October 2011
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles alter the blood-brain barrier, in vitro
Researchers from the CEA [1] and Joseph Fourier University [2] have revealed that titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) alter one of the brain’s most vital protective barriers: the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The cell model employed, which the pharmaceutical industry uses to test drug candidates in pre-clinical trials, enabled the researchers to demonstrate that in vitro exposure to nano-TiO2 led to nano-TiO2 accumulation in the brain endothelial cells. This same exposure also forced impaired BBB integrity, associated with inflammation, and a reduced activity of P-glycoprotein, which is a protein that is normally essential for clearing toxic substances from vital organs like the brain. The team’s findings were published online on 24 October 2011, in Biomaterials.
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Titanium dioxide nanoparticles alter the blood-brain barrier, in vitro
Researchers from the CEA [1] and Joseph Fourier University [2] have revealed that titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) alter one of the brain’s most vital protective barriers: the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The cell model employed, which the pharmaceutical industry uses to test drug candidates in pre-clinical trials, enabled the researchers to demonstrate that in vitro exposure to nano-TiO2 led to nano-TiO2 accumulation in the brain endothelial cells. This same exposure also forced impaired BBB integrity, associated with inflammation, and a reduced activity of P-glycoprotein, which is a protein that is normally essential for clearing toxic substances from vital organs like the brain. The team’s findings were published online on 24 October 2011, in Biomaterials.
In Vitro Evidence of Dysregulation of Blood-Brain Barrier Function after Acute and Repeated/Long-Term Exposure to TiO2 Nanoparticles, Biomaterials, publiée en ligne le 24/10/2011
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CEA
Friday 21 October 2011
Discovery of a gene that predisposes to both melanoma and renal cancer
As study led by the Inserm and Gustave Roussy Cancer Institute (IGR) in Villejuif, and coordinated by Dr Brigitte Bressac-de Paillerets, head of the IGR Genetics Department, in tandem with the CEA’s National Genotyping Centre and the Fondation Jean Dausset, has identified a germline mutation that is responsible for a common predisposition to both melanoma (skin cancer) and renal carcinoma (kidney cancer). This mutation is called Mi-E318K and appears on the gene encoding a protein called MITF (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor). Mi-E318K makes this mutated gene over-active, which leads to an increased risk of melanoma and renal cancer in individuals carrying the mutation. The results of this study have been published online as a letter, in Nature.
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Discovery of a gene that predisposes to both melanoma and renal cancer
As study led by the Inserm and Gustave Roussy Cancer Institute (IGR) in Villejuif, and coordinated by Dr Brigitte Bressac-de Paillerets, head of the IGR Genetics Department, in tandem with the CEA’s National Genotyping Centre and the Fondation Jean Dausset, has identified a germline mutation that is responsible for a common predisposition to both melanoma (skin cancer) and renal carcinoma (kidney cancer). This mutation is called Mi-E318K and appears on the gene encoding a protein called MITF (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor). Mi-E318K makes this mutated gene over-active, which leads to an increased risk of melanoma and renal cancer in individuals carrying the mutation. The results of this study have been published online as a letter, in Nature.
“A sumoylation defective MITF germline mutation predisposes to melanoma and renal carcinoma” – Bertolotto C et al, Nature, Published online 19 October 2011
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CEA
Tuesday 11 October 2011
Structural observation of an enzyme at work
Observing enzymes at work is a difficult task. However, scientists at the University of Pavia in Italy, in collaboration with colleagues from the ESRF, the IBS and the University of Groningen in The Netherlands have succeeded in generating and characterizing several biologically relevant intermediate states of enzyme: a Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase, which is a promising target for applications in synthetic and pharmaceutical chemistry. Their research, combining X-ray crystallography with single-crystal microspectrophotometry, has been published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry [1].
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Structural observation of an enzyme at work
Observing enzymes at work is a difficult task. However, scientists at the University of Pavia in Italy, in collaboration with colleagues from the ESRF, the IBS and the University of Groningen in The Netherlands have succeeded in generating and characterizing several biologically relevant intermediate states of enzyme: a Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase, which is a promising target for applications in synthetic and pharmaceutical chemistry. Their research, combining X-ray crystallography with single-crystal microspectrophotometry, has been published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry [1].
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CEA
Saturday 01 October 2011
Solid-state NMR spectroscopy unlocks asymmetric protein motion
A research team from the IBS [1] working in collaboration with ETH Zurich has set up a novel experimental solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance-based platform that provides enhanced insight into the amplitude and asymmetry of motion in protein bonds.
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Solid-state NMR spectroscopy unlocks asymmetric protein motion
A research team from the IBS [1] working in collaboration with ETH Zurich has set up a novel experimental solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance-based platform that provides enhanced insight into the amplitude and asymmetry of motion in protein bonds.
Solid-State NMR Measurements of Asymmetric Dipolar Couplings Provide Insight into Protein Side-Chain Motion. Schanda P, Huber M, Boisbouvier J, Meier BH, Ernst M. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2011.
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LPCV/iRTSV/DSV/CEA
Monday 26 September 2011
Molecular probe for monitoring plant metabolism
Researchers from the CEA [1], the CNRS, the INRA, Joseph Fourier University in Grenoble and the University of Montpellier 2 have developed a molecular probe called Galvestine-1 designed to deliver tight, fine-grained control of the activity of an enzyme in the Arabidopsis thaliana plant. The enzyme, known as MGD1, is responsible for synthesizing galactolipids, which are the main elements of photosynthetic membranes. This novel ‘chemical genetics’ method has allowed the scientists to determine how galactolipids contribute to the plant’s development. The results of this work were published online in the Nature Chemical Biology on 25 September 2011.
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Molecular probe for monitoring plant metabolism
Researchers from the CEA [1], the CNRS, the INRA, Joseph Fourier University in Grenoble and the University of Montpellier 2 have developed a molecular probe called Galvestine-1 designed to deliver tight, fine-grained control of the activity of an enzyme in the Arabidopsis thaliana plant. The enzyme, known as MGD1, is responsible for synthesizing galactolipids, which are the main elements of photosynthetic membranes. This novel ‘chemical genetics’ method has allowed the scientists to determine how galactolipids contribute to the plant’s development. The results of this work were published online in the Nature Chemical Biology on 25 September 2011.
Cyrille Y. Botté, et al., Chemical inhibitors of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol synthases in Arabidopsis thaliana, Nature Chemical Biology, online, Sep/25/2011.
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CEA
Wednesday 14 September 2011
Bio'actif special issue – Radiobiology and radiation toxicology
The Fukushima nuclear disaster has taken policy on radiobiology and radiation toxicology research back to the top of the international community agenda. These two policy focuses are placed under the spotlight in this special issue of Bio’actif which, although not exhaustive, sheds insight on the approaches explored and the main breakthroughs achieved to date by teams working for the Life Sciences Division.
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Bio'actif special issue – Radiobiology and radiation toxicology
The Fukushima nuclear disaster has taken policy on radiobiology and radiation toxicology research back to the top of the international community agenda. These two policy focuses are placed under the spotlight in this special issue of Bio’actif which, although not exhaustive, sheds insight on the approaches explored and the main breakthroughs achieved to date by teams working for the Life Sciences Division.
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CEA
Wednesday 14 September 2011
BIO'actif 8 - Deal with the past to prepare the future. Decommissioning of the Fontenay-aux-Roses nuclear facilities.
In contrast with previous releases, the ‘deciphering research’ section in this new issue of Bio’actif does not report on the latest breakthroughs achieved by our life sciences teams; this time, we stop to spotlight another essential link in the life sciences division research chain: The DSV’s Fontenay-aux-Roses centre. Since 2005, the DSV has been held tenure of the CEA’s own historic nucleus. It is here that Frédéric Joliot and his team started up the first French nuclear reactor, back in 1948; here where the first pioneering experiments in nuclear fission were led, and where the protocols for reprocessing nuclear fuel were first put together. This is a precious scientific heritage that is part of the CEA’s legacy ― a legacy that also includes nuclear facilities, often in heavily aged state, and for which it is now our role to handle the cleanup and dismantling process. This mission has been handed down to the Nuclear Energy Division, which is leading a major decommissioning programme that the Life Sciences Division is also engaged in. These cleanup–dismantling tasks represent a major challenge for the CEA: if the project can be led successfully, it will galvanize the French nuclear sector’s credibility in terms of the ability to fully control the end-to-end lifecycle of nuclear facilities.
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BIO'actif 8 - Deal with the past to prepare the future. Decommissioning of the Fontenay-aux-Roses nuclear facilities.
In contrast with previous releases, the ‘deciphering research’ section in this new issue of Bio’actif does not report on the latest breakthroughs achieved by our life sciences teams; this time, we stop to spotlight another essential link in the life sciences division research chain: The DSV’s Fontenay-aux-Roses centre. Since 2005, the DSV has been held tenure of the CEA’s own historic nucleus. It is here that Frédéric Joliot and his team started up the first French nuclear reactor, back in 1948; here where the first pioneering experiments in nuclear fission were led, and where the protocols for reprocessing nuclear fuel were first put together. This is a precious scientific heritage that is part of the CEA’s legacy ― a legacy that also includes nuclear facilities, often in heavily aged state, and for which it is now our role to handle the cleanup and dismantling process. This mission has been handed down to the Nuclear Energy Division, which is leading a major decommissioning programme that the Life Sciences Division is also engaged in. These cleanup–dismantling tasks represent a major challenge for the CEA: if the project can be led successfully, it will galvanize the French nuclear sector’s credibility in terms of the ability to fully control the end-to-end lifecycle of nuclear facilities.
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CEA
Friday 02 September 2011
Adaptation secrets of the “desert bacterium”
A consortium of researchers, notably from the CNRS, the CEA, the INRA and the Universities of Aix-Marseille (Université de la Méditerranée), Paris-Sud, Toulouse and Grenoble 1, have successfully analyzed the genome of the bacterium Ramlibacter tataouinensis TTB310, also known as the “desert bacterium”. Decoding of the genome revealed the presence of kaiC, a gene with a function that had previously been found only in certain photosynthetic bacteria. In these bacteria, kaiC governs a molecular clock mechanism which regulates their cell cycle based on the alternation of day and night, in what is called an Endogenous circadian rhythm [1]. Furthermore, the study findings suggest that this gene allows the “desert bacterium”, which is non-photosynthetic, to coordinate its cell cycle with the water cycle in hot, dry deserts. This discovery opens new avenues for research on the role of circadian molecular clocks in the environmental adaptation of both photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic bacteria. These results were published online on 2 September 2011, in PLoS ONE.
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Adaptation secrets of the “desert bacterium”
A consortium of researchers, notably from the CNRS, the CEA, the INRA and the Universities of Aix-Marseille (Université de la Méditerranée), Paris-Sud, Toulouse and Grenoble 1, have successfully analyzed the genome of the bacterium Ramlibacter tataouinensis TTB310, also known as the “desert bacterium”. Decoding of the genome revealed the presence of kaiC, a gene with a function that had previously been found only in certain photosynthetic bacteria. In these bacteria, kaiC governs a molecular clock mechanism which regulates their cell cycle based on the alternation of day and night, in what is called an Endogenous circadian rhythm [1]. Furthermore, the study findings suggest that this gene allows the “desert bacterium”, which is non-photosynthetic, to coordinate its cell cycle with the water cycle in hot, dry deserts. This discovery opens new avenues for research on the role of circadian molecular clocks in the environmental adaptation of both photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic bacteria. These results were published online on 2 September 2011, in PLoS ONE.
The cyst-dividing bacterium Ramlibacter tataouinensis TTB310 genome reveals a well-stocked toolbox for adaptation to a desert environment. Gilles De Luca, Mohamed Barakat, Philippe Ortet, Sylvain Fochesato, Cécile Jourlin-Castelli, Mireille Ansaldi, Béatrice Py, Gwennaele Fichant, Pedro M. Coutinho, Romé Voulhoux, Olivier Bastien, Eric Maréchal, Bernard Henrissat, Yves Quentin, Philippe Noirot, Alain Filloux, Vincent Méjean, Michael S. DuBow, Frédéric Barras, Valérie Barbe, Jean Weissenbach, Irina Mihalcescu, André Verméglio, Wafa Achouak, Thierry Heulin, PLoS ONE, online, Sep/02/2011.
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CEA
Thursday 25 August 2011
Deciphering fungal genomes of white and grey mould
The sequencing and analysis of the genomes of fungi responsible for grey mould on grapevines and white mould on colza has just been completed by a consortium of international researchers directed by the INRA in association with CEA-Genoscope, CNRS, CIRAD, and Marseille-Aix-en-Provence and Lyon universities. This research will help identify how these fungi are able to infect numerous plants. Study of the genomes will ultimately lead to new methods in an integrated battle against these two major plant pathogens. Full results of the study are published online under the advance-publication section of the 18 August 2011 issue of Plos Genetics.
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Deciphering fungal genomes of white and grey mould
The sequencing and analysis of the genomes of fungi responsible for grey mould on grapevines and white mould on colza has just been completed by a consortium of international researchers directed by the INRA in association with CEA-Genoscope, CNRS, CIRAD, and Marseille-Aix-en-Provence and Lyon universities. This research will help identify how these fungi are able to infect numerous plants. Study of the genomes will ultimately lead to new methods in an integrated battle against these two major plant pathogens. Full results of the study are published online under the advance-publication section of the 18 August 2011 issue of Plos Genetics.
Genomic Analysis of the Necrotrophic Fungal Pathogens Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Botrytis cinerea.Plos Genetics, 18 août 2011. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1002230
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© Marum, University of Bremen
Tuesday 16 August 2011
Hydrogen as an energy source for ‘extreme-living’ bacteria
In deep ocean waters, some organisms can thrive in a presumably hostile type of ecosystem: hydrothermal vents, which have been the focus of extensive research for more than 30 years now. Today, an international study reveals for the first time that bacteria living in association with hydrothermal vent mussels are capable of using hydrogen as an energy source to produce organic matter. This breakthrough is the result of an international collaboration led by a German team from the Max Planck Institute and including French researchers from CNRS and CEA-Genoscope. Published in the August 11, 2011 issue of Nature, their findings open promising new perspectives in biotechnology.
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Hydrogen as an energy source for ‘extreme-living’ bacteria
In deep ocean waters, some organisms can thrive in a presumably hostile type of ecosystem: hydrothermal vents, which have been the focus of extensive research for more than 30 years now. Today, an international study reveals for the first time that bacteria living in association with hydrothermal vent mussels are capable of using hydrogen as an energy source to produce organic matter. This breakthrough is the result of an international collaboration led by a German team from the Max Planck Institute and including French researchers from CNRS and CEA-Genoscope. Published in the August 11, 2011 issue of Nature, their findings open promising new perspectives in biotechnology.
Jillian M. Petersen, et al., Hydrogen is an energy source for hydrothermal vent symbioses, 11 août 2011.
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CEA
Thursday 04 August 2011
Hepatitis C: new vaccine potential
To develop an effective vaccine against hepatitis C: this is the goal of a European study coordinated by David Klatzmann of the Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy laboratory (CNRS/UPMC/Inserm), with ANRS [French agency for AIDS and viral hepatitis research] backing. For the first time, researchers have succeeded in producing broad-spectrum antibodies against the hepatitis C virus. The team’s findings, published 3 August 2011 in Science Translational Medicine, pave the way to a vaccine for hepatitis C and, from a wider perspective still, to a new technology for the development of vaccines against other infectious diseases like HIV, dengue fever, and more.
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Hepatitis C: new vaccine potential
To develop an effective vaccine against hepatitis C: this is the goal of a European study coordinated by David Klatzmann of the Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy laboratory (CNRS/UPMC/Inserm), with ANRS [French agency for AIDS and viral hepatitis research] backing. For the first time, researchers have succeeded in producing broad-spectrum antibodies against the hepatitis C virus. The team’s findings, published 3 August 2011 in Science Translational Medicine, pave the way to a vaccine for hepatitis C and, from a wider perspective still, to a new technology for the development of vaccines against other infectious diseases like HIV, dengue fever, and more.
A Prime-Boost Strategy Using Virus-Like Particles Pseudotyped for HCV Proteins Triggers Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies in Macaques, Pierre Garrone et al., Science Translational Medicine, 3 août 2011
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S.Nicaud/CEA/Fonds Tara
Friday 29 July 2011
Tara Oceans travelog #2 – Life aboard Tara
Second week onboard the schooner Tara. We are leaving the Gambier islands to head up to the Marquesas. Life on-board is taking shape, along with the new team. But it’s winter here in Polynesia, and the trade winds are giving the researchers on board a rough time.
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Tara Oceans travelog #2 – Life aboard Tara
Second week onboard the schooner Tara. We are leaving the Gambier islands to head up to the Marquesas. Life on-board is taking shape, along with the new team. But it’s winter here in Polynesia, and the trade winds are giving the researchers on board a rough time.
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C. Dupont / CEA
Friday 29 July 2011
A, C, G, ? ― Chemical evolution of a bacterial genome
An international team made up of researchers from the Institute of Biology (Freie Universität, Berlin), the CEA (IG/Genoscope – Evry), the CNRS, the University of Evry, the Katholieke Universiteit (Leuven) and Heurisko (United States) has achieved a world-first by engineering a viable bacterium in which one of the four DNA base building blocks has been replaced by a synthetic analogue compound. The advantage of the new bacterium obtained is that it would eventually be dependent on this compound, which does not exist in nature, and would therefore be unable to compete or exchange genetic material with natural organisms in the wild.
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A, C, G, ? ― Chemical evolution of a bacterial genome
An international team made up of researchers from the Institute of Biology (Freie Universität, Berlin), the CEA (IG/Genoscope – Evry), the CNRS, the University of Evry, the Katholieke Universiteit (Leuven) and Heurisko (United States) has achieved a world-first by engineering a viable bacterium in which one of the four DNA base building blocks has been replaced by a synthetic analogue compound. The advantage of the new bacterium obtained is that it would eventually be dependent on this compound, which does not exist in nature, and would therefore be unable to compete or exchange genetic material with natural organisms in the wild.
Philippe Marlière et al., Chemical Evolution of a Bacterium’s Genome, Angew. Chem. Int. ed. 2011
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CEA
Wednesday 27 July 2011
Human mitochondria contains microRNAs
An iRTSV research team (CEA/Grenoble) has discovered microRNA in human mitochondria. This is a major finding, as human microRNAs are known to localize to target-site regions associated with cancer, and certain microRNAs are characterized as oncogenic or as tumour suppressors ― which means they hold unexplored therapeutic potential.
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Human mitochondria contains microRNAs
An iRTSV research team (CEA/Grenoble) has discovered microRNA in human mitochondria. This is a major finding, as human microRNAs are known to localize to target-site regions associated with cancer, and certain microRNAs are characterized as oncogenic or as tumour suppressors ― which means they hold unexplored therapeutic potential.
Barrey E, Saint-Auret G, Bonnamy B, Damas D, Boyer O and Gidrol X. Pre-microRNA and mature microRNA in human mitochondria. PloS One, 2011, 6(5): e20220
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S.Nicaud/CEA/Fonds Tara
Friday 22 July 2011
Tara Oceans travelog #1 – A week in the Gambier Islands
Tara: a schooner with a science mission to travel the world’s oceans on a global physico-chemical and biological sampling campaign. The goal? To study the marine ecosystem in an attempt to predict the impacts of climate change on plankton diversity. I join the expedition team in the Gambier Islands, at midpoint of a 3-year-long journey.
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Tara Oceans travelog #1 – A week in the Gambier Islands
Tara: a schooner with a science mission to travel the world’s oceans on a global physico-chemical and biological sampling campaign. The goal? To study the marine ecosystem in an attempt to predict the impacts of climate change on plankton diversity. I join the expedition team in the Gambier Islands, at midpoint of a 3-year-long journey.
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PF.Grosjean/CEA
Tuesday 19 July 2011
A national-range public-private partnership for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease
The Institut Pasteur, the CEA, the CNRS and the Roche Research Institute for Translational Medicine have penned a partnership agreement to develop new tools for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
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A national-range public-private partnership for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease
The Institut Pasteur, the CEA, the CNRS and the Roche Research Institute for Translational Medicine have penned a partnership agreement to develop new tools for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
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Thursday 07 July 2011
High-dose tritium contamination: what are the effects on blood cells?
A CEA/Inserm/Paris-Sud 11 University/Paris Diderot-Paris 7 University joint research unit [1] has used hematopoietic stem cell transplantation model [2] to reveal the potential long-term effects of tritium contamination, with special focus on carcinogenesis. The team’s research showed that, in mice, although high doses of tritiated thymidine [3] do induce a slowdown in hematopoietic stem cell proliferation in the short-term, they do not trigger leukemic transformation in the long-term. This work represents a major stepping stone towards a better assessment of the risks of tritium exposure for human patients and populations.
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High-dose tritium contamination: what are the effects on blood cells?
A CEA/Inserm/Paris-Sud 11 University/Paris Diderot-Paris 7 University joint research unit [1] has used hematopoietic stem cell transplantation model [2] to reveal the potential long-term effects of tritium contamination, with special focus on carcinogenesis. The team’s research showed that, in mice, although high doses of tritiated thymidine [3] do induce a slowdown in hematopoietic stem cell proliferation in the short-term, they do not trigger leukemic transformation in the long-term. This work represents a major stepping stone towards a better assessment of the risks of tritium exposure for human patients and populations.
Fabio Di Giacomo, et al., Tritium contamination of hematopoietic stem cells alters long-term hematopoietic reconstitution.International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2011.
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CEA
Wednesday 22 June 2011
Beating ‘golden staph’: a new strategy emerges
Staphylococcus aureus, dubbed ‘golden staph’, is one of the major causes of serious infections in humans, and certain extremely virulent community-associated methicillin-resistant strains are now emerging that are responsible for life-threatening infections and alarming epidemics across the globe. A study harnessing the expert skills of several top European labs has identified a receptor that looks to be a highly promising candidate pharmacological target for new infection prevention strategies.
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Beating ‘golden staph’: a new strategy emerges
Staphylococcus aureus, dubbed ‘golden staph’, is one of the major causes of serious infections in humans, and certain extremely virulent community-associated methicillin-resistant strains are now emerging that are responsible for life-threatening infections and alarming epidemics across the globe. A study harnessing the expert skills of several top European labs has identified a receptor that looks to be a highly promising candidate pharmacological target for new infection prevention strategies.
Kretschmer D. et al., Cell Host & Microbes, 2010
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CEA
Monday 20 June 2011
Imaging: blended PET/MRI to support epilepsy surgery
Fifteen to twenty seizures a day. Such is the ordeal faced by children or young adult sufferers of certain forms of severe focal epilepsy!
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Imaging: blended PET/MRI to support epilepsy surgery
Fifteen to twenty seizures a day. Such is the ordeal faced by children or young adult sufferers of certain forms of severe focal epilepsy!
F. Chassoux et al, Neurology, 2010
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GMGM, P. Bertin
Thursday 16 June 2011
Metabolic diversity in an arsenic-rich ecosystem
A research consortium of scientists from the CNRS, the CEA, the IRD and the Universities of Strasbourg, Montpellier, Evry-Val-d’Essonne and Pau has revealed metabolic diversity among the main microorganisms inside an arsenic-rich ecosystem. This metaproteogenomics-based study was published in the 12 May 2011 issue of The ISME Journal.
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Metabolic diversity in an arsenic-rich ecosystem
A research consortium of scientists from the CNRS, the CEA, the IRD and the Universities of Strasbourg, Montpellier, Evry-Val-d’Essonne and Pau has revealed metabolic diversity among the main microorganisms inside an arsenic-rich ecosystem. This metaproteogenomics-based study was published in the 12 May 2011 issue of The ISME Journal.
Philippe Bertin, et al., Metabolic diversity among main microorganisms inside an arsenic-rich ecosystem revealed by meta- and proteo-genomics, The ISME journal : Multidisciplinary journal of microbial ecology, Published online May 12, 2011, doi:10.1038/ismej.2011.51.
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Jean-Marie Bouquet and Jiri Slama / Science/AAAS
Wednesday 01 June 2011
Oikopleura zooplankton: evolution on fast-forward
Oikopleura dioica makes a highly promising planktonic model organism for studying genome plasticity: it exhibits high fecundity in captivity, has an ultra-compact genome sharing close parentage with the vertebrate lines, does not possess certain DNA repair systems, and handles strong exposure to mutagenic solar radiation…
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Oikopleura zooplankton: evolution on fast-forward
Oikopleura dioica makes a highly promising planktonic model organism for studying genome plasticity: it exhibits high fecundity in captivity, has an ultra-compact genome sharing close parentage with the vertebrate lines, does not possess certain DNA repair systems, and handles strong exposure to mutagenic solar radiation…
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Neuron
Tuesday 31 May 2011
The biological foundations of access to consciousness unearthed
Stanislas Dehaene, who is Professor at the Collège de France and director of NeuroSpin’s Cognitive Neuroimaging Unit (Inserm/CEA), and Jean-Pierre Changeux, Professeur emeritus at both the Institut Pasteur and the Collège de France, deliver findings from close to 15 years of research in a review published in Neuron that aims to unearth the physiological and biological foundations of access to human consciousness.
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The biological foundations of access to consciousness unearthed
Stanislas Dehaene, who is Professor at the Collège de France and director of NeuroSpin’s Cognitive Neuroimaging Unit (Inserm/CEA), and Jean-Pierre Changeux, Professeur emeritus at both the Institut Pasteur and the Collège de France, deliver findings from close to 15 years of research in a review published in Neuron that aims to unearth the physiological and biological foundations of access to human consciousness.
Stanislas Dehaene & Jean-Pierre Changeux, 2011, Experimental and Theoretical Approaches to Conscious Processing, Neuron.
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CEA
Thursday 26 May 2011
The measles virus: a functional disorder
Researchers from the CEA, the CNRS and Joseph Fourier University (iBS[1], UVHCI[2], AFMB[3]) have made the world’s first observations of the intrinsically disordered domain of the measles virus nucleoprotein under physiological conditions. Using a combination of three complementary techniques[4] – electron microscopy (EM), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy – the consortium has been able to put forward an integral model of the nucleocapsid[5] containing the viral RNA. Their results suggest that this disordered domain plays a role in infection by the measles virus. The research was published online on May 26 on the PNAS website.
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The measles virus: a functional disorder
Researchers from the CEA, the CNRS and Joseph Fourier University (iBS[1], UVHCI[2], AFMB[3]) have made the world’s first observations of the intrinsically disordered domain of the measles virus nucleoprotein under physiological conditions. Using a combination of three complementary techniques[4] – electron microscopy (EM), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy – the consortium has been able to put forward an integral model of the nucleocapsid[5] containing the viral RNA. Their results suggest that this disordered domain plays a role in infection by the measles virus. The research was published online on May 26 on the PNAS website.
Malene Ringkjøbing Jensen et al., Intrinsic disorder in measles virus nucleocapsids, PNAS, 2011.
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P.Pica/CNRS
Monday 23 May 2011
Are intuitions regarding geometry universal?
All human beings may have the ability to understand elementary geometry, independently of their culture or level of education. This is the conclusion of a study carried out by the CNRS, the Inserm, the CEA, the Collège de France, Harvard University and Paris Descartes, Paris-Sud 11 and Paris 8 universities [1]. It was conducted on Amazonian Indians living in an isolated area, who had not studied geometry at school and whose language contains little geometric vocabulary. Their intuitive understanding of elementary geometric concepts was compared with that of populations who, on the contrary, had been taught geometry at school. The researchers were able to demonstrate that all human beings may have the ability to demonstrate geometric intuition, although this ability may only emerge from the 6-7 years of age. It could be innate or instead acquired at an early age when children become aware of the space that surrounds them. These findings have been published in PNAS.
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Are intuitions regarding geometry universal?
All human beings may have the ability to understand elementary geometry, independently of their culture or level of education. This is the conclusion of a study carried out by the CNRS, the Inserm, the CEA, the Collège de France, Harvard University and Paris Descartes, Paris-Sud 11 and Paris 8 universities [1]. It was conducted on Amazonian Indians living in an isolated area, who had not studied geometry at school and whose language contains little geometric vocabulary. Their intuitive understanding of elementary geometric concepts was compared with that of populations who, on the contrary, had been taught geometry at school. The researchers were able to demonstrate that all human beings may have the ability to demonstrate geometric intuition, although this ability may only emerge from the 6-7 years of age. It could be innate or instead acquired at an early age when children become aware of the space that surrounds them. These findings have been published in PNAS.
Véronique Izard, et al., Flexible intuitions of Euclidean geometry in an Amazonian indigene group, PNAS, 2011.
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Wednesday 18 May 2011
June 8, World Oceans Day ― Screening “Tara Oceans, the secret world”
To mark World Oceans Day, and as part of the Ministry for Ecology’s Oceans Awareness Week, one of the documentaries in the 4-eposide “Tara Oceans, the Secret World” series will be screened simultaneously at 10 sites across France.
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June 8, World Oceans Day ― Screening “Tara Oceans, the secret world”
To mark World Oceans Day, and as part of the Ministry for Ecology’s Oceans Awareness Week, one of the documentaries in the 4-eposide “Tara Oceans, the Secret World” series will be screened simultaneously at 10 sites across France.
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CEA
Wednesday 18 May 2011
Radiation-induced tumours have a distinguishing signature
It has finally been made possible to determine whether a tumour has been radiation-induced, thanks to research by scientists at the iRCM who have demonstrated a signature specific to the tumours induced subsequent to radiation therapy.
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Radiation-induced tumours have a distinguishing signature
It has finally been made possible to determine whether a tumour has been radiation-induced, thanks to research by scientists at the iRCM who have demonstrated a signature specific to the tumours induced subsequent to radiation therapy.
C. Ory, Endocrine Related Cancer, 2011
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CEA
Tuesday 17 May 2011
The cave bear: from Chauvet cave paintings to extinction
The walls of Chauvet Cave, located early in the Ardèche Gorges, feature numerous depictions of the cave bear. Ever since the cave was first discovered, dating the paintings has been a challenging and even hotly debated issue in the scientific community. Jean-Marc Elalouf and his team from the iBiTec-S (CEA/Saclay) have managed to establish a minimum earliest date for a section of the artwork in this most significant prehistoric art site by detailing the characteristics of the local cave bear population and its disappearance 27,000 years ago.
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The cave bear: from Chauvet cave paintings to extinction
The walls of Chauvet Cave, located early in the Ardèche Gorges, feature numerous depictions of the cave bear. Ever since the cave was first discovered, dating the paintings has been a challenging and even hotly debated issue in the scientific community. Jean-Marc Elalouf and his team from the iBiTec-S (CEA/Saclay) have managed to establish a minimum earliest date for a section of the artwork in this most significant prehistoric art site by detailing the characteristics of the local cave bear population and its disappearance 27,000 years ago.
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CEA
Monday 02 May 2011
Biomimetic nano-objects: towards controlled assembly
Using the SOLEIL synchrotron, researchers at the CEA, the CNRS and the IPSEN pharmaceutical laboratory have recently demonstrated the possibility of creating peptide nanotubes with perfectly controlled diameters. These nanotubes are formed by the spontaneous assembly of a peptide called lanreotide, with their shape being governed by the structure of the “building block”. By strategically modifying one of the amino acids in lanreotide, the research team has succeeded in creating a library of 17 monodisperse nanotubes with controlled diameters. This breakthrough opens up exciting prospects, particularly in the field of nanotechnology. Full results have been published online in PNAS.
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Biomimetic nano-objects: towards controlled assembly
Using the SOLEIL synchrotron, researchers at the CEA, the CNRS and the IPSEN pharmaceutical laboratory have recently demonstrated the possibility of creating peptide nanotubes with perfectly controlled diameters. These nanotubes are formed by the spontaneous assembly of a peptide called lanreotide, with their shape being governed by the structure of the “building block”. By strategically modifying one of the amino acids in lanreotide, the research team has succeeded in creating a library of 17 monodisperse nanotubes with controlled diameters. This breakthrough opens up exciting prospects, particularly in the field of nanotechnology. Full results have been published online in PNAS.
Christophe Tarabout, et al., Control of peptide nanotube diameter by chemical modifications of an aromatic residue involved in a single close contact, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2011.
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CEA
Thursday 21 April 2011
BIO'actif 7 – Nanoparticles: a scale-shift for toxicology
Firm in the belief that the nanosciences are set to game-change the healthcare and information technologies, the CEA is leading both basic and applied research in the field of nanosciences. In response to the far-ranging claims that have been made about the potential applications of nanotechnology, a number of health and environmental concerns have been raised over what is fast becoming the ‘nano revolution’. The CEA has therefore extended its toxicology research programme to study these nanoparticles and help determine their impact. Biologists, chemists, and modelling engineers are joining forces and combining their skillsets to swiftly provide some answers.
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BIO'actif 7 – Nanoparticles: a scale-shift for toxicology
Firm in the belief that the nanosciences are set to game-change the healthcare and information technologies, the CEA is leading both basic and applied research in the field of nanosciences. In response to the far-ranging claims that have been made about the potential applications of nanotechnology, a number of health and environmental concerns have been raised over what is fast becoming the ‘nano revolution’. The CEA has therefore extended its toxicology research programme to study these nanoparticles and help determine their impact. Biologists, chemists, and modelling engineers are joining forces and combining their skillsets to swiftly provide some answers.
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INRA
Wednesday 20 April 2011
People can be differentiated by their intestinal flora
Just as there are blood groups, three “enterotypes” or intestinal bacterial signatures have been identified by researchers at the European MetaHIT consortium coordinated by the INRA and enrolling researchers from the INRA, CEA, CNRS and University of Evry-Val d’Essonne, together with scientists from Danone and the Merieux Institute. These signatures are not specific to an individual’s geographic origin, age or state of health. Although primarily determined by the abundance of certain types of bacteria in the intestinal tract, they are also shaped by their genetic potential (i.e. the functions coded by their genes). This research opens up an array of potential applications in nutrition and human health. Full results of the study are available online under the advance-publication section of the 20 April 2011 issue of Nature.
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People can be differentiated by their intestinal flora
Just as there are blood groups, three “enterotypes” or intestinal bacterial signatures have been identified by researchers at the European MetaHIT consortium coordinated by the INRA and enrolling researchers from the INRA, CEA, CNRS and University of Evry-Val d’Essonne, together with scientists from Danone and the Merieux Institute. These signatures are not specific to an individual’s geographic origin, age or state of health. Although primarily determined by the abundance of certain types of bacteria in the intestinal tract, they are also shaped by their genetic potential (i.e. the functions coded by their genes). This research opens up an array of potential applications in nutrition and human health. Full results of the study are available online under the advance-publication section of the 20 April 2011 issue of Nature.
M. Arumugam et al., Enterotypes of the human gut microbiome. Nature, 2011
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CEA
Thursday 07 April 2011
Red blood cells or immune cells: a balance governed by TIF1γ protein
A CEA/Inserm/Paris-Sud 11 University/Paris Diderot-Paris 7 University joint research unit[1] has demonstrated that TIF1γ protein plays a pivotal role in controlling haematopoiesis ― the set of mechanisms that ensure continuous regulated replacement of blood cell types. During haematopoiesis, the two proteins TAL1 and PU.1 step in to help manufacture red blood cells and platelets (TAL1) and immune cells (PU.1). However, the process enabling crossover or switching [2] from one production pathway to another to meet the host body's needs had remained a mystery. The mystery has now been unravelled with publication in the 7 April online issue of Cell Stem Cell of the team’s work demonstrating that TIFγ protein orchestrates the switching role. These findings are valuable from a fundamental science perspective, but they equally make TIF1γ a potential target for selectively producing different blood cell types in a wide range of altered blood cell-related pathologies such as anaemia or aplasia.
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Red blood cells or immune cells: a balance governed by TIF1γ protein
A CEA/Inserm/Paris-Sud 11 University/Paris Diderot-Paris 7 University joint research unit[1] has demonstrated that TIF1γ protein plays a pivotal role in controlling haematopoiesis ― the set of mechanisms that ensure continuous regulated replacement of blood cell types. During haematopoiesis, the two proteins TAL1 and PU.1 step in to help manufacture red blood cells and platelets (TAL1) and immune cells (PU.1). However, the process enabling crossover or switching [2] from one production pathway to another to meet the host body's needs had remained a mystery. The mystery has now been unravelled with publication in the 7 April online issue of Cell Stem Cell of the team’s work demonstrating that TIFγ protein orchestrates the switching role. These findings are valuable from a fundamental science perspective, but they equally make TIF1γ a potential target for selectively producing different blood cell types in a wide range of altered blood cell-related pathologies such as anaemia or aplasia.
Sophie Kusy, et al., Adult hematopoiesis is regulated by TIF1, a repressor of TAL1 and PU.1 transcriptional activity. Cell Stem Cell, online, 2011
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Dr.Triche - National Cancer Institute
Wednesday 06 April 2011
Leukemia: new models for designing treatment strategies for relapsed leukemia patients
Although the therapies available for treating leukemia are increasingly effective, 20% to 50% of patients who achieve remission may still suffer a relapse. The relapsing leukemia is generally particularly resistant to treatment. A collaborative research effort between researchers and clinical scientists from the CEA, Inserm, AP-HP and the universities Paris-Sud 11, Paris Diderot-Paris 7 and Pierre et Marie Curie has culminated in the development of a murine model that reproduces the forms of leukemia found in relapsing patients. This model offers an invaluable tool for testing novel investigational drugs or new efficient therapies for efficiently treating relapsing leukemia. Full results were published online in the 4 April issue of J. Exp. Med.
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Leukemia: new models for designing treatment strategies for relapsed leukemia patients
Although the therapies available for treating leukemia are increasingly effective, 20% to 50% of patients who achieve remission may still suffer a relapse. The relapsing leukemia is generally particularly resistant to treatment. A collaborative research effort between researchers and clinical scientists from the CEA, Inserm, AP-HP and the universities Paris-Sud 11, Paris Diderot-Paris 7 and Pierre et Marie Curie has culminated in the development of a murine model that reproduces the forms of leukemia found in relapsing patients. This model offers an invaluable tool for testing novel investigational drugs or new efficient therapies for efficiently treating relapsing leukemia. Full results were published online in the 4 April issue of J. Exp. Med.
Emmanuelle Clappier, et al. Clonal selection in xenografted human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia recapitulates gain of malignancy at relapse. J. Exp. Med., online, 2011.
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CEA
Friday 01 April 2011
Identification of five new factors driving genetic susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease
As the life-expectancy of human populations continues to rise, the number of patients with Alzheimer’s disease is on an upward curve in France and abroad. Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of memory disorders and impaired intellectual functions in the elderly, making it a major public health issue. European researchers are pooling their strengths to combat this disease more quickly and efficiently. As a result, a consortium of 108 European laboratories coordinated by a French team (“Public Health and molecular epidemiology of ageing-related diseases” UMR 744 Inserm-Lille-Institut Pasteur de Lille) and a British team (Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, University of Cardiff) have recently identified five new genetic predisposition factors involved in the development of the disease.
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Identification of five new factors driving genetic susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease
As the life-expectancy of human populations continues to rise, the number of patients with Alzheimer’s disease is on an upward curve in France and abroad. Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of memory disorders and impaired intellectual functions in the elderly, making it a major public health issue. European researchers are pooling their strengths to combat this disease more quickly and efficiently. As a result, a consortium of 108 European laboratories coordinated by a French team (“Public Health and molecular epidemiology of ageing-related diseases” UMR 744 Inserm-Lille-Institut Pasteur de Lille) and a British team (Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, University of Cardiff) have recently identified five new genetic predisposition factors involved in the development of the disease.
Paul Hollingworth et al., Common variants at ABCA7, MS4A6A/MS4A4E, EPHA1, CD33 and CD2AP are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Nature Genetics, avril 2011
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CEA
Tuesday 29 March 2011
The Mediator complex is a key component in the regulation of gene expression
A CEA-iBiTec-S team has recently resolved one of the most fundamental questions on the mechanisms underpinning gene expression: which cell is responsible for the DNA position of RNA polymerase ― the key enzyme in gene transcription? The team has demonstrated in vivo that the answer is a multiprotein complex called “mediator of transcriptional activation”.
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The Mediator complex is a key component in the regulation of gene expression
A CEA-iBiTec-S team has recently resolved one of the most fundamental questions on the mechanisms underpinning gene expression: which cell is responsible for the DNA position of RNA polymerase ― the key enzyme in gene transcription? The team has demonstrated in vivo that the answer is a multiprotein complex called “mediator of transcriptional activation”.
Direct interaction of RNA polymerase II and Mediator required for transcription in vivo. Julie Soutourina, Sandra Wydau, Yves Ambroise, Claire Boschiero and Michel Werner. Science, online, 18/03/2011
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CEA
Tuesday 15 March 2011
Bioinspired nanomaterials for hydrogen applications
Researchers at the Laboratory of Metals in Biological and Chemical Systems (DSV/iRTSV, CEA/Grenoble), in collaboration with the Laboratory of Surfaces and Interfaces in Chemical Systems (DSM/Iramis, CEA/Saclay) have developed a novel method for immobilizing bioinspired catalysts on carbon nanotubes and manufacturing platinum-free electrocatalysts for applications using or producing hydrogen.
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Bioinspired nanomaterials for hydrogen applications
Researchers at the Laboratory of Metals in Biological and Chemical Systems (DSV/iRTSV, CEA/Grenoble), in collaboration with the Laboratory of Surfaces and Interfaces in Chemical Systems (DSM/Iramis, CEA/Saclay) have developed a novel method for immobilizing bioinspired catalysts on carbon nanotubes and manufacturing platinum-free electrocatalysts for applications using or producing hydrogen.
Tran PD, et al., Noncovalent modification of carbon nanotubes with pyrene-functionalized nickel complexes: carbon monoxide tolerant catalysts for hydrogen evolution and uptake. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2011
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CEA
Thursday 10 March 2011
Discovery of a new bacterial strategy to control immunity
Researchers at the Institut Pasteur, IBS (CEA/Grenoble), INRA, Inserm and the CNRS have identified a mechanism that enables the pathogenic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, responsible for human listeriosis, to reprogram expression of the genes in the host cell that it infects to its own advantage.
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Discovery of a new bacterial strategy to control immunity
Researchers at the Institut Pasteur, IBS (CEA/Grenoble), INRA, Inserm and the CNRS have identified a mechanism that enables the pathogenic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, responsible for human listeriosis, to reprogram expression of the genes in the host cell that it infects to its own advantage.
Lebreton A, et al., A Bacterial Protein Targets the BAHD1 Chromatin Complex to Stimulate Type III Interferon Response. Science.Jan. 2011.
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CEA
Tuesday 08 March 2011
Metabolomics applied to human red blood cells
Researchers at the iRCM (CEA/Fontenay-aux-Roses) and iBiTec-S (CEA/Saclay) have shown that metabolomics can be used to provide a signature of physiological or pathological conditions in human red blood cells.
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Metabolomics applied to human red blood cells
Researchers at the iRCM (CEA/Fontenay-aux-Roses) and iBiTec-S (CEA/Saclay) have shown that metabolomics can be used to provide a signature of physiological or pathological conditions in human red blood cells.
Darghouth D et al., Pathophysiology of sickle cell disease is mirrored by the red blood cell metabolome, Blood, Feb. 2011.
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CEA
Monday 07 March 2011
Intercellular membrane redistribution
Researchers at the SRHI (i2BM, CEA/Hôpital Saint-Louis) have recently demonstrated the extent of membrane transfer between immune cells and cells in their environment.
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Intercellular membrane redistribution
Researchers at the SRHI (i2BM, CEA/Hôpital Saint-Louis) have recently demonstrated the extent of membrane transfer between immune cells and cells in their environment.
Alegre E, et al., Membrane redistributions through multi-intercellular exchanges and serial trogocytosis, Cell Res. nov. 2010.
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L. Sarfaty / Radio France
Monday 21 February 2011
France Culture documentary “Seeing the brain think? Research at NeuroSpin”
On February 3, France Culture dedicated its entire 24 hours of airtime to the topic of scientific research. The documentary by Lucie Sarfaty and Guillaume Baldy presented research carried out at NeuroSpin (CEA/I²BM), the world's largest brain exploration research facility. The programme was aired at 5 p.m. on February 3.
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France Culture documentary “Seeing the brain think? Research at NeuroSpin”
On February 3, France Culture dedicated its entire 24 hours of airtime to the topic of scientific research. The documentary by Lucie Sarfaty and Guillaume Baldy presented research carried out at NeuroSpin (CEA/I²BM), the world's largest brain exploration research facility. The programme was aired at 5 p.m. on February 3.
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Marie-Hélène Balesdent-Thierry Rouxel/INRA
Wednesday 16 February 2011
Stemming stem canker in oilseed rape
Led by the INRA, an international consortium including researchers from the INRA, CEA-Genoscope and the CNRS has completed whole genome sequencing and analysis of the fungus responsible for causing stem canker in oilseed rape ― Leptosphaeria maculans. Leptosphaeria maculans is the main pathogen of oilseed rape, and can cause substantial yield losses. Its genome has a surprisingly unique two-compartment structure, with each compartment evolving via a different set of dynamics. This ‘two-speed’ genome underpins the evolutionary potential of the phytopathogen and its ability to rapidly re-adapt to the host-plant’s defences, making it a constant threat to oilseed rape farmers. In-depth analysis of the genome is ultimately expected to improve the selection of durably-resistant varieties of oilseed rape. Full results of the study are available online under the advance-publication section of the 15 February 2011 issue of NATURE Communications.
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Stemming stem canker in oilseed rape
Led by the INRA, an international consortium including researchers from the INRA, CEA-Genoscope and the CNRS has completed whole genome sequencing and analysis of the fungus responsible for causing stem canker in oilseed rape ― Leptosphaeria maculans. Leptosphaeria maculans is the main pathogen of oilseed rape, and can cause substantial yield losses. Its genome has a surprisingly unique two-compartment structure, with each compartment evolving via a different set of dynamics. This ‘two-speed’ genome underpins the evolutionary potential of the phytopathogen and its ability to rapidly re-adapt to the host-plant’s defences, making it a constant threat to oilseed rape farmers. In-depth analysis of the genome is ultimately expected to improve the selection of durably-resistant varieties of oilseed rape. Full results of the study are available online under the advance-publication section of the 15 February 2011 issue of NATURE Communications.
Thierry Rouxel, et al., Effector diversification within compartments of the Leptosphaeria maculans genome affected by Repeat Induced Point mutations. NATURE Communications, 15 février 2011.
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INSERM / D. Dantchev
Thursday 06 January 2011
NKX3.1: brake or accelerator of cell proliferation
Its name is NKX3.1. This protein is well known as a tumour suppressor in prostate cancer, but it also turns out to be an accelerator of cell proliferation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), particularly T-ALL which often features abnormal expression levels of a transcription factor called T-cell acute leukemia 1 (TAL1).
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NKX3.1: brake or accelerator of cell proliferation
Its name is NKX3.1. This protein is well known as a tumour suppressor in prostate cancer, but it also turns out to be an accelerator of cell proliferation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), particularly T-ALL which often features abnormal expression levels of a transcription factor called T-cell acute leukemia 1 (TAL1).
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CEA
Wednesday 05 January 2011
Cyanobacterial responses to changing light conditions
Cyanobacteria, like plants, are able to convert light energy into chemical energy, and so they also need to protect themselves against potentially fatal excess absorbed light energy. A team from iBiTec-S studying cyanobacteria has discovered that they possess a photoprotective mechanism.
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Cyanobacterial responses to changing light conditions
Cyanobacteria, like plants, are able to convert light energy into chemical energy, and so they also need to protect themselves against potentially fatal excess absorbed light energy. A team from iBiTec-S studying cyanobacteria has discovered that they possess a photoprotective mechanism.
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CEA
Monday 03 January 2011
BIO'actif 6 – Brain imaging: visualizing Alzheimer’s disease
In this sixth issue of Bio’actif, we spotlight one of the major contributions of imaging – diagnostics, and particularly for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease.
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BIO'actif 6 – Brain imaging: visualizing Alzheimer’s disease
In this sixth issue of Bio’actif, we spotlight one of the major contributions of imaging – diagnostics, and particularly for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease.
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