(KM) GENETICS & HEREDITY

The Genomics Division focuses on the study of the molecular building blocks of life (DNA, RNA and proteins), their role in biological functions, and the ecological and evolutionary processes through which they shape biodiversity.

The Genomics Division covers four main research areas: molecular ecology, molecular biology, aquaculture genomics and developmental biology. 

- Proteins involved in membrane fusion: secretion of antibodies by plasma cells
- Transcriptional regulation of PRDM1 transcription factor. Implications in myeloma.
- B-lymphocytes in autoimmune diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Inflammation and immunology in ICU patients and the use of nuclear medicine techniques to diagnose the evolution of inflammation.
- Inflammation and Immunology in patients with Silicosis.

First identified genetic variants for most thyroid hormones/antibodies have been recently published by our research group. For now, only 5.34% of genetic variance has been explained for parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels while calcitonin and osteocalcin, which together with PTH regulate blood calcium homeostasis, have not been analysed on a genome-wide level. Prediction analyses have gained increasing significance over the last few years. The aim of such analyses is to predict the value of a quantitative trait based on genetic and environmental parameters.

The project of INSERM Unit 1078 is to enable a better understanding of the genetic and pathophysiological bases of some human genetic diseases, for example cystic fibrosis, hemochromatosis, hereditary chronic pancreatitis or some mitochondrial pathologies.

The ambition of our research project from gene to patient is to decipher the relationship between the structure of the genes and their function and between genotype and phenotype. To carry out these projects, Unit 1078 relies on: