Definition of the Gene Content of the Human Genome: The Need for Deep Experimental Verification

Based on the analysis of the drafts of the human genome sequence, it is being speculated that our species may possess an unexpectedly low number of genes. The quality of the drafts, the impossibility of accurate gene prediction and the lack of sufficient transcript sequence data, however, render such speculations very premature. The complexity of human gene structure requires additional and extensive experimental verification of transcripts that may result in major revisions of these early estimates of the number of human genes

An in vivo platform for identifying inhibitors of protein aggregation

Protein aggregation underlies an array of human diseases, yet only one small molecule therapeutic has been successfully developed to date. Here, we introduce an in vivo system, based on a β-lactamase tripartite fusion construct, capable of identifying aggregation-prone sequences in the periplasm of Escherichia coli and inhibitors that prevent their aberrant self-assembly. We demonstrate the power of the system using a range of proteins, from small unstructured peptides (islet amyloid polypeptide and amyloid β) to larger, folded immunoglobulin domains. Configured in a 48-well format, the split β-lactamase sensor readily differentiates between aggregation-prone and soluble sequences. Performing the assay in the presence of 109 compounds enabled a rank ordering of inhibition and revealed a new inhibitor of IAPP aggregation. This platform can be applied to both amyloidogenic and other aggregation-prone systems, independent of sequence or size, and can identify small molecules or other factors able to ameliorate or inhibit protein aggregation

Facile InP/ZnS QDs encapsulation in MOF-5 matrices: towards solid state luminescence.

International audienc

Synthesis and optical chracterization of InP/ZnE (E=S,Se) quantum dots for LED applications.

International audienc

Development of nanosized phosphors for optical applications.

International audienc

Synthèse et caractérisation de quantum dots colloïdaux d’InP innovants pour des applications LED.

National audienc

A rapid access to new fluorinated dienes and benzylic fluorides via metathesis on propargylic fluorides.

International audienc

Synthesis and characterization of III-V based quantum dots for light emission.

International audienc