The dog worm (Hydatidosis or Cystic Echinococcosis) is a parasitic disease that can affect human. It is caused by an infection of a parasite which inhabits in the small intestine of canines. In rural communities, humans and a wide range of intermediate hosts (e.g. sheep, horses, camels, and goats) become infected after ingestion of eggs that are realeased by infected dogs in the environment. Then the worm develops in internal organs (mainly the liver and lungs). The size of cyst can go between 1 and 15 cm, but can reach up to 25 cm. Surgery remains the main treatment of human hydatidosis and one key characteristic of this disease is the high frequency of relapses, affecting approximately 2–20% of cases after surgery according to world health organization report (2001). It is important for patients to be followed up. Recently, in a collaborative effort with the Institute of Parasitology of Bern, we have identified a parasitic protein which gradually disappears approximately six months after surgery in cured patients. In tandem with this work, our current research focuses on the genomic characterization of this marker. Informations provided at the end of this study will be used for reliable, standard and fast post-operative prognostic test development.

My research concern the ways of fighting against the contamination of food by special species of molds (Aspergillus flavus) which produce extremely toxic substances called mycotoxyns. Mycotoxyns are carcinogenic and multi-toxic substances which can be found in food and whose ingestion leads for the consumer to food poisoning or food disorder. The consequences are temporary or long-lasting disorders such as alterations in the liver, the loins, the nerve centres, the blood circulation or the digestive tract. The micotoxyns are neither visible to the naked eye nor detectable through taste. They are detected and quantified in food only through analysis in a laboratory. The contamination of food by mycotoxines is a real problem of public health which draws the attention of many researchers worldwide. The objective of my research consists in isolating ground samples with microorganisms (Actinomycètes) having the capacity to inhibit the growth of these toxic molds (Aspergillus flavus).

I am studying the biomolecules of marine organisms for biological interests of Archipelago of Comoros such as: ascidiums, soft corals, sponges and cyanobacteries. In fact, Comoros has a very vast marine economic exclusive zone in the west of Indian Ocean, but this zone is comparatively misread and unexploited in spite of the recent creation on the island of Mwali of a marine park. I want to initiate a study of the marine biodiversity of Comoros, to assess the potential which represents this biodiversity, to promote and to preserve threatened kinds. To promote this biodiversity and preserve threatened kinds, it is essential to identify species. For that it is important to record their chemical signatures and see if we can characterize new metabolites secondary "bioactive". I also study the different consequences that the influence of factors bio - and biotics – have on the production of the secondary metabolites. This research will be the first appraisal to constitute a point of reference for a possible monitoring and also an indicator of environment modifications.

My research is focused on the study of the patterns and processes of the regeneration and stem cell proliferation in a small group of marine free-living flatworms called polyclads. Despite all the efforts to understand how different organisms in the nature are able to restore or replace body parts such as limbs, tails or even heads, the molecular mechanisms underlying regeneration is still unknown.

It was widely demonstrated that a regular and moderate physical activity reduces the incidence of type 2 diabetes, induces an oxidative muscle remodeling by restoring its oxidative capacities, increasing lipid catabolism and insulin sensibility of muscle. Such muscle remodeling is also obtained by a muscle-specific over-expression or pharmacological activation of a nuclear receptor called Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor β (PPARβ). Indeed, PPARβ has been demonstrated to be involved in many different biological functions such as lipid metabolism, mitochondrial physiology, and determination of skeletal muscle fiber type.

The dynamics of the tropics fascinate me and I find animal behavior particularly interesting. The teeming biodiversity of tropical forests and related ecosystems contribute to a complex, multi-tiered system that prompt numerous research questions.  I am interested in species interactions, in how and why species can co-exist, compete, communicate, develop mutualisms and evolve with time to form viable communities.  At the species level I am drawn to the intricacies of mating systems and how sexual selection plays a major role in natural selection.  How and why mates are selected is at the heart of mating systems but remains largely mysterious and the use of effective communication is finally being recognized as key to successful courtship and ultimate partnership.  My Neotropical research illustrates the rich natural resources available to us but there is a paucity of knowledge thus far and it is this paucity that intrigues me and I am thus dedicated to conservation efforts aimed toward its protection.

In bacteria,small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) are found to coordinate complex network of gene regulation in response to environmental changes. The sRNAs also play a role in determining virulent gene expression. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium which commonly resides in soil and water, but it can cause severe infection in patients with compromised immune systems. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is capable of forming biofilm in which during this phase, it is highly resistant to various antibiotics. In  my study, the sRNAs (and the specific binding targets) that are expressed exclusively during biofilm formation phase will be identified. The functions of the sRNAs will then be revealed. The sRNAs that are associated with virulent gene expression will help to understand the mechanisms of pathogenesis and act as possible targets for generation of new antimicrobial drugs. As Pseudomonas is considered a model organism for the study of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, my study hopes to be applicable to other pathogenic bacteria as well.

During a long period of time, humans have adapt themselves to a picking-hunting way of life, characterized by a high physical activity and a restricted amount of calories. However, these last decades, changes in human lifestyle, including sedentarity and hyper caloric diet are leading to obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Type 2 diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset) results from the muscular ineffective action of insulin.

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) form the largest class of proteins found in human cell membranes. They are involved in important biological functions (neurotransmission, hormonal regulation, inflammatory response, sensory reception...) and therefore are of great pharmaceutical interest. When a signalling molecule coming from the extracellular environment binds to a GPCR, it induces changes in the structure of the receptor. These modifications provoke the activation of an intracellular protein associated (or coupled) to the receptor, called G-protein. The activated G-protein triggers a cascade of intracellular biochemical reactions, leading to a biological response from the cell to the signal received. One of our goals is to characterize the receptor structural changes that allow the G-protein coupling and activation. As the receptors are embedded in the cell membrane, we want in particular to understand how this membrane environment modulates GPCRs activation mechanism

The human body is made up of several billions of cells. Without communication between cells, the organism would not be able to function. Intercellular communication takes place at the membrane which surrounds each cell. This protective envelope is mainly composed of a lipid bilayer in which are embedded several types of proteins that ensure interactions with the extracellular environment. Among these proteins, the so called receptors are crucial for the communication process: their role is to detect the extracellular signals (specific molecule, electrical impulse…) and transmit the "message" inside the cell. The G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in essential biological processes (neurotransmission, hormonal regulation, inflammatory response, sensory reception...) and are targeted by 50% of drugs. Upon detection of a stimulus, a receptor is activated: it undergoes changes in its form, which trigger the signal transmission. Studying these structural modifications allows us to better understand the functioning of a receptor at the molecular level, useful notably for drug design. The aim of my research work is to get insight into the structural changes responsible for GPCRs activation and to study how the different lipids of the membrane can influence them.