The Institute of Functional Genomics (IGF)
The Institute of Functional Genomics (IGF) is a CNRS-INSERM-University of Montpellier joint research centre that develops innovative strategies and methods to explore the mechanisms involved in cell communication and associated pathologies. Its research programs range from structural analysis of molecules to integrative biology and translational research, also promoting biomedical applications and the emergence of new therapies and diagnostic tools.
The team of Philippe Rondard studies GPCRs involved in neurologic and psychiatric disorders. The group has identified and characterized the pharmacology and the activation process of the GPCRs for the two main neurotransmitters i.e. glutamate and GABA. Research projects focus on the 8 different mGlu receptors (mGluRs) and the single GABAB receptor that are excellent targets for drug development in the neurologic and psychiatric area.
Jean-Phillipe Pin is internationally recognized for his participation in the discovery of metabotropic glutamate receptors, and his studies related to the allosteric modulation and activation mechanism of this family of GPCRs. Over the recent years he developed innovative approaches to study cell surface receptors, including biosensors, photo-switchable ligands and nanobodies as pharmacological tools and potential therapeutic agents.
Sébastien Granier has built a career applying a wide variety of biophysical approaches to investigate GPCR structure and function. After a successful postdoc in the laboratory of Brian Kobilka at Stanford elucidating opioid receptor structure, he obtained a tenure track position in France where he has developed biophysical approaches to study vasopressin V2 and glutamate receptors. He is now a group leader in Montpellier University with a focus of deciphering the activation mechanisms of GPCR and other membrane proteins.
The Team at IGF will contribute their expertise and tools in GPCR biology to the UniSens project.
