Our research axes

P1- We aim at characterizing the chemical nature and the biophysical properties of the molecular interactions initiated by T. gondii with the extracellular environment of the host (e.g., extracellular matrix and surface of target cells) which are necessary and sufficient for the assembly of the apical force transmission platform involved in parasite locomotion. This work also integrates the measurement of the forces generated at the adhesion site and the mechanical friction forces that occur during gliding motility.

P2- We aim at characterizing the viscoelastic properties of the parasite under controlled physical constraints that can be mimicked in vitro: one main goal is to better understand the elusive biology of the parasite nucleus, a somehow stiff compartment” by also interrogating how mechano-transduction could be modified with respect to given constraints.

P3- The aim is to develop an imaging tool for rapid phenotyping of the parasite's mobility behaviors in 4D, this by analyzing video-microscopy sequences with the assistance of artificial intelligence.

Key words and Methodologies. Quantitative live imaging ; Force microscopy (TFM and AFM) ; Reflection Interference Contrast Microscopy; Micropatterning and Microfluidics ; Surface chemistry ; Quantitative biochemistry of biomolecular interactions ; Quartz Crystal Microbalance et Dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), Ellipsometry ; Proteomics, Computer programming.

P1- We aim at analyzing in real time the molecular and cellular features of the T. gondii tachyzoite invasive nano-device upon its timely release and assembly into the plasma membrane/cortex of the target cell, a critical step that initiates the invasion process per se. We also analyze the impact of the inserted nanodevice on the membrane and cortical dynamics at the entry site of the recipient cell. A focus is made on the anchoring modalities of the nanodevice as a prerequisite for appropriate contribution to force transmission during cell invasion.

P2- We aimed at solving the molecular architecture of the invasive nano-device in a membrane context using biological and biomimetic systems. The study includes the characterization of the elastic properties of this nano-device which drives the passage of the parasite without inflicting damage to either partner, the invading parasite and the receiving (human) cell. 

Key words and Methodologies. Quantitative live imaging ; super-resolution microscopy ( expansion /ExM ; STED) ; TIRF microscopy ; Actin dynamics and network, cryoEM, Biomimetic and biological membrane systems; Nanotechnologies, Molecular genetics of the parasite and host cells.

P1- We aim at dissecting how the host-to-host transmissible T. gondii morphotypes cope with the biochemical and physical constraints of the mucin-rich mucus layers that line the intestine tract, in particular referring to as the ileum. We intend to use tunable biochips to reconstitute the physico-chemical properties of mucus using purified and synthetic mucins and to screen for favorable or deleterious conditions for parasite motility and gel crossing.

P2- We aim at developing a model of a mini-ileum on a chip (Organ-On-Chip) amenable to high resolution imaging in order to monitor how host to host transmissible stages of Toxoplasma can access the intestinal cells. A central interest concerns the impact of T. gondii on the biology of the tissue (3D cell shape and tissue organization, cell death and renewal, secretory responses, etc.).

Keywords and Methodologies. Life imaging, microfabrication and microfluidics; Organ on Chip; Intestinal cells, 3D Tissue, Rheology, Mechano-transduction, Molecular genetics of host and parasite