investigation of the functions of transcription factors

Animals adapt their behavior to environmental changes. The general objective of the “Gene Regulation and Adaptive Behaviors” team is to elucidate the physiological and molecular mechanisms whereby life experiences that have an emotional impact, produce long-term behavioral modifications and may lead to disease. To sustain behavioral adaptations, the most probable assumption is that environmental stimulations cause modifications of gene expression in the brain, stabilized by epigenetic mechanisms, which reflect changes in nuclear organization.

To address this question, we investigate the functions of transcription factors, such as steroid receptors or STATs, induced by hormones released upon environmental challenges or the functions of epigenetic modifiers recruited by these transcription factors.We generate mutations of these factors in selected brain cell populations (specific neuronal populations, neural precursors, microglia, astrocytes, ...) and combine behavioral, physiological and molecular approaches to study the consequences.

In this context, we are particularly interested in studying how stress response remodels gene expression to modify behaviors, such as addiction or emotions; and how stress may lead to pathological situations including behavioral disorders or neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease. We also investigate how hormonal control of gene expression shape sexual and social behaviors.

Address :
Cassan, Bat. A, Campus Pierre et Marie Curie 7-9 quai Saint Bernard 75005 Paris

Team leader :
PARNAUDEAU Sébastien
Name of co-team leader :
TRONCHE François
Administrative Contact Name :
Alix Rousselet

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