Theme
This project focuses on the study of living organisms at different scales of observation defined by their size, ranging from meters to nanometers, and aims to understand the different levels of organization: from the structure and dynamics of molecules and their involvement in cellular architecture or signaling, to the integration of these cells into organs and organisms.
We take on the challenge of understanding the dynamics of these systems regardless of the scale of observation and aim to combine these levels of analysis. To do so, we encourage 1) the development of innovative methodologies and 2) practical applications enabled by these technological advances to answer complex biological questions. Innovations in high-resolution spatial and temporal analysis of living systems in biology and health will provide solutions to medical and societal challenges. Cutting-edge research and innovation facilitated by these technologies will offer new approaches to disease prevention through new methods of detection and diagnosis, first by understanding how living organisms function and then by identifying the underlying causes of disease.
The PTL aims to promote methodological developments in three sub-themes that are important for the spatio-temporal analysis of living organisms:
Imaging of living organisms
This involves designing and developing new imaging techniques or high-resolution spatial and temporal analysis methods, from the cell to the organism. The creation of new technologies and innovative methodologies will enable us to answer the most complex biological questions. The PTL will also support practical applications made possible by these technological advances to solve specific biological problems. To understand the dynamics of systems, regardless of the scale of observation, approaches based on living systems will be prioritized.
Developing multiparametric approaches
Develop methods for reading multiple parameters from the same sample and understand how these systems interact and influence each other. The goal is to obtain an integrated view of a complex biological process. The development of appropriate theoretical methods will make it possible to take into account the complexity of a signal and to link different scales of observation.
Promoting the study of endogenous systems
The goal is to improve methods that allow biological processes to be observed as they occur naturally. This requires minimally invasive techniques that preserve the integrity of the living subject. This may involve overcoming challenges related to observing endogenous molecules or analyzing macromolecular complexes in their original cellular environment, as well as accurately mapping the spatial location of identified cell subpopulations within their original tissue.