Website Research Unit BBV
Characterization of specialized plant metabolisms by developing biotechnological and metabolic engineering processes aimed at producing metabolites of interest for pharmaceutical, cosmetic or agronomic applications
Financial Partners of BIOPROPHARM research project
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These projects are based on molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and genomics and metabolomics approaches.
Visit the websites dedicated to our ANR and Horizon Europe projects
Watch our motion design about our bioproduction research projects : Exploiting yeasts to fight anticancer drug shortage
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 | Evolution of CYP71D drives the diversification of monoterpene indole alkaloid biosynthesis in Gentianales Besseau S, Durand M, Zamar DL, Lezin E, Méteignier LV, Birer Williams C, Dutilleul C, Perrot T, Lanoue A, Oudin A, Papon N, Massiot G, Sun C, St-Pierre B, Courdavault V. Evolution of CYP71D drives the diversification of monoterpene indole alkaloid biosynthesis in Gentianales. Plant Commun. 2025 May 19:101381. doi: 10.1016/j.xplc.2025.101381. |
 | Geissoschizine Cyclase: A Discovery Revolutionizing the Understanding and Synthesis of Pharmacologically Important Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids As part of the MIACYC project, a major breakthrough has been made in understanding the enzymatic mechanisms responsible for the synthesis of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs), valuable compounds with various pharmacological applications. Through combined transcriptomic analyses of the epidermis and leaves of Alstonia scholaris, enhanced by the overexpression of the transcriptional regulator MYC2, our teams identified a key enzyme: geissoschizine cyclase. |
 | A GAME changer in steroidal metabolite biosynthesis Lezin E, Papon N, Courdavault V. A t Commun. 2024 Dec 3:101201. doi: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.101201. |
 | Genome-based discovery of pachysiphine synthases in Tabernaemontana elegans This article explores how monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs), plant compounds with medicinal properties, could be harnessed for drug production. The researchers sequenced the genome of Tabernaemontana elegans to uncover genes linked to the synthesis of pachysiphine, an MIA with anticancer and anti-Alzheimer potential. By identifying key enzymes and engineering MIA production in yeast, this study opens the door to new biotechnological approaches for producing pachysiphine-based pharmaceuticals. |
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