The PO-Biochemistry platform provides scientific and technical support for the development of biochemistry projects focusing on the functional and structural characterization of plant proteins. Its activities include producing recombinant proteins, studying post-translational modifications, and analysing protein-ligand interactions in vitro. Additionally, the PO-Biochemistry offers advanced tools for characterizing protein interaction networks in planta.
Biological Research Question
The PO-Biochemistry operates on two levels. First, it provides state-of-the-art equipment for studying plant proteins. Located in Building 14 of the IJPB, PO-Biochemistry comprises three dedicated rooms and a cold room, housing a dozen advanced analytical devices (see selection and photos below) along with various consumables. This setup constitutes a unique infrastructure at INRAE for plant protein analysis. Access is available to IJPB members, who can book equipment and use necessary consumables for their experiments.
Scientific Services Provided by the PO-Biochemistry
The PO-Biochemistry also offers experimental execution services and technical expertise in the following areas:
>Recombinant Expression of Plant Proteins: Production of proteins in homologous and heterologous hosts (such as E. coli, insect cells), overseen by Alexandre de Saint Germain.
>Protein-Ligand Interaction Studies: In-solution analysis of protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions, with thermodynamic parameters determined through methods including Microscale Thermophoresis (MST), Differential Scanning Fluorimetry (DSF), nanoDSF, tryptophan intrinsic fluorescence, and enzymology (managed by Alexandre de Saint Germain).
>Identification of In Planta Protein Partners: Identification of protein and RNA partners of proteins of interest through proximity biotinylation, TAP-tagging, or co-immunoprecipitation, with expression performed in planta or in the Arabidopsis PSB-D cell line (Van Leene et al., 2007 ; https://abrc.osu.edu/researchers/cell), coordinated by Hakim Mireau.
>Proteomic Sample Preparation: Specialized sample preparation service for proteomic analysis, encompassing protein extraction, quantification, purification, separation, and enzymatic digestion to ensure high-quality mass spectrometry results (supervised by Loïc Rajjou).
Economic and Societal Impact
The studies conducted by the PO-Biochemistry are integrated into numerous research projects, advancing the development of sustainable, environmentally friendly agricultural practices that align with agroecology principles. The PO-Biochemistry collaborates on the Interdisciplinary Project Métabiodivex with Université Paris-Saclay and contributes to several projects aimed at developing agroecological approaches, such as methods for combating parasitic plants and identifying allelopathic compounds.
The PO-Biochemistry also plays a vital role in student education through various teaching modules (AgroParisTech, UVSQ). With its dedicated practical training room, the platform hosts student groups for experimental training, providing access to state-of-the-art equipment. The PO-Biochemistry has developed practical exercises specifically for undergraduate students to introduce them to protein-ligand interaction techniques. In the Des plantes et des Hommesprogramme, The PO-Biochemistry members welcome high school groups to introduce them to the platform's activities and professions. Students can explore the platform’s equipment and interact directly with researchers.
Team and Organization
The PO-Biochemistry team consists of two leads (Hakim Mireau and Alexandre de Saint Germain), technical and logistics coordinators (Boris Collet, Loïc Rajjou, and Marianne Azzopardi), and facility liaisons for PO-Biochemistry’s external labs (Thierry Desprez, Marianne Azzopardi, Céline Boulard, Pierre Briozzo, and Anne Marmagne). These team members oversee the proper usage and optimal functioning of specific equipment, ensuring the efficient management of PO-Biochemistry’s technical resources.
The PO-Biochemistry operates on two levels. First, it provides state-of-the-art equipment for studying plant proteins. Located in Building 14 of the IJPB, PO-Biochemistry comprises three dedicated rooms and a cold room, housing a dozen advanced analytical devices (see selection and photos below) along with various consumables. This setup constitutes a unique infrastructure at INRAE for plant protein analysis. Access is available to IJPB members, who can book equipment and use necessary consumables for their experiments.
Scientific Services Provided by the PO-Biochemistry
The PO-Biochemistry also offers experimental execution services and technical expertise in the following areas:
>Recombinant Expression of Plant Proteins: Production of proteins in homologous and heterologous hosts (such as E. coli, insect cells), overseen by Alexandre de Saint Germain.
>Protein-Ligand Interaction Studies: In-solution analysis of protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions, with thermodynamic parameters determined through methods including Microscale Thermophoresis (MST), Differential Scanning Fluorimetry (DSF), nanoDSF, tryptophan intrinsic fluorescence, and enzymology (managed by Alexandre de Saint Germain).
>Identification of In Planta Protein Partners: Identification of protein and RNA partners of proteins of interest through proximity biotinylation, TAP-tagging, or co-immunoprecipitation, with expression performed in planta or in the Arabidopsis PSB-D cell line (Van Leene et al., 2007 ; https://abrc.osu.edu/researchers/cell), coordinated by Hakim Mireau.
>Proteomic Sample Preparation: Specialized sample preparation service for proteomic analysis, encompassing protein extraction, quantification, purification, separation, and enzymatic digestion to ensure high-quality mass spectrometry results (supervised by Loïc Rajjou).
Economic and Societal Impact
The studies conducted by the PO-Biochemistry are integrated into numerous research projects, advancing the development of sustainable, environmentally friendly agricultural practices that align with agroecology principles. The PO-Biochemistry collaborates on the Interdisciplinary Project Métabiodivex with Université Paris-Saclay and contributes to several projects aimed at developing agroecological approaches, such as methods for combating parasitic plants and identifying allelopathic compounds.
The PO-Biochemistry also plays a vital role in student education through various teaching modules (AgroParisTech, UVSQ). With its dedicated practical training room, the platform hosts student groups for experimental training, providing access to state-of-the-art equipment. The PO-Biochemistry has developed practical exercises specifically for undergraduate students to introduce them to protein-ligand interaction techniques. In the Des plantes et des Hommesprogramme, The PO-Biochemistry members welcome high school groups to introduce them to the platform's activities and professions. Students can explore the platform’s equipment and interact directly with researchers.
Team and Organization
The PO-Biochemistry team consists of two leads (Hakim Mireau and Alexandre de Saint Germain), technical and logistics coordinators (Boris Collet, Loïc Rajjou, and Marianne Azzopardi), and facility liaisons for PO-Biochemistry’s external labs (Thierry Desprez, Marianne Azzopardi, Céline Boulard, Pierre Briozzo, and Anne Marmagne). These team members oversee the proper usage and optimal functioning of specific equipment, ensuring the efficient management of PO-Biochemistry’s technical resources.
PHOTOS
Platform heads:
Hakim Mireau & Alexandre de Saint Germain