From a simple question
to a major discovery,
our journey since 2010
It all began in 2010 with a simple question: Are phospholipases in African trypanosomes important for their pathogenicity? These enzymes, which are capable of breaking down cell membranes, are often implicated in the virulence of pathogens, and some earlier studies even suggested that they play a role in the lysis of red blood cells in mammalian hosts.
The Mystery of “Patatine” (2010–2020)
By searching through genomic databases, we identified several promising candidates, including one particularly intriguing protein. Its sequence showed similarities to a plant enzyme with the unusual name “Patatine,” a reference to a protein found in abundance in potatoes.
For more than ten years, we have sought to elucidate the function of this mysterious molecule, drawing on all the functional genomics tools available in the laboratory. To no avail.
The Turning Point (2021)
In 2021, a major breakthrough marked our work. Perrine Hervé, who has just begun her doctoral research, made a crucial observation by cross-referencing location data from the TrypTag project with our previously unpublished results.
She proposed that the Patatine be associated with lipid droplets, an organelle that was little known at the time. This turning point refocused our research on these fascinating structures, which are now recognized as hubs of cellular metabolism.
Collaboration and Acceleration
Studying these droplets required advanced expertise. It was only natural that we turned to Cyrille Botté, a specialist in the lipid metabolism of parasites and the head of one of the few lipidomics platforms in France.
Initial analyses quickly yielded promising results, leading to the submission and approval of an ANR project. The story continues to unfold today...
2010
- Identification du gène de la Patatine dans la banque de données génomiques.
2021
October
- Perrine establishes the crucial link between the localization of T. brucei’s Patatin and lipid droplets.
2024
July
- Awarded the ANR contract for the OIL Project.
- Perrine’s participation in the FASEB meeting
“Lipid Droplets: From Mechanisms to Disease”
2024
October
- The beginning of Kathyanna’s thesis.
2024
December
- Perrine’s thesis defense.
- Poster award for Kathyanna at the Scientific Day of the Department of Biological and Medical Sciences in Bordeaux.
2025
July
Meeting of the collaborative network for the Trypadiff and Oil projects.
2025
September
- Kathyanna and Loïc attended the EMBO workshop “Lipid Droplets: Cell-Biological Control of Metabolism” in Spain. (Poster Presentation)
2025
October
- Kathyanna’s participation in the EMBO workshop “Host-Parasite Relationships” in Les Embiez. (Pésentation d’un Poster)
2025
November
- Science outreach during the SBM Department’s open house (microscopy workshop and lab tour led by Kathyanna and Loïc).
2026
February
Loïc’s participation in the symposium in Tanzania on animal trypanosomiasis. Loïc’s oral presentation on lipid metabolism and lipid droplets.
2026
May
Participation in Microbiology Day (website). Oral presentation by Loïc on the OiL project and poster by Kathyanna
2026
May
Life and Health Sciences Doctoral School Day. Poster presentation by Kathyanna.
2026
May
Collaborative network meeting in Annecy focusing on the Oil and Trypadiff projects.