CEA DSV – IRTSV

The Institute of Life Sciences Research and Technologies relies on an ensemble of technology platforms (proteomics, high-throughput RNA interference, screening, and molecular dynamic imaging) to understand the function of proteins by a multi-scale approach. Its teams study the molecular mechanisms of infection and carcinogenesis, the biological systems that use and transport metals, and cell and plant physiology. The IRTSV is a joint structure of the CEA, Université Joseph Fourier, CNRS and INSERM.

Genes hold the information necessary for the synthesis of proteins, which ensure the great diversity of cell functions, from the catalyzing of enzyme reactions to the structuring of living matter. Historically speaking, the laboratories that were at the origin of the iRTSV institute have always placed the study of the proteins at the heart of their interests. The aim of projects that are carried out in iRTSV is to examine biological processes on a molecular scale, while seeking to elucidate the fine architecture of the proteins involved in these processes, to monitor their dynamic interactions with other partners and to understand their reactivity. Then, the molecular information can be integrated on a larger scale and related to biological functions. This research is benefited by the unique environment of the site, on which the iRTSV is a neighbour to the IBS, UVHCI and the major European instruments (ESRF, ILL).

iRTSV research contributes to more finalized work that is carried out in biotechnologies and in technologies for life science and health. By interacting with the nanotechnology teams that are present on the site, particularly those of the CEA Technological Research Division of the CEA (Leti,Liten), in order to develop innovative tools for the analysis of living beings or the production of energy, iRTSV teams place their work within a continuum between basic research and applied research. Thus, several companies or start-ups have been created by iRTSV researchers, doctoral students or post-docs. Proteine'Xpert (now PX'Therapeutics) was hosted for many years within the Institute. This is still the case for ImmunID, which carries out tests that measure the impact of drugs or the infectious risk level of a patient. Cytoo emerged from the iRTSV/Biopuce laboratory (now BioMiCs). This start up develops products for cellular analysis and high-content cell screening. PROMISE Advanced Proteomicswas created in 2010. This biotech, a spin-off of the EDyP Proteomics Laboratory, designs, promotes and implements innovative technologies in the field of quantitative proteomics to accompany and speed up the development of therapeutic proteins and biomarkers.