The Metabolic Genomics Laboratory (UMR 8030) is the basic research structure of the Genoscope-National Sequencing Center (see page 25), which is fully integrated in the CEA’s François Jacob Institute of Biology.
Through our own projects or those undertaken in collaboration with national and international partners, we analyze genomes to explore the biodiversity of organisms and thus contribute significantly to a more complete understanding of life in all its complexity. New sequencing techniques have profoundly changed genomic research by making access to sequencing data commonplace and by extending sequencing knowledge to cover all biodiversity. Particularly, a flagship project, involving the sequencing bioinformatics analysis team (P. Wincker), is underway to explore the biodiversity of ocean life (Tara Oceans).
This flood of de novo sequencing data has also accelerated growth in the number of identified genes whose purpose is currently a mystery. Genoscope and UMR have thus decided to extend their biodiversity focus to the study of the chemical reactions of organisms, and structure the unit into three scientific groups:
- group 1: exploration of the diversity of living organisms via genomic and metagenomic analyses (LAGE – P. Wincker; LABGeM – C. Médigue);
- group 2: deepened understanding of prokaryote metabolism, notably through the discovery of chemical reactions catalyzed by living organisms. Also, the use of these chemical reactions as alternatives to synthetic chemistry or for bioremediation (LGBM – M. Salanoubat; LABGeM – C. Médigue; LBMS/LCAB – V. De Berardinis; LBMS/LCOB – A. Zaparucha; LMP – D. Le Paslier);
- group 3: diversification of biochemistry by way of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology (LBMS/LA – M. Bouzon-Bloch; iSSB.
Beyond its interest in fundamental research, the exploration of the chemistry of life based on the discovery and use of enzymes (“white biotech”) will contribute greatly to inventing new ways of producing compounds of-interest. It also participates in the development of sustainable chemistry by contributing to the deployment of chemistry processes that require less fossil fuels, lower energy needs and reduce pollution.
