Protein production

Team

Scientific manager. Luc Bousset (Luc.Bousset@cnrs.fr)

Protein production

This platform masters all the tools to create misfolding proteins (Aβ, Tau, α-synuclein) by recombinant proteins or extract/purify the proteins from brain samples or produce vesicles enriched with specific proteins.

The object (recombinant or brain-extracted-misfolded proteins, vesicle-enriched proteins) can be characterized with different methods from cryo-EM to in cellulo including organotypic cultures.

The impact can be evaluated in vivo, in zebrafish, rodents or primates. This allows to investigate the effect of different objects in animals for example on synaptic pathology or neuroinflammation or to evaluate therapies.

Real-Time Quaking Induced Conversion

This assay is « an early, rapid and specific assay for misfolded protein diseases ». It can sample multiple sample types, such as brain or cerebrospinal fluid.

The RT-QuIC assay uses in excess recombinantly produced normally folded prions. Samples suspected of containing misfolded proteins are added, leading to misfolding and aggregation of normally folded proteins. These protein aggregates can be detected by thioflavin T visible spectrum fluorescence detection.

Activities

RT-QuIC for Alpha-synuclein

Equipments 

Ultracentrifuge
Plate reader for RT-QuIC
Microbiological safety station

Access

This equipment is available to external users on request, generally within the framework of scientific collaboration.