Having begun my research career investigating mitochondria in plants and then neurological diseases, I discovered the first mutations of the NLGN3, NLGN4X and SHANK3 genes in autism highlighting the main role of the synapse in this complex condition. Currently, my laboratory gathers psychiatrists, neuroscientists and geneticists to understand the interplay between common and rare variants in autism. I lead the genetic work package for InovAND in France and AIMS-2-TRIALS and CANDY in Europe. These large projects are dedicated to translational research on autism. Both projects are focused on deep-phenotyping of individuals with autism and controls including brain imaging (EEG and MRI) and a battery of cognitive tests. My group is currently developing new methods for analysing whole genome and brain imaging data as well as new paradigms for characterizing mouse social and vocal behaviours. I am also the PI of INCEPTION, a large project at Institut Pasteur that applies integrative biology to understand the emergence of diseases in populations and individuals. I am a member of the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO), the French Academy of Sciences, the Academia Europaea and the National Ethical Committe (CCNE). My aim is to provide knowledge-based discoveries for a better diagnostic, care, and integration of individuals with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.
To learn more about autism, visit our Autism page.
Find great advice from the Child Psychiatry Department of Pr Richard Delorme (Robert-Debré Hospital) on CléPsy.
