Congratulations to Fatima El KHALOUFI El KHADDAR on earning their PhD!
Her work, supervised by Ali HAMICHE
is entitled:"Structural study of the pioneer transcription factor SOX2".
- Summary of her research work:
SOX2 is a pioneer transcription factor essential for the development and maintenance of pluripotency, capable of interacting with DNA organized within chromatin in nucleosomal form. Using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), we investigated the structural organization of SOX2–nucleosome complexes to better understand the molecular basis of this interaction. Our results highlight a progressive process whereby SOX2 promotes local chromatin rearrangements, facilitating DNA accessibility and the reorganization of nucleosomal components. This dynamic involves conformational changes in the DNA as well as partial destabilization of the nucleosomal structure, leading to the formation of intermediate states. These observations provide a comprehensive mechanistic framework for SOX2-mediated chromatin remodeling activity. Finally, our data suggest that alterations in specific functional regions of SOX2 may affect its biological properties and be associated with human diseases, including developmental disorders and certain cancers.
- Skills acquired at the IGBMC:
In addition to developing strong technical expertise, I have also learned to manage multiple projects, work independently, and develop patience and resilience when things do not go as planned, which happens quite often in research.
- Life at the IGBMC:
State-of-the-art research platforms and infrastructure with world-class expertise.
- Collaboration:
Stefan Dimitrov, Université Grenoble Alpes
- Funding and partners:
PhD funded by an ANR grant for 36 months, followed by a fourth year funded by the Fundació Mir Puig, a Spanish organization.
- Future projects:
I will remain in the team as a postdoctoral researcher for one year to finalize and submit the publication.