National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Inserm
INSERM (Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale) is the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research. It is a public research institution dedicated to biomedical and health research. INSERM plays a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge and promoting healthcare innovation in France.
Role in Project
INSERM Lille leads WP3 (Transomic analyses & AI: Pathogenic pathways and molecular/environmental interactions; implementation of predictive models for obesity), WP4 (New Genes: Exploration of genetic etiologies of childhood obesity & discovery of novel rare genetic forms of obesity), and WP7 (Management and coordination).
INSERM Lille brings internationally recognised expertise in cutting-edge genomics of obesity, with a particular focus on childhood obesity. This expertise is anchored in the LIGAN platform, an ISO15189-accredited facility equipped with the latest high-throughput Illumina sequencing technologies, enabling both large-scale genomic discovery and clinically accredited diagnostics for monogenic obesity and related disorders.
Beyond sequencing, INSERM Lille has a strong track record in integrative multi-omics data analysis and in the application of artificial intelligence and deep learning approaches to unravel complex gene–environment interactions and to develop predictive models. This unique combination of advanced infrastructure, methodological innovation, and clinical translation positions INSERM Lille as a key leader in the project.
INSERM-Lille
People
(Lille, FRANCE); co-PI; WP leader.
Amelie graduated as PhD from University of Lille in 2010. Her scientific career has been focused on the dissection of the genetic aetiologies of type 2 diabetes and obesity to elucidate their pathophysiology towards a better stratification of the patients and a putative identification of new drug targets. She is Director of Research (Inserm) and heads a team tackling “Metabolic functional (epi)genomics and their abnormalities in type 2 diabetes and related disorders”. She is also the current scientific director of the PIA-funded EquipEx LIGAN-PM platform dedicated to the use of next-generation sequencing in precision medicine. She has published >150 peer-reviewed scientific papers (H Index: 59 [Google Scholar]).
(Lille, FRANCE); co-PI; WP leader; Philippe is a renowned geneticist known for his contributions to the field of diabetes research. He has made significant discoveries in the genetic basis of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Philippe has identified several gene variants associated with these conditions, shedding light on their underlying mechanisms. He has published extensively, received numerous awards, and held prestigious academic positions. His research has paved the way for personalized medicine approaches in diabetes and obesity, offering insights into prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. He has published >800 peer-reviewed scientific papers (H Index: 184 [Google Scholar]).
INSERM-Paris
People
Ralf Jockers
Dr Ralf Jockers studied biotechnology and biochemistry in Cologne and Braunschweig, Germany. His laboratory was among the first to demonstrate the oligomerization of GPCRs. He showed the formation physiological importance of melatonin receptor heteromers. He established the concept of ligand-independent functions of orphan receptors in GPCR heterodimers. He discovered multiple GPCRs variants associated with diabetes/obesity risk. His lab was among the first to discover mitochondrial functions of GPCRs. He directs the International Research Network (IRN) i-GPCRnet of the CNRS, is co-director of the Metabolism and Endocrinology Department of the Institut Cochin and chair of IUPHAR « Melatonin receptor » sub-committee.
Julie Dam
Dr. Julie DAM is an expert in membrane receptor pharmacology and biochemistry, focusing on leptin receptor (the first gene identified as responsible for obesity) and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). She co-leads the "Functional Pharmacology and Pathophysiology of Membrane Receptors" team at Paris' Institut Cochin alongside Dr. Ralf JOCKERS. Using diverse approaches—biochemical, pharmacological, genetic—her research delves into membrane receptor signaling's impact on cell function and its relevance to metabolic disorders like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Dr. Dam has >50 publications, 2 patents, and 5 career awards/fellowships, emphasizing new drug targets and therapeutic innovations.
