Axes de recherche
Role of odixative stress in thyroid pathophysiology.
Update 2023 for Master's students of the Medical School of UNIL: In addition to what is described below, we are currently also looking for one or two Master's students to conduct a literature review (if one) or systematic review (if two) on a topic related to thyroid gland function and its characterization (or neglect) in preclinical studies that address metabolism in whole organisms. The Master's student(s) will collaborate with a PhD student experienced in the conduct of systematic reviews. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal with good impact factor. This project does not require approval by an ethics committee and it is suitable for students interested in endocrinology, metabolism and/or learning to conduct (systematic) literature reviews.
Cells are equipped with complex systems that help sustain protein homeostasis (proteostasis). Our group investigates the roles of proteostatic systems in the prevention and pathogenesis of endocrine diseases. Our main current focus is the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway, which controls the expression of a battery of genes mediating antioxidant responses, detoxification of xenobiotics, degradation of damaged macromolecules, and various other proteostatic mechanisms. We are investigating the roles of Keap1/Nrf2 signaling in thyroid physiology and pathophysiology, including its implication in the response to exposure to pharmacological doses of iodine, in the pathogenesis of benign thyroid nodules, and in thyroid carcinogenesis. We are also characterizing the molecular cross-talks between the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), and the unfolded protein response (UPR) in various physiological and pathological settings. In our studies we adopt a multi-disciplinary and translational approach: we develop and use cellular models of endocrine physiology, rodent models of endocrine pathophysiology, and samples from patients with benign endocrine disorders or endocrine cancers.
