Facts and Figures :
  340 researchers and 252 PhD students work in biology, biochemistry and healthcare.
  Major organisations :
INSA-Lyon,
Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University
  Main skills : Agronomy ;
Bacteria ;
Optical biosensors ;
Biochemistry ;
Biochemistry of lipids ;
Biodiversity ;
Biofilms ;
Biocomputing ;
Biology ;
Biomechanics ;
Biomembranes ;
Biotechnologies ;
Fungi ;
Collections and constructions of microbial strains ;
Environment ;
Enzymes ;
Gene mapping ;
Genetics (animal, human, micro-organisms, molecular, plant, viral) ;
Medical imaging ;
Yeasts ;
Lipids ;
Gene expression regulating mechanisms ;
Anaerobic metabolism ;
Microbiology ;
Molecular microbiology ;
Biomimetic nanostructures ;
Pectinases ;
Pharmacology ;
Natural products ;
Membrane or lipid binding proteins ;
Physiology (insects, microbes, extreme environments, host/symbiote relations, sports) ;
Pathophysiology ;
Phytochemistry ;
Fleas with DNA ;
Transcription regulation ;
Anti-biofilms coatings ;
Telemedicine ;
Signal processing ...
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Greater Lyon is one of France's major poles for research and industrial development in biology, biochemistry and healthcare. The la Doua Science Park is host to students trained in most of these fields and to many researchers. It provides a favourable ground for the development of businesses in relation with labs and technological centres. La Doua is a major scientific site for life sciences in and around Lyon.
   
The density of relations between la Doua-based labs and the industrial world is a sign of the strong social and economic impact of the fundamental research led. 60% of the total budget of research structures are drawn from contracts with research organisations (CNRS, INRA, INSERM, CEA, CEMAGREF, INRETS, IRD, CIRAD, etc.) and with the research departments of many industrial groups (Danone, Aventis Pasteur, COFAZ, Total Fina Elf, Sanofi-Synthelabo, Vitaflor, LVMH, Lipha- Merck, BioMérieux, P. Fabre, ...).
   
La Doua boasts a remarkable scientific heritage with collections (herbaria, paleontology, zoology), which have become unique tools for national and international researchers.

Research - Training - La Doua : innovations and achievements - Major projects
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Research :

Researchers from 16 different la Doua-based labs are currently working in biology, biochemistry and healthcare ; they are more particularly focus on genetics, biocomputing, biochemistry, with numerous repercussions in biotechnologies. Important infrastructures for studies on the biodiversity of natural environments are available. Research is also particularly strong in medical imaging and the biochemistry of lipids (IMBL). Finally, various technological centres help fundamental and state-of-the-art research as well as technology transfer to the industry.

Genetics :
Molecular genetics and cell biology : The Centre of Molecular and Cell Genetics aims at a better undestanding of how the answer to various physiological and non-physiological demands interact with the cell's genome. The centre mainly studies vertebrates and invertebrates, humans and viruse. Research includes work on molecules acting on cell stress, vaccination strategies using herpes simplex, transgenesis (silk-worms, mice, nematods, drosophilae).
   
Microbiology and genetics : The Microbiology and Genetics Unit focuses on the study of adaptative strategies implemented by micro-organisms, bacteria, fungi or yeasts, as an answer to variations in their biological and physicochemical environment. Research concentrates on phytopathogenie, the structure and biogenesis of membranes, and cell metabolism.
   
The fundamental aspects of this research enables applied implementations in medicine agronomy and the industry.


Biocomputing :
Rhône-Alpes biocomputing pole : The Biometry and Evolutive Biology lab draws on competences in computing, statistics, data analysis, and dynamic modelling to develop research on management, genome representation and modelling. The lab is among the three founding members of PRABI (Rhône Alpes Biocomputing Pole) together with IBCP and the INRIA Hélix programme. As such, it is heavily involved in the Rhône-Alpes genopole biocomputing programme.
   
Fleas with DNA : Research in the biocomputing of fleas with DNA is conducted at the Insects and Interactions Functional Biology lab (BF2I). It concentrates on the analysis of the transcriptome of Buchnera, an endosymbiotic bacterium of aphids.


Biochemistry :
Biochemistry of lipids : Several la Doua-based labs take part in IMBL, the Multidisciplinary Institute of Lipid Biochimstery which gathers research organisations with common scientific objectives. It focuses on the biochemistry of lipids and the organisation of biological membranes. The institute benefits from a technical centre largely dedicated to the study of reconstituted membrane systems.
   
Natural products : The modulation of chemoresistance induced by chemomediators as well as their applications to plant/micro-organism interactions are studied.
   
Enzymology and biosensors : Enzymatic captors are developed and have been marketed. Research also focuses on how some bacterial hydrolases act, to make it easier to measure the quantity to use in biological environments but also to use them for peptid and peptidic derivate synthesis mainly in non-aqueous environments.
   
Biomembranes and biomimetic nanostructures : Biochemistry labs are at the crossroads of biology, chemistry and physicochemistry. Links have been established with other fields at la Doua such as organic chemistry, analytical sciences or nanotechnologies (study of surfaces and interfaces applied to biological or biomimetic membranes ). Such a collaboration is one of the characteristics of the la Doua Science Park.


Biotechnologies :
Biotechnologies, which build up on the control of living matter, integrate progress from several fields (from biochemistry to genetics) and can be implemented in various areas (healthcare, agriculture, the environment, food processing…). Here are a few examples of research conducted at la Doua :
   
Fighting pollutions :
- The microbic ecology lab studies, for example, the use of some bacteria to decontaminate polluted soils.
- LAEPSI investigates the use of micro-organisms to treat waste water.
- The river hydrosystem ecology lab conducts research on water ecosystem evolution, diagnosis methods, and environment engineering for restauration.
   
Fighting destructive insects : The Insects and Interactions Functional Biology lab (BF2I) studies the physiology and genetics of insects and their interactions with one another as well as with other organisms (symbiotic bacteria, plants). This research contributes to an integrated approach to plant protection against destructive insects for a sustainable agriculture, protecting the environment and human health.
   
Fighting contaminations and microbic infections using biofilms : A team from the microbiology and genetics unit specialises in the microbic contamination of materials surfaces. Research is conducted in three directions : the development of methods for the fast quantification and identification of contaminants, the analysis of physiological processes involved in the creation of microbic biofilms, and the development of anti-contamination coatings. The team is involved in the start-up of a biotech company which intends to provide service to companies and public organisations faced with contaminations and microbic infections.
   
Fighting diabetes : Research in healthcare-oriented cell biochemistry, more particularly in blood and blood vessels, has developed around cell signal mechanisms (lipids, cyclic nucleotides). One of the objectives is the study of diabetes vascular complications together with a team from Lipha-Merck.
   
Genetic deafness : Research is conducted on the genes responsible for neurosensory diseases and mainly genetic deafness. The approach is based on chromosome mapping using morbid gene link analysis, the search for a candidate gene, and its validation through the identification of one (or several) mutation(s), and on the functional study of the corresponding protein.
   
Biocaptors, biotests, bioindicators… : Measurements and control, using biocaptors, biotests or bioindicators developed by la Doua labs are used in various fields e.g. the environment, food-processing…


Biodiversity and Natural Environments :
Researchers analysing plant and animal biodiversity are in fact trying to gain a better knowledge and understanding of our own environment.
   
Collections : Claude Bernard Lyon1 University owns a unique scientific heritage. Its paleontology collection, herbium ("Gandoger", "Bonaparte", …) and zoology collection are among unique tools available to national and international researchers.
   
Biodiversity and quantitative ecology : The objective of this field of study is to gain new knowledge through the development of methods using the concept, the language, and the results of formal fields (e.g. mathematics or computing). Research is conducted on dynamic systems (and particularly differential equations) and data analysis.
   
Phytochemistry : The micromolecular biology and phytochemistry lab focuses on the study of plant natural substances. Physicochemical and structural studies enable the characterisation of physiological properties then used in food-processing, cosmetics and the pharmaceutical industry. New quality control processes can also be developed particularly for food-processing. The lab has gained also recognition for its studies on rose bushes.

Medical imaging and Healthcare:  
Medical imaging and telemedicine : CREATIS is a pioneering lab in medical imaging. It is a science-medicine research unit (dynamic imaging to follow the evolution of complex phenomena, volumic imaging for 3D-reconstruction, ultrasound imaging). Besides, CREATIS is the project leader for the " Rhône-Alpes technical centre for healthcare and telemedicine technologies " project , which will have infrastructures both in Lyon and in Grenoble.
   
Discrete geometry and imaging : Researchers from the Girard Desargues Institute are currently working on the definition of geometrical points to superimpose two X-ray images of the same brain taken at a given interval. They will then assess the modifications of the image over that period of time. Discrete geometry should thus enable real progress in medical imaging.
   
Signal processing and biomedicine : Applications of ionising rays and NMR, mainly in biomedicine, are implemented for the non-destructive characterisation of materials or to establish tomographies.
   
Effects of radiations on DNA : Research is conducted to further understand these effects. Besides, IPNL also participates in the creation of a centre for the hadrontherapy treatment of cancer tumors based on the destruction of radio-resistant cancer cells by high-speed carbon ions.


Technological centres :
  State-of-the-art equipment is available at la Doua. Some of it is concentrated in technical centres and available to local, national, and international researchers :
- Centre of electron microscopy applied to biology and geology (CMEABG),
- Technological development and molecular analysis of biodiversity centre (DTAMB),
- Plant biology technical centre (green houses and climate rooms),
- Biocomputing technical centre,
- Insect biology technical centre (climate rooms, determinations),
- High-performance analytical biochemistry and biophysics technical centre, mainly for the study of lipids and reconstituted membranes (multidisciplinary institute of the biochemistry of lipids),
- Healthcare engineering technical centre (under construction)…



Training :

Initial training :

  INSA-Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University.
New courses :
  Joint INSA-Lyon/UCBL graduate course in biocomputing and modelling engineering.
Continuing training :
  INSACAST, INSA-Lyon's continuing training service, UCBL's continuing training service (FOCAL)

  Focus on the main 2-year to 4-year under-graduate courses :
  DUT Génie biologique (2-year technical degree in biology engineering)
- Biological and biochemical analysis
- Agronomy
- Dietetics
  DRT environnement qualité sécurité (1-year post graduate technical research certificate in environmental quality and safety)
  DU ergonomie et physiologie appliquée au travail (university diploma in ergonomy and physiology applied to the workplace)
  AEU expérimentation biologique (post-graduate certificate in experimental biology)
  IUP Génie de l'environnement et écodéveloppement (environment and ecodevelopment polytechnic)
  Biochemistry department (INSA-Lyon) :
- Major in biochemistry
- Major in biocomputing and modelling (joint INSA-Lyon/UCBL diploma)
  Licence de Biologie (3-year degree in biology) :
- Cell biology and physiology
- Organism biology
- General biology, earth and universe sciences
  Licence de biochimie (3-year degree in biochemistry)
  Maîtrise de biologie cellulaire et physiologie (4-year degree in cell biology and physiology):
- Molecular and cell biochemistry
- Physiology
- Specialisation in microbiology
  Maîtrise de biologie des populations et des écosystèmes (4-year degree in population and ecosystem biology) :
- Environment
  Maîtrise de biochimie (4-year degree in biochemistry) :
- Molecular and cell biochemistry
- Structural biochemistry
  MST de chimie et biologie végétales (4-year technical degree in plant chemistry and biology)
 
Focus on the main post-graduate courses :
Magistère de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (post-graduate degree in cell and molecular biology)
DESS de microbiologie (vocational post-graduate degree in microbiology)
Molecular integrated and cognitive biology post-graduate school (BMIC) :
- DEA différenciation, génétique et immunologie (post-graduate research certificate in differenciation, genetics and immunology)
- DEA neurosciences (post-graduate research certificate in neurosciences)
Evolution, Ecosystems, Microbiology, Modelling post-graduate school (E2M2) :
- DEA Analyse et modélisation des systèmes biologiques (post-graduate research certificate in analysis and modelling of biological systems)
- DEA Ecologie microbienne (post-graduate research certificate in microbic ecology)
Interdisciplinary Science - Health post-graduate school (EDISS) :
- DEA biochimie (post-graduate research certificate in biochemistry)
- DEA physiologie intégrée en conditions extrêmes (post-graduate research certificate in integrated physiology in extreme conditions)
- DEA sport et performance (post-graduate research certificate in sports and performances)
- DEA méthodes d'analyse des systèmes de santé (post-graduate research certificate in healthcare systems analysis methods)

An overview of innovations and achievements at la Doua
A better visualisation of the heart for an improved prevention of infarction. CREATIS Myocardial infarction is the first cause of mortality in France. CREATIS, together with healthcare professionals and the IôDP company, has worked on functional imaging of myocardial ischemia. The aim is to develop a method to precisely diagnose the different ischemic states. Such a diagnosis helps choose among new therapies.
Microbiology : LibraGen, a start-up born of research at la Doua Microbic ecology lab After a one-year period as part of the Rhône-Alpes CREALYS incubator, Renaud Nalin's project has seen the light. It promotes research at UCBL's microbic ecology lab. LibraGen is a company studying new product syntheses for the industry from new bacterian bioresources. Nowadays, microbiology, which is widely used in the industry, relies on a mere 1% of biodiversity. LibraGen and the microbic ecology lab develop techniques to access the still unused 99%.
Silk worms, the first genetically modified lepidoptera CGMC The centre of molecular and cell genetics and the Lyon-based national sericultural unit have developed an extremely efficient gene modification technique for Bombyx worms as part of an international collaboration with Japanese and American researchers. Silkworms have thereby been the first lepidoptera on which foreign genes can be implanted. This stable modification of the silkworm's germ cell line has given way to promising applications in fundamental research and biotechnologies.
Toxic plant proteins for destructive insects BF2I

The search for new classes of insect toxins in plants is an important stage in the creation process of varieties resisting destructive insects. The BF2I research unit discovered a new polypeptid of leguminous plants which is toxic for several insects (patent BF 98 05 877). Researchers are now characterising it and studying its mode of action. This protein, from a plant regularly eaten by men, should be promoted in plant transgenesis for protection against several insects.

Artificial food for the breeding of parasites or destructive insect predators BF2I The fight against destructive insects using their natural enemies makes it possible to reduce the disadvantages of chemical insecticides. The BF2I research unit, in collaboration with other European labs and the BIOTOP company, is developing artificial food to breed insect parasites or predators. As well as reducing costs, the objective is to provide a better control and an easier management of auxiliary insect production.


Major projects
Research Rhône-Alpes biocomputing pole (PRABI) The long-established tradition in biocomputing in the Rhône-Alpes region was initiated in the 70's at la Doua and is still strongly represented by the Biometry and evolutive biology lab as well as a technological centre called DTAMB, (technological development and molecular analysis of the biodiversity). It was therefore all too natural for la Doua to become one of the pilot sites of Lyon's and the Rhône-Alpes region biocomputing pole, supported as part of the state/region 2000-2006 objective plan.
Research
Technological centre		 Rhône-Alpes Genopole "Genopoles", which were created in 1999, are excellence sites for genetics. They conduct and promote state-of-the-art research. The Rhône-Alpes Genopole was officially recognised for its achievements in March 2000. Several la Doua-based research units are heavily involved in the Genopole the aim of which is to federate and support regional research projects in genomics and functional proteomics (post-genome). Five technological centres are due to be developed as part of the Rhône-Alpes Genopole. La Doua will head two of them namely the centre for Biocomputing and the centre for the study of the transcriptome and the production of biochips.
Research Set up of the RELYRIS network, the Lyon network for research in healthcare engineering Researchers and organisations involved in medical technologies have gathered as the RELYRIS network to reinforce local scientific, clinical, and industrial collaborations. The network is made up of some 150 researchers, 60 companies, 70 medical doctors, and 20 other various organisations. Ten theme-based groups have been defined : Radiotherapy and physical agent therapy ; Biomaterials, prostheses and tissue engineering ; Medical information systems ; Dental engineering ; Healthcare economy ; Medical training and IT ; Medical imaging and computer-aided diagnosis; Handicaps and home care ; Sensors and Instrumentation ; Telemedicine.
Technological centre Creation of a technological centre in healthcare engineering Health and living matter engineering is a multidisciplinary field at the crossroads of scientific fields as varied as electronics, digital techniques, physics, mathematics, computer science, telecommunications, and living sciences. This project therefore gathers Lyon-based instrumentation labs (INSA-Lyon, UCBL, ECL), Lyon- and Grenoble-based information digital processing (INSA-Lyon, UCBL, UJF, INSERM, CNRS), and regional clinical sites (Lyon public hospitals, La Tronche teaching hospital, CLB).
The purpose of the project is to meet future needs in healthcare and society as part of a move to improve quality of life, aging, handicaps and therapeutic follow-up of patients at home. The Rhône-Alpes healthcare and telemedicine centre will have a site in Lyon (on the la Doua Science Park and at the Biology and Healthcare eastern hospital pole) and one in Grenoble (la Tronche teaching hospital). The centre will help technology transfer to patients in hospitals, to the old and the disabled at home, via local or national SME's or SMI's.
Research Creation of the multidisciplinary institute of lipid biochemistry (IMBL) IMBL was created around public (CNRS, INSA-Lyon, INSERM, Claude Bernard Lyon1 University, Ecole Centrale-Lyon), and industrial (Aldivia, Aventis, Lipha-Merck) research teams with a view to promoting an approach to lipidology as transverse as possible. Currently IMBL focuses on studying biological membranes (natural or reconstituted), the fine chemistry of hydrophobe bioactive molecules, lipoproteins, cell signal lipids and lipid nutriments. IMBL benefits from a high-performance analytical biochemistry and biophysics centre and can accommodate teams with a research project on lipids. The very diversity of themes in this field of study makes transversality even richer and great benefits are expected.


Click here to locate the labs and the businesses in this field of study>>