Sandrine Gerber
Is e​xpert in organic synthesis, engineering of polymer and lipid-based nanoparticles for gene delivery, surface functionalization of nanomaterials for theranostic applications as well as DNA biosensors for viral screening.
The research program of her group is devoted to the development of new chemical entities for bio-applications. Her team is mainly interested in the design, synthesis and evaluation of functionalized nanomaterials and biomaterials for therapeutic applications as imaging probes, drug nanocarriers and biosensors. In particular, harmonic nanoparticles are bioconjugated to cancer targeting ligands, caged therapeutic cargos and complementary contrast agents to develop new theranostic tools. Chitosan-based copolymers are engineered for the delivery of plasmid DNA and siRNA in the context of liver metabolic diseases and oncology. The functionalization of glass slides and gold interdigitated electrodes with peptide- and polymer-based spacers is used for the development of DNA biosensors for viral screening.​
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Franck Lebrin
​Is a vascular biologist​ and a member of Inserm Abroad. His research focuses on microvascular disorders, particularly Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), with an emphasis on endothelial–pericyte interactions. He develops advanced human hiPSC- and mouse-based models, combined with ultrasound imaging, to investigate disease mechanisms and support translational research. His work has contributed to the development of AKT inhibitors currently in Phase I and III clinical trials, as well as small molecules promoting vessel stability and integrity for HHT and pericyte-related diseases affecting the brain, eye, and kidney. He is Vice-Chair of Cure HHT International and founder of RougeTX, a spin-off developing pericyte-focused therapies.​
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