The team’s own projects
We are interested in the receptor channels of arthropod vectors of human and animal diseases, which are also of agricultural interest. Within these receptor channels, we focus mainly on neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
Our research activities revolve around 2 major themes:
1. The study of the functional properties and pharmacology of neuronal nicotinic receptors in arthropods
Our studies aim to understand the functional and pharmacological properties of these receptors, using a variety of approaches combining molecular biology, site-directed mutagenesis and electrophysiology.
Our comparative approach with mammalian receptors provides a better understanding of the pharmacology of these receptors between arthropods and mammals. We are focusing in particular on:
- Receptor subunit composition and associated pharmacology
The pharmacology of nicotinic receptors is intimately linked to their subunit composition. Our studies aim to understand how this subunit composition can impact arthropod resistance to insecticide and acaricide treatments.
- Intracellular regulatory pathways and their impact on sensitivity to neonicotinoid insecticides and derivatives
We have demonstrated that intracellular modulation of calcium-dependent pathways can impact the sensitivity of insect neuronal nicotinic receptors.
- The impact of pesticides on neuronal nicotinic receptors in arthropods and mammals (including humans)
The team's aim is to understand the mode of action of neonicotinoid insecticides and their derivatives on neuronal nicotinic receptors, and to identify general principles in terms of ligand-receptor interactions.
- Modeling ligand-receptor interactions
We are studying how different compounds bind to the receptor, the strength of the interactions and the residues involved. This information is needed to fully understand how drugs act on neuronal nicotinic receptors, and particularly how pesticides bind to them.
- The toxicity of neonicotinoid insecticides and their derivatives
Alongside pharmacological studies, we are also carrying out toxicological studies to identify resistance in arthropods at physiological level.
2. Studying the involvement of insect neuronal nicotinic receptors in memorization and learning processes
Within the team, we are studying how these receptors are involved in memorization and learning processes, using the Apis mellifera honeybee as a model.
Cross-disciplinary projects with the Orléans University Hospital (CHUO)
MIVE project (Vector-borne infectious diseases)
With global warming, vector-borne infectious diseases are a major public health problem. In the team, we are interested in several vectors, including ticks, mosquitoes,...
Vincristine project
Understanding the mode of action of vincristine and its effect on nerve communication and ionic activity.
Resources available at the laboratory
Access to the team's equipment
The NNCI team's equipment is available to external service providers, notably via the Canaux-CELL platform.
AXONE group
The team is a member of the Axone group (Axe Orléanais des Neurosciences) with the CBM and INEM laboratories of the CNRS in Orléans.
Recent publications
Flupyradifurone activates DUM neuron nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and stimulates an increase in intracellular calcium through the ryanodine receptors.
Taha M, Cartereau A, Taillebois E, Thany SH. Pestic Biochem Physiol. 2024 Nov;205:106147.
Pharmacology and molecular modeling studies of sulfoxaflor, flupyradifurone and neonicotinoids on the human neuronal 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.
Cartereau A, Bouchouireb Z, Kaaki S, Héricourt F, Taillebois E, Le Questel JY, Thany SH. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2024 Nov;492:117123.
Navigating the complexities of docking tools with nicotinic receptors and acetylcholine binding proteins in the realm of neonicotinoids.
Bouchouireb Z, Olivier-Jimenez D, Jaunet-Lahary T, Thany SH, Le Questel JY. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2024 Aug;281:116582.
The calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase inhibitor, STO-609, inhibits nicotine-induced currents and intracellular calcium increase in insect neurosecretory cells.
Taha M, Houchat JN, Taillebois E, Thany SH., J Neurochem. 2024 Jul;168(7):1281-1296.