Research Interests

The Bouscarel laboratory's research program focuses on the molecular mechanism of transmembrane signal transduction by cell-surface receptors called G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCRs allow communication between the outer and inner cell domain and trigger cellular responses. The glucagon receptor is involved in the regulation of glycogen and glucose metabolism in the liver and its response is altered in certain liver diseases, including cholestasis and cirrhosis. Using proteomic, fluorescent imaging, and biochemical, as well as pharmacological approaches, our goal is to understand what controls receptor expression, down-regulation and activity under physiologic and pathological conditions.

Furthermore, the Bouscarel laboratory’s research program focuses on the mechanism of action and side effects associated to topoisomerase I inhibitors. Topoisomerase I enzymes are involved in DNA synthesis and their inhibition leads to DNA strand breaks and apoptosis. Using a variety of colonic cell lines and tumor models, our goal is to understand the mechanism regulating Topo I inhibition-induced apoptosis and the ability of certain agents to stimulate the anti-tumor effects of the Topo I inhibitor both in vitro and in vivo.

Finally, the Bouscarel laboratory’s research program focuses on bile acids and their role in the modulation of hormonal response and the potency of anti-cancer drugs. The main goal is to identify novel targets useful in the development of new strategies in the treatment of liver diseases and cancer therapy.