Patrick Jacquemin

Major achievements

• Identification and functional characterization of the genes of the TEAD transcription factor family
• Identification and functional characterization of the genes of the Onecut transcription factor family
• Identification and functional characterization of genes, signaling pathways and cell types involved in pancreatic diseases

Question

What genes, downstream signaling pathways, and cell types are involved in pancreatic cancer and genetic dysfunction of the exocrine pancreas?

Research focus

The pancreas consists of multiple cell types which support its endocrine and exocrine functions. Its proper functioning is ensured by genes specifically acting within these cell types. For exocrine pancreas, disruption of gene activity lead to the development of diseases, such as cancer, pancreatitis, or rare hereditary and congenital disorders of the exocrine pancreas.

Several genes important for pancreatic disease have been identified, and much focus has been put one KRAS whose mutations are associated with pancreatic cancer. However, other genes required for proper pancreatic physiology have yet to be identified. In this context, we (i) study the normal and pathophysiological role of KRAS in the pancreas and determine in which exocrine cell type(s) it is active ; (ii) identify genes involved in hereditary and congenital disorders of the exocrine pancreas and characterize the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms.

Our studies rely on the use of state-of-the-art molecular and cell biology technology applied to cell and animal models. We ensure multidisciplinarity in collaboration with clinicians, who provide access to patient data and samples.

Work in the team is performed in close collaboration with the group of Frédéric Lemaigre who investigates liver development and cancer. The two groups share space, equipment and expertise.

Nick van Gastel obtained his Master’s degree in Bioengineering from the Patrick Jacquemin obtained his PhD in biochemical sciences (1994) at ULiège, in the laboratory of J. Martial, studying the regulation of gene transcription. From 1994 to 1997, he performed a postdoc at the IGBMC (Strasbourg), in the group of I. Davidson, identifying and characterizing the members of the TEAD transcription factor family. He then returned to Belgium in the laboratory of G. Rousseau (de Duve Institute, UCLouvain), and collaborated with Frédéric Lemaigre to identify members of the Onecut family of transcription factors. In 2000, he obtained a permanent position at the FNRS. He then characterized the functions of Onecut factors and became interested in the mechanisms initiating pancreatic cancer. He is also developing translational projects related to pancreatic cancer and disease. He is FNRS research director, UCLouvain part-time professor, and director of the UCLouvain's transgenesis platform producing genetically modified mice.

Honors

• Madame veuve André Matthys-Bove Prize, 2021, Université catholique de Louvain
• Henri Fauconnier Prize, 2014-2016, Académie Royale de Médecine de Belgique
• Professeurs Léon et Henri Fredericq Prize, 2002, Académie Royale des Sciences de Belgique

Affiliations

• Group Leader, de Duve Institute
• Research Director, FNRS
• Part-time Professor, UCLouvain