Technical platforms

UMR-S 1329's histology technical platform is used to process tissues for the unit's histological analyses. The platform is equipped to cut paraffin blocks, fixed and/or frozen tissues, and perform immunostaining and histological staining on a non-automated basis.

The platform is equipped with a range of equipment shared by the unit's various teams. This equipment is made available to users on request, and training in its use is provided.

UMR1329's histology platform is responsible for a wide range of tasks: equipment maintenance, theoretical training for users in traditional histology approaches (cryostat, paraffin, etc.) and innovative approaches (RNAscope hybridization and soon transparentization), practical training for users in the use of the platform's equipment and in staining, technical advice, new technology monitoring, observation, imaging and counting.

The molecular biology technical platform acts as an interface between the teams, centralizing equipment dedicated to molecular biology. Several separate areas are available for DNA and RNA analysis. A PCR & genotyping area featuring a thermal cycler, an agarose gel migration system and a capillary electrophoresis system, allow to save time and improve the reproducibility of results. An area dedicated to RNA extraction and gene analysis by qPCR is also available here.

My role as manager is to be on hand for any needs, primer design, protocol optimization and technical support in this area.

The cell culture laboratory (biosafety level 2) is composed of three rooms equipped with a total of five class 2 microbiological safety cabinets. One room is dedicated to the culture and manipulation of immortalized cell lines, while the other two are dedicated to the culture and differentiation of iPSCs (induced pluripotent stem cells).

My role is to ensure that the laboratory runs smoothly, train new users and provide technical support for the various projects using cell models.

This surgery technical platform brings together all the unit's expertise and dedicated equipment. It enables us to respond to certain research themes, mainly through the modulation and recording of neuronal networks. It comprises two stereotaxic frames, each with its own gas anesthesia system, as well as all the tools available for the unit's members. It is therefore possible to perform stereotactic surgery to :

1. Implant different viral vectors in different brain structures of interest, either with the aim of marking these structures and/or modulating their activity using an optogenetic system (by laying an optical fiber) or chemogenetics.
2. Position electrodes to record cerebral activity in a punctual or longitudinal manner.
3. Testing and measuring the effects of these interventions using various behavioral tests configured to address the unit's various research themes (motor skills, social behaviors, anxiety, addiction, etc.).

My role within this structure is to contribute my expertise to train the various users and enable them to be autonomous, to optimize certain protocols, to ensure that the equipment works properly through regular maintenance and to ensure good management of common stocks.