Our Precision Pathology and Diagnostics Platform specializes in the development of innovative and personalized diagnostic tools in the field of solid organ transplantation (kidney, heart, liver, and lung). The platform combines translational research and diagnostic activities, directly addressing clinical needs. It is structured around two complementary areas:
Research Axis : This component includes projects aimed at advancing the understanding of rejection mechanisms in both allotransplantation and xenotransplantation. It relies on integrated approaches combining: Molecular analyses, such as targeted transcriptomics and next-generation sequencing (NGS); Histological studies, enhanced with digital pathology tools and Multiplex immunofluorescence technique. Together, these methodologies enable a detailed and multidimensional characterization of the biological processes involved in transplant rejection.
Diagnostic Axis : Our diagnostic services are based on two precision medicine approaches applied to transplantation: Liquid biopsy: Focused on integrating new biomarkers for immune monitoring of transplant recipients, particularly through the analysis of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA). This non-invasive method allows for early detection of rejection episodes, reducing the need for invasive diagnostic procedures. Molecular microscope: Based on targeted transcriptomic analysis using the HistoMX system, an algorithm that estimates the likelihood of rejection by analyzing gene expression profiles specifically associated with graft rejection. This approach allows for refined rejection stratification and serves as a clinical decision support tool, particularly helpful for nephrologists in tailoring immunosuppressive therapy.
Service Provision : In addition to our services in transplantation, the platform offers analytical services open to all research teams wishing to outsource their sample analysis. We provide: RNA extraction from FFPE samples and Gene expression analysis using the Bruker nCounter® system (Use of commercially available gene panels marketed by Bruker)
Platform Manager
Platform Manager
Platform Manager
gentleMACS™ Octo Dissociator: This instrument gently dissociates tissues (fresh or frozen) into single-cell suspensions or homogenates, ensuring high viability and yield for downstream molecular applications or cell culture. Its optimized protocols are suitable for a wide range of tissue types.
Maxwell® RSC: This semi-automated system offers efficient and reproducible nucleic acid extraction from various sample types, delivering high-quality RNA ready for sensitive downstream applications like nCounter analysis. Its compact design and ease of use streamline laboratory workflows.
NANODROPTM ONE: Spectrophotometer designed for rapid and accurate quantificationof nucleic acid and proteins
nCounter Max/Flex: This system provides direct, multiplexed quantification of hundreds nucleic acids species in a single reaction with high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for gene expression analysis without amplification. It’s renowned for its robust performance on difficult sample types, including formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues.
Biomek i5: This automated liquid handler provides precise and high-throughput liquid handling for various molecular biology applications, enhancing experimental reproducibility and efficiency. It significantly reduces manual pipetting errors and frees up researcher time.
Tapestation 4200: An automated electrophoresis system designed for fast, reliable analysis of DNA and RNA samples. It provides accurate sizing, quantification, and integrity assessment using pre-packaged ScreenTape® technology, making it ideal for next-generation sequencing (NGS) and other molecular biology applications
MiSeqDx: This next-generation sequencing system delivers rapid and accurate sequencing results, making it suitable for targeted sequencing and gene panel analysis. It is designed for clinical diagnostics, ensuring high-quality and reliable data
The team working on the platform is composed of six members, including three technicians and three research engineers who manage the different aspects of the platform’s activities.
Molecular Microscope Manager: Jessy DAGOBERT – Email: jessy.dagobert@inserm.fr
Jessy DAGOBERT oversees the transcriptomic part of the platform, focusing on the implementation and development of the molecular microscope system (HistoMX). She manages the entire workflow — from sample reception to the delivery of molecular results, including gene expression analysis using the Bruker nCounter system.
Thanks to this innovative and powerful analytical approach, she supports pathologists and nephrologists in better understanding and managing organ rejection in transplant patients, ultimately enabling the delivery of personalized diagnostics.
She also brings her technical expertise at the service of other research teams by offering them services using Bruker’s nCounter.
Liquid biopsy Manager: Anaïs CERTAIN – Email: anais.certain@inserm.fr
Anaïs CERTAIN manages a cutting-edge liquid biopsy platform dedicated to the analysis of circulating DNA (cfDNA) biomarkers for non-invasive monitoring in organ transplantation. Through continuous optimization of analytical workflows, she ensures the delivery of accurate and reliable diagnostics to support clinicians in early detection of organ rejection and personalized patient care.
Xenotransplantation Manager : Fariza MEZINE – Email: fariza.mezine@inserm.fr
Fariza MEZINE leads xenotransplantation research, developing and applying innovative tools to better understand and categorize rejection mechanisms in xenotransplantation.
Our Services
Solid Organ Transplantation Diagnostics : We offer advanced precision diagnostics to support clinical decision-making in kidney and heart transplantation: HistoMX analysis on RNA extracted from FFPE samples, enabling refined diagnosis of rejection episodes ; Quantification of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) for non-invasive detection of organ rejection
Research Services : Our platform provides support for translational and molecular research through the following services: RNA extraction from FFPE tissue samples; Gene expression analysis using the nCounter® Max/Flex system (Bruker); Quality control and validation of transcriptomic data
