IJPB / Plant Observatory - Biochemistry Platform

The platform brings together the essential equipment required for protein biochemistry (expression, extraction, purification and characterisation) and offers methods for the biochemical, biophysical and structural analysis of proteins and their assemblies. OV-Biochemistry has innovative equipment for quality control, using nanoDSF (Tycho-NanoTemper technologies GmbH), of purified proteins, as well as for studying biomolecular interactions in vitro using MicroScaleThermophoresis approaches (Monolith NT 115-NanoTemper technologies GmbH) and also using nanoDSF. The IJPB's OV-Biochemistry supports the development of biochemistry projects linked to the functional and structural characterisation of plant proteins. Its activities include the production of recombinant proteins, the study of post-translational modifications and the analysis of protein-ligand interactions in vitro. It also offers cutting-edge tools for characterising protein interaction networks in planta.

The OV-Biochemistry team comprises two managers and technical and logistical referents. It offers experimental services and technical advice for :
> Recombinant expression of plant proteins: Production of proteins in homologous and heterologous hosts (E. coli, insect cells).
> Study of protein-ligand interactions: Tests of protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions in solution, determination of thermodynamic parameters by thermophoresis (MST), differential scanning fluorometry (DSF), nanoDSF, intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence or enzymology.
> Identification of protein partners in planta: Identification of protein partners by proximity biotinylation, TAP, or co-immunoprecipitation, via expression in planta or in Arabidopsis cell lines.
> Sample preparation for proteomics: Specialist service in sample preparation for proteomics analysis, including extraction, assay, purification, separation and enzymatic digestion of proteins, to guarantee robust mass spectrometry results.)

The studies carried out by OV-Biochemistry form part of numerous research projects, contributing to the development of sustainable, environmentally-friendly agricultural practices in line with the principles of agro-ecology. To this end, OV-Biochemistry is a partner in the Métabiodivex Interdisciplinary Object (IO) at the Université Paris-Saclay and is involved in several projects contributing to the development of agroecological approaches: methods for controlling parasitic plants, identification of allelopathic compounds.