CV Science

Virginie DINET PhD Science

Course and current status

Career

2000-2004      Graduate student, University of Poitiers, France

2004-2007      Post-doctoral Fellow, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Germany

2007-2013      Post-doctoral Fellow, Cordeliers Research Center of Paris, France

2013-2018      INSERM Research scientist, Project Leader, Cordeliers research center Paris,

                       France

2017               HDR (Paris Descartes university)

2018-2019      INSERM U1029, Research scientist, Project Leader, "Complement system  

                        and tumor microenvironment”, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France

Present academic position

 2025- INSERM U1312 Research scientist, Project Leader, "The Hidden Connection Between Complement Convertases and Cancer”, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France

2020-2025 INSERM U1034, Research scientist, Project Leader, "Complement system and vascular dementia disease”, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France

Main Domain of Research

Role of complement system in neurodegenerative/angiogenesis diseases/cancer

Scientific summary

The complement system, a key component of innate immunity, plays an ambivalent role in the fight against cancer. While it is primarily designed to eliminate abnormal cells, deregulation of its activation can paradoxically promote tumor growth and dissemination. At the core of this duality lie the convertases — central enzymatic complexes that could be regulate complement activation.
Our project aims to explore the functional interface between convertases and complement activation within the tumor microenvironment, in order to elucidate how their modulation influences tumor initiation, progression, and immune escape through complement-dependent mechanisms. By combining molecular analyses, cellular models, and in vivo studies, we seek to identify the pathways through which convertases shift the balance between protective and tumor-promoting complement activity. Ultimately, this work could pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies targeting convertases to restore proper complement regulation and harness its anti-tumor potential.