CV Science

Karidia KONATE PhD Biophysics

Course and current status

Academic  Degrees

2011 to 2015: PhD from the University of Montpellier entitled “Characterization and optimization of CADY/siRNA nanoparticles for an in vivo application” (France).

In 2002: Graduated with a degree of « Design of products formulated from dispersed systems» at Angers’ university (France).  

In 2001: Graduated with a degree in Chemistry at the University of Pierre and Marie Curie (Paris 6, France).

Appointments

Since 2021: IE at inserm institute, Physiology and Experimental Biology of Heart and Muscles (PHYMEDEXP, Inserm U1046, CNRS UMR 9214 ) in "Development of the visceral smooth muscle and Associated Pathologies"  team N°4.

2015-2020:  IE at Montpellier Cell Biology research Center (CRBM, UMR5237, france) in" Peptide-based vectors for therapeutic delivery” team.

2005 to 2015: Appointed as CNRS’ engineer (IE) at the Center for Biochemical and Macromolecular Research of Montpellier (CRBM, UMR5237, France) in “Department of Molecular Biophysics and Therapeutic" team.

Scientific summary

Cell Penetrating Peptides (CPPs), less than 30 residues and mostly positively charged peptides, allow rapid translocation of cargo molecules across biological barriers. Then, they represent a promising tool for the delivery of functional nucleic acids into cells which cellular access is impaired by their macromolecular size and negative charge. In this context, peptide-based nanoparticles (PBN) were developed based on amphipathic peptides, which spontaneously self-associate when mixed with oligonucleotides, by combining both electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions to form stable complexes able to enter cells. Because in vitro, in cellulo and in vivo experiments are essentials for the validation of future drugs, our team works on formulation and stability assays of nanoparticles in all these different conditions to obtain standardized protocols for reproducible transfection parameters. We also work on optimization of our amphipathic peptides, in the primary sequence and just as  by adding functionalization moieties to increase both tissue targeting and nanoparticles bioavailability. Currently, our PBNs are used in overexpression and downregulation of specific proteins involved in smooth muscles development of digestive tube with the challenging purpose to treat gastrointestinal disorders.