CV Science

David Dombrowicz PhD

Course and current status

Titles

1984   Bachelor in Botany. University of Liège (Belgium), magna cum laude

1986   Master in Botany. University of Liège (Belgium), summa cum laude

1990   Certificate in Biophysics. University of Liège (Belgium)

1991    PhD. University of Liège (Belgium), summa cum laude and congratulations from the jury    

2000   Certification for animal experimentation. National Veterinary School, Maison Alfort and Direction of Veterinary Services (DSV, Nord)

2002   Certification for experimental surgery, National Veterinary School, Nantes and Direction of Veterinary Services (DSV, Nord)

2002   Habilitation à diriger des recherches (Certification as research director), University Lille 2

2003  Personne compétente à la radioprotection (special training for radioprotection)

Position

1984-1986   Teaching-student for practical courses in general Biology. University of Liège (Belgium) 

1986-1987   Master thesis. Departments of microorganisms genetics (Prof. R.F. Matagne) and Plant morphology (Prof. R. Bronchart). University of Liège (Belgium)

1987-1991   Assistant-researcher. PhD thesis. Departments of biochemistry and human endocrinology. University of Liège (Belgium)

1991-1996   Post-doctoral training. National Institutes of Health. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Molecular Allergy and Immunology Section (Dr. J.-P. Kinet). Rockville (MD)

1996-1999   Post-doctoral training. Institut Pasteur de Lille Inserm U167 (Prof. Capron)

1999-   Senior Researcher from the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Chargé de Recherches 1^ère classe Inserm). Inserm U547 (Prof. Capron)

1996-1999   Post-doctoral training. Institut Pasteur de Lille Inserm U167 (Prof. Capron)

1999   Senior Researcher from the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Chargé de Recherches 1^ère classe Inserm). Inserm U547 (Prof. Capron)

2005   Research Director from the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (DR 2^ième classe Inserm). Inserm U547

2010   Leader Team 3. Immuno-inflammation, nuclear receptors and cardiovascular diseases. Inserm U1011 (Prof. Staels).

Scientific summary

The team interests are mainly focused on the immunological contribution to cardiovascular diseases, in particular atherosclerosis and obesity. Mast cells contributes to the pathology while lymphocytes exert both an effector and regulatory role in atherosclerosis. Furthermore, expression and function of nuclear receptors within the immune system remain poorly investigated. We study on one hand, the regulation by various nuclear receptors, PPARa,g et b/d, FXR, RORa, Rev-Erba, of lymphocytes and mast cells to atherosclerosis and obesity and analyse in vitro and in vivo the effects of gene deletion and/or agonists of these receptors. Effects of high fat diet on the development of atherosclerosis and obesity is investigated in nuclear receptor-deficient mouse lines. In order to confirm the physiological relevance of these findings, we analyse the presence of mast cells and lymphocytes in carotid lesions, adipose tissue and blood from obese and/or diabetic patient. On the other hand, we are extending our investigation of the regulation of allergic diseases by nuclear receptors. Finally, we are investigating the relationships between inflammatory skin diseases and metabolism. In order to analyse the impact of metabolic alteration on the immune system, we have developed an immunophenotyping platform including functionnal tests. These approaches will allow us to assess the sofar overlooked contribution of the immune system in cardiovascular diseases and to evidence metabolism-induced immune dysregulations.

Besides our activity in the field of cardiometabolic diseases we pursue our investigations on allergic and inflammatory pathologies with a particular emphasis on atopic dermatitis and asthma as well as on effector cells: mast cells and eosinophils.