News

Great food, great team!

Excited to share our latest preprint on the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms behind the generalism of marine bacteriophages: the Schizotequatrovirus (T4 giant vibriophage). This work represents another great collaboration with Eduardo Rocha (Pasteur Institute) and a relay effort from my lab in Roscoff to the University of Montréal.

In this study, we explore these fascinating large-genome phages, showing that recombination plays a pivotal role in expanding host range, particularly through the exchange of receptor-binding proteins and anti-defense systems. Interestingly, generalist Schizotequatroviruses preferentially infect generalist vibrios in open seawater, in contrast to specialist phages targeting patho-phylotypes involved in oyster disease. We also discuss the genetic and ecological trade-offs that shape their rarity and their potential for future biocontrol applications. Check it out !

https://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2024.12.24.630238v1

It was a great pleasure to welcome Yannick Fouda, Psed, PhD, CEO of MyLumen (https://mylumen.ca), for a presentation entitled “International Students: Understanding the Challenges to Better Support Them.” This was our first EDI seminar, but certainly not the last, proudly sponsored by our CERC. Afterward, we enjoyed a delicious raclette together—these moments of conviviality are an integral part of welcoming new arrivals. Thank you Mathilde for the organisation!

Dario presented in the Department Seminars. He showed us a bit of his previous work in Ecuador, as well as the upcoming research for his PhD in our lab!

We celebrated the presence of the new members of the lab, Dario, Jeff and Mathilde, as well as said goodbye to the summer interns, Jeff and Xin.

Dario, our first PhD student has arrived to the lab!

We welcome Mathilde, the new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) coordinator of the CERC!