Imane Moutkine, MS

During my B.S. degree studies in Cell Biology and Physiology at the University of Tours, France, I had the opportunity to perform research on kidney disease. I was fortunate to contribute to a study that helped understand molecular mechanisms for kidney biology and disease. Specifically, I helped define the plasma membrane targeting of podocin through the classical exocytic pathway. Having developed a delicious taste for research on molecular biology and disease, I moved to the Institut National Polytechnique de Lorraine, France to complete postgraduate training with the Yale School of Medicine to obtain a masters degree in Cellular Engineering. There I successfully developed a thesis in the Kazcmierzak lab studying the role of autophagy in Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and its host cell interactions.

Interested in continuing my work in molecular biology of disease, I obtained a research assistant position at the Institut Imagine in Paris, France, returning to my interests in kidney disease. There I studied hereditary nephropathies and kidney development, continuing to work with Corinne Antignac, focusing on the molecular and cellular function of Nephrocystins. In one project, I contributed to a study that showed that mutations in the RPGRIP1L gene can cause multi-organ phenotypic abnormalities found in cerebello-oculo-renal syndrome and Meckel syndrome and are associated with cilium dysfunction. This was an exciting time for me and my experiences helped shape my career goals. I really enjoy teamwork and cutting-edge science.

My broad expertise is in biochemistry and molecular biology, and I am adept at using a variety of molecular and cellular techniques to answer fundamental biological questions. Over the past decade I have led a molecular biology platform at the Institut du Fer à Moulin, developing and providing resources to team member projects. The Institut du Fer à Moulin is a neuroscience research institute located in the center of Paris, hosting seven research teams with broad areas of expertise ranging from genetics, pharmacology and biochemistry to complex animal behavior. While there I contributed to a number of different projects aimed at understanding the functions of microglia, the brain resident macrophages, and in their regulation by serotonin. Excited to explore new research opportunities and life experiences, I am now leading the ViraCore at UCSF and developing high-throughput robotics protocols in the Parnassus Center for Advanced Technologies. Back in Paris, I loved going to the movies, theatre, concerts, museums, I liked traveling around in France, Europe, North Africa and Middle East. A bit of personal trivia-- I enjoy cooking Moroccan food. New in San Francisco, I can’t wait to discover the city and the beautiful nature around the Bay Area.