About
Didier Mazel is a Researcher and Head of the Plasticity of the Bacterial Genome unit at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, France, within the Genomes and Genetics Department. He leads a research team investigating bacterial genome dynamics, particularly in the context of antibiotic resistance and evolution.
His research focuses on integrons—natural genetic systems that capture and express genes, notably those conferring antibiotic resistance—and the unique two-chromosome genome of Vibrio cholerae. His team employs genetic and post-genomic approaches to study gene recombination, stress responses, and chromosome maintenance. Key research areas include the molecular mechanisms of integron recombination, the impact of sub-inhibitory antibiotic concentrations on bacterial stress responses, and the coordination of dual chromosome replication in Vibrio species. They have also developed novel antimicrobial technologies targeting resistant pathogens.
Dr. Mazel’s recent publications (2024–2025) reveal significant insights into integron function as biobanks of antiphage defense systems, the mechanical regulation of recombination efficiency, toxin-antitoxin control of gene cassette dynamics, and tRNA modifications linked to antibiotic tolerance. His work bridges fundamental molecular biology with applied antimicrobial strategies.
He is actively involved in teaching, contributing to the Pasteur Institute’s genome analysis course and a MOOC on antibacterial resistance. He mentors several PhD students and postdoctoral researchers and leads multiple research projects, including Definbank, Chromintevol, and studies on Vibrio genome plasticity.
His research is supported by institutional and national funding, and he collaborates within interdisciplinary programs such as Labex IBEID and INCEPTION, focusing on emerging infectious diseases and integrative biology. His laboratory is equipped with advanced imaging and molecular analysis tools.
