معرفی
Romain Levayer is a leading researcher and Professor at the Institut Pasteur, where he serves as the Director of the Department of Developmental & Stem Cell Biology. He heads the Laboratory of Cell Death and Epithelial Homeostasis and is involved in the Laboratory Physics of Biological Function. His research integrates biophysics and developmental biology to understand how epithelial tissues maintain integrity through regulated cell elimination, mechanical forces, and cell competition.
His research interests include:
- Developmental and epithelial morphogenesis
- Apoptosis and cell death mechanisms
- Cell competition and mechanical regulation of survival
- Tissue homeostasis and robustness
- Biophysical modeling of cell behavior
Levayer's recent publications highlight a strong focus on the mechanical and signaling regulation of epithelial cell elimination, with recurring themes in ERK signaling, caspase activity, and tissue-scale feedback mechanisms. His work frequently employs advanced live imaging and genetic models in Drosophila and mammalian systems.
Scientific honors include:
- ERC Consolidator Grant (2023)
- Pasteur Vallery-Radot Prize (2023)
- FSER Laureate (2019)
He leads the ERC-funded project "PrApEDoC: Predicting Apoptosis Engagement Downstream of Caspases", which aims to develop predictive models of cell death in epithelia. He supervises research students and postdoctoral fellows, fostering an interdisciplinary environment at the interface of biology and physics. His work contributes significantly to understanding tissue dynamics in health and disease, with implications for cancer and regenerative medicine.
Levayer is actively involved in departmental leadership, organizing retreats and scientific events, and promoting sustainable research practices within the DSCB.
