Dr. Michel De Waard: Teal leader – Emeritus science director at INSERM UMR1087 – l’institut du thorax, France

Michel De Waard is a Senior Research Director at INSERM with extensive expertise in ion channel research, peptide engineering, and drug discovery. He has led groundbreaking studies in cardiopathies and cardiovascular safety, with a particular focus on translating natural peptide libraries into therapeutic applications. Michel has a rich academic background, holding degrees in Physiology, Biochemistry, and Neurosciences, and has made significant contributions to both academia and industry, including founding Smartox Biotechnology.

Online Profiles

  • ORCID Profile
  • Citations: 1,153 citations across 964 documents
  • h-index: 20
  • Documents: 93

Education
Michel De Waard completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at the University Louis Pasteur in Strasbourg, France, where he earned a B.A. in Physiology, an M.S. in both Physiology and Biochemistry, and a PhD in Neurosciences from the University Aix-Marseille I. He further honed his expertise through postdoctoral research in hyperbaric physiology, neurobiology, and ion channel research at various prestigious institutions including the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in the USA.

Research Focus
Michel’s research focuses on ion channels, particularly in the context of cardiac diseases and pharmacology. He investigates the structure-function relationships of voltage-dependent ion channels, peptide engineering from animal venoms, and the development of peptide-based therapies for cardiovascular safety. His work spans cell biology, biophysics, and the preclinical development of new drugs, with an emphasis on translating basic science into clinical applications.

Experience
Michel has held numerous leadership positions at INSERM, from Head of Research Teams to Director of Laboratories. He has guided large research teams, including his current leadership of the “Ion Channels and Cardiopathies” team at the Institut du Thorax in Nantes, France. Michel’s experience extends to managing technology transfer and fostering academic-industry collaborations, including his role as founder of Smartox Biotechnology, a company focused on drug discovery from natural peptides.

Research Timeline
Michel De Waard’s research career spans over three decades, beginning with his early studies on ion channels and physiology in the 1980s. From his postdoctoral work at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to his current role at INSERM, Michel has consistently advanced the understanding of ion channels and their role in cardiac diseases. His career has been marked by continuous leadership, moving from group leader roles to his current position heading a major research team in Nantes.

Awards & Honors
Michel De Waard has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Servier Young Investigator Award and recognition for the best posters at major international scientific meetings. He was also honored as the laureate of the innovative company prize from the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce in Grenoble for founding Smartox Biotechnology.

Top-Noted Publication

Michel De Waard has authored nearly 300 peer-reviewed publications. Some of his most notable works focus on ion channel mechanisms and their implications in drug development. His research on the SAR (structure-activity relationship) of peptides from animal venoms and their applications in cardiac pharmacology stands out as a key contribution to the field.

Immunomodulatory effects of epiphytic Loranthus micranthus leaf extracts collected from two host plants: Psidium guajava and Parkia biglobosa

  • Journal: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • DOI: 10.1186/S12906-023-04282-4
  • WOSUID: WOS:001135380500005
  • Contributors: Idoko, Ngozi Dorathy; Chukwuma, Ifeoma Felicia; Nworah, Florence Nkechi; Mba, Sopuruchukwu Elizabeth; Joshua, Parker Elijah; Nwodo, Okwesilieze Fred Chiletugo; Abusudah, Wafaa Fouzi; Almohmadi, Najlaa Hamed; de Waard, Michel.
  • Focus: This article investigates the immunomodulatory effects of Loranthus micranthus leaf extracts from two different host plants, Psidium guajava and Parkia biglobosa.

Structure–Function Relationship of a Novel MTX-like Peptide (MTX1) Isolated and Characterized from the Venom of the Scorpion Maurus palmatus

  • Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
  • Publication Year: 2024 (September 28)
  • DOI: 10.3390/ijms251910472
  • Contributors: Rym ElFessi; Oussema Khamessi; Michel De Waard; Najet Srairi-Abid; Kais Ghedira; Riadh Marrouchi; Riadh Kharrat.
  • Focus: The article explores the structure-function relationship of MTX1, a peptide isolated from Maurus palmatus venom, emphasizing its potential in therapeutic applications.

Effects of a High Trans Fatty Acid Diet on Kidney-, Liver-, and Heart-Associated Diseases in a Rabbit Model

  • Journal: Metabolites
  • Publication Year: 2024 (August)
  • DOI: 10.3390/metabo14080442
  • Contributors: Hammad Ismail; Zaryab Mubashar; Hajra Khan; Zeenat Naveed; Erum Dilshad; Muhammad Zeeshan Bhatti; Sadaf Anwaar; Samreen Saleem; Sabba Mehmood; Abdur Rahman, et al.
  • Focus: This study evaluates the impact of a high trans fatty acid diet on diseases associated with the kidney, liver, and heart, using a rabbit model.

Rattlesnake Crotalphine Analgesic Active on Tetrodotoxin-Sensitive Na+ Current in Mouse Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

  • Journal: Toxins
  • Publication Year: 2024 (August 15)
  • DOI: 10.3390/toxins16080359
  • Contributors: Aurélie Antunes; Philippe Robin; Gilles Mourier; Rémy Béroud; Michel De Waard; Denis Servent; Evelyne Benoit.
  • Focus: This research discusses the analgesic effects of Crotalphine, derived from rattlesnake venom, on tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na+ currents in neurons, highlighting its therapeutic potential.

A Need for Exhaustive and Standardized Characterization of Ion Channels Activity. The Case of K<sub>V</sub>11.1

  • Journal: Frontiers in Physiology
  • Publication Year: 2023
  • DOI: 10.3389/FPHYS.2023.1132533
  • WOSUID: WOS:000940510500001
  • Contributors: Alameh, Malak; Oliveira-Mendes, Barbara Ribeiro; Kyndt, Florence; Rivron, Jordan; Denjoy, Isabelle; Lesage, Florian; Schott, Jean-Jacques; De Waard, Michel; Loussouarn, Gildas.
  • Focus: The article emphasizes the importance of standardized and thorough characterization of ion channels, specifically the K<sub>V</sub>11.1 channel, to advance scientific understanding and therapeutic development.
“Strength for the Innovative Researcher Award” based on Dr. Michel De Waard’s work and contributions:

  1. Ion Channel Research in Cardiovascular Diseases
    Explore Dr. De Waard’s groundbreaking research on the structure-function relationships of ion channels, particularly in cardiac pathophysiology. His work in understanding ion channel dysfunction in heart diseases has led to novel therapeutic insights, advancing both basic science and clinical approaches to cardiovascular safety.

  2. Peptide Engineering for Therapeutic Applications
    Focus on Dr. De Waard’s pioneering efforts in peptide engineering from animal venoms and their use in drug discovery. By utilizing natural peptide libraries, his research has paved the way for the development of peptide-based therapies targeting ion channels, offering new therapeutic strategies for various diseases.

  3. Innovative Drug Discovery and Translational Research
    Discuss Dr. De Waard’s impact in translating academic research into clinical applications, specifically through his leadership in the development of new drugs. His work, including the founding of Smartox Biotechnology, has bridged the gap between academic research and industry innovation, particularly in ion channel-targeted therapies.

  4. Standardization of Ion Channel Characterization
    Highlight Dr. De Waard’s advocacy for standardized and exhaustive characterization of ion channels, focusing on specific channels like K<sub>V</sub>11.1. This work is crucial for advancing both scientific understanding and the development of more reliable and targeted therapeutic interventions for ion channel-related diseases.

  5. Collaborative Efforts in Academic and Industry Partnerships
    Examine Dr. De Waard’s role in fostering collaboration between academia and industry. His leadership in INSERM and Smartox Biotechnology demonstrates how partnerships can drive innovation in the biomedical field, translating cutting-edge research into real-world medical solutions.

These topics reflect Dr. De Waard’s diverse and innovative contributions to the fields of ion channel research, peptide engineering, and drug development, which have had significant implications for both basic science and clinical applications.

Michel De Waard, Pharmacology, Innovative Researcher Award