Jacques Corbeil


Canada Research Chair in Medical Genomics

Tier 1 - 2017-11-01
Renewed: 2011-01-01, 2018-01-01
Université Laval
Canadian Institutes of Health Research

418-656-4141, ext./poste 46423
jacques.corbeil@crchul.ulaval.ca

Coming to Canada From

University of California, San Diego, United States

Research involves

Investigating host-pathogen interactions using genomics and bioinformatics approaches.

Research relevance

This research will lead to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with the infectious process and to improved diagnostics, and contribute to the development of new drugs and vaccines.

Harnessing the Power of Genomics to Fight Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases have a staggering impact on our health. The AIDS epidemic and recent viral and bacterial outbreaks have demonstrated that the threat is always present. Any infectious agent is only 24 hours away from anywhere else in the world. This makes the case for the need for a better understanding of the relationship between human hosts and pathogens crucial in identifying, controlling and reducing the impact of infectious diseases on our health.

Dr. Jacques Corbeil, Canada Research Chair in Medical Genomics, focuses on deciphering the interactions between agents such as HIV-1, respiratory viruses and other microorganisms and the human host.

Modern genomic techniques generate a deluge of data that need to be interpreted using novel bioinformatics approaches. Corbeil is using state-of-the-art instrumentation and methodologies to investigate the molecular components of specific infectious agents in order to piece back their mechanisms of virulence.

Corbeil’s research includes investigating how HIV-1 modulates innate immunity (the cells and mechanisms that defend the host from infection). He is also examining the effects of antibiotics on our microbial flora (the microbes that help us digest our food) and exploring how to design small molecules and drugs to interfere with specific microbial functions. This research generates large amounts of data, so Corbeil is applying new algorithms and bioinformatics approaches to sort out these complex host-pathogen systems.

Corbeil’s research will lead to improved understanding of infectious diseases and could result in improved diagnostic tools and treatments to fight them.