Michel Bouvier: A Medical Approach That Sets a Standard

Philippe Marin is full of praise for Michel Bouvier. This is hardly surprising, given that Bouvier sponsored the professor from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Montreal for an honorary doctorate from the University of Montpellier, which he received during a ceremony held on April 13 at Genopolys.“The 1990s were a fabulous era of discoveries regarding G proteins, with promising therapeutic prospects,” recalls Philippe Marin, director of the Institute of Functional Genomics (IGF). “For students like me who were working in this field, among the three names we expected to see in publications, Michel Bouvier’s was always there.”

A world-renowned researcher in the field of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)—proteins that play a major physiological role—he is indeed one of the most prolific scientists of his generation. The author of more than 360 publications in leading biomedical journals, such as Cell, Nature, and PNAS, his work on understanding the mechanisms of action of these receptors contributes valuable insights for the treatment of numerous diseases. GPCRs are, in fact, the target of more than 30% of the drugs on the market.

“A certain way of doing science”

Michel Bouvier, who also serves as executive director of the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) in Montreal, bridges fundamental discoveries with the development of new therapeutic compounds. For example, his team has developed molecules capable of correcting the misfolding of RCPG proteins caused by genetic mutations. This misfolding is responsible for certain forms of early-onset obesity or type 2 diabetes. By restoring the protein’s proper structure, these molecules offer an effective treatment for these conditions.

Michel Bouvier has filed fifteen patents over the course of his career. Some of these relate to technologies he has developed, particularly bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), which uses biosensors (created through genetic engineering) capable of emitting a light signal when they are in close proximity. This technique allows for real-time monitoring of cellular communication, thanks to the luminescence emitted when hormones or neurotransmitters bind to GPCRs. BRET is widely used today.“Laboratories that are willing to share the techniques they develop are not that common in a field as competitive as biomedical research, ” notes Philippe Marin. “This sharing reflects a certain approach to doing science and illustrates Michel’s intellectual generosity.”

A real “school”

In fact, it was also because of his Canadian colleague’s personal qualities that Philippe Marin chose to mentor him:“I met him for the first time at a conference and was immediately charmed by this highly engaging professor, who took the time to take an interest in the work of young students like me at the time. ” Unlike other“science stars who produce magnificent research but then walk away after their show without showing any interest in their colleagues,” Michel Bouvier has managed to create a true “school” around his work. “This is how a researcher leaves a mark: through his discoveries, but also by training people who carry on the knowledge,” continues Philippe Marin.

And this“school”is particularly well represented in Montpellier, where RCPGs are a key focus of several research institutes, such as the IGF, the Max Mousseron Institute of Biomolecules (IBMM), and the Center for Structural Biology (CBS). The directors of certain teams at these institutes trained in Michel Bouvier’s laboratory: to name just a few, Bernard Mouillac, Julie Perroy, and Sébastien Granier, who now lead teams at the IGF. And the future director of the CBS, Emmanuel Margeat, has just returned from a year there. Not to mention the many students from Montpellier who continue to train with the Montreal team.

Michel Bouvier also visits France frequently.“He is regularly invited to participate in seminars and thesis committees in Montpellier; I’ve counted at least six such committees, and I must say he has always accepted these invitations with enthusiasm,” notes Philippe Marin. The Quebecker’s fondness for France is certainly a factor in his close collaborations with the country!