The DNA Replication research group at the Institut Pasteur published a paper in Nucleic Acids Research presenting an innovative approach based on long-read PacBio sequencing to characterize DNA polymerase errors with unprecedented precision. The research, led by Leonardo Betancurt-Anzola under the supervision of Ludovic Sauguet, is the result of successful collaboration with New England Biolabs (NEB), the global leader in enzymes for molecular biology, through a PhD under the CIFRE scheme (Industrial Agreements for Training Through Research). Leonardo Betancurt-Anzola is currently completing a postdoctoral fellowship at NEB.

Promising biotechnological prospects

DNA polymerases, enzymes that play an essential role in DNA replication and repair, are the basis for several biotechnology applications, from PCR and sequencing to cloning and gene therapy. Despite their remarkable precision, these enzymes sometimes make mistakes, with potentially major evolutionary or pathological consequences, including cancer development. Understanding the mechanisms underpinning these errors is key to both improving our knowledge and optimizing the use of DNA polymerases. Leonardo Betancurt-Anzola's research may pave the way for the design of custom enzymes for specific applications requiring either higher fidelity or controlled mutagenesis, with potential biotechnological, therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

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The benefits of collaborating with an industry partner via a CIFRE PhD

The aim of PhDs under the CIFRE scheme is to encourage public-private research partnerships by giving students the opportunity to work at a company during their PhD. The CIFRE scheme drives technology transfer and innovation by creating a virtuous circle in which basic research and industrial applications are mutually beneficial. Research laboratories hosting CIFRE students are made aware of industrial issues in a way that can stimulate new scientific approaches and enhance existing lines of research. 

At the Institut Pasteur, the Technology Transfer and Industrial Partnership Department (DARRI) supports PIs through the various stages of setting up a PhD under the CIFRE scheme, especially drawing up a research collaboration agreement between the company and the laboratory. An agreement is crucial to address issues related to confidentiality, intellectual property, the conditions governing the partnership including research methodology, where the PhD student will carry out the research, and the budget allocated to the research program.  
 
The CIFRE scheme involves four parties: 

1. The company recruits a researcher with a Master's degree on a permanent or fixed-term contract to complete a research project; 

2. The academic research laboratory supervises the research conducted by the PhD student/employee, who is enrolled in the doctoral school affiliated with the laboratory;

3. The PhD student works on a full-time basis on the research project, dividing their time between the company and the academic laboratory. The student receives dual academic and professional training;

4. The ANRT (National Association for Research in Technology) enters into a CIFRE agreement with the company, on the basis of which the company receives a grant. The grant may be supplemented by the research tax credit.

For further information

• about industry partnerships and CIFRE PhDs at the Institut Pasteur: darri@pasteur.fr

• about the work of the PhD Students Division: poledoct@pasteur.fr