Jean SévignyPh.D.

The research of Dr. Sévigny’s team focusses on the functions of extracellular nucleotides, exerted through the activation of P2 receptors, with an emphasis on the enzymes that regulate their concentrations at the cell surface.  Dr. Sévigny and his team have also identified, cloned and characterized six new genes, including the first member of a new family encoding enzymes called NTPDases.  His team is interested in several biological functions including the regulation of inflammation in response to pathogenic determinants, the migration of immune cells, the functions of leukocytes, the contraction of smooth muscles, and in particular the regulation of inflammation of the intestine with an emphasis on epithelial cells and on a potential treatment for inflammatory bowel disease.

Dr Sévigny’s team uses animal models with KO mice as well as methods of cell biology (murine and human primary cells), pharmacology, biochemistry and immunology.