Every year, the French Academy of Sciences awards numerous prizes and medals, covering fundamental and applied science in wide range of fields. IBS is proud to count one of its researchers among the 2024 laureates. Indeed the Dr and Mrs Henri Labbé Prize by the French Academy of Sciences was awarded to Yvain Nicolet, group leader of the Metalloprotein group at the Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS/METALLO).
Yvain Nicolet investigates the structure-function relationships of metalloproteins, with a particular focus on those containing iron-sulfur clusters. His research is centered on understanding the reaction mechanisms within these proteins, the unique role of their metal cofactors, and how the protein matrix influences these reactions. The chemistry enabled by these cofactors is both diverse and remarkable, inspiring synthetic chemists in their work. This includes fundamental metabolic reactions such as the reversible oxidation of hydrogen and the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen. Yvain is also deeply interested in the biosynthesis of these cofactors, exploring both the chemical aspects and the molecular interactions between proteins during the transfer of inorganic species. In addition, he focuses on a family of enzymes that perform radical chemistry, working to uncover the mechanisms by which these metalloproteins carry out post-translational modifications of peptides—key processes in the production of new antibiotic or antiviral molecules. His research highlights the diversity and vast potential of these extraordinary enzymes.
* This prize, dedicated to biological chemistry and nutrition, was created in 1948 by the Fondation Labbé of the French Academy of Sciences
