Léa Monge Waleryszak

About me

I am LMW,

Quite passionate about effectors virulence mechanisms, I specialized in protein-protein interactions at the Laboratory of Plants-Microbes-Environment Interactions in Toulouse (France).

About my research

Initially, I studied symbiotic interactions with nodule forming bacteria. In this context, I focused on the roles of an homeodomain transcription factor and a long non coding RNA in nodule organogenesis in the Rhizobium-Medicago system, in Andreas Niebel group.

I then joined Laurent Deslandes group to study phytopathogenic interactions. There I developed my PhD project aiming to widen our view on effectors virulence functions. To that end, I used a proximity labeling approach to investigate the proximal proteome of PopP2/RipP2 (Ralstonia) and XopJ6 (Xanthomonas) in planta. This project provided many candidates as potential, specific or shared, targets of the two effectors and shed light on the diversity of host functions possibly targeted by the effectors. As an additional project, using other methods, we revealed a new virulence strategy of PopP2/RipP2 involving a chromatin-remodeling complex. Papers regarding these findings will be submitted shortly. Early 2025, I’ll be defending my PhD thesis and move on to new exciting projects.

About my commitments

I consider of high importance the transfer of scientific knowledge, whether it is through attending scientific congress, supervising students or through attending events designed to communicate with the general public.

Additionally, I’ve been a commissioned CNRS corresponding agent for equality for the last 3 years. As corresponding agents for equality, we promote equality, diversity and inclusion in academic research with the goal of providing a safe and healthy work environment where we can all thrive.

I was also a member of the LIPME-LRSV Young Scientists Association where we discussed new findings, shared tips about technics and coached freshly graduated MSc students for the SEVAB PhD fellowship competition.