I am LMW

Passionate about effectors virulence mechanisms, I specialized in protein-protein interactions at the Laboratory of Plants-Microbes-Environment Interactions in Toulouse (France). My path has always been shaped by curiosity, hoping to continuously learn and keep being amazed by the sophistication of molecular interactions within biological systems. I believe we achieve our best work when genuinely excited about our research and supported by truly considerate colleagues and mentors.

About my research

After studying nodule organogenesis in the Medicago truncatula-Sinorhizobium meliloti symbiotic system, I shifted my focus to phytopathogenic interactions. In 2021, I joined Laurent Deslandes’ group to develop my PhD project, aiming at broadening our understanding of effector virulence functions. To that end, I used an in planta proximity labelling approach to investigate the proximal proteome of PopP2 (Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum) and XopJ6 (Xanthomonas campestris) in Arabidopsis thaliana. This project provided promising candidates as specific or shared targets of the two effectors and shed light on the diversity of host functions possibly subverted by these YopJ effectors. Paper(s) regarding these findings will be submitted shortly. Based on other methods, we revealed a new virulence strategy of PopP2 involving components of chromatin-remodelling complexes. The related paper was published in May 2025. It was a great joy to defend my PhD thesis the same year, and I am now looking forward to tackling new exciting projects.

About my commitments

I value the transfer of scientific knowledge, whether it is through direct collaborations, attending scientific congresses, or events designed to communicate with the general public. During my PhD, I was 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. Additionally, I was a commissioned CNRS corresponding agent for equality. 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 in which we can all thrive.