Interview with Marc Lopez, carried out by the ‘Cellule Com’, March 15, 2024
Original interview in French, translated with DeepL / DeepL write
1. Could you summarise your career for us?
I’m what we call a local, I’m from Toulon and I studied in Marseille. After high school, I started a BTS in medical analysis. Then, after my first job, which I didn’t find fulfilling, I went back to my studies to follow the classic path of bachelor, master and DEA in molecular biology/microbiology/doctorate. I then spent my entire career at the CRCM in the former Unit 119.
During my PhD in the field of normal and leukaemic haematopoiesis, I simultaneously developed the joint cytometry service at the IPC site. I then joined Inserm as a research engineer to continue managing and developing the cytometry service at the CRCM/IPC site, while continuing my research activities.
2. Tell us about your motivation to become involved in science.
Although my parents didn’t come from a biological background, I had a strong interest in life sciences from an early age. It goes back a long way, as I remember asking for a microscope for my 12th birthday, which my parents bought from an optician. Later, I became fascinated by research and new technologies. I spent a lot of time reading scientific journals, biology books and the history of research. During my university studies, I was also taught by researchers who were passionate about their work, which definitely convinced me to pursue a career in research. Later, my meetings with Patrice Mannoni, Françoise Birg and Claude Mawas, whom I greatly admired, encouraged me to persevere in this field. Today I can say that my career has been a series of exciting adventures.
3. In 2012, you were awarded the Inserm Innovation Prize and described as the father of nectins. Could you briefly tell us about this discovery and the subsequent results?
I contributed to the identification of this new family of adhesion molecules in haematopoiesis and highlighted their important role in epithelial homeostasis and cancer. I have shown that nectins are involved in many biological processes and pathologies, in particular through their role in the regulation of inflammatory and immune processes. They are involved in development and loss-of-function mutations have been identified and associated with human malformations. They also act as receptors for viruses such as herpes simplex 1 and 2 and the measles receptor. Finally, I recently showed that nectin-4 is a biomarker in triple-negative breast cancer.
For the record, one of the key discoveries that led to this success story was made in less than two months of experimentation, and the paper was accepted directly into the journal Nature. From a scientific point of view, this work has allowed me to publish around 35 articles and more than 10 patents in the field of nectins. I also participated in the creation of a start-up company in 2019 to develop an immunoconjugate drug targeting nectin-4 for cancer treatment, which is currently in a phase I clinical trial with IPC and CRCM.
4. Is there a particular failure that has marked your career?
The field of biomedicine is very competitive. During our discoveries on nectin-4 and the development of an immunoconjugate to target it, our results were scooped up by an American team. It was very difficult to deal with. But in the end, I can now say that it was a blessing in disguise. In fact, the Americans developed the first immunoconjugate targeting nectin-4 and were the first to test it in patients. The results showed promising clinical effects but were associated with toxicities, particularly at the skin level. This allowed us to improve the immunoconjugate, resulting in what we now call a best-in-class product, which is currently in Phase I.
5. What are you most proud of?
I struggle a bit with the idea of pride. If I have to mention something, I’m not sure we can call it pride, but climbing the peaks in Nepal was an intensely fulfilling experience.
6. Can you name your favourite book, movie or Netflix series and music group?
I don’t really watch series, and as for my favourite film, the current revelation would be Oppenheimer. However, I live a lot with music that accompanies me on a daily basis. I don’t have any favourite musicians or bands. I like minimalist music, the kind that evokes emotions. It can range from Gustav Mahler to Bill Evans to Alberto Iglesias. As for reading, I loved “Burmese Days” by George Orwell. I also like to read travel guides like Routard or Lonely Planet. I could easily say that I love travelling by reading and escaping into music.
7. What is your biggest dream?
It may sound clichéd, but my greatest dream, which I hope is shared by many, is to live in a world of peace where everyone respects each other.
8. Do you have a hidden talent?
I’m not aware of any talent… But I am thinking more of a buried passion, the piano. I would like to take it up again.
9. Finally, do you have a message you’d like to share?
I have two somewhat related messages. The first would be to fully invest ourselves in all the tasks we undertake. And the second is to live our passions with a capital L, whether professional or personal.