Isabel Desgagné-Penix
professor
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Canada
Biography
Isabel Desgagné-Penix has her expertise in plant biochemistry and specialized metabolism. Her research program aimed at understanding the molecular biology and biochemistry of isoquinoline alkaloid metabolism in Amaryllidaceae plants. Narcisses and snowdrops remains the only commercial source for the anti-cholinesterase galanthamine and several potential alkaloid pharmaceuticals. The recent availability of some Amaryllidaceae alkaloid biosynthetic genes creates metabolic engineering opportunities in plants and microorganisms. Her innovative and creative new ways to attempt production of valuable plant metabolites are of interest.
Research Interest
Systems biology and metabolic engineering of microalgae for the production of pharmaceutical Amaryllidaceae alkaloids.