Nouara Yahi
About Nouara Yahi
Nouara Yahi is a Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Aix-Marseille Université, with over 33 years of experience in virology and molecular biology. Her research focuses on lipid-protein interactions and includes significant contributions to the understanding of amyloid proteins and neurodegenerative diseases.
Work at Aix-Marseille University
Nouara Yahi has been a Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Aix-Marseille Université since 2009. In this role, she has contributed to the academic environment through teaching and research. Her focus includes virology and molecular biology, particularly lipid-protein interactions within the plasma membrane. Her position at the university reflects her extensive experience in the field, which spans over three decades.
Education and Expertise
Nouara Yahi completed her PhD in Nutrition, Molecular & Cellular Biology at Aix-Marseille III from 1990 to 1993. She also holds a Master of Neurosciences from Aix-Marseille Université, where she studied Cellular and Molecular Neurosciences from 1987 to 1988. Additionally, she achieved Accreditation to Supervise Research (HDR) at Aix-Marseille III University, demonstrating her qualifications and expertise in her research areas.
Research Focus and Contributions
Nouara Yahi's research primarily centers on lipid-protein interactions and their implications in virology and neurodegenerative diseases. She co-discovered the universal Sphingolipid-Binding Domain (SBD) in proteins, which has evolutionary significance across various infectious and amyloid proteins. Her work has contributed to a deeper understanding of proteinopathies, including the discovery of the cholesterol-binding domain (CBD) in amyloid proteins.
Innovations in Neurobiology
Yahi has been involved in the development of AmyP53, an anti-Alzheimer/Parkinson medicine, through the AmyPore company. She designed a chimeric peptide named AmyP53 that targets the early stages of the amyloid oligomer-calcium cascade, providing a protective effect against neurotoxicity associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. This innovation reflects her commitment to addressing significant health challenges.
Professional Experience
With 33 years of research and teaching experience, Nouara Yahi has established herself as a knowledgeable figure in her field. Her work encompasses a broad range of topics, including common mechanisms of pathogenesis in viral and bacterial infections, as well as neurodegenerative diseases. Her extensive background supports her contributions to academia and research.