During embryonic development, the brain follows a development plan governed by the same genes as those of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. This major discovery, among others, earned Antonio Simeone a prize from the Fondation Bettencourt Schueller.

Coded messages for embryonic development

Whether in flies or humans, genetics hold the key to many animal characteristics. Genes are segments of DNA that contain the "code" for specific proteins. In a sense, they represent "coded messages", which induce protein synthesis. These proteins perform specific functions in organisms. 

In flies, we found two very specific genes known as Otx1 and Otx2, that play a crucial role during embryonic development. They belong to the homeotic gene family, meaning that they “code” for proteins whose purpose is to activate the decoding and production of other genes in cascades. These cascades, called transcription programs, are activated during embryonic morphogenesis. Indeed, Oxt1 and Oxt2 are involved in the process via which an embryo develops its shape, structure and functions

The blueprints of the body

Through his research, Antonio Simeone has worked to decipher the genetic mechanisms that control the development of animals and their brains. This is how he began to unlock the hidden secrets of the Otx1 and Otx2 genes. Their role is to control the "segmentation" of the animal: the organisation of its body plan, so to speak. For this reason, a mutation in a homeotic gene, like Otx1 and Otx2, generally causes dramatic malformations.

As homeotic genes, Otx1 and Otx2 have a special function: they organize brain regionalisation. Therefore, even the slightest dysfunction in their code can have major consequences. For example, individuals with no functional copy of Otx2 do not develop a head. An understanding of this function is an invaluable asset, especially because the human embryo’s development responds to similar genes.

The Foundation’s support

The Liliane Bettencourt Prize for Life Sciences allowed Antonio Simeone to continue his cutting-edge research in genetics. He has thus conducted further work on characterising the roles of the Otx1 and Otx2 genes and their homologs in vertebrates. In particular, Antonio Simeone and his team have demonstrated the fundamental role played by Otx1 and Otx2 in brain development and epilepsy.

Antonio Simeone in a few words

Antonio Simeone’s research work has produced exceptional results from the very beginning. Despite working under difficult conditions, he has held his own against much better equipped international competition. He discovered how the human homeotic cluster of HOXC human works. He demonstrated that these genes are expressed one by one, in a linear fashion, according to the development of the anterior-posterior axis. This major concept still underpins much of the developmental biology research conducted today. His current work is focused on controlling Otx1 and Otx2 gene expression and understanding their role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders and lymphatic cancers.

  • 1988 PhD in Cellular and Molecular Genetics, University of Naples (Italy)

  • 2000 Full Professor of Developmental Genetics, King’s College, London (UK)

  • 2000 Group Leader at the MRC Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King’s College, London (UK)

  • 2000 Liliane Bettencourt Prize for Life Sciences

Liliane Bettencourt Prize for Life Sciences

The Liliane Bettencourt Prize for Life Sciences rewards each year a researcher under the age of 45 for the excellence of their work and their remarkable contribution to their field of scientific research. This prize is awarded, depending on the year, to a researcher based in France or working in another European country. Twenty-seven winners have been awarded since 1997. From 2023, prize rewards the laureate up to 100,000 euros.

All the award-winners