Dr. Bernard Mouillac, PhD, is a distinguished French molecular pharmacologist with extensive expertise in cell biology, structural pharmacology, and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Currently serving as Team Co-leader and Research Director (DR2) at INSERM, he has led pioneering work at the Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle in Montpellier since 1998. His career includes a postdoctoral fellowship under Prof. Michel Bouvier in Canada and over three decades of contributions to receptor biology. Dr. Mouillac’s research, published in leading journals such as Science Advances and Nature, has significantly advanced the structural understanding of hormone-receptor interactions. He is co-author of 128 publications (H-index: 45, >8,500 citations) and holds four patents. An esteemed reviewer and committee member, his leadership spans European research projects and global GPCR initiatives.
Author Profile
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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits: A Foundation of Excellence
Dr. Mouillac’s academic journey began at the University of Montpellier, where he earned a Master’s degree (1986) and a Ph.D. (1990) in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology. His foundational studies equipped him with critical skills in cellular signaling, protein interactions, and biochemical pathways, setting the stage for an outstanding scientific career. His academic brilliance was further solidified during his postdoctoral fellowship (1991–1992) at the University of Montreal, Canada, under the mentorship of the globally renowned Prof. Michel Bouvier. This early exposure to receptor biology and pharmacological modeling shaped the direction of his life’s research.
🧪 Professional Endeavors and Research Contributions
Dr. Mouillac has held progressively impactful roles in the French biomedical research ecosystem:
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1993–1998: Associate Researcher at CNRS-INSERM Centre for Pharmacology-Endocrinology, Montpellier.
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1998–Present: Team Leader at the Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, where he has advanced as a pivotal contributor in GPCR-related research.
His research focus is centered on G protein-coupled receptors, particularly vasopressin and oxytocin receptors, which are crucial in numerous physiological processes. Through cutting-edge structural biology techniques, including cryo-electron microscopy and time-resolved FRET, he has deciphered the mechanisms of receptor-ligand interactions and biased signaling.
His co-authored paper in Science Advances (2022) describing the vasopressin hormone-V2 receptor-β-arrestin1 ternary complex is one of the landmark studies in the field, providing unprecedented insights into receptor conformation and signaling fidelity. Overall, he has authored 128 scientific articles, with an H-index of 45 and 8,565+ citations, illustrating both the quantity and quality of his research.
🏆 Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Mouillac’s excellence has been consistently recognized through numerous prestigious awards and funding:
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Prix des Laboratoires Logeais (1993)
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INSERM Prize for Scientific Excellence (2012–2015 and 2024–2027)
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Principal investigator in multiple ANR projects (RIB, Neurosciences, Blanc Architect, StrainV2)
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European project involvement under STREP 6th PCRDT
He has also been awarded significant grants from the Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale (FRM), including an engineer grant (2014–2016) and team support (2015–2018).
🌍 Impact and Influence: A Global Scientific Voice
Dr. Mouillac is not only a researcher but also a global voice in pharmacological science. His ad hoc reviewer roles for elite journals such as Nature, PNAS, Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, and JBC signify the trust the global community places in his judgment and expertise. He has evaluated grants for prominent institutions including ANR (France), Wellcome Trust (UK), AIRC (Italy), and Austrian Science Fund, showcasing his international influence.
He also chaired the IUPHAR Subcommittee on Vasopressin/Oxytocin Receptors (2004–2017), helping shape international classification and nomenclature systems for GPCRs.
🤝 Leadership and Collaboration in Research
Dr. Mouillac has long been a catalyst for collaborative science. He co-organized leading scientific events such as:
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“A Day in the Life of G Protein-Coupled Receptors” (2004, Montpellier)
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3rd GPCR International Annual Meeting (2014, Montpellier)
His collaborations with structural biologists like Dr. Sébastien Granier and electron microscopy experts have enriched interdisciplinary approaches and led to co-corresponding author roles in several high-impact publications. His patents (including WO 2004/113539A3 and EP 2014 2708235A1) also show his aptitude in translational innovation.
🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions
With more than 30 years at the forefront of GPCR pharmacology, Dr. Bernard Mouillac has already left a considerable legacy. Yet, he continues to push boundaries with current projects like ANR V2Cure (2023–2026) and ANR OT-ism (2024–2027). His mentorship of emerging scientists, leadership in INSERM’s CSS1 committee, and pioneering experimental designs ensure that the next generation of biomedical researchers will stand on solid shoulders.