Graduated from the National School of Chemistry of Montpellier (ENSCM) in the Chemistry-Biology-Health program, Julie Kniazeff completed a PhD at the Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), focusing on the molecular mechanisms of a family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). She then pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), studying the molecular mechanisms of the dopamine transporter family and the mode of action of cocaine on these targets, using pharmacological, biophysical, and biochemical approaches.
Recruited by the CNRS, she joined IGF, where her research focuses on the functioning and signaling of GPCR oligomers, specifically glutamate and GABA receptors. She is also involved in the development of nanobodies targeting these receptors as pharmacological tools with strong therapeutic potential.
Since joining IBMM in 2021, she continues her studies on GPCR signaling and associated molecular mechanisms, using the ghrelin receptor as a model. Beyond the fundamental interest, this work also aims to better characterize the mechanisms involved in pathologies associated with the ghrelin receptor, such as addiction and metabolic diseases.