Dr. Jean-Michel Bolla | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jean Michel Bolla is a distinguished researcher specializing in microbiology, biochemistry, and antibiotic resistance. With over 30 years of experience, he has made significant contributions to understanding bacterial resistance mechanisms, particularly efflux-mediated resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. As the Director of Research at Inserm U-1261, he has led pioneering studies in bacterial physiology and virulence, as well as the development of screening platforms for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. His leadership in the Bac-Screen platform, which enables high-throughput screening of antimicrobial compounds, highlights his commitment to innovative research. Dr. Bolla has supervised multiple PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, securing major research funding from national and international agencies. His work has been recognized through invited talks at international conferences and a patent related to diagnostic tools for antibiotic resistance. Additionally, he has contributed significantly to academia through teaching roles at Aix-Marseille Université and Université de Corse. His research continues to shape the field of antimicrobial resistance, addressing one of the most pressing global health challenges. Through his expertise, leadership, and dedication to scientific advancement, Dr. Bolla has established himself as a leading figure in microbiology and antibiotic resistance research.

Professional Profile

• Scopus Profile
• ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Jean Michel Bolla holds a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UPR9027 CNRS, Marseille, awarded in 1990. His doctoral research focused on protein export and assembly in Escherichia coli, conducted under the supervision of Dr. JM Pagès. Following his PhD, he pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at Inserm-APHP, Paris, where he worked on iron starvation responses in Listeria monocytogenes under Dr. P. Berche. His advanced training includes specialization in Campylobacter porins at the Laboratory Centre for Disease Control in Ottawa and Winnipeg, Canada in 1997 and 1998. In 2001, he obtained his Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR) from the Faculty of Medicine, Timone, Marseille, enabling him to supervise doctoral research. His extensive academic training has provided him with a strong foundation in molecular microbiology, biochemistry, and antibiotic resistance. Through continuous education and research, Dr. Bolla has developed a deep understanding of bacterial physiology, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, and drug discovery. His educational background has been instrumental in shaping his career as a leading researcher in microbiology and antibiotic resistance, allowing him to contribute groundbreaking insights to the field.

Professional Experience

Dr. Jean Michel Bolla has had an illustrious career in research, spanning over three decades. He began as a postdoctoral researcher at Inserm-APHP, Paris, before joining Inserm as a Chargé de Recherche in 1992. Over the years, he advanced within Inserm, holding key research positions, and became Director of Research at U-1261 in 2018. He has led major research initiatives, including the establishment of the Bac-Screen platform, a high-throughput screening system for antibiotic resistance studies. From 2007 to 2011, he also served as an Associate Professor at the Université de Corse, where he contributed significantly to teaching and student mentorship. Throughout his career, Dr. Bolla has supervised seven PhD students and three postdoctoral researchers, demonstrating his commitment to training future scientists. He has been an invited speaker at multiple international conferences, sharing his expertise in antibiotic resistance. His ability to secure major research funding, including grants from CNRS, ANR, and FEAMPA, underscores his impact in the field. His leadership roles at Inserm and collaborations with various research institutions have solidified his reputation as an expert in microbiology and antibiotic resistance.

Research Interest

Dr. Jean Michel Bolla’s research primarily focuses on antibiotic resistance mechanisms, with a particular emphasis on efflux-mediated resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. His work explores the physiology and virulence of bacterial pathogens, including Campylobacter jejuni and Listeria monocytogenes. He is deeply involved in drug discovery and screening technologies, having developed the Bac-Screen platform to identify novel antimicrobial compounds and assess their mechanisms of action. His research also extends to bacterial membrane permeability, studying how bacterial outer membrane porins influence antibiotic uptake and resistance. More recently, he has been engaged in synthetic antibacterial polymer development for therapeutic applications. His work contributes to understanding multidrug resistance mechanisms, a major global health challenge, and seeks innovative solutions to combat bacterial infections. Additionally, he collaborates on projects involving diagnostic tools for detecting antimicrobial resistance, aiming to improve early detection and treatment strategies. Through his research, Dr. Bolla strives to bridge the gap between basic microbiology and clinical applications, working towards the development of effective antimicrobial strategies to tackle the increasing threat of drug-resistant bacteria worldwide.

Research Skills

Dr. Jean Michel Bolla possesses a diverse range of research skills, with expertise in molecular microbiology, biochemistry, and antimicrobial resistance. He has extensive experience in protein purification, bacterial physiology studies, and genetic manipulation of bacterial pathogens. His work in high-throughput screening techniques has been pivotal in identifying new inhibitors for efflux pumps in Gram-negative bacteria. He is proficient in drug discovery methodologies, including antibiotic susceptibility testing, mode-of-action studies, and bacterial membrane permeability analysis. Additionally, he has expertise in structural and functional analysis of bacterial outer membrane proteins, which play a crucial role in drug resistance. Dr. Bolla is also skilled in cell culture techniques, bioinformatics, and statistical analysis for interpreting large-scale screening data. His ability to secure major research funding highlights his competence in grant writing and project management. Furthermore, his teaching and mentorship experience demonstrate his ability to train and guide students in advanced microbiology research techniques. His research skills make him a valuable asset in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, as he continues to develop innovative solutions to combat bacterial infections.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Jean Michel Bolla has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to microbiology and antibiotic resistance research. In 2007, he was awarded the Inserm-Université Interface Contract, acknowledging his excellence in research and academic collaboration. His work in antimicrobial resistance has also been recognized through significant research grants from CNRS, ANR, and FEAMPA, underscoring the impact of his studies in drug discovery and bacterial resistance mechanisms. In 2019, his Bac-Screen platform was designated an Aix-Marseille University Technological Platform, a prestigious recognition that was renewed in 2023 for its critical role in antibiotic resistance research. His contributions to the field have also led to an international patent (WO 2023/139263 A1) for a diagnostic tool to detect drug resistance. Additionally, he has been an invited speaker at leading scientific conferences, including GRS-GRC Multidrug Efflux Systems and The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Antibiotics. His expertise and dedication to advancing microbial research have positioned him as a leading scientist in his field, earning him widespread recognition and respect.

Conclusion

Dr. Jean Michel Bolla is a highly accomplished microbiologist with a strong research background in antibiotic resistance and bacterial physiology. His contributions to understanding efflux-mediated resistance in Gram-negative bacteria have had a profound impact on the field. As Director of Research at Inserm U-1261, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, securing major research funding and spearheading innovative screening platforms for antimicrobial resistance studies. His dedication to mentoring PhD students and postdoctoral researchers underscores his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. Through his numerous research projects, international collaborations, and conference presentations, he continues to make significant strides in addressing the global challenge of antibiotic resistance. His patent for a diagnostic tool in antimicrobial resistance showcases his ability to translate research into real-world applications. Recognized through awards and honors, Dr. Bolla is a leading expert in microbiology and antimicrobial resistance. His work has positioned him as a key figure in drug discovery and bacterial resistance research, making him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. His career is a testament to scientific excellence, innovation, and dedication to global health challenges.

Publications Top Notes

1. Title: RND Efflux Pump Induction: A Crucial Network Unveiling Adaptive Antibiotic Resistance Mechanisms of Gram-Negative Bacteria
   Authors: M. Novelli, Marine; J.M. Bolla, Jean Michel
   Year: 2024
   Citations: 5

2. Title: Design and Synthesis of Novel Amino and Acetamidoaurones with Antimicrobial Activities
   Authors: A. Di Maio, Attilio; H. Olleik, Hamza; É. Courvoisier-Dezord, Élise; M. Maresca, Marc; M. Robin, Maxime
   Year: 2024
   Citations: 1

3. Title: Antitubercular potential and pH-driven mode of action of salicylic acid derivatives
   Authors: J. Laudouze, Janïs; T. Francis, Thomas; E. Forest, Emma; P. Santucci, Pierre; J.F. Cavalier, Jean-François
   Year: 2024

4. Title: Synthesis and antimicrobial testing of 5-fluorouracil derivatives
   Authors: M.U. Patil, Mrunal Unmesh; S. Krykun, Serhii; F. Garzino, Frédéric; J.M. Bolla, Jean Michel; M. Camplo, Michel
   Year: 2023
   Citations: 5

5. Title: The membrane-active polyaminoisoprenyl compound NV716 re-sensitizes Pseudomonas aeruginosa to antibiotics and reduces bacterial virulence
   Authors: G. Wang, Gang; J.M. Brunel, Jean Michel; M. Preusse, Matthias; J.M. Bolla, Jean Michel; F. van Bambeke, Francoise
   Year: 2022
   Citations: 11

6. Title: An Original and Efficient Antibiotic Adjuvant Strategy to Enhance the Activity of Macrolide Antibiotics against Gram-Negative Resistant Strains
   Authors: A. Troudi, Azza; J.M. Bolla, Jean Michel; N. Klibi, Naouel; J.M. Brunel, Jean Michel
   Year: 2022
   Citations: 4

7. Title: The polyamino-isoprenyl potentiator NV716 revives disused antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria in broth, infected monocytes, or biofilms, by disturbing the barrier effect of their outer membrane
   Authors: G. Wang, Gang; J.M. Brunel, Jean Michel; H. Rodríguez-Villalobos, Héctor; J.M. Bolla, Jean Michel; F. van Bambeke, Francoise
   Year: 2022
   Citations: 6

8. Title: Nanoarchitectonics of Electrically Activable Phosphonium Self-Assembled Monolayers to Efficiently Kill and Tackle Bacterial Infections on Demand
   Authors: S. Carrara, Serena; F. Rouvier, Florent; S. Auditto, Sanjana; J.M. Bolla, Jean Michel; J.M. Raimundo, Jean Manuel
   Year: 2022
   Citations: 6