Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits

Coralie Fontaine began her academic journey with a strong focus on Pharmaceutical Sciences, earning her PhD from the University of Lille (France) in 2006. Under the supervision of Prof. B. Staels, her doctoral research explored the role of the nuclear receptor Rev-erbα in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, laying a firm foundation for her future specialization in molecular and cardiovascular biology.

Professional Endeavors

After completing her PhD, she pursued a post-doctoral fellowship investigating PPARγ and adipogenesis, further deepening her expertise in metabolic research. In 2009, she joined the Institute for Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases in Toulouse as a tenure researcher, where she worked with Prof. JF Arnal on the role of ERα in arteries. Since 2023, she has been co-directing the ESTER team with Dr. F. Lenfant, advancing her leadership in the field of estrogen receptor research.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Fontaine’s research explores the molecular and cellular mechanisms of Estrogen Receptor ERα and its vasculoprotective effects in response to estrogens and Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs). By developing and using genetically modified mouse models, she investigates how estrogens influence arterial endothelium. Her contributions extend to studying sex dimorphism in cardiovascular disorders, uncovering mechanisms of aging-related arterial diseases in women, and supporting the design of new estrogenic molecules for safer therapies.

Impact and Influence

Her work has significantly advanced the understanding of estrogen signaling in vascular protection. By bridging molecular biology with clinical relevance, Fontaine’s findings inform safer strategies for oral contraception, menopausal hormone therapy, and breast cancer treatment. Her research not only impacts cardiovascular health in women but also provides broader insights into sex-specific medicine, positioning her as an influential figure in endocrinology and vascular biology.

Research Skills

Dr. Coralie Fontaine demonstrates expertise in molecular biology, endocrinology, and cardiovascular physiology. She is skilled in animal model development, particularly ERα-targeted mouse models, and applies advanced cellular and molecular techniques to unravel receptor functions. Her capacity to integrate experimental data with clinical perspectives highlights her multidisciplinary research abilities, making her a versatile and innovative scientist.

Awards and Honors

While specific awards are not detailed, her tenure researcher status at a prestigious institute and her leadership role in the ESTER team reflect high recognition of her contributions. These achievements underscore her scientific credibility, peer recognition, and sustained impact in the pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Fontaine’s legacy lies in advancing the understanding of ERα in vascular biology and influencing the development of safer hormonal therapies. With her leadership in the ESTER team, she is poised to continue making breakthroughs in sex-specific cardiovascular research. Her future contributions will likely shape therapeutic strategies that address both vascular safety and endocrine health, leaving a lasting impact on women’s health research and pharmacological innovation.

Publications Top Notes

The beneficial effects of tamoxifen on arteries: A key player for cardiovascular health of breast cancer patient
Biochemical Pharmacology, 2023-08.
Author: Coralie Fontaine (with collaborators, citation via Crossref).

Membrane estrogen receptor-α contributes to female protection against high-fat diet-induced metabolic disorders
Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2023-07.
Author: Coralie Fontaine (via Europe PubMed Central).

Special issue on non-genomic actions of nuclear receptors: An evolutionary and physiological perspective
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 2023-02.
Author: Coralie Fontaine (via Europe PubMed Central).

The different natural estrogens promote endothelial healing through distinct cell targets
JCI Insight, 2023-02.
Author: Coralie Fontaine (via Europe PubMed Central).

Early Inactivation of Membrane Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ERα) Recapitulates the Endothelial Dysfunction of Aged Mouse Resistance Arteries
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022-03-05.
Author: Coralie Fontaine (via Crossref).

Profile of estetrol, a promising native estrogen for oral contraception and the relief of climacteric symptoms of menopause
Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology, 2022-02.
Author: Coralie Fontaine (via Europe PubMed Central).

Segregation of nuclear and membrane-initiated actions of estrogen receptor using genetically modified animals and pharmacological tools
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 2022-01.
Author: Coralie Fontaine (via Crossref).

A historical view of estrogen effect on arterial endothelial healing: From animal models to medical implication
Atherosclerosis, 2021-11.
Author: Coralie Fontaine (via Europe PubMed Central).

Membrane estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) participates in flow-mediated dilation in a ligand-independent manner
eLife, 2021-11.
Author: Coralie Fontaine (via Europe PubMed Central).

Estrogen Receptor and Vascular Aging
Frontiers in Aging, 2021-09-24.
Author: Coralie Fontaine.

Nuclear translocation of MRTFA in MCF7 breast cancer cells shifts ERα nuclear/genomic to extra-nuclear/non genomic actions
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 2021-06.
Author: Coralie Fontaine.

 

Conclusion

Dr. Coralie Fontaine stands out as a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award owing to her groundbreaking contributions in understanding estrogen receptor mechanisms and their role in cardiovascular health. Her leadership in the ESTER team, combined with her strong academic foundation and innovative research, highlights her commitment to advancing science and improving women’s health. With further global collaborations and enhanced translational impact, her work holds great promise for shaping future therapeutic strategies in cardiovascular and metabolic research.