Lou Brillault

My current role at UQ is cryoTEM scientist for the Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis. I am in charge or monitoring UQ cryoTEM instruments as well as training and assisting UQ researchers that need to use this technique. I completeed my PhD from UQ in 2018 where I studied the structure of the Vps4 oligomer using cryoEM under the supervisor of Prof. Michael Landsberg. During my PhD I have the opportunity to develop my skills at the University of Basel (Biozentrum) for a period of 6 months. I have a deep experience on old and new generations of cryoTEM which helps me understanding the needs for the future of this tehcnique. CryoEM: I am interested in everything related to cryo-EM single-particle analysis. From developing new methodology to structural determination. Program development related to cryoEM: I have a particular interest in developing specific programs that facilitate acquiring and monitoring data for cryo-EM. The emergence of AI tools opens a new world where users do not need to interact with the intrusment anymore. CryoEM methodology development: I am passionate in studying the behaviour or protein complexes when trapped in vitreous ice. I enjoy studying and developing new methods to prevent these complexes to be degraded when interacting with the air-water interface. These methods can be simple like producing affinity grid with amourphous carbon or graphene oxide to something more complex like developing a new way to plunge freeze protein complexes. Development of TEM facility management tools: As a platform scientist my job is to make the life or our users easier for everyday use so they can focus on their research. I like to develop methodology using various computer programs to help them get their results as easyli and conveniently as possible. I also like to develop program tool that assist staff scientist when training or monitoring instruments of the facilty.

[2026] Journal Article: Molecular characterisation of the Bacillus subtilis SpbK antiphage defence system. Mishra, Biswa P., Loyo, Christian L., Cai, Yanyao, Litfin, Thomas, Miraj, Gause, Brillault, Lou, Masic, Veronika, Mosaiab, Tamim, Rajaratnam, Premraj, Rudrawar, Santosh, Gu, Weixi, Kobe, Bostjan, Gerdt, Joseph P., Grossman, Alan D., Shi, Yun and Ve, Thomas (2026). Molecular characterisation of the Bacillus subtilis SpbK antiphage defence system. Nature Communications, 17 (1) 1051, 1-16. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-67810-5 [2025] Conference Publication: Structural and biochemical characterization of an antiphage defence system in Bacillus subtilis. Mishra, Biswa Prasanna, Masic, Veronika, Shi, Yun, Mosaiab, Tamim, Brillault, Lou and Ve, Thomas (2025). Structural and biochemical characteriz