Renowned Chemist Andrée Marquet Passes Away, Leaving a Legacy in Bioorganic Chemistry
Andrée Marquet, a pioneering French chemist specializing in organic chemistry and chemical biology, has passed away, leaving behind a significant impact on the field. A professor emeritus at the Pierre and Marie Curie University (now Sorbonne University) and a correspondent at the French Academy of sciences since 1993, Marquet’s work bridged the gap between chemistry and biology, inspiring generations of researchers.
Early Life and Education
Andrée Marquet was born in 1934. She received her engineering education at the École nationale supérieure de chimie de Paris and completed her thesis at the Collège de France under the direction of Jean Jacques in 1961. She furthered her training with a post-doctoral internship at the ETH in Zurich, working with Professor Duilio Arigoni.
Career and Research Contributions
Marquet’s career included a period at the CNRS before she was appointed professor at Pierre and Marie Curie University in 1978. There, she founded the organic biological chemistry laboratory, which evolved over time into UMR 7613, then UMR 7203, and finally UMR 8228 (Physical Chemistry and Chemistry of Life). Her laboratory continues to thrive, carrying forward her passion for the chemistry-biology interface.
Her research focused on mechanistic enzymology, particularly the biosynthesis of steroids, vitamin K, and biotin. Her work on the genetics and mechanistic enzymology of biotin biosynthesis was particularly noteworthy. Marquet was instrumental in developing bioorganic chemistry and biological chemistry as distinct sub-disciplines in France, creating adapted teaching courses that fostered collaboration between chemists and biochemists.
In 2007, Marquet co-authored a paper in Natural Product Reports detailing the biological roles of coenzymes, including folate (vitamin B9), pantothenate (vitamin B5), cobalamin (vitamin B12), biotin (vitamin B8), and molybdenum cofactor (Moco). The research explored their biological functions, nutritional aspects, and potential strategies to enhance cofactor content in organisms.
Scientific and Institutional Leadership
Beyond her research, Marquet held numerous scientific and institutional positions. She chaired the organic chemistry division of the Société chimique de France (1984-1986) and the Société Franco-japonaise de chimie fine et thérapeutique (1987-1991). She likewise chaired section 20 of the CNRS National Committee (1991-1995) and served on the CNRS Scientific Council (1992-1997). In 1998, she became Scientific Director of the Chemistry Department at the Research Department of the MENRT.
Marquet’s commitment extended to public outreach, serving on the Board of Directors of the Palais de la Découverte (1999-2003) and the MENRT (2007-2008). She was a member of the Ethics Committee of the CNRS in 2011. She founded the “Chemistry and Society” Commission within the Fondation de la Maison de la Chimie in 2002, remaining its president until 2011.
Legacy
Andrée Marquet’s scientific, educational, and institutional contributions have left a lasting mark on the French scientific community. She is remembered not only for her research but also for her ability to inspire and mentor colleagues and students, fostering a common language between chemistry and biochemistry. Her passing is deeply felt by those who knew her and benefited from her guidance.