Sox10 is not necessary for auditory neurons survival

Poster (2008)

Modeling Lymphangiogenesis in a three-dimensional culture system

in Nature Methods (2008), 5(5), 431-437

Unraveling the molecular mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis is hampered by the lack of appropriate in vitro models of three-dimensional (3D) lymph vessel growth which can be used to exploit the potential of ... [more ▼]

Unraveling the molecular mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis is hampered by the lack of appropriate in vitro models of three-dimensional (3D) lymph vessel growth which can be used to exploit the potential of available transgenic mice. We developed a potent reproducible and quantifiable 3D-culture system of lymphatic endothelial cells, the lymphatic ring assay, bridging the gap between 2D-in vitro and in vivo models of lymphangiogenesis. Mice thoracic duct fragments are embedded in a collagen gel leading to the formation of lymphatic capillaries containing a lumen as assessed by electron microscopy and immunostaining. This assay phenocopies the different steps of lymphangiogenesis, including the spreading from a preexisting vessel, cell proliferation, migration and differentiation into capillaries. Our study provides evidence for the implication of an individual matrix metalloproteinase, MMP-2, during lymphangiogenesis. The lymphatic ring assay is a robust, quantifiable and reproducible system which offers new opportunities for rapid identification of unknown regulators of lymphangiogenesis. [less ▲]

Histology and ultrastructure of the elastic spring apparatus in Acanthodoras cataphractus (Siluriformes: Doradidae)

Poster (2008)

New insights in auditory organ development: the inner pillar cell goes it own way

Poster (2008)

The kinetoplast ultrastructural organization of endosymbiont-bearing trypanosomatids as revealed by deep-etching, cytochemical and immunocytochemical analysis.

in Histochemistry & Cell Biology (2008), 130(6), 1177-85

The endosymbiont-bearing trypanosomatids present a typical kDNA arrangement, which is not well characterized. In the majority of trypanosomatids, the kinetoplast forms a bar-like structure containing ... [more ▼]

The endosymbiont-bearing trypanosomatids present a typical kDNA arrangement, which is not well characterized. In the majority of trypanosomatids, the kinetoplast forms a bar-like structure containing tightly packed kDNA fibers. On the contrary, in trypanosomatids that harbor an endosymbiotic bacterium, the kDNA fibers are disposed in a looser arrangement that fills the kinetoplast matrix. In order to shed light on the kinetoplast structural organization in these protozoa, we used cytochemical and immunocytological approaches. Our results showed that in endosymbiont-containing species, DNA and basic proteins are distributed not only in the kDNA network, but also in the kinetoflagellar zone (KFZ), which corresponds to the region between the kDNA and the inner mitochondrial membrane nearest the flagellum. The presence of DNA in the KFZ is in accordance with the actual model of kDNA replication, whereas the detection of basic proteins in this region may be related to the basic character of the intramitochondrial filaments found in this area, which are part of the complex that connects the kDNA to the basal body. The kinetoplast structural organization of Bodo sp. was also analyzed, since this protozoan lacks the highly ordered kDNA-packaging characteristic of trypanosomatid and represents an evolutionary ancestral of the Trypanosomatidae family. [less ▲]

ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 2 inactivation reduces the extent and stability of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice

in Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) (2007), 46(5), 1620-1631

ADAMTS2 belongs to the "ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type I motif" (ADAMTS) family. Its primary function is to process collagen type I, II, III, and V precursors into mature molecules by ... [more ▼]

ADAMTS2 belongs to the "ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type I motif" (ADAMTS) family. Its primary function is to process collagen type I, II, III, and V precursors into mature molecules by excising the aminopropeptide. This process allows the correct assembly of collagen molecules into fibrils and fibers, which confers to connective tissues their architectural structure and mechanical resistance. To evaluate the impact of ADAMTS2 on the pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, mainly type I and III collagens, we evaluated carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in ADAMTS2-deficient (TS2(-/-)) and wild-type (WT) mice. A single carbon tetrachloride injection caused a similar acute liver injury in deficient and WT mice. A chronic treatment induced collagen deposition in fibrous septa that were made of thinner and irregular fibers in TS2(-/-) mice. The rate of collagen deposition was slower in TS2(-/-) mice, and at an equivalent degree of fibrosis, the resorption of fibrous septa was slightly faster. Most of the genes involved in the development and reversion of the fibrosis were similarly regulated in TS2(-/-) and NW mice. Conclusion: These data indicate that the extent of fibrosis is reduced in TS2(-/-) mice in comparison with their WT littermates. Inhibiting the maturation of fibrillar collagens may be a beneficial therapeutic approach to interfering with the development of fibrotic lesions. [less ▲]

Vascular architecture of breast cancer xenographs over-expressing MT4-MMP

Poster (2007)

Vascular architecture of breast cancer xenographs over-expressing MT4-MMP

Poster (2007)

Morphological development of the rat organ of Corti during the prenatal period

Poster (2007)

Sox 10 is not necessary for auditory neurons survival

Poster (2007)