Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): from Metabolomics approach to the inhibition of PDH Kinase as a new therapeutic target

Poster (2013, June 06)

Investigation of potential new targets for the diagnosis and/or the treatment of osteoarthritis

in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (2013, April), 21(Supplement April 2013),

Purpose: Synovial inflammation plays a key role in the pathophysiology process of osteoarthritis (OA). We have previously compared the gene expression pattern of synovial cells isolated from inflammatory ... [more ▼]

Purpose: Synovial inflammation plays a key role in the pathophysiology process of osteoarthritis (OA). We have previously compared the gene expression pattern of synovial cells isolated from inflammatory (I) or normal/reactive (N/R) areas of a synovial membrane harvested from the same OA patient. We identified a large number of mediators belonging to key pathways involved in OA pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to validate different potential new targets for the diagnosis and/or the treatment OA. Methods: Synovial cells (SC) were isolated from synovial specimens obtained from OA patients undergoing knee replacement. The inflammatory status of the synovial membrane was characterized according to macroscopic criteria. The biopsies from N/R and I areas were cultured separately for a period of 7 days. Microarray gene expression profiling between N/R and I areas was performed. The biological relevance of up- and down-regulated genes was analyzed with Ingenuity Pathways Analysis. Western blot and immunohistochemistry confirmed the identified genes most differentially expressed in the key pathways. The production of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM1), the alarmin S100 calcium binding protein A9 (S100A9), the wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 5A (Wnt-5A) and the stanniocalcin 1 (STC1) were evaluated by Western blot. S100A9, hyaluronan synthase-1 (HAS1) and STC1 expression and localization were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Results: 896 genes differentially expressed in N/R and I areas were identified. The key pathways were related to inflammation, cartilage metabolism, Wnt signaling and angiogenesis. In the inflammatory gene pattern, TREM1 and S100A9 were strongly upregulated. We validated the production of these proteins in OA synovial biopsies by Western blot. TREM1 and S100A9 were increased in I compared to N/R synovial cells culture. S100A9 was observed in the perivascular area and in sublining cells in I synovial biopsies, but not in N/R biopsies. An increased staining was also observed in the intima lining layer of I when compared to N/R biopsies. The most upregulated anabolism enzyme in I synovial biopsies was HAS1. Using immunohistochemistry, we observed in I areas an increase of the HAS1-positive cells mainly in the intima lining. We also studied the protein production of Wnt-5A, the most upregulated intermediate of Wnt signaling pathway. The protein level was increased in I compared to N/R areas. Finally, in the angiogenesis pathway, one the most u-regulated gene was STC1. A significant increase of STC1 production was observed in I areas compared to N/R areas by Western blot. This result was also supported by the immunohistochemical analysis. In I area, the staining for STC1 was more intense in perivascular and sublining cells. Conclusions: Synovial membrane inflammation is a key target for OA treatments. In this work, we have identified proteins involved in the synovitis pathways like angiogenesis, cells infiltration and matrix remodeling. These proteins could be targeted by drugs and used as companion biomarkers for evaluating their efficacy. Although qualitative, our results could also yield to the identification of markers of the disease. This investigation has to be further pursued. [less ▲]

Inhibition of Tumor Angiogenesis and Growth by a Small-Molecule Multi-FGF Receptor Blocker with Allosteric Properties.

in Cancer Cell (2013), 23(4), 477-88

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) are targets for anticancer drug development. To date, only RTK inhibitors that block orthosteric binding of ligands and substrates have been developed. Here, we report the ... [more ▼]

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) are targets for anticancer drug development. To date, only RTK inhibitors that block orthosteric binding of ligands and substrates have been developed. Here, we report the pharmacologic characterization of the chemical SSR128129E (SSR), which inhibits fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling by binding to the extracellular FGFR domain without affecting orthosteric FGF binding. SSR exhibits allosteric properties, including probe dependence, signaling bias, and ceiling effects. Inhibition by SSR is highly conserved throughout the animal kingdom. Oral delivery of SSR inhibits arthritis and tumors that are relatively refractory to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 antibodies. Thus, orally-active extracellularly acting small-molecule modulators of RTKs with allosteric properties can be developed and may offer opportunities to improve anticancer treatment. [less ▲]

New prospects in the roles of the C-terminal domains of VEGF-A and their cooperation for ligand binding, cellular signaling and vessels formation.

in Angiogenesis (2013), 16(2), 353-71

VEGF-A is a crucial growth factor for blood vessel homeostasis and pathological angiogenesis. Due to alternative splicing of its pre-mRNA, VEGF-A is produced under several isoforms characterized by the ... [more ▼]

VEGF-A is a crucial growth factor for blood vessel homeostasis and pathological angiogenesis. Due to alternative splicing of its pre-mRNA, VEGF-A is produced under several isoforms characterized by the combination of their C-terminal domains, which determines their respective structure, availability and affinity for co-receptors. As controversies still exist about the specific roles of these exon-encoded domains, we systematically compared the properties of eight natural and artificial variants containing the domains encoded by exons 1-4 and various combinations of the domains encoded by exons 5, 7 and 8a or 8b. All the variants (VEGF(111)a, VEGF(111)b, VEGF(121)a, VEGF(121)b, VEGF(155)a, VEGF(155)b, VEGF(165)a, VEGF(165)b) have a similar affinity for VEGF-R2, as determined by Surface plasmon resonance analyses. They strongly differ however in terms of binding to neuropilin-1 and heparin/heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Data indicate that the 6 amino acids encoded by exon 8a must be present and cooperate with those of exons 5 or 7 for efficient binding, which was confirmed in cell culture models. We further showed that VEGF(165)b has inhibitory effects in vitro, as previously reported, but that the shortest VEGF variant possessing also the 6 amino acids encoded by exon 8b (VEGF(111)b) is remarkably proangiogenic, demonstrating the critical importance of domain interactions for defining the VEGF properties. The number, size and localization of newly formed blood vessels in a model of tumour angiogenesis strongly depend also on the C-terminal domain composition, suggesting that association of several VEGF isoforms may be more efficient for treating ischemic diseases than the use of any single variant. [less ▲]

Targeting a single function of the multifunctional matrix metalloprotease MT1-MMP. Impact on lymphangiogenesis.

in Journal of Biological Chemistry (2013), sous presse

The group of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) is responsible for multiple processes of extracellular matrix remodeling in the healthy body but also for matrix and tissue destruction during cancer invasion ... [more ▼]

The group of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) is responsible for multiple processes of extracellular matrix remodeling in the healthy body but also for matrix and tissue destruction during cancer invasion and metastasis. The understanding of the contributions from each individual MMP, both in healthy and pathological events, has been complicated by the lack of specific inhibitors and the fact that some of the potent MMPs are multifunctional enzymes. These factors have also hampered the setup of therapeutic strategies targeting MMP activity. A tempting target is the membrane-associated MT1-MMP which has well-documented importance in matrix degradation but which takes part in more than one pathway in this regard. In this report, we describe the selective targeting of a single function of this enzyme by means of a specific monoclonal antibody against MT1-MMP, raised in an MT1-MMP knock-out mouse. The antibody blocks the enzyme ability to activate proMMP-2 without interfering with the collagenolytic function or the general proteolytic activity of MT1-MMP. Using this antibody, we have shown that the MT1-MMP-catalyzed activation of proMMP- 2 is involved in the outgrowth of cultured lymphatic endothelial cells in a collagen matrix in vitro, as well as in lymphatic vessel sprouting assayed ex vivo. This is the first example of the complete inactivation of a single function of a multifunctional MMP and the use of this strategy to pursue its role. [less ▲]

MiR-210 promotes a hypoxic phenotype and increases radioresistance in human lung cancer cell lines.

in Cell Death & Disease (2013), 4

The resistance of hypoxic cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy is a major problem in the treatment of cancer. Recently, an additional mode of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-dependent transcriptional ... [more ▼]

The resistance of hypoxic cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy is a major problem in the treatment of cancer. Recently, an additional mode of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-dependent transcriptional regulation, involving modulation of a specific set of micro RNAs (miRNAs), including miR-210, has emerged. We have recently shown that HIF-1 induction of miR-210 also stabilizes HIF-1 through a positive regulatory loop. Therefore, we hypothesized that by stabilizing HIF-1 in normoxia, miR-210 may protect cancer cells from radiation. We developed a non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC)-derived cell line (A549) stably expressing miR-210 (pmiR-210) or a control miRNA (pmiR-Ctl). The miR-210-expressing cells showed a significant stabilization of HIF-1 associated with mitochondrial defects and a glycolytic phenotype. Cells were subjected to radiation levels ranging from 0 to 10 Gy in normoxia and hypoxia. Cells expressing miR-210 in normoxia had the same level of radioresistance as control cells in hypoxia. Under hypoxia, pmiR-210 cells showed a low mortality rate owing to a decrease in apoptosis, with an ability to grow even at 10 Gy. This miR-210 phenotype was reproduced in another NSCLC cell line (H1975) and in HeLa cells. We have established that radioresistance was independent of p53 and cell cycle status. In addition, we have shown that genomic double-strand breaks (DSBs) foci disappear faster in pmiR-210 than in pmiR-Ctl cells, suggesting that miR-210 expression promotes a more efficient DSB repair. Finally, HIF-1 invalidation in pmiR-210 cells removed the radioresistant phenotype, showing that this mechanism is dependent on HIF-1. In conclusion, miR-210 appears to be a component of the radioresistance of hypoxic cancer cells. Given the high stability of most miRNAs, this advantage could be used by tumor cells in conditions where reoxygenation has occurred and suggests that strategies targeting miR-210 could enhance tumor radiosensitization. [less ▲]

Targeting the tumor microenvironment for cancer therapy.

in Clinical Chemistry (2013), 59(1), 85-93

BACKGROUND: With the emergence of the tumor microenvironment as an essential ingredient of cancer malignancy, therapies targeting the host compartment of tumors have begun to be designed and applied in ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND: With the emergence of the tumor microenvironment as an essential ingredient of cancer malignancy, therapies targeting the host compartment of tumors have begun to be designed and applied in the clinic. CONTENT: The malignant features of cancer cells cannot be manifested without an important interplay between cancer cells and their local environment. The tumor infiltrate composed of immune cells, angiogenic vascular cells, lymphatic endothelial cells, and cancer-associated fibroblastic cells contributes actively to cancer progression. The ability to change these surroundings is an important property by which tumor cells are able to acquire some of the hallmark functions necessary for tumor growth and metastatic dissemination. Thus in the clinical setting the targeting of the tumor microenvironment to encapsulate or destroy cancer cells in their local environment has become mandatory. The variety of stromal cells, the complexity of the molecular components of the tumor stroma, and the similarity with normal tissue present huge challenges for therapies targeting the tumor microenvironment. These issues and their interplay are addressed in this review. After a decade of intensive clinical trials targeting cellular components of the tumor microenvironment, more recent investigations have shed light on the important role in cancer progression played by the noncellular stromal compartment composed of the extracellular matrix. SUMMARY: A better understanding of how the tumor environment affects cancer progression should provide new targets for the isolation and destruction of cancer cells via interference with the complex crosstalk established between cancer cells, host cells, and their surrounding extracellular matrix. [less ▲]

Use of Sheep Ovarian Tissue as a Model to Restore Fertility in Young Cancerous Women

Poster (2012, December 10)

Study of the molecular players and drastic changes in metabolic pathways of breast cancer adaptation to anti-angiogenic therapy with Molecular Imaging and quantitative proteomic approaches.

Poster (2012, November)

Study  of  breast  cancer  adaptation  to  anti-­angiogenic  therapies  by   molecular  imaging  on  tissue  slides

Conference (2012, September 04)

Breast   carcinoma   is   the   most   common   and   second   leading   cause   of   cancer   mortality   in   women1.   The   ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣ ␣␣ ␣␣␣␣-­‐limiting   ... [more ▼]

Breast   carcinoma   is   the   most   common   and   second   leading   cause   of   cancer   mortality   in   women1.   The   ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣ ␣␣␣ ␣␣ ␣␣␣␣-­‐limiting   secondary   step   in   tumorigenesis   led   to   extensive   pre-­‐clinical   researches   on   angiogenesis   and   finally   the   approval   of   VEGF-­‐neutralizing   antibodies   (bevacizumab)  and  VEGF  receptor  tyrosine  kinase  inhibitors  (RTKs:sunitinib).  The  Sunitinib  has  been  used   clinically   in   patients   with   breast   cancer   refractory   to   other   therapeutic   agents2.   Unfortunately,   like   the   cytotoxic   therapies,   these   drugs   do   not   produce   lasting   effects   and   resistance   to   treatment   appeared   clinically3.   Recently,   independent   laboratories   have   reported   experimental   data   demonstrating   that   anti-­‐ angiogenic   treatments   inhibit   tumor   growth,   but   also   stimulate   the   formation   of   lung   metastases   after   treatment   discontinuation4.   The   field   of   imaging   mass   spectrometry   provides   new   tools   to   visualize   and   study  the  profiles  of  proteins  and  small  molecules  associated  with  biomedical  problems5.   To  this  aim,  we  conducted  a  series  of  experiments  to  setup  a  reproductible  model  of  resistance  to  sunitinib.   The   cells   MDA-­‐MB-­‐231   triple   negative,   from   human   breast   cancer   and   expressing   luciferase   are   injected   subcutaneously  into  mice  RAG1-­‐/-­‐.  The  mice  were  divided  into  four  experimental  groups  including,  on  the   one  hand,  control  mice  treated  with  placebo  (Carboxymethyl  cellulose,  CMC)  sacrificed  on  day  30  (group  1)   or  when  the  tumor  reached  a  volume  of  300  mm3  (group  2).    On  the  other  hand,  Sunitinib-­‐treated  mice  (LC   Laboratories,   40mg/kg/day),   sacrificed   at   day   30   (group   3),   or   when   the   tumor   reached   a   volume   of   300   mm3  (group  4).  MALDI  mass  spectrometry  imaging  was  performed  on  tissue  sections  of  tumors  and  organs   subsequently   colonized   by   metastases.   Matrix   sublimation   was   used   to   coat   tumor   sections   (14   μm-­‐tick)   with   1.5   Diaminonaphthalene   (1.5   DAN)   for   lipids   analysis   and   Sinapinic   acid   (SA)   for   entire   proteins   analysis.   Ion   cartographies   were   recorded   with   a   Solarix9.4T   FTMS   instrument   for   lipids   and   with   an   Ultraflex   II   TOF-­‐TOF   instrument   for   entire   proteins   (BrukerDaltonics,   Bremen,   Germany)   with   a   spatial   resolution  of  100  μm.     The  analysis  of  differential  protein/lipid  profiles  with  high  mass  accuracy  and  broadband  resolution  allows   detection   of   intense   signals   from   lipid   families   such   as   Phosphatidylcholine   (PC),   Triglyceride   (TAG),   Sphingomyelin   (SM)   and   precise   lipid   droplets   or   tumor   cells   differentiated   location   in   the   Sunitinib   resistant   tumor   cells   compared   to   control   cells.The   protein   profiles   of   the   4   groups   of   mice   show   differences   in   intensity   and   location,   enabling   a   correlation   to   inflammatory   (highlighted   by   histological   staining)  and  angiogenic  phenomenon.   [less ▲]