L'expansion d'une tumeur résulte d'une multiplication non contrôlée des cellules tumorales, de l'acquisition de leur capacité à migrer, ainsi que de la genèse du réseau vasculaire nécessaire à leur survie. Ces propriétés reposent en partie sur la mise en jeu de molécules impliquées dans le guidage cellulaire telles que les sémaphorines, initialement décrites pour leur implication dans le guidage axonal au cours du développement du système nerveux. Leurs fonction s'étendent actuellement au contrôle de l'angiogénèse de la migration des précurseurs nerveux ainsi que du cycle cellulaire. Les voies de signalisation intra-cellulaires des sémaphorines ne sont que partiellement connues. Les CRMP (CollapsinResponse Mediator Protein) font partie de leurs médiateurs intracytoplasmiques, décrites au cours de la rétraction du cône de croissance induit par la sémaphorine 3A (Sema3A). L'implication en pathologie tumorale de ces voies de signalisation a été découverte par l!étude de gènes tel que celui de la sémaphorine 3F (Sema3F), présents dans les régions délétées du chromosome 3 de certains types de tumeurs non neuroendocrines du poumon L'implication des CRMP a été également révélée par les syndromes neurologiques paranéoplasiques (SNP). Ces syndromes résultent d'une auto-immunisation humorale des patients contre des antigènes exprimés par la tumeur dont ils sont atteints. C'est le cas de CRMP5, protéine, identifiée dans notre laboratoire comme cible des auto-anticorps anti-CV2/ CRMP5 dans le cadre des SNP associés à des tumeurs neuroendocrines du poumon, les carcinomes à petites cellules (CPC) ainsi qu'à des thymomes. Alors que les thymomes sont des tumeurs bénignes, les CPC représentent 20% des carcinomes pulmonaires et sont, avec les carcinomes neuroendocrines à grandes cellules, les formes les plus agressives des tumeurs du poumon. Notre objectif était d'étudier l'implication physiopathologique des CRMP dans les différents types de carcinomes du poumon et dans les thymomes ainsi que dans les tumeurs du système nerveux central en relation avec la signalisation des sémaphorines. Nous avons ainsi démontré une expression exclusive de CRMP5 par les carcinomes neuroendocrines du poumon et les gliomes de haut grade par comparaison aux carcinomes non neuroendocrines et aux thymomes. CRMP5 n'est pas exprimée dans les carcinomes non neuroendocrines du poumon desquels sont dérivés les lignées H460 et H157. Ces observations ont été complétées par deux collaborations à des études portant sur les voies de signalisation des sémaphorines dans des modèles cellulaires de ces tumeurs. La première étude a montré que Sema3F, surexprimée dans la lignée H157 possède un effet anti-tumoral. La voie de signalisation de Sema3F nécessite neuropiline 2, l'inactivation de la MAPK (Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase) Erk 1/2 et entraîne l!inhibition de l'adhésion des intégrines !vß3, avec participation de CRMP1 et CRMP4 mais pas de CRMP5. La deuxième étude a établi que sous Sema3A la voie de signalisation d'Erk ½ est activée par le complexe de récepteur NRP1/VEGFR1 lors de la migration de précurseurs nerveux. Dans ces conditions Sema3A entraîne des modulations des expressions des CRMP2, CRMP4 et CRMP5 suggérant leur implication. Ainsi, ce travail montre que l!activation de certaines voies de signalisation des sémaphorines sont spécifiques des types histopathologiques et des grades des tumeurs. Ces voies de signalisations sont médiées par des complexes de récepteurs précis et mettent souvent en jeu les CRMP / Tumour growth is a consequence of uncontrolled cell proliferation, cell migration and angiogenesis. These functions are partly controlled by molecules involved in cellular guidance. Among these molecules, the semaphorins, previously described in axonal guidance during development, interestingly control cell migration, angiogenesis, apoptosis and proliferation. Signalling pathways of Semaphorins are only partially known. CRMP (Collapsin Response Mediator Protein) are involved in the signalling semaphoring pathway, precisely as mediator of Sema3A induced growth cone collapse. Implication of these signalling pathways in tumour growth was initially discovered with Sema3F localised in frequently deleted regions of the third chromosome found in non neuroendocrine lung carcinoma. CRMP involvement was also discovered in neurological paraneoplastic syndromes (NPS). These syndromes result of an auto-immunisation against tumour antigens present in some patients. CRMP5 was identified by our laboratory as a target of anti-CV2/CRMP5 auto-antibodies seen in some NPS associated with small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and thymoma. While thymoma are benign tumours, SCLC account for 20% of all lung tumour pathological subtypes and represent with large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma the most clinically aggressive subtypes of lung tumours. Our aim was to study the physiopathological role of CRMP among the different subtypes of lung carcinoma, thymoma and central nervous system tumours and their relationship with semaphorin signalling pathways. We showed a specific diffuse expression of CRMP5 by high grade neuroendocrine carcinoma and high grade glioma tumour cells. CRMP5 is neither expressed by non neuroendocrine lung carcinoma nor H460 or H157 derived cell lines, nor thymoma. Additionally, 2 collaborative studies were undertaken, focusing on semaphorin cell signalling in tumour derived cell lines. The first study showed an anti tumour effect of Sema3F over-expressed in H157 cell line mediated by neuropilin 2, CRMP2 and CRMP4 but not by CRMP5. It showed that Sema3F stimulation led to the inactivation of Erk1/2 MAPK (Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase) and inhibition of !vß3 integrin mediated adhesion. The second study showed that Sema3A induced DEV cells migration was mediated by neuropilin1/VEGFR1 receptor complex and activated Erk1/2 pathway. CRMP2, CRMP4 and CRMP5 expression changes suggested their involvement in that pathway. Thus, these data show that some semaphorin pathways activation were specific of tumour pathological subtype and grade. These signalling pathways were precisely mediated by specific receptor complexes and different CRMPs isoforms

Cells in the body communicate with each other in order to cooperate efficiently. This communication is in part achieved by regulated secretion of signaling molecules, which when released from a cell may activate receptors present at the plasma membrane of an adjacent cell. Such signals affect both cell fate and behavior. Dysregulated signaling may lead to disease, including cancer. This thesis is focused on how exocytosis and subsequent activation and trafficking of receptors can be regulated, and what the consequences of this regulation may be for cell migration. Actin filaments are important transport structures for secretory vesicle trafficking. In Paper 1, actin polymerization was shown to induce formation of ordered lipid domains in the plasma membrane. Accordingly, actin filaments may thus create and stabilize specific membrane domains that enable docking of vesicles containing secretory cargo. The RhoGEF FGD5 regulates Cdc42 which can result in cytoskeletal rearrangements. In Paper II, FGD5 was shown to be selectively expressed in blood vessels and required for normal VEGFR2 signaling. FGD5 protected VEGFR2 from proteasome-mediated degradation and was essential for endothelial cells to efficiently respond to chemotactic gradients of VEGFA. The exocyst component EXOC7 is essential for tethering secretory vesicles to the plasma membrane prior to SNARE-mediated fusion. In Paper III, EXOC7 was required for trafficking of VEGFR2-containing vesicles to the inner plasma membrane and VEGFR2 presentation at the cell surface. The ability of tumor cells to escape the primary tumor and establish metastasis is in part dependent on their capacity to migrate. In Paper IV, a method based on time-lapse microscopy and fluorescent dyes was created to analyze single cancer cell migration in mixed cancer cell cultures, and in particular the influence of different types on neighboring cells was assessed. In conclusion, these studies have enhanced our understanding of the mechanisms behind cellular trafficking, and may be applied in the future to develop more specific therapeutics to treat cancer and other diseases associated with abnormal angiogenesis and cellular migration.

Les évènements moléculaires en amont et en aval de la petite GTPase Rac1 menant à la migration cellulaire sont encore mal compris. La première partie du projet consiste à utiliser une approche protéomique non-biaisée pour tenter d’identifier les partenaires de Rac. Pour ce faire, nous avons développé une méthode de purification efficace et rapide de manière à maintenir les complexes protéiques transitoires intacts. Dans un deuxième temps, nous avons identifié des sites de phosphorylation sur la RacGEF atypique Dock5 en aval des intégrines. Afin de mieux comprendre le rôle de la phosphorylation de cette protéine, nous avons criblé une banque de kinases ce qui nous a permis d’identifier 14 kinases pouvant phosphoryler la région PXXP de Dock5. D’après nos résultats, ceci aurait comme effet de diminuer l’interaction entre Dock5 et ses partenaires contenant des domaines SH3. Ainsi, la phosphorylation de Dock5 régulerait la formation de complexes et le recrutement de Dock5 par des protéines adaptatrices. / The molecular events upstream and downstream of Rac leading to cell migration and still to date not fully understood allthough more than 20 effectors have been identified for this GTPase. The first part of our project is to use a non-biased proteomic approach to try to identify novel binding partners of Rac1. In order to do so, we developped a novel purification strategy that enabled us to purify Rac and its binding partners in a timely manner. The second part of our project is to understand the role of Dock5 phosphorylation downstream of the integrins. We identified phosphorylated residues in the PXXP region of the atypical RacGEF upon fibronectin stimulation and found 14 kinases able to phosphorylate this region. According to our results, Dock5 phosphorylation does not affect its GEF activity but diminishes its interaction with various SH3 domain-containing proteins. Thus, our data suggest that Dock5 phosphorylation would regulate complex formation and recruitment of this protein by adaptor proteins.

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all the gynecologic cancers and is known for its clinically occult and asymptomatic dissemination. Most ovarian malignancies are diagnosed in the late stages of the disease and the high rate of morbidity is thought to be due, in part, to the highly metastatic nature of ovarian carcinomas. Cancer metastasis relies on the ability of cells to migrate away from primary tumors and invade into target tissues. Though the processes are distinct, cancer cell invasion relies on the underlying migration machinery to invade target tissues. Cell migration requires the coordinated effort of numerous spatially-regulated signaling pathways to extend protrusions, create new adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM), translocate the cell body, and retract the cell rear. Our lab established that the cyclic-AMP dependent protein kinase (PKA) subunits and enzymatic activity are localized to the leading edge of migrating cells and are required for cell movement. Despite the importance for localized PKA activity during migration, neither its role in regulating ovarian cancer cell migration and invasion nor the mechanism regulating leading edge PKA activity have been determined. Therefore, the objective of the enclosed work is to establish the importance of PKA for ovarian cancer cell migration and invasion and elucidate the molecular mechanism governing leading edge PKA. We demonstrate, for the first time, that PKA activity and spatial distribution through A-Kinase Anchoring Proteins (AKAPs) is required for efficient ovarian cancer cell migration and invasion. Additionally, we establish a link between leading edge PKA activity in migrating cells, ECM stiffness sensing, and the regulation of both PKA activity and ovarian cancer cell migration by the mechanical properties of the ECM. Finally, we delineate the hierarchy of cell signaling events that regulate leading edge PKA activity and, ultimately, the migration of ovarian cancer cells. Specifically, we elucidate a mechanism where leading edge protrusions elicit leading edge calcium currents through the stretch-activated calcium channel (SACC) of the transient receptor potential family melastatin 7 (TrpM7) to activate actomyosin contractility. ECM substrate stiffness is sensed by the actin cytoskeleton and actomyosin contractility, which, in turn, regulates the activity of leading edge PKA activity. These studies have provided important insights into the regulation of cell migration and have established the mechanistic details governing leading edge PKA activity during cell migration.

Tissue engineered scaffolds were constructed to mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM) and promote cell migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Electrospinning technology was used to fabricate these nano-scale matrices that consist of varying compositions and fiber diameters. The purpose of this study was to examine how average fiber diameter and scaffold composition regulate cell migration. Odyssey infrared scanning evaluated this on a macroscopic level, whereas confocal microscopy focused on a more microscopic approach. The expression of proteases released into the culture media was also examined. The results from this study suggest that fiber diameter increases as a function of electrospinning starting concentration. Altering the composition by adding a basement membrane-like material, Matrigel, does not statistically affect the average fiber diameter. Fibroblast migration is greater on collagen scaffolds than gelatin scaffolds based on surface area measurements. Confocal images illustrate a distinct cell polarity and various cell morphologies of fibroblasts on electrospun collagen scaffolds. Cell-matrix interactions are more prominent on intermediate to large scale fibers. However, cell-cell contacts are more prevalent at the smallest fiber diameters, suggesting that this scaffold acts like or as a two-dimensional surface. The expression of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), specifically MMP-2 and MMP-9, by fibroblasts during in vivo cell migration assays, suggests that the greatest amount of matrix remodeling is at the two extremes of fiber diameters.

This thesis elucidates the crucial role of YKL-40 in enhancing glioma cell migration and invasion in vitro. Increased levels of YKL-40 are specifically associated with the increased invasive capacity of glioma multiforme (GBM) tumors and lower survival rate of GBM patients. In order to examine the effects of YKL-40 on the migration and invasion of GBM cells, we overexpressed YKL-40 in three different glioma cell lines. The overexpression of YKL-40 significantly enhanced glioma cells migration and invasion in vitro and also increased ERK phosphorylation, which is believed to enhance glioma cell survival, and invasiveness. Although receptors for YKL-40 are still unknown, YKL-40 induces interactions between integrin αvβ3 and syndecan-1 in endothelial cells. However, syndecan-1 does not mediate YKL-40-induced migration and invasion of glioma cells since it is expressed at very low levels, in comparison to other syndecans. In contrast, we found that syndecan-4 is expressed at high levels in all glioma cells we tested. Importantly, down-regulation of syndecan-4 dramatically reduced YKL-40-induced migration of U373 cells, suggesting that syndecan-4 may mediate the effect of YKL-40. Since inflammation has been associated with the progression of many cancers, including GBM, we studied the effect of major pro-inflammatory cytokines on the expression of both YKL-40 and syndecans. Interestingly, OSM and IL-1 synergistically enhanced both YKL-40 and syndecan-4 expression in glioma cells. This suggests that this synchronous induction of YKL-40 and syndecan-4 by OSM and IL-1 may enhance invasion of GBM in-vivo. In summary, we propose a mechanism through which YKL-40 may function under pro-inflammatory conditions. Increased expression of YKL-40 and syndecan-4 in glioma cells leads to the subsequent activation of the MAPK/ERK pathway and results in glioma cell invasion.

Contexte: KCNQ1: KCNE3 joue un rôle essentiel dans le mécanisme de sécrétion du Cl- dans le côlon distal. Ce canal K+ génère la force électromotrice nécessaire à la sécrétion apicale de Cl- par le recyclage basolatéral de K+. Il a précédemment été démontré que l'hormone stéroïde œstrogène (17β-œstradiol, E2) induit, spécifiquement chez la femelle un effet anti-sécrétoire dans les cryptes de côlon de rat via l'inhibition de KCNQ1:KCNE3. Cette thèse a pour but de déterminer les mécanismes moléculaires mise en jeu dans la régulation des fonctions du canal KCNQ1 par l'œstrogène, en particulier dans la sécrétion de Cl-, la prolifération et la migration des colonocytes. Cette thèse met en évidence la régulation de l'activité de KCNQ1 par l'œstrogène via l'endocytose et la dissociation du canal. Méthodes : Des cryptes isolées de côlon de rats ainsi que la lignée cellulaire HT29cl.19A ont été utilisées pour étudier les effets de l'œstrogène sur la sécrétion de Cl- et les fonctions du canal KCNQ1. Pour cela des techniques d'électrophysiologie, de biologie cellulaire et moléculaire ainsi que d'imagerie ont été utilisées. Résultats: Nous avons montré que l'œstrogène induit une rapide réduction de la sécrétion de Cl- et du courant KCNQ1; cette inhibition est maintenue au moins 2 heures. Nous avons aussi démontré que l'œstrogène induit une rapide internalisation du canal par la voie de signalisation suivante : PKCδ-AMPK-Nedd4.2. L'internalisation du canal est suivie d'un recyclage à la membrane qui présente un mécanisme bi-phasique; une phase rapide impliquant Rab4 et une phase plus lente via Rab11. L'œstrogène induit également une dissociation entre KCNQ1 et KCNE3 conduisant à la diminution de la conductance du canal. La thèse a également démontré le rôle de KCNQ1 dans la modulation de la migration des colonocytes induite par l'œstrogène. Conclusion : L'étude établit le rôle de l'œstrogène dans la régulation de la sécrétion d'électrolytes par la modulation de la densité de KCNQ1 à la membrane plasmique et la stabilité du complexe KCNQ1:KCNE3. Ici, est révélé un nouveau rôle pour KCNQ1 dans la modulation de la migration des colonocytes par l'œstrogène. Ainsi, l'œstrogène joue un rôle important dans l'homéostasie des cryptes de côlon par la régulation du taux de migration et de sécrétion des colonocytes. / Background : The KCNQ1:KCNE3 K+ channel is an essential component of the Cl- secretion machinery in the distal colon. This channel provides the driving force for apical Cl- secretion by basolateral recycling of K+. The steroid hormone estrogen (17β-estradiol, E2) has previously been reported to exert a female specific anti-secretory response in colonic crypts through the inhibition of the KCNQ1: KCNE3 channel. The purpose of this study was to uncover and describe molecular mechanisms of estrogen regulation of KCNQ1 channel function and its consequences for intestinal Cl- secretion, colonocyte proliferation and migration. The thesis reveals a novel estrogen regulation of KCNQ1:KCNE3 activity by channel endocytosis and complex dissociation. Methods : Isolated rat colonic crypts as well as the colonic cell line HT29cl19A (HT29) were used to investigate estrogen effects on Cl- secretion and KCNQ1 channel function using a combination of electrophysiological, cellular and molecular biology and imaging techniques. Results : The forskolin-stimulated Cl- secretion and KCNQ1 current in rat colon and HT29 epithelia were rapidly reduced following estrogen treatment (10nM) and remained inhibited over 2 hours after estrogen exposure. Our findings revealed a rapid estrogen-promoted retrieval of KCNQ1 from the plasma membrane via a PKCδ-AMPK-Nedd4 .2 signaling pathway, followed by the recycling of the channel. The mechanism underlying recycling was biphasic; a rapid recycling phase mediated by Rab4 and a slow recycling phase mediated by Rab11. Estrogen also causes dissociation of the KCNQ1:KCNE3 channel complex resulting in collapse of the K+ channel conductance and Cl- secretion. The thesis also demonstrated that KCNQ1 plays a role in E2-modulated colonocyte migration. Conclusion : This study establishes a role for estrogen in the regulation of colonic electrolyte secretion via modulation of KCNQ1 cell membrane surface abundance and KCNQ1:KCNE3 complex formation. Here, we highlighted a new role of KCNQ1 in colonocyte migration which is also modulated by estrogen through KCNQ1. Thus, estrogen plays an important role in colonic crypt homeostasis by regulating colonocyte secretion and migration rate.

TP53INP1 est un gène suppresseur de tumeur qui est inactivé dans les lésions pré-tumorales pancréatiques. Il est impliqué dans la régulation de la mort cellulaire notamment via l'activation de la voie p53. Cette thèse a pour objectif de mieux caractériser le mécanisme d'action de TP53INP1 afin de mieux comprendre son rôle suppresseur de tumeur dans le cancer pancréatique. Nous avons montré dans un premier temps que TP53INP1 est associé à une diminution de la migration cellulaire via l'inhibition de l'expression du gène SPARC. Dans un second temps, nous avons montré que la protéine TP53INP1 est impliquée dans l'autophagie, où elle interagit avec les protéines de la famille LC3/Atg8 au sein des autophagosomes, et favorise la mort cellulaire de manière dépendante de l'autophagie. Enfin, nous avons mis en évidence que TP53INP1 est régulée par le contexte de stress cellulaire via des modifications post-traductionnelles. En effet, nous avons montré que la SUMOylation de TP53INP1 est nécessaire à l'activation de la réponse au stress oxydatif de p53. Ces travaux ont donc permis de mieux caractériser le rôle de suppresseur de tumeur de TP53INP1 et son mécanisme de régulation. / TP53INP1 is a tumor suppressor gene which is inactivated in early pancreatic lesions. It is involved in regulation of cell death through the activation of the p53 pathway. The aim of this work is to better characterize the molecular mechanism of action of TP53INP1 in order to better understand its tumor suppressor role. Firstly, we have shown that TP53INP1 expression is associated with a decreased cell migration through the down-regulation of SPARC. Secondly, we have demonstrated that TP53INP1 is involved in autophagy, through its direct interaction with LC3/Atg8 family proteins into the autophagosomes, and induces autophagy-dependent cell death. Then, we have shown that TP53INP1 is regulated by cellular context, through its post-translational modifications. Indeed, the SUMOylation of TP53INP1 is required to activate the p53 oxidative stress response pathway. All these findings allow a better understanding of the tumor suppressor role of TP53INP1 and of its regulation mechanism.

No description available.

Les formines de la famille des DRF sont des puissants nucleateurs d'actine. Précédemment, nous avons montré que DRF1 participe à la capture des microtubules (MTs) au niveau du cortex cellulaire, en aval du récepteur ErbB2. Ceci impliquait le recrutement d'APC et ACF7. Dans cette étude, nous avons examiné la contribution de DRF1, DRF2 et DRF3 à la capture des MT corticaux et à la migration cellulaire ErbB2- dépendante. La déplétion individuelle de DRF1/2 ou 3 à l'aide de siRNA perturbe fortement la migration chimiotactique ErbB2-dépendante. Les DRF sont toutes trois requises pour la capture des MT au niveau du cortex cellulaire. Des mutants de DRF1 déficients pour leur association avec l'actine sont toujours actifs pour la capture des MT. Nous avons aussi pu montrer qu'une construction limitée au domaine FH2 des DRF était parfaitement fonctionnelle. Nous avons alors procéder à une recherche systématique des protéines se liant au domaine FH2, par purification d'affinité et spectrométrie de masse. Nous avons observé que les domaines FH2 de DRF1, DRF2 et DRF3 se lient à des groupes de partenaires distincts. Ainsi, seul le domaine FH2 de DRF1 lie la protéine Rab6-Interacting Protein 2 (RB6IP2). De plus, DRF1 contrôle le recrutement de RB6IP2 au cortex cellulaire et la déplétion concomitante de RB6IP2 et d'IQGAP1 perturbe fortement la capture des MT. Ces résultats démontrent l'implication de l'interaction entre DRF1 et RB6IP2 dans la capture des MT dans les cellules en migration. / Diaphanous-related formins (DRF) nucleate single linear filaments, binding to and protecting from capping their growing barbed ends. We have previously found that DRF1 participated to the tethering of microtubules (MTs) to the cell cortex, downstream of the ErbB2 receptor tyrosine kinase. This involved the recruitment of APC and ACF7. We have now further investigated the contribution of DRF1, and of the closely related DRF2 and DRF3, to the capture of cortical MTs and ErbB2-dependent breast carcinoma cell migration.Using siRNA to knock down individual DRFs, we found that depletion of DRF1/2 or3 strongly disturbed ErbB2-dependent chemotaxis. All three DRFs were required for the formation of cortical MTs, in a non-redundant manner. DRF1 mutant proteins defective for actin binding were still active for MT capture. We also found that, upon truncation of the Formin Homology (FH) 1 domain, the FH2 domain remained fully functional. In a systematic search for proteins binding to the FH2 domains via affinity purification and mass spectrometry analysis, we observed that the FH2 domains of DRF1, DRF2 and DRF3 engaged with distinct sets of proteins. For instance, only FH2 domain of DRF1 pulled down Rab6-Interacting Protein 2 (RB6IP2). Interestingly, DRF1 controlled the cortical localization of RB6IP2 and concomitant depletion of RB6IP2 and IQGAP1 strongly disturbed capture of cortical MTs, showing the involvement of the DRF1/IQGAP1/RB6IP2 interaction in MT tethering at the cell leading edge.