Germline mutations in mismatch repair genes predispose individuals to Lynch Syndrome, the most common colorectal cancer predisposition syndrome. MLH1 is a key mismatch repair gene that is mutated in Lynch syndrome and about a third of the genetic alterations identified in MLH1 are missense variants of unclassified clinical significance. We hypothesize that missense alterations in distinct domains of MLH1 likely affect its expression and function(s) to varying degrees. To address this we utilized several approaches to investigate the molecular basis of the pathogenicity of a panel of unclassified variants. Our results demonstrate that the MLH1 variants p.R265C and p.K618A significantly decrease the stability of the MLH1 protein, while the variant p.L749Q compromises heterodimerization of the MLH1-PMS2 complex. Given the limitations and complexity of in vitro assessment strategies, we conducted a proof-of-principle study to investigate whether missense variants in MLH1 lead to allelic imbalances at the transcriptional level. Our analysis using the PeakPicker software indicated that the missense variants c.350C>T, c.793C>T, c.1852_1853AA>GC, as well as the truncating variant c.1528C>T were associated with significantly unbalanced allelic expression. This illustrates a novel method of investigating the pathogenicity of unclassified genetic variants, which has the potential to be applied in the diagnostic setting. Previous genetic epidemiology studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that the MLH1 c.-93G>A promoter variant is strongly associated with the microsatellite instability phenotype in colorectal tumours. Additionally, this promoter variant was associated with an elevated risk of endometrial cancer in case-control studies. Results from our functional studies indicate that the c.-93G>A variant significantly alters the promoter activity of MLH1. The MLH1 promoter is bi-directional with the EPM2AIP1 gene located on the antisense strand. Interestingly, we observed that this variant significantly affected EPM2AIP1 transcription as well. Furthermore, our experiments suggest that c.-93G>A variant affects transcription by altering the affinity of nuclear factors that bind this region. Combined, these findings shed light on the possible mechanisms by which missense variants affect MLH1 expression and function, which in conjunction with results from other functional assays will help increase the accuracy and efficiency of genetic testing of inherited cancers.

Germline mutations in mismatch repair genes predispose individuals to Lynch Syndrome, the most common colorectal cancer predisposition syndrome. MLH1 is a key mismatch repair gene that is mutated in Lynch syndrome and about a third of the genetic alterations identified in MLH1 are missense variants of unclassified clinical significance. We hypothesize that missense alterations in distinct domains of MLH1 likely affect its expression and function(s) to varying degrees. To address this we utilized several approaches to investigate the molecular basis of the pathogenicity of a panel of unclassified variants. Our results demonstrate that the MLH1 variants p.R265C and p.K618A significantly decrease the stability of the MLH1 protein, while the variant p.L749Q compromises heterodimerization of the MLH1-PMS2 complex. Given the limitations and complexity of in vitro assessment strategies, we conducted a proof-of-principle study to investigate whether missense variants in MLH1 lead to allelic imbalances at the transcriptional level. Our analysis using the PeakPicker software indicated that the missense variants c.350C>T, c.793C>T, c.1852_1853AA>GC, as well as the truncating variant c.1528C>T were associated with significantly unbalanced allelic expression. This illustrates a novel method of investigating the pathogenicity of unclassified genetic variants, which has the potential to be applied in the diagnostic setting. Previous genetic epidemiology studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that the MLH1 c.-93G>A promoter variant is strongly associated with the microsatellite instability phenotype in colorectal tumours. Additionally, this promoter variant was associated with an elevated risk of endometrial cancer in case-control studies. Results from our functional studies indicate that the c.-93G>A variant significantly alters the promoter activity of MLH1. The MLH1 promoter is bi-directional with the EPM2AIP1 gene located on the antisense strand. Interestingly, we observed that this variant significantly affected EPM2AIP1 transcription as well. Furthermore, our experiments suggest that c.-93G>A variant affects transcription by altering the affinity of nuclear factors that bind this region. Combined, these findings shed light on the possible mechanisms by which missense variants affect MLH1 expression and function, which in conjunction with results from other functional assays will help increase the accuracy and efficiency of genetic testing of inherited cancers.

Ce travail a pour objectif d’explorer les altérations de l’ADN et leurs conséquences potentielles pour les traits d’histoire de vie (survie, croissance et reproduction) d’un invertébré aquatique, Daphnia magna exposé à l’uranium appauvri. La démarche expérimentale vise à évaluer l’accumulation et la transmission des altérations de l’ADN suite à une exposition sur deux générations successives (F0 et F1). Différents scénarios d’exposition mis en place pour tester la sensibilité spécifique de divers stades de vie. Lors d’expositions continue et post-éclosion, les résultats mettent en évidence une accumulation et une transmission des dommages à l’ADN au fil des générations en parallèle de la sévérité des effets. Les altérations de l’ADN sont reportées dès l’éclosion de F1 dès 2 µg.L 1. Les effets sur la croissance et la reproduction sont plus sévères lorsque le stade embryonnaire est exposé et restent visibles dès 9,9 µg.L-1 malgré un retour en milieu non contaminé à l’éclosion. Les résultats suggèrent que les dommages à l’ADN pourraient être des indicateurs précoces de futurs effets sur les traits d’histoire de vie. Une analyse mécanistique des résultats expérimentaux est conduite à l’aide du modèle DEBtox afin de mieux cerner les causes de l’aggravation des effets au cours des générations. Un modèle à deux facteurs de stress (l’un corrélé à la concentration d’exposition et l’autre à un niveau de dommages) est développé. Les ajustements suggèrent l’implication d’un second mode d’action (une augmentation des coûts de croissance et de maturation) pour expliquer les effets immédiats de l’uranium sur la nutrition et les conséquences des dommages accumulés au fil des générations. / This PhD work explored how depleted uranium alters DNA and affects life history traits (survival, growth and reproduction) of an aquatic invertebrate, Daphnia magna. An experimental study is performed to evaluate DNA accumulation and transmission during an uranium exposure over two successive generations (F0 and F1). Different exposures scenarios are achieved to test the specific sensitivity of several life stages to uranium. Genotoxic effects are estimated using random amplified DNA technique combined with PCR. In continuous and post-hatching exposure scenarios, results highlighted an accumulation and a transmission of DNA damage across generations with an increase in effect severity. DNA alterations are reported at hatching of F1 at 2 µg L-1. Effects on growth and reproduction are stronger when the embryo stage is exposed and remain visible at 9.9 µg L-1 despite a return in a clean medium at hatching. Results suggest that DNA damage could be used as early indicators of future effects on life history traits. A mechanistic analysis of experimental results is conducted using a DEBtox model to better understand the causes of the increase in effect severity across generations. A model with two stress factors (one correlated to external concentration and another correlated to a damage level) is developed. Results of fits suggest the involvement of one second mode of action (increase in costs for growth and maturation) to explain immediate effects of uranium on nutrition and consequences of cumulated damage across generations.

Les activités anthropiques liées à l'industrie nucléaire contribuent à des rejets continus de radionucléides dans les écosystèmes terrestres et aquatiques. Les travaux réalisés au cours de ce doctorat visent à apporter de nouvelles connaissances relatives aux effets des radiations ionisantes au cours d’une exposition multigénérationnelle de l’invertébré aquatique, Daphnia magna. Une irradiation gamma externe à des débits de doses pertinents du point de vue environnemental a été réalisée sur D. magna pendant trois générations successives. Les résultats mettent en évidence une accumulation et une transmission d’altérations de l’ADN au fil des générations, en parallèle d’une augmentation de la sensibilité des daphnies. Les données d’irradiation gamma et celles d’une étude antérieure de contamination alpha ont été analysées à l’aide du modèle mathématique DEBtox. Le modèle montre que les deux types de rayonnements agissent différemment sur les daphnies au cours des générations. Ce projet de recherche indique clairement qu’à l’avenir il est important d’étudier et de comprendre les effets transgénérationnels des radiations ionisantes à faibles doses. / Anthropogenic activities related to the nuclear industry contribute to continuous discharges of radionuclides into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this PhD was to bring new knowledge on the effects of ionizing radiation during a multigenerational expose of the aquatic invertebrate, Daphnia magna. An external gamma radiation at environmentally relevant dose rates was performed on D. magna over three successive generations. Results show an accumulation and a transmission of DNA alterations over generations, in parallel of an increase in sensitivity of organisms. Gamma radiation data and those of a previous study of alpha contamination were analyzed using the mathematical model DEBtox. The model shows that the two types of radiation act differently on daphnia over generations. This research clearly indicates the importance of further studying and understanding transgenerational effects induced by low doses radiation in the future.