The Hippo pathway is frequently deregulated in human cancers, but mutations and deletions of core signalome members are rare, suggesting that our understanding of its upstream regulators remains incomplete. A focused RNAi-based kinome screen identified novel candidate regulators of Hippo signaling, including STK25 and MST4. Here, we characterize the kinase STK25 as a novel upstream activator of LATS signaling. Depletion of STK25 was found to significantly reduce YAP phosphorylation in response to Hippo-activating stimuli, with consequent increases in YAP/TAZ activity and increased proliferation and resistance to cell cycle arrest. Mechanistically, STK25 activates LATS independently of the canonical MST/MAP4K axis, wherein STK25 directly promotes the phosphorylation of the LATS kinase activation loop in the absence of a preceding hydrophobic motif phosphorylation event. This differentiates STK25 from all other identified Hippo kinases to date, which may explain why singular loss of this kinase cannot be compensated for by the presence of other Hippo kinases. We also find that loss of STK25 increases YAP/TAZ signaling in vivo and that this promotes organ overgrowth in murine models. Interestingly, STK25 is frequently focally deleted in a spectrum of human cancers, suggesting that its loss might represent a way by which cancer cells functionally inactivate Hippo signaling. We also report that STK25 may be a novel regulator of mTOR signaling, as loss of STK25 hyper-activates mTOR signaling in response to amino acids and growth factors, but not to energy stresses. Interestingly, we find that MST4, a kinase closely related to STK25, appears to have highly context-specific Hippo regulatory functions; loss of MST4 was found to modulate Hippo signaling only in non-polarized cell lines, suggesting that polarity-responsive subcellular localization of MST4 may dictate its ability to interact with Hippo signaling. Lastly, we describe a novel role for Hippo signaling as a surveillance system for abnormal prolongation of mitosis, in which the LATS kinases regulate cell fate following abnormal mitosis via its control over p53-p21 signaling and YAP/TAZ signaling. This work thus identifies new roles and mechanisms by which kinases interact in the context of this major tumor suppressor pathway to control cellular processes critical to physiologic homeostasis. / 2021-10-07T00:00:00Z

As neoplasias mieloproliferativas (NMP) são doenças hematológicas caracterizadas pela proliferação aumentada e acúmulo de células mieloides maduras de uma ou mais séries hematopoéticas: granulocítica, eritrocítica, megacariocítica ou mastocítica. Os pacientes com NMP podem apresentar mutações como a JAK2V617F, MPL e CALR, cujas descrições foram fundamentais para o início da elucidação da fisiopatologia das NMP. As células neoplásicas das NMP apresentam resistência à apoptose e proliferação celular exacerbada. Sabe-se ainda que essas doenças são consideradas oncoinflamatórias e pré-leucêmicas. Apesar de todos esses conhecimentos sobre os mecanismos moleculares e celulares envolvidos na patogênese das NMP, não há até a presente data tratamentos eficazes que curam ou alteram a história natural de progressão dessas desordens para LMA. Pelo exposto, foi aqui investigada a potencial participação dos membros da via de sinalização Hippo na fisiopatologia das NMP BCR-ABL1 negativas mais frequentes, a policitemia vera (PV), trombocitemia essencial (TE) e mielofibrose primária (MF). A via de sinalização Hippo foi descrita como supressora de tumor e é uma das responsáveis pela regulação da proliferação, diferenciação e morte celular. Foi analisada, ainda nesse estudo, a correlação dos níveis de expressão dos genes da via Hippo com o perfil de citocinas plasmáticas dos pacientes com PV, TE e MF, a associação com o \"status mutacional\" e com a expressão dos genes que regulam a apoptose celular pela via intrínseca. Os principais achados nos pacientes com PV foram a diminuição da expressão dos genes supressores de tumor LATS2, MST1 e MST2 acompanhada pela presença de elevada concentração de citocinas pró-inflamatórias e fenótipo de resistência a apoptose. Na TE, os dados relevantes foram a detecção da diminuição da expressão dos genes supressores de tumor LATS1, LATS2 MST1 e SAV1, e o observação da relação entre alta expressão dos genes SAV1 e MOB1B e a mutação da CALR. Em MF destaca-se a redução da expressão dos genes SAV1 e TAZ da via de sinalização Hippo e do gene AURKB do ciclo celular. Em conclusão, os dados indicam que a diminuição da expressão dos genes supressores de tumor da via Hippo contribui para a fisiopatologia e para o fenótipo de resistência das células neoplásicas à apoptose das NMP. / Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are hematological disorders characterized by increased proliferation of mature myeloids cells of one or more hematopoietic series: granulocytic, erythrocytic, megakaryocytic or mastocytic. Patients with MPN may present mutations such as JAK2V617F, MPL and CALR, which were essential descriptions for the beginning of pathophysiological elucidation of MPN. The NMP neoplastic cells show resistance to apoptosis and exacerbated cell proliferation. It is known that these entities are considered also oncoinflamatory and pre-leukaemic. Despite all this knowledge about the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of MPN, there are no effective treatments that cure or alter the natural history of progression of these disorders to AML. For the above, a participatory potential of the Hippo signaling pathway members in the pathophysiology of the most frequent negative BCR-ABL1 MPN, the polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) were investigated. The Hippo signaling pathway has been described as tumor suppressor and is responsible for the regulation of proliferation, differentiation and cell death. The correlation analysis of the expression levels of the Hippo pathway genes with the plasma cytokine profile of patients with PV, ET and PMF, the association with the mutational status and the expression of the genes that regulate intrinsic cellular apoptosis were performed. The main findings in patients with PV were decreased expression of the tumor suppressor genes LATS2, MST1 and MST2 accompanied by the presence of high concentration of proinflammatory cytokines and phenotype of resistance to apoptosis. In ET, relevant data were the detection of decreased expression of the tumor suppressor genes LATS1, LATS2 MST1 and SAV1, and the observation of the relationship between high expression of the SAV1 and MOB1B genes and the mutation of the CALR. In PMF, stands out the reduction of the SAV1 and TAZ gene expression of the Hippo signaling pathway and the AURKB gene of the cell cycle. In conclusion, the data indicate that decreased expression of the tumor suppressor genes of the Hippo pathway contributes to the pathophysiology and neoplastic cell resistance phenotype to the apoptosis of MPN.

A sinalização da matriz extracelular (MEC) é essencial para a determinação do destino e comportamento de células epiteliais da glândula mamária. Entretanto, pouco é conhecido sobre os mecanismos moleculares envolvidos nesse processo. A via Hippo, uma cascata de sinalização que participa da regulação de diversos comportamentos celulares, incluindo o tamanho de órgãos, parece ser uma importante candidata a mediadora sinalização da MEC. Resultados preliminares do laboratório indicam que a arquitetura tecidual e a membrana basal, componente da MEC de epitélios e outros tecidos, influenciam a localização, concentração e atividade de YAP, uma proteína efetora da via Hippo, em células epiteliais mamárias. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar as proteínas que interagem com Yap (ortólogo de YAP em camundongo) nas células epiteliais da glândula mamária em resposta à membrana basal. Foram utilizadas células EpH4, uma linhagem mamária não-tumoral murina, como modelo de diferenciação funcional e formação de ácinos em um ensaio de cultura tridimensional (3D). O tratamento de estruturas multicelulares 3D pré-formadas em placas nãoadesiva com uma matriz rica em laminina (lrECM) alterou a localização e o padrão subcelular de Yap, assim como a expressão gênica de membros da via Hippo e dos alvos de Yap, mas não alterou a expressão das proteínas da via em nível de proteína. O ensaio de co-imunoprecipitação (CoIP) seguida de análise por espectrometria de massas identificou um conjunto diferencial de proteínas que interagem com Yap na fração citoplasmática de células EpH4 cultivadas na ausência ou na presença de lrECM em um modelo de ECM-overlay. Uma análise realizada junto à database KEGG Pathways revelou que os possíveis interagentes Yap nas células cultivadas não-tratadas com lrECM participam de processos relacionados à proteólise mediada por ubiquitina, enquanto nas células expostas à lrECM os possíveis interagentes estão associados a processos metabólicos e são especialmente proteínas-chave do metabolismo de lipídios. A busca na plataforma de redes de interação STRING não identificou trabalhos que destaquem a interação de Yap com estas proteínas. A plataforma Vizit indica a participação de Yap em processos relacionados à síntese e atividade de lipídios e hormônios, o que reforça as evidências de que está pode ser uma nova função de Yap ainda não explorada em detalhes. A fim de se obter resultados complementares à CoIP, padronizamos o ensaio de identificação por biotinilação dependente de proximidade (BioID) em células embrionárias de rim humano da linhagem 293FT. As proteínas isoladas por pulldown foram identificadas por espectrometria de massas e uma análise junto à database Gene Ontology indicou que os possíveis interagentes de Yap nestas células são em sua maioria proteínas relacionadas à via Hippo, o que reforça a robustez do ensaio. Nós pretendemos transpor este sistema para as células EpH4. A expectativa é que, em conjunto, estes resultados nos orientem em projetos futuros para compreender os mecanismos de sinalização da MEC na morfogênese e diferenciação da glândula mamária. / Extracellular matrix (ECM)-signaling is crucial for determination of epithelial cell fate and behavior in the mammary gland. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in these processes. The Hippo pathway, a signaling cascade involved in the regulation of several cellular processes, including organ size, seems to be an important candidate as a mediator of this signaling. Our preliminary results indicate that the tissue architecture and the basement membrane, an ECM component of epithelia and other tissues, influence the location, level and activity of YAP, an effector of the Hippo pathway. In this context, the goal of this work was to identify the proteins that interact with Yap (ortholog of YAP in mouse) in mammary epithelial cells in response to the basement membrane. We used EpH4 cells, a nontumoral murine mammary cell, in a functional differentiation and acini-forming in tridimensional (3D) culture assay. Treatment of 3D multicellular structures pre-formed on nonadhesive plates with a laminin-rich extracellular matrix (lrECM) altered the subcellular localization and pattern of Yap, as well as gene expression of Hippo pathway proteins and Yap targets, but did not altered the expression of the pathway members at the protein level. Coimmunoprecipitation (CoIP) followed by mass spectrometry analysis identified a differential set of proteins interacting with Yap in cytoplasmic fractions of EpH4 cells in the absence or presence of lrECM in an ECM-overlay culture model. An analysis performed with the KEGG Pathways database revealed that putative Yap interactors in non-treated cells participate in processes related to ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, whereas in cells exposed to lrECM Yap interactors are associated to metabolic processes and are mainly key-proteins of metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates. A search in interaction networks platform STRING did not identify previous works that showing the interaction of Yap with these proteins. Vizit platform indicated the participation of Yap in processes related to the synthesis and activity of lipids and hormones, which reinforces the evidences that Yap can play a novel poorly explored role. To obtain complementary results to CoIP, we devised the proximity-dependent biotinylation identification (BioID) assay on embryonic renal cells of 293FT cell line. Pulldown-isolated proteins were identified by mass spectrometry and an analysis performed with Gene Ontology database revealed that putative Yap interactors are Hippo pathway-related proteins, which reinforces the robustness of the assay. We intend to transpose this system to the EpH4 cells. We expect that, together, these results will guide us in future projects to understand the signaling mechanisms of ECM in mammary gland morphogenesis and differentiation.

A instabilidade cromossômica e a aneuploidia são características associadas às células malignas. Sabe-se que essas alterações podem ser resultantes de erros em eventos durante a mitose. Com o objetivo de gerar uma população com ganho de ploidia, utilizamos dois inibidores de fases distintas da mitose. Resultando no aumento da frequência celular em G2/M, ou seja, células com 4 vezes o número de cromossomos (4C) e de células com DNA acima de 4, hipertetraploide. Quantificamos a quantidade de núcleos e demonstramos que o tratamento, especificamente, levou a uma NCI, e não a multinucleação. Ambas linhagens celulares submetidas ao tratamento apresentaram alterações morfológicas, como protrusões de membrana, indicando alterações no citoesquelto. Nas análises de mRNA e da expressão proteica, observamos alterações na regulação da actina, coincidindo com a elevação dos mRNAs de YAP/TAZ, efetores co-transcricionais da via Hippo, regulada por alterações no citoesqueleto de actina. Desde modo, propomos, que o tratamento utilizado é um método eficiente para o estudo de células aneuploides e da NCI, que o citoesqueleto de actina é modulado por esse fenótipo e requer YAP/TAZ, provavelmente para manter a sobrevivência e favorecer a proliferação celular observada após o tratamento. / Chromosomal instability and aneuploidy are characteristics associated with malignant cells. It is known that these changes may be due to errors in events during mitosis. In order to generate a population with gain of ploidy, we used two inhibitors of distinct phases of mitosis. Resulting in increasing cell frequency in G2/M, cells with 4 times the number of chromosomes (4C) and cells with DNA above 4, hypertetraploid. We quantified the number of nuclei and demonstrated that the treatment specifically led to NCI, not multinucleation. Both cell lines submitted to treatment presented morphological alterations, such as membrane protrusions, indicating changes in the cytoskeleton. In the analysis of mRNA and protein expression, we observed alterations in actin regulation, coinciding with the elevation of YAP / TAZ mRNAs, co-transcriptional effectors of the Hippo signaling pathway, regulated by changes in the actin cytoskeleton. We propose, that the treatment used is an efficient method for the study of aneuploid cells as well NCI. Also, the actin cytoskeleton is modulated by that phenotype which requires high YAP / TAZ, probably to maintain cell survival and promote cell proliferation observed.

Les cellules épithéliales sont des cellules polarisées qui forment l’un des types cellulaires le plus abondant dans le corps humain. Leur polarité apico-basale (A/B) est établie et maintenue par la ségrégation asymétrique de protéines adaptatrices hautement conservées. Cette polarité est essentielle pour de nombreuses fonctions cellulaires clés comme l’adhésion (jonctions intercellulaires) ou la signalisation et la prolifération par la localisation et la concentration des complexes de signalisation. Durant la cancérogénèse, un grand nombre de ces processus est dérégulé aboutissant à la sur-prolifération, la migration et/ou l’invasion des cellules cancéreuses. Une meilleure compréhension des mécanismes à l’origine de ces processus est indispensable pour trouver de nouvelles cibles thérapeutiques pour le traitement du cancer. Dans l’équipe, nous sommes particulièrement intéressés par les protéines adaptatrices à domaines PDZ (domaine de liaison protéine-protéine). De par leur structure modulaire et la diversité de leurs partenaires, ces protéines adaptatrices sont impliquées dans la régulation de très nombreuses fonctions et fournissent des plateformes où différents processus peuvent être intégrés. Durant mon doctorat, j’ai étudié deux protéines adaptatrices dans le système animal modèle Drosophila melanogaster, Bbg et Magi, impliquées dans deux processus cellulaires essentiels : la dynamique des jonctions et la prolifération. Grâce aux molécules d’adhésion, les cellules non seulement restent cohésives dans un tissu, mais c’est aussi à ce niveau qu’elles peuvent obtenir une information concernant la densité cellulaire d'un tissu. Cette information est alors relayée au cytosquelette d’actine via des protéines adaptatrices spécialisées dans le but de réguler la prolifération et la voie Hippo. Cependant, le contrôle de la voie de signalisation Hippo par certaines protéines adaptatrices et par le cytosquelette d’actine n'est que partiellement compris à ce jour. Dans le laboratoire, nous étudions notamment le rôle d'une nouvelle protéine adaptatrice apicale nommée Big Bang (Bbg) dans le disque d’aile de la drosophile. Nous nous sommes intéressés à Bbg car c’est une cible de la voie Notch chez la drosophile et son homologue humain PDZD2 (pour PDZ domain-containing 2 protein) est sur-exprimé dans plusieurs cancers (sein et prostate).Mes résultats montrent que Bbg est un nouveau régulateur du cytosquelette d’actine et de la voie Hippo. Une étude détaillée de la fonction de Bbg et de ses partenaires permet de mieux comprendre les relations existantes entre dynamique de l’actine et prolifération. Bbg induit une accumulation d’actine filamenteuse en augmentant l’activité d’Enabled et la phosphorylation de Myosin Light Chain (MLC). Cette régulation résulte en une augmentation de l’activité de Yorkie, effecteur final de la voie Hippo, pour soutenir la prolifération cellulaire.La régulation des jonctions adhérentes est une étape cruciale lors de l’évolution d'une tumeur solide. Malgré les récentes avancées dans le domaine, de nombreux aspects clés de la dynamique des jonctions restent peu caractérisés.Dans le laboratoire, nous recherchons de nouveaux régulateurs de jonctions et grâce au modèle de remodelage des AJs lors du développement de l’œil de pupe de drosophile. Nous avons identifié Magi en tant que protéine adaptatrice recrutant le complexe formé de RASSF8 et ASPP. Magi régule le recrutement de Bazooka à la membrane, le dépôt d’E-Cadhérine et des Caténines et finalement le remodelage des jonctions pendant la morphogénèse. J’ai identifié Echinoid, une protéine de type immunoglobuline impliquée dans l’adhésion cellulaire et la régulation de la voie Hippo, comme un nouveau partenaire responsable du recrutement de Magi aux futures zones de jonctions. / Epithelial cells are polarised cells that form one of the most abundant cell types in the human body. Their apico-basal (A/B) polarity is established and maintained by the asymmetric segregation of highly conserved scaffold proteins. Proper A/B polarity is critical for many key cellular functions such as intercellular junctions and therefore adhesion, or signalling and proliferation by localising and concentrating signalling complexes. During carcinogenesis, many of these processes are mis-regulated leading to the over-proliferation, migration and/or invasion of cancer cells. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these processes is really needed to find new therapeutic targets in cancer treatment.In the team, we are particularly interested in scaffold proteins with PDZ domains (protein-protein interaction domains). Due to their modular structure, the high number of interactions they engage in, and the variety of their binding partners, these scaffold proteins are implicated in the regulation of many key cellular functions and processes. During my PhD, I have studied two scaffold proteins in the Drosophila melanogaster animal model, Bbg and Magi, which are involved in two important cell processes: adherens junctions (AJs) dynamic and cell proliferation.Through adhesion molecules, epithelial cells not only remain cohesive, but can also sense cellular density in a tissue and relay this information through dedicated scaffolds to the actin cytoskeleton to ultimately regulate the Hippo pathway and proliferation. However, many aspects of the control of Hippo signalling by apical scaffolds and the actin cytoskeleton are still poorly understood. In the laboratory, we are interested in the study of a new conserved apical scaffold, Big Bang (Bbg). Bbg is a new and quite unknown protein expressed in a variety of Drosophila epithelia, and appears as a potential Notch target in Drosophila. Its’ human homolog called PDZD2 (PDZ domain-containing 2 protein) has been shown to be over-expressed in several types of cancers (breast and prostate cancers).My results show that Bbg is a new regulator of the actin cytoskeleton and of the Hippo pathway in Drosophila. A detailed study of Bbg function and of its associated partners have helped to better understand the intricate relationships between actin dynamics and proliferation. My results suggest that Bbg promotes accumulation of filamentous actin (F-Actin) through the increase of the activity of Enabled (Ena) and the phosphorylation of the molecular motor Myosin Light Chain (MLC). This regulation leads to the increase of Yorkie activity, the final effector of the Hippo pathway, to promote cell proliferation.The regulation of adhesion, and in particular of Adherens Junctions (AJs), is a critical step during the evolution of solid tumours. A better understanding of how these structures are regulated will provide valuable insights into different phases of the disease. Despite the recent advances, many key aspects of AJ dynamics remain poorly understood. In the laboratory, we are interested in the identification of new AJs regulators. Using the remodelling of AJs during the development of the Drosophila pupal eye as a model, we have identified Magi as a scaffold recruiting a complex formed by RASSF8 and ASPP, regulating Bazooka membrane recruitment, E-Cadherin and catenins deposition, and ultimately AJs remodelling during morphogenesis. I uncovered Echinoid, an immunoglobulin-like protein involved in cell adhesion and in Hippo pathway regulation, as a new binding partner responsible for the recruitment of Magi at future AJ sites.

Contrairement aux mammifères adultes, la rétine des amphibiens possède la particularité de croître durant toute la vie de l'animal grâce à l'activité continue d'une population de cellules souches localisée au sein d'une niche bien délimitée, la zone marginale ciliaire (ZMC). Ce modèle offre ainsi la possibilité d'étudier in vivo les mécanismes moléculaires à l'origine du maintien et de la prolifération des cellules souches neurales à des stades post-embryonnaires. Dans ce but, l'identification et la caractérisation des différentes voies de signalisation présentes au sein de la niche biologique des cellules souches rétiniennes est une première étape indispensable. Mon projet de thèse a été divisé en deux objectifs principaux: l'étude des interactions entre les voies Wnt et Hedgehog au sein de la ZMC chez le xénope et la réalisation de l'étude fonctionnelle de Yap, l'effecteur principal de la voie de signalisation Hippo dans ce modèle. Par des approches génétiques et pharmacologiques, la première partie de ce projet a permis de mettre en évidence un antagonisme inattendu entre les signaux Wnt et Hedgehog au sein de la ZMC qui régule l'activité proliférative des cellules souches et des progéniteurs rétiniens. Ce travail nous a conduit à proposer un modèle dans lequel ces deux voies réguleraient la balance prolifération/différenciation dans la rétine post-embryonnaire. Dans un deuxième temps, les expériences de gain et de perte de fonction du gène Yap ont montré que ce dernier joue un rôle essentiel dans la régulation du programme temporel de la phase de réplication de l'ADN des cellules souches rétiniennes. En effet, l'inhibition de Yap entraîne une importante réduction de la durée de la phase S du cycle cellulaire associée à une instabilité génomique. Une surexpression de c-Myc et de la voie p53-p21 semble impliquée dans ce phénotype. Nos travaux nous ont également permis d'identifier un nouveau partenaire de YAP, le facteur de transcription PKNOX1. L'ensemble de ces données nous a ainsi conduit à proposer un modèle selon lequel le complexe YAP/PKNOX1 pourrait être nécessaire au bon déroulement de la phase de réplication des cellules souches, indispensable à la maintenance de l'intégrité du génome de ces cellules et de leur descendance. / In contrast to the adult mammals, the retina of amphibians shows continuous growth during adulthood through active neural stem cells localized in the defined niche called ciliary marginal zone (CMZ). This model offers an exceptional tool to study in vivo the molecular mechanisms involved in the maintenance and proliferation of neural stem cells during post-embryonic stages. In this order, the identification and the characterization of the signaling pathways acting in biological retinal stem cell niche is an essential step.My PhD research was divided in two main parts: the study of the interaction between the Wnt and Hedgehog pathways within the CMZ and the functional study of Yap, the downstream effector of the Hippo pathway in this model. By using genetic and pharmacological tools, the first part of this project demonstrated an unexpected antagonism between the Wnt and the Hedgehog signaling in the CMZ that regulates proliferative activity of retinal stem and progenitor cells. In this article, we propose a model in which an antagonistic interplay of Wnt and Hedgehog pathways may regulate the balance proliferation/differentiation in the post-embryonic retina. Second, gain and loss of function experiments of Yap have shown that this factor plays a key role in the regulation of temporal replication of DNA retinal stem cells. Indeed, inhibition of Yap leads to strong reduction of the S-phase length during the cell cycle associated with genomic instability. c-Myc and p53-p21 overactivation seems to be involved in this phenotype. This work also allowed us to identify a novel YAP partner, the transcriptional factor PKNOX1. We indeed propose a model in which the YAP/PKNOX1 complex may be required for the successful convening of the replication phase on stem cells, essential for the maintenance of genome integrity on the cells and their progeny.

L’AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) est un intermédiaire de la voie de biosynthèse des purines. A des concentrations importantes, ce métabolite a un effet cytotoxique sur les cellules cancéreuses aneuploïdes, c’est-à-dire contenant un nombre anormal de chromosome. Or,90% des tumeurs solides sont aneuploïdes. Les mécanismes responsables de cette cytotoxicité doivent donc être mieux étudiés pour une utilisation éventuelle en thérapie anti-cancéreuse.Dans la littérature, l’effet de l’AICAR est expliqué par son rôle mimétique de l’AMP sur l’AMPK.Cependant, certaines données de la littérature et du laboratoire laissent penser que l’inhibition de la croissance par l’AICAR peut impliquer plusieurs types de mécanismes dont certains sont dépendantsde l’AMPK et d’autres indépendants. L’identification des cibles de l’AICAR alternatives à l’AMPK estdonc nécessaire pour une meilleure compréhension de ses effets.Dans ce projet, j’ai pu confirmer la présence d’autres cibles de l’AICAR indépendantes de l’AMPKet responsables de son effet cytotoxique. Grâce à une approche transcriptomique, j’ai montré un effetde l’AICAR sur l’expression et l’activation de LATS1 et LATS2 (large tumor suppressor 1 and 2). Ces protéines kinases fond partie du core enzymatique de la voie HIPPO, dont le rôle en cancérologie est fondamental. Les effecteurs finaux de cette voie sont YAP et TAZ, deux cofacteurs de transcription,aussi régulés par l’AICAR. J’ai pu montrer que la cytotoxicité de l’AICAR est due en partie à l’activation de cette voie. Depuis la découverte récente de la voie HIPPO, de nombreuses études visent à identifier des molécules permettant l’inhibition directe de cette voie. L’AICAR s’avère être une molécule puissante dans le cadre d’une thérapie anticancéreuse ciblant la voie HIPPO. / AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) is an intermediate of the purine biosynthesis pathway. At high concentrations, this metabolite has a cytotoxic effect on aneuploid cancer cells that is cells containing an abnormal chromosome number. However, 90% of solid tumorsare aneuploid. The mechanisms responsible for this cytotoxicity should be better studied for possible use in anti-cancer therapy.In the literature, the effect of AICAR is explained by its AMP mimetic role on the AMPK. However,some literature and laboratory data suggest that AICAR growth inhibition may involve several types of mechanisms, some of which are dependent and other independent of AMPK. Therefore, the identification of AMPK alternative targets is necessary for a better understanding the AICAR effects. In this project, I was able to confirm the presence of other AICAR targets independent of AMPK and responsible for its cytotoxic effect. Using a transcriptomic approach, I showed an effect of AICAR on the expression and activation of LATS1 and LATS2 (large tumor suppressor 1 and 2). These proteinkinases form part of the enzymatic nucleus of the HIPPO pathway, whose role in oncology is fundamental. The effectors of this pathway are YAP and TAZ, two transcription cofactors, also regulated by the AICAR. I have been able to show that the cytotoxicity of AICAR is due to the activation of this pathway. Since the recent discovery of the HIPPO pathway, numerous studies aim to identify molecules allowing direct inhibition of this pathway. AICAR has proven to be a potent molecule in anticancer therapy which goal is targeting the HIPPO pathway.

Hippo signaling pathway represents organ size control mechanism constrained between all metazoans. Individual components of the Hippo signaling pathway were identified as key tumor-suppressors which phosphorylate and inhibit activity of several oncogenic factors and signaling pathways (such as YAP/TAZ, PI3K and mTOR). MST1 kinase is a part of central protein complex of the Hippo signaling pathway and its activation is involved in anti-cancer activity of several drugs. We have demonstrated activation of the MST1 kinase by natural compounds in leukemic cells followed by inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis. Shikonin represents natural naphthoquinonic compound isolated from Lithospermum erythrorhizon which acts as inhibitor of glycolysis and mitochondrial respiratory chain in human cells. Shikonin induces fast activation of the MST1 protein in leukemic cells however mechanism of this activation remains unknown. Therefore, we tried to characterize posttranslational modifications of the MST1 kinase during shikonin treatment of leukemic cells. Firstly, we isolated MST1 kinase from control and shikonin-treated cells using immunoprecipitation. Then we characterized posttranslational modifications of the MST1 protein employing mass spectrometry. Using this approach we found out...

Le tube digestif est la première barrière contre les agresseurs présents dans la nourriture (virus, bactéries, produits chimiques, pesticides etc...). Il doit donc maintenir au mieux son intégrité structurale et fonctionnelle tout au long de la vie de l'individu. Bien que l'impact délétère d'une intoxication aiguë puisse être surmonté par la capacité de défense et de régénération de la muqueuse digestive, une agression prolongée ou répétée peut compromettre l'équilibre physiologique (l'homéostasie) du tube digestif. Parmi les agresseurs pouvant être ingérés avec la nourriture, on trouve la bactérie Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) et représente 70% des ventes de bioinsecticides. Bt est une bactérie Gram+ sporulante qui produit, pendant la sporulation, des toxines nommées Cry. Parmi les différentes souches de Bt, certaines ont été sélectionnées pour la spécificité d'action de leurs toxines Cry contre des nuisibles et sont commercialisées sous forme de sporanges. Certaines de ces souches sont utilisées en agriculture biologique en France et l'accroissement de leur utilisation fait qu'elles sont de plus en plus présentes dans la nourriture, source de contamination potentielle pour l'homme et l’environnement. La question qui se pose maintenant est de savoir si un tel accroissement de l’utilisation de Bt peut avoir des impacts sur des espèces non cibles. Mon projet de thèse a consisté en l’étude des conséquences de l'ingestion de Bt (sous forme végétative ou de sporanges) sur la physiologie intestinale de la drosophile (animal non sensible à Bt en termes de toxicité aigüe / The digestive tract is continuously subjected to multiple aggressions through virus, bacteria, toxins and chemicals mixed in the feed. Therefore the gut lining has established a mechanism of replenishment in order to maintain the physiological function of the organ called the gut homeostasis. Although the deleterious impact of acute poisoning can be overcome by the defense capacity and regeneration of the gut mucosa, prolonged or repeated intoxication can impair its homeostasis. Among the aggressors hidden in the feed, there is the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Bt is worldwide used as bioinsecticide. Indeed the multitude of Bt strains produces a broad range of crystalline toxins, named Cry toxins, which certain have been selected in organic farming owing to their lethal properties against specific pests. Because of incentive programs for sustainable development, the use of Bt bioinsecticides as an alternative to chemical pesticides will further increase in the next decades. Although the specificity of the acute toxicity of Cry toxins has been proved since many years, data are scarce on adverse effects that could result from chronic exposure. The question now is how far non-target organisms will be potentially impacted by the resulting augmentation of the Bt bacterium and its Cry toxins in the environment. To answer this challenge, I used Drosophila (a non-target organism) to study the impacts of Bt bioinsecticides on the gut physiology because 1/ the digestive tract is the main entrance for feed contaminated by Bt bioinsecticides and 2/ Bt and its toxins are known to impair the gut epithelium of sensitive pests

Importance of Augustine's Rule for the spiritual life in the course of time RNDr. Jakub Štěpán Tichý, Ph.D. Supervisor: doc. ThDr. Václav Ventura, Th.D. Department: Department of systematic Theology and Philosophy Abstract The goal of this thesis is to introduce Augustine's concept of religious life and to highlight the originality of this concept in the context of the existing monasticism and of the culture, in which Augustine lived. Furthermore, the thesis aims to present the current state of research of Augustine's rule and to illustrate the value of the rule for today's spiritual life on the basis of selected topics. Keywords Augustin of Hippo, Rule, Spirituality of Religious State