Les infections à Salmonella Typhimurium constituent un problème de taille pour l’industrie porcine et la santé publique car cet animal est un réservoir pour les infections chez l’homme. De plus, on observe, chez des souches appartenant au lysotype (LT) 104, des résistances multiples aux antimicrobiens associées à des septicémies chez les porcs en engraissement, ce qui peut contribuer à la contamination des carcasses. Il faut donc contrôler l’infection au niveau du troupeau. Pour ce faire, il importe donc de mieux caractériser ces souches, comprendre la pathogénie de l’infection et identifier des facteurs de virulence. L’objectif principal de cette étude était de caractériser des isolats de S. Typhimurium provenant de porcs septicémiques et de les comparer avec ceux de porcs sains. Une banque d’isolats provenant de porcs septicémiques (ASC) et de porcs sains à l’abattoir (SSC) était constituée. Le lysotype des isolats a été identifié et ceux-ci ont été caractérisés selon le profil de résistance aux antimicrobiens, le SDS-PAGE et l’immunobuvardage et le PFGE. Chez les isolats ASC, LT 104 représentait 36.4% des isolats et chez les isolats SSC la proportion était de 51.5%. Les isolats pouvaient être résistants jusqu’à douze antimicrobiens, peu importe leur origine. Il n’a toutefois pas été possible d’associer une protéine spécifique au groupe d’isolats ASC. Parmi les souches LT 104, plusieurs groupes génétiques ont été identifiés. Les différentes étapes de la pathogénie de Salmonella ont ensuite été évaluées, dont l’adhésion et l’invasion des isolats des deux banques sur des cellules intestinales humaines. Nos résultats ont démontré que les isolats ASC avaient un pouvoir accru d’invasion comparés aux isolats SSC (P=0.003). Pour un sous-groupe d’isolats sélectionnés selon leur taux d’invasion, des tests de phagocytose, d’apoptose et d’adhésion au mucus intestinal ont été effectués en utilisant la cytométrie en flux. La survie des bactéries après la phagocytose a aussi été évaluée et la méthode MATS a été utilisée pour évaluer l'adhésion aux solvants. Les pourcentages de phagocytose chez les isolats SSC par les monocytes porcins étaient plus élevés que chez les isolats ASC à 15 minutes (P=0.02). Nous n’avons trouvé aucune différence significative pour les autres méthodes utilisées. Nous avons ensuite comparé le génome d’un isolat ASC (#36) à celui d’un isolat SSC (#1) par le SSH pour identifier des facteurs de virulence potentiels. Des clones correspondant à des gènes retrouvés sur le chromosome ainsi que sur des plasmides ont été identifiés. Ces résultats nous ont dirigés vers l’analyse des profils plasmidiques de tous les isolats. Les différents profils étaient retrouvés autant chez les isolats ASC que chez les isolats SSC. Deux profils (PL14 et PL20) étaient observés plus fréquemment chez les isolats LT 104 que chez les isolats d’autres lysotypes (P=0.01 et P=0.01, respectivement). Le séquençage d’un des plasmides de l’isolat ASC, démontrait la présence d’informations génétiques codant pour la réplication et une bêta-galactosidase-α. Il serait intéressant de préciser le rôle exact de ces gènes dans l’infection. Nos travaux suggèrent que les isolats de S. Typhimurium provenant de porcs septicémiques se distinguent par un pouvoir d’invasion accru ainsi que par des taux de phagocytose plus faibles dans les phases initiales de l’infection. Cette étude aura donc permis d’accroître les connaissances sur la pathogénie des infections à S. Typhimurium chez le porc. / Salmonella Typhimurium infections represent an important threat both to the swine industry and public health since pig is also a reservoir for human infections. Multiresistance to antimicrobial agents is often associated with S. Typhimurium belonging to phage type (PT) 104, and these isolates can cause septicemia in fattening pigs. It is thus necessary to control the infection at the herd level to avoid meat contamination by these isolates. However, in order to develop more efficacious control measures, it is important to characterize isolates, better understand the pathogenesis of infection and identify virulence factors. The main objective of this study was to characterize isolates of S. Typhimurium associated with septicemia in swine and to compare them to isolates recovered from healthy pigs. Isolates of S. Typhimurium associated with septicemia in swine (CS) were compared to isolates recovered from healthy animals at slaughterhouses (WCS). The phage type of each isolate was identified and these isolates were characterized by antimicrobial resistance, SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting, and PFGE. Among the CS isolates, PT 104 represented 36.4% of isolates while it represented 51.5% of WCS isolates. Resistance to as many as twelve antimicrobial agents was found in isolates from CS and WCS. However, it was not possible to associate any particular protein to septicemic isolates. Multiple genetic profiles were identified among the isolates of PT 104. Different steps of the pathogenesis of Salmonella infection were evaluated, in particularly the ability to adhere to and invade intestinal epithelial cell lines by CS and WCS isolates. The isolates recovered from diseased animals invaded intestinal epithelial cell lines at a higher rate than isolates from healthy pigs (P=0.003). Some isolates were selected according to their invasion rate and some analysis, using flow cytometry were done to evaluate phagocytosis, induction of apoptosis, and adhesion to intestinal mucus. The survival in monocytes was evaluated and the MATS method was used to evaluate the bacterial surface properties, measuring interactions with solvents. Isolates from WCS were more phagocytized than isolates fom CS at 15 minutes (P=0.02). We found no significant difference for the other methods used. Using SSH, we also compared the genome of a CS isolate (#36) to that of a WCS isolate (#1), for the identification of putative virulence factors. Clones with chromosome and plasmids homology were obtained. It was therefore decided to analyze the plasmid profiles of all isolates. Two profiles (PL14 and PL20) were more frequently observed in the PT 104 isolates than in the isolates belonging to other phage types (P=0.01 and P=0.01, respectively). Various profiles were found in both isolates from septicemic pigs and those from healthy pigs. An interesting plasmid of the CS isolate was sequenced. This plasmid possesses genetic information for replication as well as a beta-galactosidase-α. It would be needed to characterize the role of these putative virulence factors in the future. Our work suggests that isolates from septicemic pigs may be distinguished from isolates from healthy pigs by their better ability to invade intestinal cells as well as by a lower rate of phagocytosis in the early steps of infection. This study increased our knowledge on the pathogeny of S. Typhimurium infection in pigs.

Thèse numérisée par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal.

Thèse numérisée par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal.

L’oïdium est une des maladies les plus communes sur chêne en Europe. Cette maladie a été signalée à partir du début du 20ème siècle. Toutefois, peu de données sont disponibles sur l’identité de l’agent causal et de son interaction avec l’hôte. L’objectif de cette étude est d’améliorer les connaissances sur ce pathosystème : (1) caractériser son agent causal avec un marqueur moléculaire (ADN ribosomal) et étudier la distribution spatiale des différentes lignées ; (2) étudier l’adaptation locale du parasite à son hôte ; (3) explorer le déterminisme génétique de la résistance de l’hôte. L’étude de l’ADN ribosomal (ITS=Internal transcribed region et IGS= Intergenic spacer) a mis en évidence l’existence de quatre haplotypes, dont trois seulement avaient été associés à des agents d’oïdium sur chêne en Europe. Erysiphe alphitoïdes, classiquement considéré comme responsable de l’épidémie du XXème siècle est bien l’espèce prépondérante (environ 80% des détections), E. hypophylla et Phyllactinia sp étant détectés à fréquence beaucoup plus faible. Un résultat inattendu est la détection d’une quatrième séquence, présentant 100% d’homologie avec celle de plusieurs agents d’oïdium d’arbres tropicaux et avec Erysiphe quercicola, très récemment décrit sur chêne en Asie et Australie mais jusqu’alors inconnu en Europe. L’ITS de E. quercicola est détecté dans toutes les régions de France, à une fréquence non négligeable (de l’ordre de 15% en moyenne). On le trouve dans les mêmes parcelles et parfois sur les mêmes arbres, voire dans les mêmes lésions que E. alphitoides. La mise au point d’une méthode d’inoculation artificielle a permis d’étudier de façon quantitative l’interaction chêne-oïdium. Une expérimentation d’inoculations réciproques montre que les souches d’oïdium sont plus performantes sur les descendants des arbres dont elles ont été isolées que sur ceux d’autres arbres, suggèrant une adaptation trans- générationnelle. Des inoculations artificielles, complétées par des observations en conditions naturelles, ont également permis de démontrer un déterminisme génétique de la résistance des chênes, avec l’identification de plusieurs QTL. Certains de ces QTL co-localisent avec des QTL de phénologie, en accord avec l’importance de la résistance ontogénique des chênes à l’oïdium. L’ensemble de l’étude amène à reconsidérer l’oïdium du chêne comme un probable complexe d’espèces cryptiques, dont l’histoire de l’invasion et la co-existence en Europe restent à préciser. Les résultats acquis sur l’héritabilité de la résistance et l’adaptation locale du parasite constituent une première étape dans la compréhension des interactions démo-génétiques entre hôte et parasite dans ce pathosystème. / Powdery mildew is the most common disease on oaks in Europe where it was first recorded at the beginning of the 20th century. Yet, little is known about the identity of the causal agent and his interaction with its host. The objective of this study was: (1) to characterize the species responsible of oak powdery mildew with a molecular marker (ribosomal DNA); to study the spatial distribution of these different lineages and (2) to study local adaptation of the parasite to its host (3) to explore the genetic determinism of host resistance. The study of the ITS (internal transcribed region) and IGS (intergenic spacer) diversity revealed the existence of four haplotypes, only three had been already associated with oak powdery mildew in Europe. Erysiphe alphitoïdes, for a long time considered as sole responsible for the epidemic of the XXth century, was the predominant species (~ 80% of detections), E. hypophylla and Phyllactinia sp. were detected at lower frequencies. An unexpected result is the detection of a fourth sequence which show 100% homology with ITS sequences of several powdery mildew agents of tropical trees and Erysiphe quercicola, recently described on oak in Asia and Australia but previously unknown in Europe. E. quercicola ITS was detected in all French regions, at a significant frequency (~ 15%). The study showed that E. alphitoides was often found in association with different ITS types in the same region, the same tree, and even in the same lesion. The development of an artificial inoculation method allowed the quantitative evaluation of the oak-powdery mildew interaction. A reciprocal inoculation experiment showed that powdery mildew strains were more efficient on their mother tress and their descendants than on the other trees, suggesting a trans-generational adaptation. Artificial inoculations, supplemented by observations in natural conditions, have also demonstrated a genetic determination of resistance of oak trees, with the identification of several QTL. Some of these QTL co-localize with QTL controlling phenology, in agreement with the importance of oaks ontogenic resistance to powdery mildew. The entire study leads to reconsider oak powdery mildew as a probable complex of cryptic species; the invasion history and the co-existence in Europe are still to be determined. The results achieved on the heritability of resistance and localization of the parasite are a first step in understanding the demo-genetic interactions between host and parasite in this pathosystem.

Os impactos negativos que as espécies invasoras causam aos ecossistemas naturais ou seminaturais são noticiados há pelo menos seis décadas em diferentes partes do mundo. Diversos estudos têm sido realizados visando diagnosticar o processo de invasão, conhecer a ecologia das espécies invasoras e gerar subsídios para o manejo, controle ou erradicação daquelas que causam problemas. No Brasil, a invasão de ecossistemas naturais começou a ser estudada recentemente e muito conhecimento ainda precisa ser gerado para basear a tomada de decisões sobre o problema. Este estudo teve por objetivo descrever o processo de invasão do Cerrado por Pinus elliottii e buscar técnicas de manejo viáveis ecológica e economicamente para o controle da invasora. O estudo foi realizado na Estação Ecológica de Santa Bárbara, no munícipio de Águas de Santa Bárbara, São Paulo, em duas frentes de pesquisa: uma para estudar a ecologia da espécie invasora, e a outra para verificar qual seria a técnica de controle mais vantajosa ecológica e economicamente. O estudo de ecologia baseou-se na amostragem de cinco blocos de 10 parcelas, cada uma com área de 10 x 10 m, para o estudo de plantas nativas com altura a partir de 50 cm e, dentro de cada parcela, cinco subparcelas de 1 x 1 m para o estudo de plantas com altura inferior a 50 cm. Em cada bloco as parcelas foram instaladas de forma que todo o gradiente de invasão por P. elliottii (desde 0 até 100% invadido) fosse contemplado. A densidade e a riqueza de espécies vegetais, agrupadas quanto à forma de vida, foram analisadas como variáveis resposta ao processo de invasão. Nessas parcelas foram caracterizadas, como variáveis explanatórias, a área basal da espécie invasora, a profundidade da camada de acículas e a abertura de dossel, que poderiam explicar as perdas de diversidade. O experimento de manejo foi realizado em uma área de 70 x 50 m, subdividida em 35 parcelas de 10 x 10 m. Sete tratamentos de erradicação (com cinco réplicas) foram testados, correspondendo a diferentes técnicas de manejo, que foram aplicadas isoladas ou combinadas. As técnicas de controle incluíram o corte raso com motosserra, a injeção de herbicida nos troncos e a aplicação de queimada prescrita. Após a aplicação dos tratamentos, a vegetação espontânea de cerrado foi monitorada por dois anos e comparados os tratamentos, utilizando-se a densidade e a riqueza de plantas nativas em regeneração como indicadores ecológicos de sucesso das técnicas. A viabilidade econômica foi analisada com base em todos os custos envolvidos em cada técnica, discutidos mediante a estimativa do custo do controle precoce da invasão. A pesquisa como um todo possibilitou a descrição, em detalhes, do processo de invasão, assim como a quantificação das perdas de diversidade e identificação dos filtros ecológicos envolvidos no processo. O estudo ecológico mostrou que a espessa camada de acículas depositada pela árvores invasoras quando a invasão se adensa é o principal fator responsável pelo desaparecimento de gramíneas, ciperáceas e indivíduos herbáceos, ou seja, quanto mais acículas depositadas no solo, maior a perda dessas formas de vida. Já o fechamento do dossel provocado pela entrada das árvores invasoras no ambiente savânico prejudicou especialmente os arbustos, fazendo com que desaparecessem em ambientes mais sombreados. Não foi notada nenhuma influência das variáveis estudadas sobre espécies arbóreas em regeneração na comunidade invadida. No experimento de manejo, diversos tratamentos foram economicamente viáveis, especialmente quando se prevê a comercialização da lenha das árvores invasoras. Isto porque a receita gerada com a venda da madeira pode cobrir os custos de manejo. Além da viabilidade econômica, ao longo dos dois anos de acompanhamento, o tratamento que combinou corte raso com queima das acículas foi o mais indicado, pois cobriu os custos de erradicação e, dentre os tratamentos testados, foi o que apresentou a melhor regeneração natural da vegetação nativa de cerrado. No entanto, a restauração passiva (regeneração natural) do ecossistema densamente invadido após a erradicação é um processo extremamente lento, de modo que os dois anos de estudo levam a crer que intervenções de restauração por meio de plantio serão necessárias para acelerar o processo. Com esta pesquisa, portanto, foi possível compreender os fatores e processos que levam à perda de biodiversidade decorrente da invasão por Pinus elliottii e, também, assegurar que é possível a erradicação da espécie invasora. Mas a restauração das áreas densamente invadidas ainda é um obstáculo a ser vencido. Os custos ecológicos e econômicos envolvidos na solução do problema são elevados, mas podem ser minimizados caso seja realizado o controle precoce da invasão. / Damages caused by invasive species in natural or semi-natural environments have been noticed for at least six decades in different parts of the world. Meanwhile around the world several studies aim to diagnose the invasion process, the ecology of invasive species and to generate knowledge about management, control, or eradication of these species. In Brazil, the studies about invasive species started recently and a lot of research is still needed to support the decision-making, and consequently strengthen the connections between scientists and decision makers. This work aims to describe the invasion process of slash pine in the Cerrado and seek for management solutions to deal with the invasion problem. The study took place at the Santa Bárbara Ecological Station, a reserve located at Águas de Santa Barbara municipality, São Paulo state. Two distinct types of research were performed: the first one focused on the study of the invasion ecology of slash pine, and the second aiming to seek for the ecologically and economically most viable management technique to remove the invasive species from this ecosystem. The ecological study was based on sampling of native plants taller than 50 cm, taken from five blocks of 10 plots (plot area = 10 x 10 m). To study the plants smaller than 50 cm height, samples were taken from five 1 x 1 m subplots placed inside each plot. In each block, the plots were placed with the aim of contemplating the whole range of invasion gradient (0% to 100% of invaded area) by P. elliottii. Native plant species were grouped according to their life form, and their density and richness were considered as response variables to the invasion process. In this plots, the basal area of the invasive species, pine needles depth and canopy openness were considered as the explanatory variables, as the oscillations of these variables could justify biodiversity losses. The management experiment was performed in a 70 x 50 m area, divided in 35 plots (10 x 10 m). Seven eradication treatments (with five replicates) were established according to different management techniques applied together or isolated. The control techniques included clear-cut with chainsaw, herbicide injection inside the trunks and prescribed burning. After the application of the treatments, the spontaneous recovery of the grassland vegetation was monitored, and the density and richness of native species were used as indicators of the ecological success of the management techniques. The economical viability was analyzed based on all the costs related to each one of the techniques and compared to an initial invasion control. In general, this work described in details the invasion process at the Cerrado vegetation, quantified biodiversity losses and identified the ecological filters in the invasion process. The increase of the pine needle layer thickness is the main driver of the disappearance of grasses, sedges and forbs. The canopy closure caused by the invasive trees in the open savanna environment was responsible for the decrease of shrubs. None of the explanatory variables influenced the native tree species under regeneration. The management experiment pointed several treatments as economically viable, especially when the timber of the invasive species can be commercialized and, thus, the profits obtained from the sold timber can cover the costs regarding the eradication procedure. In addition to the economical viability, over two years of monitoring the native vegetation, the best treatment was the one that combined clearcut and prescribed fire. Under this combination of treatments, the spontaneous regeneration of native vegetation had the best performance, and the eradication costs could be covered.. Meanwhile, the passive restoration (natural regeneration) from a densely invaded ecosystem is an extremely slow process. Therefore, after two years of research, it seems reasonable to assume that interfering in the restoration process through plantation is necessary in order to speed up the vegetation recovery. In this work, thus, it was possible to understand the factors and process that cause biodiversity losses promoted by slash pine (Pinus elliottii) invasion in the Cerrado, and also to ensure that the eradication of this invasive species is possible in this type of ecosystem. Nevertheless, the restoration of heavily invaded areas is still an issue. The ecological and economic costs related to this problem are high but can be reduced when the early control of the invasion is performed.

Dans les agroécosystèmes, l'utilisation de la biodiversité pour la régulation naturelle des arthropodes nuisibles vise à proposer une protection agroécologique des cultures, en alternative à la protection agrochimique actuelle. Notre étude a porté sur les agroécosystèmes à base de manguiers à La Réunion, avec l'objectif de comprendre les facteurs qui influencent la biodiversité et la régulation des arthropodes nuisibles. Cet agroécosystème est caractérisé par une importante diversité (797 espèces d'arthropodes et 114 espèces de plantes) et nos résultats ont révélé l'existence de contrôles ascendants et descendants positifs de cette biodiversité au sein des communautés. Nous avons également mis en évidence les services et disservices des espèces dominantes de fourmis envahissantes : deux d'entre elles fournissent un service de prédation et l'une d'elles réduit la diversité des ennemis naturels omnivores, ce qui semble expliquer la relation négative entre la diversité des omnivores et le service de prédation. Enfin, nous avons montré l'effet positif de la diversité des parasitoïdes et de la diversité des prédateurs, respectivement sur l'abondance des populations de la Cochenille des Seychelles et sur le service de prédation. Le seul effet significatif du paysage qui a été décelé est l'effet positif de la proportion des vergers de manguiers sur l'abondance du Thrips Sud-Africain des agrumes. L'ensemble de ces résultats nous permet d'identifier deux leviers pour la protection agroécologique des vergers de manguiers : l'implantation d'enherbements diversifiés dans les vergers ; la gestion collective du paysage en y limitant la proportion des vergers de manguiers. / In agroecosystems, the use of biodiversity for natural control of arthropod pests aims to propose an agroecological crop protection, as an alternative to current agrochemical protection. Our study focused on mango agroecosystems in Reunion Island, with the goal of understanding the factors that influence biodiversity and control of arthropod pests. This agroecosystem is characterized by a large diversity (797 arthropod species and 114 plant species) and our results highlight the positive bottom-up and top-down controls of biodiversity in communities. We also highlight the services provided by the dominant species of invasive ants in pest regulation. Two species provide a predation service, and one reduces the diversity of natural enemies of omnivores and appears to explain the negative relationship between omnivore diversity and predation. Finally, we highlight the positive effect of parasitoid diversity and predator diversity on, respectively, the abundance of Seychelles mealybugs and on predation in general. The only significant landscape effect measured in our work is the positive effect of the proportion of mango orchards on the abundance of South African citrus Thrips. These results allow us to identify two factors in the agroecological protection of mango orchards in Reunion: the management of diversified ground cover in orchards; and collective landscape management by limiting the proportion of mango orchards.

Les tourbières ont stocké un tiers du carbone organique des sols mondiaux (C) malgré une superficie ne représentant que 3% de la surface terrestre. Cependant, en réponse aux changements globaux, les tourbières boréales et tempérées, majoritairement dominées par des sphaignes, peuvent être envahies par des plantes vasculaires susceptibles de modifier la dynamique du C dans ces écosystèmes. Cette thèse vise à étudier comment la présence des plantes vasculaires affecte le cycle du C des tourbières à sphaignes. Ces travaux ont porté principalement sur une plante envahissante de nombreuses tourbières, Molinia caerulea, via une étude en mésocosmes. Les expérimentations montrent que les plantes vasculaires sont à la fois favorables à la croissance des sphaignes et à la décomposition des litières. In fine, les résultats montrent que la présence de Molinia caerulea augmente la capacité de stockage du C dans les mésocosmes de sphaignes (30 to 220 gC stock m⁻² an⁻1), probablement liée à la forte productivité racinaire de cette plante. Cependant, cela semble s’opérer au détriment du C déjà stocké dans la tourbe avec une stimulation des microorganismes à travers la production d’exsudats racinaires. Ces derniers semblent également, d’une part promouvoir la consommation du C organique dissous et les émissions de CO₂ et de CH₄ observées en présence de Molinia caerulea, et d’autre part être responsables de la modification de la sensibilité à la température des exports de C via des changements des communautés microbiennes. L’impact de Molinia caerulea sur les microorganismes va aussi altérer ceux impliqués dans le cycle du N et entrainer une diminution des émissions de N₂O. / Peatlands have stored a third of the soil organic Carbon (C) in only 3% of the land area. However, in response to global change, boreal and temperate peatlands may shift from Sphagnum to vascular plant-dominated peatlands that may alter their C-sink function. This thesis aims at providing a better understanding of the vascular plants interactions in a Sphagnum dominated peatland and their implications on the C cycle. This work mainly focus on the invasion of a graminoid plant, Molinia caerulea, through a mesocosm experiment. Results from experiments show that vascular plants are both able to promote the growth of Sphagnum mosses as well as the decomposition of their litter. Molinia caerulea occurrence appears to increase the C sink capacity of Sphagnum peat mesocosms passing of 30 to 220 gC stock m⁻² y⁻1. This capacity of Molinia caerulea to store C is probably due to it high roots productivity. However, it also seems to stimulate the decomposition of ‘old’ C, stored as peat, by stimulating microorganisms activity through roots exudates. These latter also promote the dissolved organic C consumption and CO₂ and CH₄ emissions observed with Molinia caerulea occurrence, as well as the temperature sensitivity of C exports by altering the microbial communities. Molinia caerulea impacts on microorganisms also affect N cycle conducting to a decrease of N₂O emissions in these ecosystems.

L’adénocarcinome canalaire pancréatique (ADKP) est l’une des tumeurs solides avec le pronostic le plus sombre. Le stroma de ces tumeurs, très abondant, est composé de matrice extra cellulaire ainsi que de cellules stromales (incluant des fibroblastes activés associés au cancer ou des cellules immunitaires). Les fibres nerveuses infiltrant ce stroma tumoral sont considérées comme une caractéristique des ADKP, impliquées dans le phénomène de remodelage nerveux, qui participent aux douleurs neuropathiques, à la dissémination des cellules tumorales, ainsi qu’à la rechute de la maladie après chirurgie. Le remodelage nerveux associé aux ADKP est régulé par un réseau fonctionnel, impliquant des interactions physiques et moléculaires entre cellules tumorales, cellules nerveuses dont les cellules de Schwann et les autres cellules stromales. Dans cette étude, nous avons démontré que les cellules de Schwann (cellules gliales, soutient des neurones périphériques) stimulent l’agressivité (migration, invasion, tumorigénicité) des cellules pancréatiques tumorales de façon dépendante du TGFβ (Transforming Growth Factor beta). En effet, nous révélons que le milieu conditionné des cellules de Schwann est enrichi en nombreuses molécules de signalisation, incluant de grandes quantités de TGFβ capable d’activer sa voie de signalisation dépendante des protéines SMAD, au sein des cellules cancéreuses. Des analyses de spectrométrie de masse des sécrétomes des cellules de Schwann et des cellules tumorales pancréatiques, cultivées seules ou ensemble, soulignent le rôle central du TGFβ dans les interactions neuro-épithéliales, comme illustré par la signature protéomique relative aux mécanismes d’adhésion et de motilité cellulaires. Ainsi, ces résultats démontrent que les cellules de Schwann sont une source de TGFβ dans les ADKP, et jouent un rôle crucial dans l’acquisition de propriétés agressives par les cellules tumorales / Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the solid tumors with the poorest prognosis. The stroma of this tumor is abundant and composed of extracellular matrix and stromal cells (including cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells). Nerve fibers invading this stroma represent a hallmark of PDAC, involved in neural remodeling, which participates in neuropathic pain, cancer cells dissemination and tumor relapse after surgery. Pancreatic cancer-associated neural remodeling is regulated through functional interplays mediated by physical and molecular interactions between cancer cells, nerve cells and surrounding Schwann cells, and other stromal cells. In the present study, we show that Schwann cells (glial cells supporting peripheral neurons) can enhance aggressiveness (migration, invasion, tumorigenicity) of pancreatic cancer cells in a transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)-dependent manner. Indeed, we reveal that conditioned medium from Schwann cells contains various signaling cues, including high amounts of TGFβ able to activate the TGFβ-SMAD signaling pathway in cancer cells. Secretome analyses by mass spectrometry of Schwann cells and pancreatic cancer cells cultured alone or in combination highlighted the central role of TGFβ in neuro-epithelial interactions, as illustrated by proteomic signatures related to cell adhesion and motility. Altogether, these results demonstrate that Schwann cells are a meaningful source of TGFβ in PDAC, which plays a crucial role in the acquisition of aggressive properties by pancreatic cancer cells

Spartina anglica est une espèce exotique hybride qui peuple les zones humides littorales. Elle s’est installée dans le Bassin d’Arcachon au cours des années 1980, envahissant fortement les prés salés et les platiers vaseux préalablement occupés par, respectivement, Spartina maritima et Zostera noltei. Face aux inquiétudes suscitées par cette installation, cette thèse vise à comprendre, par une approche pluridisciplinaire, les mécanismes d’invasion et ses conséquences sur le milieu physique et sur les espèces végétales natives. L’objectif de ce travail est d’étudier l’occupation de niche par S. anglica et ses interactions avec deux espèces intertidales natives : S. maritima et Z. noltei.L’analyse d’images aériennes et satellitales a montré que, 30 ans après l’invasion, dans une zone densément peuplée par la Spartine native, la zone haute des prés salés a peu changé : la Spartine anglaise a occupé des niches vides et n’a pas remplacé la végétation native. Une expérience de transplantation réciproque et de mesures de biomasses confirment ce résultat, en montrant que l’espèce native offre une résistance à la colonisation de l’espèce exotique. L’expansion de la Spartine anglaise vers les replats de marée de l’intérieur du Bassin serait ainsi liée à sa capacité à tolérer les perturbations physiques, à sa forte plasticité de croissance en milieu oxygéné et riche en nutriments et à son comportement auto-facilitateur. Sa forte capacité d’ingénieur d’écosystèmes semble être liée à son système racinaire très développé, qui améliore l’aération des sols fortement anoxiques.Les effets de la colonisation par l’espèce exotique des zones intertidales basses à subtidales sur la Zostère naine sont importants sur le long-terme (dizaines d’années). En tant qu’ingénieur d’écosystèmes, la Spartine exotique favorise l’élévation du sol par sédimentation, entrainant une dessiccation du sédiment, peu favorable à la Zostère. Des mesures physiques au sein de patchs de l’espèce exotique suggèrent que l’élévation du sédiment est toutefois lente, surtout liée à une allocation de biomasse spécifique aux racines ainsi qu’à des rhizomes qui permettent de résister à l’érosion.En termes de gestion et de conservation des prés salés du Bassin d’Arcachon, ces résultats indiquent l’importance de limiter les perturbations physiques et les apports nutritifs qui pourraient rompre la résistance à l’invasion de la Spartine native. Ils supportent aussi l’idée que la Spartine anglaise pourrait être un allié robuste face à l’élévation du niveau de la mer. / Spartina anglica is a hybrid exotic cordgrass that inhabits coastal salt marshes. This species arrived in the Bay of Arcachon in the 1980s and since has importantly colonized the salt marshes and tidal flats formerly only occupied by the native Spartina maritima and Zostera noltei, respectively. This work aims at understanding, with an interdisciplinary perspective, the invasion mechanisms of this exotic cordgrass and the outcoming changes of its introduction in the Bay, both to the physical environment and to the native vegetation. Different approaches were considered in order to assess the niche occupancy by the exotic Spartina and its interactions with the native intertidal species, Spartina maritima and Zostera noltei.The analysis of aerial and satellite images has shown that, in about 30 years after the invasion, within a zone densely populated by the native Spartina, the global high marsh zone did not suffer significant changes with the arrival of the invasive species. Spartina anglica did not replace the existent marsh vegetation, it occupied empty niches along the intertidal area instead. Additionally, experimental works of cross transplantation and biomass measurements have corroborated that the native Spartina maritima offers resistance to the colonization by the exotic Spartina. It was also shown that the invasive occupies the same intertidal niche along the elevation and anoxic gradient than the native. The successful extension of Spartina anglica into the mudflat towards the inner Bay was related to its likely ability to tolerate physical disturbances, its strong growth plasticity in nutrient- and oxygen- rich patches and its self-facilitator behaviour. This latter trait is related to its strong ecosystem-engineering ability due to its prominent root system and consequent ability to ameliorate the oxygenation of highly anoxic soils.The main effect of the exotic Spartina species on the seagrass is related to its stronger ecosystem-engineering ability, favouring bed accretion up to levels that are not favourable to Z. noltei through enhancement of desiccation stress. However, hydrodynamic and altimetry measurements have shown that the process of bed accretion is slow and, due to the cordgrass’ specific preferential biomass allocation to roots, its efficiency is more linked to its resistance to erosion rather than sediment trapping.The results of this study provide relevant information for the definition of appropriate action and conservation strategies of marsh zones in the Bay of Arcachon, and in particular the importance of limiting physical disturbance and nutrient pollution that could disrupt the biotic resistance of the native cord grass. They also suggest a potentially important role of the exotic species in facing increasing Sea Level Rise.

The purpose of this work was to describe the current status of benthic communities on the main stream of Elbe River and Ohře River and their tributaries affected and non-affected by biological invasions - especially by round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) and spiny - cheek crayfish (Faxonius limosus). Sampling for this research took place from April 2018 to August 2018, while morphiologic survey of waterbodies was done in November 2017. Two tributaries of the Elbe River (Milešovský brook and Ploučnice River) and one tributary of the Ohře River (Čepel) were selected for this research. Two 100 m long sections (lower stretch potentially affected by invaders and upper stretch as referential) were monitored at each tributary. At the same time a 100 m long main flow section was monitored near the mouth of the tributaries. The following parameters were monitored: morphology of the stream and basic physical and chemical parameters of water, zoobenthos community, crayfish occurrence, and fish community. The benthic communities of the upper streams were less affected by biological invasions. The biodiversity of the benthic communities in the upper sections was richer compared to the lower sections. The occurrence of the round goby seemed to be factor affecting benthic and fish communities at the sites concerned. It was an eudominant species in the Elbe section in Děčín and becoming dominant in the lower section of Ploučnice River.