The ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubls) are small polypeptides that function as post-translational modifiers. Like ubiquitin, most Ubls are covalently attached to a lysine residue on target proteins. The small ubiquitin-related modifiers (SUMO) play important roles in a number of critical biological processes, such as proliferation and regulation of the cell cycle, yet their specific cellular functions have remained poorly understood. Like ubiquitin, SUMO proteins can also form oligomeric “chains”, but the functions of these structures were even less well understood. To this end, I created the first spectral library for the identification of Ub/Ubl proteins and Ub/Ubl chain linkages in mass spectrometry experiments. This tool has dramatically improved our ability to use MS to analyze the contents of biological samples for Ub and Ubls, and to identify specific types of Ub and Ubl chains in model organisms. I also used MS to conduct the first comprehensive SUMO system protein-protein interactome in any organism. In total, 452 high confidence protein-protein interactions were detected for S. cerevisiae SUMO system proteins, encompassing a total of 321 interacting partners. Yeast SUMO system components were found to interact with proteins involved in a number of different biological processes, and my mapping effort increased the number of known SUMO system interacting partners >50-fold. This study revealed that a number of transcriptional co-repressors and chromatin remodelling proteins interact physically with specific SUMO system components, with a clear division of labour between SUMO system enzymes. Finally, I conducted the first global analysis of SUMO chain function, using a combination of genetic, high-content microscopy, and high-density transcriptomics screens. Consistent with my interactomics work, this study demonstrated that inhibition of SUMO chain synthesis leads to severe chromatin condensation defects, which in-turn leads to chromosome missegregation, unscheduled transcription of stress-and nutrient-regulated genes, and aberrant intragenic transcription. Together, my work thus revealed a major role for the SUMO system in the maintenance of higher order chromatin structure and transcriptional repression.

The ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubls) are small polypeptides that function as post-translational modifiers. Like ubiquitin, most Ubls are covalently attached to a lysine residue on target proteins. The small ubiquitin-related modifiers (SUMO) play important roles in a number of critical biological processes, such as proliferation and regulation of the cell cycle, yet their specific cellular functions have remained poorly understood. Like ubiquitin, SUMO proteins can also form oligomeric “chains”, but the functions of these structures were even less well understood. To this end, I created the first spectral library for the identification of Ub/Ubl proteins and Ub/Ubl chain linkages in mass spectrometry experiments. This tool has dramatically improved our ability to use MS to analyze the contents of biological samples for Ub and Ubls, and to identify specific types of Ub and Ubl chains in model organisms. I also used MS to conduct the first comprehensive SUMO system protein-protein interactome in any organism. In total, 452 high confidence protein-protein interactions were detected for S. cerevisiae SUMO system proteins, encompassing a total of 321 interacting partners. Yeast SUMO system components were found to interact with proteins involved in a number of different biological processes, and my mapping effort increased the number of known SUMO system interacting partners >50-fold. This study revealed that a number of transcriptional co-repressors and chromatin remodelling proteins interact physically with specific SUMO system components, with a clear division of labour between SUMO system enzymes. Finally, I conducted the first global analysis of SUMO chain function, using a combination of genetic, high-content microscopy, and high-density transcriptomics screens. Consistent with my interactomics work, this study demonstrated that inhibition of SUMO chain synthesis leads to severe chromatin condensation defects, which in-turn leads to chromosome missegregation, unscheduled transcription of stress-and nutrient-regulated genes, and aberrant intragenic transcription. Together, my work thus revealed a major role for the SUMO system in the maintenance of higher order chromatin structure and transcriptional repression.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 471-475). / Also available by subscription via World Wide Web / viii, 479 leaves, bound 29 cm

Dans les cellules somatiques, les télomères s'érodent à chaque division cellulaire. Ce processus appelé « Sénescence Réplicative» est contrebalancé de manière basale chez la levure bourgeonnante S. cerevisiae par l'action de la télomérase qui, alors qu'elle est inactive dans les cellules somatiques des eucaryotes supérieures, est activée dans 85% des cancers. Un autre mécanisme impliqué dans les 15% des cas de cancer restants et est appelé Alternative Lengthening of Telomere (ALT). Dans ce processus, le maintien des télomères est assuré par des mécanismes de recombinaison télomérique induisant des échanges de séquences télomériques de chromatides sœurs (T-SCE).Nous avons évalué l'existence d'ALT dans la LLC-B connue pour rarement exprimer la télomérase. Nous avons montrer que 90% des patients LLC-B présentent une diminution de l'expression de TopoIIIα corrélée à une méthylation plus importante des îlots CpG de la région promotrice du gène suggérant que dans les LLC-B le maintien des télomères est défectueux.Nous avons étudié l'implication de la SUMOylation de TopoIIIα/Top3 dans les mécanismes de régulation du ALT. Nous avons montré que TopoIIIα était SUMOylée in vitro et in vivo au sein des cellules U2-OS ALT. Nous avons aussi observé chez S. cerevisiae que Top3 ne serait SUMOylée qu'en absence d'une activité télomérase. Nos résultats suggèrent que la SUMOylation de TopoIIIα augmenterait son activité in vitro et in vivo en diminuant son affinité pour les télomères une fois la recombinaison achevée et qu'elle serait requise pour son accumulation dans les APBs mais pas pour leur formation. / In somatic cells, telomeres erode with each cell division. This process named « Replicative Senescence » is basically counterbalanced in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by the action of telomerase which, while it is inactive in somatic cells of higher eukaryotes is activated in 85 % of cancer cases. Another process of telomere maintenance is involved in 15% of remaining cancer cases and is called Alternative Lengthening of Telomere (ALT). In this process, telomere maintenance is provided by telomeric recombination mechanisms inducing exchange of telomeric sister chromatid (T-SCE).We assessed the existence of an ALT mechanism in B-CLL known to rarely express telomerase. We have shown that 90% of B-CLL patients have a decreased expression of TopoIIIα correlated with largest methylation of CpG islands of the gene promoter region. Our results suggest that in B-CLL, telomere maintenance is defective either by telomerase or ALT mechanism.We investigated the involvement of post- SUMOylation of TopoIIIα/Top3 in mechanisms regulating ALT phenomenon. We have shown that TopoIIIα was SUMOylated in vitro and in vivo in U2-OS ALT cells. We also observed in S. cerevisiae that Top3p might be SUMOylated in absence of telomerase activity. Our results suggested that the SUMOylation of TopoIIIα increased its activity in vitro and in vivo by reducing its affinity for telomeres once recombination occurred and would be required for its accumulation in APBs but not for their formation.

Les leucémies aiguë myéloïde (LAM) sont un groupe d’hémopathies malignes, dont le traitement est généralement composé de deux génotoxiques : la cytarabine (Ara-C) et la daunorubicine (DNR). Nous avons montré que l’Ara-C et la DNR induisent la déconjugaison rapide de SUMO (Small Ubiquitin-related Modifier) de ses protéines cibles. Cette deSUMOylation est dûe à l'inactivation des enzymes E1 et E2 de SUMOylation par les espèces réactives de l'oxygène (ROS) produites par l’Ara-C et la DNR et est impliquée dans l'activation de l'apoptose. En outre, cet axe ROS/SUMO est anergisé dans les LAM chimiorésistantes. Cependant, il peut être réactivé par des pro-oxydants ou par inhibition de la voie SUMO par l'acide anacardique. Pour identifier les protéines contrôlées par l’axe ROS/SUMO nous avons effectué une approche de spectrométrie de masse quantitative (SILAC). Parmi les 1000 protéines SUMOylées identifiées, la plupart des 114 protéines qui perdent leur SUMOylation lors du traitement sont impliquées dans la régulation de l'expression des gènes. De plus, un ChIP-Seq avec des anticorps anti SUMO-2 a permis de montrer que les génotoxiques, en particulier la DNR, induisent une diminution massive de la présence de protéines SUMOylées sur la chromatine. La recherche de motifs au sein des séquences fixant SUMO a permis d’identifier le motif de liaison de CTCF à l’ADN. De plus, CTCF a été trouvé dans la SILAC comme l’une des protéines déSUMOylées par les traitements. En utilisant des données publiques de Chip-Seq pour CTCF, nous avons identifié 55 gènes qui fixent à la fois CTCF et SUMO et dont l’expression est régulée par les traitements. Dans la dernière partie de ce travail, nous avons étudié le groupe de 19 protéines dont la SUMOylation augmente suite aux traitements génotoxiques. Parmi ces protéines, nous avons trouvé diverses protéines centromériques, y compris CENP-B et CENP-C. En utilisant le PLA (Proximity Ligation Assay) nous avons pu montrer que CENP-B et CENP-C colocalisent avec SUMO et yH2AX après traitement. Cela suggère que la SUMOylation des protéines centromériques se produit sur les sites de cassure et pourrait jouer un rôle dans la réparation des dommages de l'ADN. / Acute Myeloid Leukemias (AML) are a group a severe hematological malignancies, which treatment is generally composed of two genotoxics: Cytarabine (Ara-C) and Daunorubicin (DNR). We have shown that these drugs induce the rapid deconjugation of the Small Ubiquitin-related Modifier (SUMO) from its target protein. This is due to the inactivation of SUMO E1 and E2 enzymes by Reactive oxygen species (ROS). This deSUMOylation participated in the activation of specific genes and is involved the induction of apoptosis. In addition, this ROS/SUMO axis is anergized in chemoresistant AMLs. However, it can be reactivated by pro-oxidants or inhibition of the SUMO pathway with anacardic acid, an inhibitor of the SUMO E1. To identify which proteins are regulated by this ROS/SUMO axis, we performed a quantitative mass spectrometry approach. Among the 1000 identified SUMO targets, most of the 114 proteins, which SUMOylation decrease upon treatment, are involved in the regulation of gene expression. In addition, we showed by ChIP-Seq with SUMO-2 antibodies that genotoxics, in particular DNR, induce a massive decrease of the presence of SUMOylated proteins on the chromatin. Motif search analysis of the SUMO binding sequences in these genes identified CTCF binding motif. Interestingly, CTCF was found in the SILAC as deSUMOylated by the drugs. Using publicly available ChIP-Seq data for CTCF, we found 55 genes which are occupied by both SUMO-2 and CTCF and which expression is regulated by the drugs. In the last part of this work, we got interested in the 19 proteins that get up-SUMOylated upon treatment. Among them, we found centromeric proteins, including CENP-B and CENP-C. Using Proximity Ligation Assay, we could show that CENP-B and CENP-C colocalize with both SUMO and yH2AX upon DNR treatment. Altogether, this suggests that centromeric protein up-SUMOylation occurs at sites of DNA damage and might play a role in DNA damage repair.

La sclérose Latérale Amyotrophique (SLA) est une maladie neurodégénérative des motoneurones impliquant des facteurs environnementaux et génétiques. Notre étude porte sur l’étude des relations entre la voie de la SUMOylation post-Traductionnelle des protéines et les effets du stress oxydant et de mutants SOD1. Nous montrons tout d’abord que 2 nouveaux mutants, SOD1V31A et SOD1E121G identifiés chez des patients SLA à évolution lente, entraîne la formation d’agrégats cellulaires Ub/SUMO dans la formation des agrégats était suggérée. Nous montrons 1) que les NSC-34 exposées à un stress oxydant et exprimant SOD1 mutée présentent une modification d’expression de plusieurs gènes des voies de l’Ub/SUMO ; 2) que l’expression de SOD1 mutée réduit le pool de protéine SUMO-1 libre dans les cellules motoneuronales, possible conséquence d’une séquestration dans les agrégats ; 3) qu’inhiber la SUMOylation de SOD1 mutée réduit la quantité de cellules avec agrégats. Nos résultats indiquent qu’une meilleure connaissance de la voie de SUMO pourrait conduire à de nouvelles cibles thérapeutiques intéressantes dans la SLA. / Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease of motor neurones involving a combination of environmental and genetics factors. Ours work focuses on the relathionship between the SUMOylation pathway and the effects of oxidative stress and SOD1 mutants. We first show that 2 new mutants, SOD1V31A and SOD1E121G identified in ALS patients with a slowly progressive disease, induce the formation of Ub/SUMO positive aggregates in motor neuronal cells NSC-34. The implication of the Ub/SUMO pathways has been proposed in the formation of aggregates in ALS. We show 1) modification of expression of several genes of the Ub/SUMO pathways in NSC-34 exposed to oxidative stress and expressing various mutated SOD1 proteins; 2) that the expression of mutants SOD1 reduces free-SUMO1 concentration in motor neuronal cell, perhaps by a sequestration in aggregates; 3) that the inhibition of SUMIylation of various mutants SOD1 reduces the amount of cells with aggregates. Our results support further studies on the SUMO pathway that may lead to new therapeutics targets in ALS.

Submitted by isabela.moljf@hotmail.com (isabela.moljf@hotmail.com) on 2018-08-06T18:07:50Z No. of bitstreams: 0 / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2018-08-06T18:12:47Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-06T18:12:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015-03-30 / FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais / Por análises in silico, um domínio B conservado e antigênico foi previamente identificado em nucleosídeo trifosfato difosfohidrolases (NTPDases) de plantas e parasitos. O r-potDomB, um recombinante derivado do domínio B (r78-117) da apirase de batata, foi obtido por expressão heteróloga, e a sua reatividade com anticorpos policlonaisanti-apirase de batata confirmaram a existência de epitopos indutores de resposta imune humoral em mamíferos. A clonagem do gene da NTPDase1 de Leishmania amazonensis (LamNTPDase1; NCBI: AFJ22627.1) e as análises in silico reforçaram a hipótese de conservação do domínio B de NTPDases. O r-potDomB, os peptídeos sintéticos LbB1LJ e LbB2LJ derivados do domínio B de NTPDase1 de Leishmania, e os anticorpos produzidos contra estas biomoléculas, foram usados como ferramentas moleculares para estudos específicos da NTPDase1 de L. amazonensis e da leishmaniose. Por “Western blots”, a NTPDase1 foi identificada como bandas de 48 e 63 kDa em frações de membrana, microssomal e flagelo de promastigotas. Por análise imunocitoquímicaultraestrutural, os anticorpos localizaram a NTPDase1 na superfície de membrana plasmática, núcleo, mitocôndria e cinetoplasto, bolsa flagelar e flagelo, confirmando sua ampla distribuição neste parasito. Análises in silico sugeriram as possíveis modificações pós-traducionais da NTPDase1, incluindo a sua conjugação com proteína SUMO. Os polipeptídeos de 48 e 63 kDa e um co-migrante de 12 kDa foram isolados de promastigotas por eletroforese em gel não-desnaturante. Por “Western blots” e espectrometria de massas, a identidade da NTPDase1 foi confirmada nospolipeptídeos de 48 e 63 kDa. Por espectrometria de massas, o polipeptídeo de 12 kDa foi identificado como pertencente à família de proteínas SUMO e, também, adicionado aopolipeptídeo de 63 kDa. Os polipeptídeos de 63 kDa e 12 kDa, mas não o de 48 kDa, foram reconhecidos em “Western blots” pelo soro imune anti- SUMO1, sugerindo a ligação entre NTPDase1 e SUMO, uma modificação descrita pela primeira vez entre os membros da família das NTPDases. Camundongos BALB/c foram infectados com promastigotas, e os anticorpos destes animais reconheceram a NTPDase1 pura, mas não SUMO, confirmando sua antigenicidade. Durante a progressão da doença, alta reatividade entre r-potDomB, LbB1LJ ou LbB2LJ e anticorpos IgG2a dos camundongos infectados foi observada aos 40 dias pós-infecção, revelando a antigenicidade do domínio B e a sua habilidade de induzir a produção deste subtipo nos estágios iniciais da doença. A reatividade de IgG1 foi significativamente maior aos 90-120 dias pós-infecção, coincidindo com o estágio mais ativo da doença, sugerindo participação do domínio em eventos imunoregulatórios. O r-potDomB induziu reação de hipersensibilidade tardia em camundongos Suíços, uma resposta imune celular, com elevação concomitante dos níveis de IgG2a e IFN-y. O r-potDomB, na ausência de adjuvante, usado na préimunização de camungondos Suíços infectados com amastigotas, estimulou a produção de IgG2a e IFN-y, e promoveu proteção parcial contra a progressão da leishmaniose como observado por medida de edema de patas e análises histopatológicas.Os resultados estimulam o aproveitamento biotecnológico do rpotDomB, ou derivados desta biomolécula, em formulações e em protocolos experimentais de imunoterapia e/ou vacinação contra leishmanioses. / By in silico analysis, an antigenic conserved B domain was previously identified within nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (NTPDases) of plants and parasites. The r-potDomB, a recombinant belonging to the conserved B domain (r78- 117) from the potato apyrase, was obtained by heterologous expression, and its reactivity with polyclonal anti-potato apyrase antibodies confirmed the existence of epitopes which induce humoral immune response in mammalian. The cloning of the gene from the Leishmania amazonensisNTPDase 1 (LamNTPDase1; NCBI AFJ22627.1) and in silico analysis reinforced the hypothesis of B-domain conservation within NTPDases. The r-potDomB, synthetic peptides LbB1LJ and LbB2LJ derived from the B-domain from LeishmaniaNTPDase 1, and the antibodies raised against these biomolecules, were used as molecular tools for specific studies of the L. amazonensisNTPDase 1 and leishmaniasis. By Western blots, theNTPDase 1 was identified as bands of 48 and 63 kDa in membrane, microsomal and flagellar fractions of promastigotes. By ultrastructural immunocytochemical, the antibodies localized the NTPDase 1 at the surface of plasma membrane, nucleus, mitochondria and kinetoplast, at flagellar pocket and flagellum, confirming its widespread distribution in this parasite. In silico analysis suggested possible post-translational modifications of the NTPDase 1, including its conjugation with SUMO protein. The polypeptides of 48 and 63 kDa and one co-migrant of 12 kDa were isolated of promastigotes by non-denaturing gel electrophoresis. By Western blots and mass spectrometry, the identity of NTPDase1 in the polypeptides of 48 e 63 kDa was confirmed. By mass spectrometry, the polypeptide of 12 kDa was identified belonging to the SUMO protein family and, also, added to the polypeptide of 63 kDa. The polypeptides of 63 and 12 kDa, but not 48 kDa, were recognized in Western blots by immune serum anti-SUMO1, suggesting binding between NTPDase 1 and SUMO, a modification described for the first time among members of the NTPDase family. BALB/c mice were infected with promastigotes, and the antibodies from these animals recognized the pure NTPDase, but not SUMO, confirming its antigenicity. During disease progression, high reactivity between r-potDomB, LbB1LJ or LbB2LJ and IgG2a antibodies of the promastigote-infected mice was observed at 40 days post-infection, revealing both the B-domain antigenicity and its ability for induce the production of this subtype in early disease stages. The IgG1 reactivity was significantly higher at 90-120 days post-infection, coinciding with the most active stage of the disease, suggesting participation of the domain in immuneregulatory events. The r-potDomB induced delayed type-hypersensitivity reaction in Swiss mice, a cellular immune response, with a concomitant increase in the levels of IgG2a and IFN-y. The r-potDomB, in the absence of adjuvant, used in pre-immunization of amastigotes-infected Swiss mice, stimulated the production of IgG2a and IFN-y, and promoted partial protection against leishmaniasis progression, as observed by measuring of footpad swelling and histopathological analysis. The results stimulate biotechnological use of the r-potDomB, or derivatives of this biomolecule, in formulations and experimental protocols of immunotherapy and/or vaccination against leishmaniasis.

Les œstrogènes sont impliqués dans la prolifération des cellules épithéliales du sein normal et l'exposition prolongée à ces hormones s'accompagne d'une augmentation du risque de développement de cancer du sein. Les œstrogènes exercent leurs effets via les récepteurs des œstrogènes (REs). L'activité de ces récepteurs est finement régulée par un grand nombre de cofacteurs transcriptionnels, mais également par les modifications post-traductionnelles. Mon travail de thèse a eu pour objectif la compréhension de l'impact de ces deux niveaux de régulation sur la signalisation œstrogénique. Il a été récemment décrit que la sumoylation affectait de manière drastique l'activité du RE. La sumoylation est une modification dont le caractère réversible est assuré par des isopeptidases appelé SENPs (SENtrin Proteases). Dans une première étude nous avons montré que SENP2 pouvait fortement réprimer l'activité transcriptionnelle dépendante des œstrogènes ainsi que la prolifération cellulaire. Dans une seconde étude, nous nous sommes attelés à mieux caractériser les mécanismes d'action à l'origine du caractère répresseur du cofacteur transcriptionnel LCoR (Ligand-dependent Corepressor). Nous nous sommes plus précisément intéressés aux relations existant entre LCoR et un autre cofacteur du RE, RIP140 (Receptor Interacting Protein of 140 kDa) répresseur majeur de l'activité œstrogénique. Nous avons pu caractériser, outre les modes de recrutement des deux protéines, les modulations d'expression exercées par les deux cofacteurs. L'ensemble de nos travaux identifie de nouveaux cofacteurs des REs et contribue à une meilleure compréhension de la signalisation œstrogénique. / Estrogens are involved in the proliferation of normal breast epithelial cells. The prolonged exposure to these hormones comes along with an increase of the risk of breast cancer.development. Estrogen receptors (ERs) mediate the effects of estrogens. The activity of these receptors is finely tuned by a large number of transcriptional cofactors, but also by post-translational modifications. This work aimed at understanding the impact of these regulations on estrogenic signalling. It was recently described that sumoylation could strongly affect ER-dependent activity. SUMO conjugation is a dynamic process which is reversed by SUMO specific proteases also known as SENtrin Proteases (SENPs). In a first study, we investigated the role of SENP2, in ER-dependent transcriptional activity. We showed that SENP2 could acts as a transcriptional cofactor independently of its catalytic activity by strongly repressing ER-dependent transcriptional activity. We also provided evidence for a role in in breast cancer cell line proliferation. In a second part of the work we investigated the mechanism of action of the transcriptional cofactor LCoR (Ligand-dependent Corepressor) with a specific emphasis on the relationship between LCoR and another ER cofactor, RIP140 (Receptor Interacting Protein of 140 kDa). We characterized a crossed expression modulation of the two transcription cofactors. We also depicted an interaction between these two corepressors and a regulation of LCoR activity by RIP140. Our work provides new insights in identifying new coregulators of ER and contributes to a better understanding of both LCoR and RIP140 mechanism of action, and therefore of estrogenic signalling.

La SUMOylation est une modification post-traductionnelle qui gouverne divers processus cellulaires incluant immunité innée et défense antivirale. Des effecteurs de la synthèse d’IFN, de son signal de transduction ainsi que des facteurs de restriction sont modifiés par SUMO (Small Ubiquitin Modifier). Par ailleurs, certains virus exploitent la machinerie SUMO afin de contrecarrer les mécanismes de défense antivirale suggérant l’implication de SUMO dans l’interface virus et défense antivirale. A l’aide d’un modèle cellulaire exprimant les différents paralogues SUMO1, SUMO2 ou SUMO3 ou en diminuant l’expression de l’unique enzyme de conjugaison à SUMO, Ubc9, nous avons montré un effet différentiel de SUMO sur deux virus de la famille des Rhabdoviridae (virus de la stomatite vésiculaire (VSV) et le virus de la rage) et sur la réponse aux IFN alpha et IFN gamma. Le premier axe de recherche a permis de montrer que l’expression de SUMO inhibe la synthèse de l’IFN suite à l’infection par le VSV et le virus de la rage, rendant les cellules plus sensibles à l’infection par le virus de la rage. IRF3 est conjuguée à SUMO, ce qui corrèle avec l’inhibition de sa phosphorylation et l’inhibition de la synthèse d’IFN beta. En revanche, bien que la synthèse de l'IFN soit diminuée, l’expression de SUMO confère la résistance au VSV et inhibe sa transcription primaire. L’activité anti-VSV de SUMO est abolie par la déplétion de MxA. L’effet de SUMO est médié par sa capacité à augmenter l’oligomérisation et la stabilité de MxA. Par ailleurs, ce travail a permis d’identifier MxA comme nouvelle cible de la machinerie SUMO. MxA interagit avec SUMO de manière covalente sur la lysine K48 et de manière non covalente avec SUMO1. Le second axe de recherche a permis d’identifier SUMO comme un nouveau régulateur de la réponse aux IFN. La SUMOylation de STAT1 inhibe sa phosphorylation, régulant négativement le signal de transduction et par conséquent la transcription et la réponse biologique en réponse à l’IFN gamma. En revanche, l’expression de SUMO n’altère ni le signal de transduction ni la transcription en réponse à l’IFN alpha.Par ailleurs, dans les cellules exprimant SUMO3, l’IFN gamma et l’IFN alpha induisent la SUMOylation de PML par SUMO3 ce qui entraîne sa dégradation via le protéasome et inhibe les réponses biologiques médiées par PML. Ce travail a permis de montrer un rôle central de SUMO dans l’immunité intrinsèque et innée, médié par la SUMOylation de protéines cellulaires telles qu’IRF3, MxA, STAT1 ou PML. / SUMOylation modulates several cellular process including innate immunity and antiviral defense. Many key regulators involved in IFN induction, IFN signaling as well as various restriction factors are SUMOylated. Using cells stably expressing the different paralogs of SUMO; SUMO1, SUMO2 or SUMO3 and cells depleted of the only known SUMO conjugating enzyme, Ubc9, we show a differential effect on two viruses from Rhabdoviridae family (Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) and rabies virus) and on the response to IFN alpha and IFN gamma. First, we report that SUMO expression inhibits VSV- and rabies virus-induced IFN synthesis. Consequently, SUMO expression renders cells more sensitive to rabies virus infection. Overexpression of SUMO leads to IRF3 SUMOylation correlating rabies viral infection with both the inhibition of IRF3 activation and IFN beta synthesis. However, although SUMO inhibits VSV-induced IFN, SUMO confers resistance to VSV by inhibiting VSV primary transcription. Furthermore, the anti-VSV effect of SUMO is abolished in MxA depleted cells. Mechanistically, SUMO enhances MxA oligomerization resulting in the stabilization of the MxA protein. We also identified MxA as a new target of SUMO machinery. MxA interacts covalently with SUMO2/3 on lysine K48 and non-covalently with SUMO1. We then investigated the various roles of SUMO at different steps of the JAK/STAT pathway, including STAT activation, transcriptional response and IFN-induced biological effects, identifying SUMO as a new regulator of IFN response. The overexpression of SUMO leads to STAT1 SUMOylation and to a decrease in IFN-induced STAT1 phosphorylation resulting in an inhibition of IFN-gamma-induced transcription and biological responses. In contrast, SUMO expression does not alter IFN alpha signaling and transcriptional response. In addition, in SUMO3 expressing, IFN gamma;and IFN alpha induce SUMOylation of PML by SUMO3 inducing its degradation via the proteasome and inhibition of biological responses mediated by PML. Taken together our results show that SUMO plays a crucial role in innate and intrinsic immunity mediated by SUMOylated proteins such as IRF3, MxA, STAT1 or PML.

Methylation of cytosines within CpG dinucleotides is a feature of vertebrate DNA. The precise role of DNA methylation is unknown to date, although it has been implicated in several processes relating to transcriptional regulation. One approach to study DNA methylation is the characterization of proteins that bind specifically to methylated DNA. One such family of proteins is the methyl-CpG binding domain (MBD) containing family and MBD1 is a member of this family. MBD1 is implicated in transcriptional repression and various mechanisms by which it might bring about gene silencing have been proposed. These are mainly based on studies reporting interactions between MBD1 and various proteins that regulate chromatin structure. Also MBD1 function can be modified by PIAS proteins, which stimulate its conjugation to SUMO (small ubiquitinlike modifier).The original aim of this work was to address two questions about MBD1: (1) Does MBD1 form part of a stable complex with other factors, and if so, what are the identities of the other components? Purification of MBD1 revealed the presence of no stably bound interacting proteins. However, some evidence indicates MBD1 may interact with itself and form dimers, a finding which impacts on many aspects of the function of MBD1. Also a proteomics screen for transient interaction partners identified candidate binding partners for MBD1 and the related protein MeCP2, which may throw light on the function of these proteins. (2) Are there any activities which regulate MBD1 function by the removal of SUMO from this protein? No activities capable of removing SUMO from native MBD1 were found but it was demonstrated that this modification leads to the destabilization of MBD1 in vitro. The relevance of this finding in vivo is yet to be determined.