O quelóide é um processo cicatricial, com freqüência aumentada em regiões com maior tensão na pele ou onde a pele é mais espessa, caracterizado por exceder-se além dos limites da lesão que o originou e pela tendência à recidiva após sua ressecção. Ambos os sexos são acometidos, com maior incidência entre a primeira e a terceira década de vida e em indivíduos de etnia negra. A relação familial é sugerida como herança autossômica dominante. O quelóide apresenta características moleculares distintas da pele normal envolvendo uma variedade de sinalizações ainda pouco compreendidas e um aumento da expressão de componentes da matriz extracelular, como o colágeno, os glicosaminoglicanos e os proteoglicanos. Este estudo analisou a expressão gênica dos proteoglicanos de superfície celular sindecam-2 e sindecam-4 e dos de matriz extracelular decorim e versicam no tecido derivado de quelóide de indivíduos não tratados em comparação com a pele clinicamente normal. Participaram desse estudo 10 indivíduos portadores de quelóides (grupo Q) e 10 indivíduos não portadores dessa cicatriz (grupo N). A expressão gênica dos proteoglicanos foi amplificada pela reação em cadeia da polimerase por transcrição reversa e analisada através de eletroforese em gel de agarose. Foi realizada a localização dos proteoglicanos nos tecidos através de reação imunohistoquímica com anticorpos para os sindecans-2 e 4. Os grupos foram comparados pelo teste t de Student. Os proteoglicanos de superfície celular mostraram-se aumentados no grupo Q (93% para o sindecam-2 e 152,5% para o sindecam-4) em comparação com o grupo N (P<0,01). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas para os proteoglicanos de matriz extracelular entre os dois grupos. A análise imunohistoquímica mostrou uma distribuição marcante dos sindecans-2 e 4 no componente epitelial, conectivo, vascular e nervoso de toda a casuística. Concluímos que o quelóide apresenta aumento significativo da expressão gênica de sindecam- 2 e sindecam-4, mas não apresenta aumento significativo da expressão gênica de decorim e versicam, em relação à pele normal. / Keloid is a cicatricial process, with frequency increased in regions with bigger tension in the skin or where the skin is thicker, characterized for exceeding beyond the limits of the injury that originated it and for the tendency to relapse after its ressection. Its occurs in both genders, with bigger incidence between the first and the third decade of life and in individuals of black ethnia. The familial relation is consistent with an autosomal dominant inheritance. The keloid presents distinct molecular characteristics of the normal skin involving a variety of still little understood signallings and an increase of the expression of components of the extracellular matrix, as the collagen, the glicosaminoglycans and the proteoglycans. This study analyzed the gene expression of the proteoglycans of cell surface syndecan-2 and syndecan-4 and the ones of extracellular matrix decorin and versican in the keloid tissue from not treated individuals in comparison with the normal skin. Tissue samples was obtained from 10 individuals with keloid (Q group) and 10 individuals with normal skin (N group). The gene expression of the proteoglycans was amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and analyzed through agarose gel electrophoresis. The localization of the proteoglycans in the tissues was performed through immunohistochemical reaction using panels of antibodies for syndecans-2 and 4. The groups was compared by the Student?s t test. The proteoglycans of cell surface revealed increased in Q group (93% for sydecan-2 and 152,5% for syndecan-4) in comparison with N group (P<0,01). Significant differences for the proteoglycans of extracellular matrix between the two groups was not observed. The immunohistochemical analysis showed a major distribution of syndecans-2 and 4 in epithelial, connective, vascular and neural components in both groups. We conclude that keloid reveal significant increase of the gene expression of syndecan-2 and syndecan-4, but does not present significant increase of the gene expression of decorin and versican, in relation to the normal skin.

Orientador: Edson Rosa Pimentel / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-21T05:39:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Aro_AndreaAparecidade_D.pdf: 5514361 bytes, checksum: 938312e7fcf5c6bdd9bba11064c61b15 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Resumo: A utilização de extratos vegetais com atividades farmacológicas pode ser promissora no tratamento de lesões tendíneas, considerando a presença de princípios ativos que estimulam a síntese de componentes da matriz extracelular (MEC). Portanto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar após 7, 14 e 21 dias da lesão, os efeitos da aplicação tópica dos extratos de A. vera e A. chica sobre tendões parcialmente transeccionados de ratos. Os grupos tratados com o extrato da A. chica foram denominados A7, A14 e A21 (controles S7, S14 e S21), e após tratamento com a A. vera foram denominados Av7, Av14 e Av21 (controles B7, B14 e B21). Foram realizadas análises bioquímicas tais como Western blotting, zimografia e dosagens de hidroxiprolina, de proteínas não colagênicas (PNCs) e de glicosaminoglicanos (GAGs); assim como análises estruturais, ultraestruturais e funcionais. Após aplicação do extrato da A. chica, a concentração de PNCs foi menor em A7 e a de hidroxiprolina foi maior em A7 e A21, em relação aos controles. Considerando a MMP-9, menor quantidade foi detectada no grupo A14 comparado ao grupo S14. As isoformas latente, intermediária e ativa da MMP-2 foram observadas em todos os grupos, porém maiores quantidades das isoformas latente e intermediária foram encontradas em A21. Os resultados de Western blotting mostraram menor quantidade de colágenos tipos I e III em A7 comparado ao controle. Maior quantidade de dermatan sulfato (DS) foi detectada em A14, e quantidade inferior de DS e condroitin sulfato (CS) foi observada em A21 comparada ao S21. As medidas de birrefringência detectaram maior organização das fibras de colágeno no grupo A21 em relação ao controle, e as análises ultraestruturais mostraram muitos fragmentos de colágeno na região transeccionada nos grupos S7 e A7. A análise do CatWalk mostrou que os animais tratados com A. chica, exibiram maior pressão de contato das patas durante a marcha no 7° dia. Considerando a aplicação de A. vera, foi observada em SDS-PAGE banda menos intensa referente ao colágeno em Av14, confirmado por Western blotting. O grupo Av21 apresentou maior concentração de PNCs comparado ao seu controle. Na dosagem de hidroxiprolina, os grupos Av7 e Av14 apresentaram maiores concentrações, ao passo que Av21 apresentou valor inferior ao controle. O grupo Av14 apresentou maior concentração de GAGs sulfatados e menor quantidade de DS em relação ao controle. Menor quantidade de MMP-9 foi encontrada em Av14, e menores quantidades das isoformas latente e intermediária da MMP-2 foram observadas em Av7 e Av14 em relação aos controles. Maior quantidade da isoforma ativa da MMP-2 foi observada em Av21 comparado a B21. As medidas de birrefringência detectaram maior organização das fibras de colágeno em Av14 em relação ao controle. Ao passo que as medidas de dicroísmo linear realizadas nos cortes corados com azul de toluidina, mostraram menor organização dos GAGs em Av14 comparado ao controle. Nossa conclusão é que a aplicação tópica dos extratos da A. chica e da A. vera é efetiva na síntese e organização de componentes da MEC durante o processo de reparo / Abstract: The use of plant extracts bearing pharmacological activities may be promising in the treatment of tendon injuries, considering the presence of active principles that stimulate the synthesis of extracellular matrix components (ECM). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate after 7, 14 and 21 days of injury, the effects of topical application of extracts of A. vera and A. chica on the healing of partially transected tendons of rats. The groups treated with the extract of A. chica were called A7, A14 and A21 (controls S7, S14 and S21), and after treatment with A. vera were called Av7, Av14 and Av21 (controls B7, B14 and B21). Biochemical analysis were performed such as Western blotting, zymography and quantification of hydroxyproline, non-collagenous proteins (NCPs) and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs); as well as structural, ultrastructural and functional analysis. After application of the extract of A. chica, the concentration of non-collagenous proteins (NCPs) was lower in A7 and hydroxyproline was higher in A7 and A21, compared to controls. Considering the MMP-9, lower amount was found in A14 compared to S14. The latent, intermediate and active isoforms of MMP-2 were observed in all groups, but larger quantities of latent and intermediate isoforms were found in A21. The results of Western blotting showed a lower amount of collagen types I and III compared to the control A7. Higher amount of dermatan sulphate (DS) was detected in A14 and lower amounts of DS and chondroitin sulfate (CS) were observed in A21 compared to S21. The birefringence measurements showed a higher organization of collagen fibers in the A21 group compared to control, and ultrastructural analysis showed many fragments of collagen in the transected region of groups S7 and A7. Analysis of the Catwalk showed that animals treated with A. chica exhibited a higher contact pressure of the legs during walking on the 7th day. Considering the application of A. vera, less intense band related to collagen was observed on SDS-PAGE in Av14, confirmed by Western blotting. The group Av21had a higher concentration of NCPs compared to the control. In the dosage of hydroxyproline, Av7 and Av14 groups had higher concentrations in relation to their controls, while Av21 showed lower value than control group. The group Av14 had a higher concentration of glycosaminoglycans and lower amount of DS compared to control. Lower amount of MMP-9 was found in Av14, and lower amounts of intermediate and latent isoforms of MMP-2 were observed in Av7 and Av14 compared to controls. A higher amount of the active isoform of MMP-2 was observed in Av21 compared to B21. The birefringence measurements showed a higher organization of collagen fibers in Av14 compared to control. While linear dichroism measurements performed on sections stained with toluidine blue, showed lower organization of glycosaminoglycans in Av14 compared to control. Our conclusion is that the topical application of extracts of A. chica and A. vera is effective in the synthesis and organization of ECM components during the repair process / Doutorado / Biologia Celular / Doutor em Biologia Celular e Estrutural

Orientador: Edson Rosa Pimentel / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-04T02:52:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Hocoya_LuciaMassuda_M.pdf: 1034739 bytes, checksum: b693a6ca4a0d913bdd0884beaa896940 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005 / Resumo: A valva mitral é uma complexa estrutura de tecido conjuntivo, constituída por proteínas colagênicas, não colagênicas e proteoglicanos. Histologicamente, o folheto valvar é constituído por 4 camadas: auricular, esponjosa, fibrosa e ventricular. A camada fibrosa forma o núcleo estrutural, enquanto a camada esponjosa funciona como amortecedor de choques. A corda tendínea possui 2 camadas distintas, um largo núcleo fibroso e uma camada esponjosa ao redor. Várias anormalidades da valva mitral têm sido constatadas, desde lesões causadas por acúmulo degenerativo de cálcio, endocardite infecciosa e anormalidades relacionadas com alterações da quantidade de colágeno, ácido hialurônico e glicosaminoglicanos. Entre os tratamentos normalmente utilizados, tem-se realizado técnica de reparo de porções da valva danificadas, ou a substituição destas por valvas artificiais ou biopróteses. Para tanto, um melhor conhecimento sobre os aspectos organizacionais e composicionais são necessários, tanto do folheto, como da corda tendínea. Para a análise morfológica, montagem total e cortes histológicos do folheto e corda tendínea foram corados com azul de toluidina e analisados em microscopia de polarização. Feixes de colágeno intensamente birrefringentes foram encontrados altamente organizados na corda tendínea e com orientação multidirecional no folheto, onde fibrilas colágenas vindas da corda tendínea ramificam-se e entrelaçam-se formando uma estrutura em rede no folheto. A metacromasia foi intensa nas regiões de inserção das cordas tendíneas no folheto, ocorrendo de maneira não uniforme. Cortes transversais do folheto mostraram a camada esponjosa, com características de tecido conjuntivo frouxo, e a fibrosa, onde os feixes de colágeno estão densamente arranjados. Para o estudo bioquímico componentes da matriz extracelular foram extraídos com cloreto de guanidina 4M, fracionados em DEAE-Sephacel e analisados em SDS-PAGE. As proteínas não colagênicas encontradas mostraram Mr entre 19 e 179 kDa e 19 e 235 kDa para o folheto e corda tendínea respectivamente. Várias proteínas similares são encontradas em ambos os tecidos. Bandas polidispersas em torno de 67 kDa e 80-100 kDa foram encontradas, as quais provavelmente correspondem aos pequenos proteoglicanos fibromodulim e decorim respectivamente. Análise em gel de agarose-poliacrilamida revelou a presença de banda polidispersa e matacromática, indicando a presença de proteoglicanos de alto peso molecular, que provavelmente trata-se do versicam, tanto no folheto, como na corda tendínea. A análise de GAGs mostrou a presença de condroitim sulfato e dermatam sulfato nas duas regiões. De acordo com nossos estudos bioquímicos e morfológicos, podemos concluir que: 1) A corda tendínea apresentou maiores quantidades de proteínas e glicosaminoglicanos que o folheto; 2) Pequenos e grandes proteoglicanos estão presentes em ambos os tecidos; 3) Os feixes de colágeno estão altamente organizados na corda tendínea, enquanto assumem várias direções no folheto; 4) A distribuição de proteoglicanos no folheto ocorre de maneira não uniforme, provavelmente devido a atuação também não uniforme de forças compressivas nesta estrutura / Abstract:The mitral valve is a complex connective tissue structure, constituted by collagenous proteins, non collagenous proteins and proteoglycans. Structurally the valve leaflets are composed of four main layers: auricularis, fibrosa, spongiosa and ventricularis. The fibrosa layer forms the structural core of the valve, while the spongiosa has an important role in absorption of shock. The chordae tendineae has two distinct layers, a large fibrous core surrounded by a spongenous layer. Several abnormalities of mitral valve have been reported, as the result of injuries caused by degenerative calcium accumulation, infectious endocarditis and disorders associated with collagen content, hyaluronic acid and glycosaminoglycans abnormalities. Among the treatments normally used, have been realized repair techniques of portions of the valve or replacement of these with a prosthetic valve or bioprostheses. Detailed information about organization and composition aspects of the leaflets and chordae tendineae are necessary. For morphological analysis, whole mounts and histological sections of leaflets and chordae tendineae were stained by toluidine blue. Analysis of whole mounts in polarization microscopy showed an intense brightness of the collagen fibrils, demonstrating the high molecular organization of the collagen in the chordae tendineae while in the valve leaflets collagen fiber is multidirectional. In this case, collagen fibrils coming from the chordae tendineae branch cross each other forming a network-like structure. Intense metachromasy was observed in leaflet region of chordae tendineae insertion, with a non uniform distribution. Leaflets transversal sections showed the spongiosa layer with soft connective tissue characteristics, and the fibrosa, where collagens bundles are highly arranged. For the biochemical study extracelular matrix components were extracted with 4M guanidinium chloride, fractionated in DEAE-Sephacel and analysed by SDS-PAGE. The non collagenous proteins found showed Mr values between 19-179kDa and 19-235kDa to the leaflet and chordae tendineae respectively. Several similar proteins were found in both tissues. Polidisperses bands around 70kDa and 80-100kDa which probably correspond to the small proteoglycans fibromodulin and decorin respectively were found. The analysis in agarose-polyacrylamide gel revealed a polydisperse and metachromatic band in the leaflet and chordae tendineae, indicating the presence of proteoglycans of high molecular weight presumables versican. According to our morphological and biochemical studies, it may be concluded that: 1) The chordae tendineae showed larger amounts of proteins and glycosaminoglycans than the leaflet; 2) Small and large proteoglycans are present in both tissues; 3) The collagen bundles are highly organized in the chordae tendineae while in the leaflet they have a multidirectional arrangement; 4) Proteoglycans have a non uniform distribution in the leaflets, probably due to a non uniform action of compressive forces on these structures / Mestrado / Biologia Celular / Mestre em Biologia Celular

La cicatrisation cornéenne représente un processus de réparation complexe qui vise à restaurer l'intégrité, la structure et la transparence de la cornée. Cependant, dans un certain nombre de cas, ce processus peut évoluer de façon anormale et se stabiliser en entraînant la formation d'une opacité cornéenne installée. Les mécanismes impliqués dans la formation de ces cicatrices persistantes ne sont pas encore complètement élucidés, mais il est établi que la composition et l'organisation de la matrice extracellulaire du stroma jouent un rôle majeur dans la restauration de la transparence de la cornée. Ce projet s’est concentré sur la métalloprotéase extracellulaire BMP-1 (Bone Morphogenetic Protein 1), déjà connue pour son rôle dans l'assemblage de la matrice extracellulaire et l'activation du TGF-bêta. Afin d’identifier les processus contrôlés par BMP-1 dans la cornée, nous avons d’abord effectué une comparaison systématique des inhibiteurs de BMP-1 connus ou potentiels, de différentes origines, pour caractériser leurs propriétés à la fois in vitro et dans des cultures cellulaires. Ensuite, nous avons mené une étude approfondie du sécrétome des cellules stromales de la cornée humaine (kératocytes), et des conséquences de la différenciation de ces cellules en myofibroblastes. Enfin, nous avons analysé les événements protéolytiques médiés par BMP-1 dans le sécrétome des kératocytes en utilisant principalement une approche de protéomique quantitative basée sur le marquage iTRAQ des protéines entières (technique TAILS). La comparaison des inhibiteurs disponibles de BMP-1 a permis de mettre en évidence différents profils d’efficacité, de spécificité et de toxicité et a conduit à l’identification d’un inhibiteur hydroxamate et d’un inhibiteur protéique efficaces, peu toxiques et très spécifiques de BMP-1. Le sécrétome des kératocytes s’est avéré être un modèle adéquat pour l’étude des activités de BMP-1 dans le contexte cornéen. Plus de 2022 protéines ont été identifiées, dont la métalloprotéase BMP-1 et 16 de ses 33 substrats connus jusqu’à présent. Enfin, 76 protéines modifiées par l’activité de BMP-1 ont été identifiées dans le sécrétome des kératocytes. Ces résultats confirment les liens forts entre BMP-1, l'assemblage de la matrice extracellulaire et le TGF-bêta, mais suggèrent également de nouveaux rôles pour la protéase dans l'inflammation. Certains des substrats nouvellement identifiés (TGFBI, HSP47 et collagène VI) sont très pertinents dans le contexte de la cicatrisation de la cornée et ont été validés d’un point de vue biochimique. En conclusion, BMP-1 est confirmée comme une cible potentielle intéressante pour traiter ou prévenir la formation des opacités cornéennes et la caractérisation des inhibiteurs disponibles ouvre des perspectives importantes pour des études précliniques chez l’animal / When the cornea is injured, a complex multi-step healing process is triggered which aims at restoring corneal integrity, structure and transparency. However, in some cases, corneal healing results in the formation of a stable scar associated with a prolonged loss of corneal transparency and with functional blindness. The mechanisms involved in the formation of these persistent scars are still not fully understood but it is known that the composition and organization of the extracellular matrix significantly contributes to the maintenance of corneal transparency. This work focused on the extracellular metalloproteinase called BMP-1 (Bone Morphogenetic Protein 1), a major player in the control of extracellular matrix assembly and TGF-beta activation, which was previously shown to be up-regulated in corneal healing and scarring. In order to further probe BMP-1 functions in corneal healing, we first performed a systematic comparison of known or potential BMP-1 inhibitors from different origins to characterize their properties both in vitro and in cell cultures. We then carried out an in-depth study of the secretome of human corneal stromal cells (keratocytes) and of the consequences of the differentiation of these cells into myofibroblasts. Finally, we analyzed BMP-1-mediated proteolytic events in keratocyte secretomes, mainly using a quantitative proteomic approach based on iTRAQ labeling of proteins (TAILS technique). The comparison of BMP-1 available inhibitors revealed different profiles of efficacy, specificity and toxicity and led to the identification of one hydroxamate inhibitor and one protein inhibitor, which were very efficient, non-toxic and very specific of BMP-1. The keratocyte secretome was shown to be a suitable model for the study of BMP-1 activities in the corneal context. More than 2022 proteins were identified, including the BMP-1 metalloprotease and 16 of its 33 already known substrates. Finally, 76 proteins modified by BMP-1 activity were identified in the keratocyte secretome. These results confirm the strong links between BMP-1, extracellular matrix assembly and TGF-beta, but also suggest new roles for this protease in cell proliferation and inflammation. Some of the newly identified substrates (TGFBI, HSP47 and collagen VI) are highly relevant in the context of corneal healing and were validated at the biochemical standpoint. In conclusion, BMP-1 is confirmed as a potential target to treat or prevent the formation of corneal opacities and the characterization of available inhibitors opens up important perspectives for preclinical studies in animals

No description available.

Une expression élevée de la protéine de la matrice extracellulaire ténascine-C (TNC) favorise la progression du cancer et est corrélée à une réduction de la survie des patients. Dans cette thèse, j’ai étudié comment la TNC affecte l'angiogenèse tumorale. J’ai montré que la TNC altère les protrusions angiogéniques, la tubulogenèse, la migration et la prolifération des cellules endothéliales. J’ai lié ces effets à la perturbation du cytosquelette d'actine et la réduction de la signalisation YAP par la TNC. Chez les cellules tumorales et les fibroblastes associés au cancer, la TNC favorise la sécrétion de facteurs angio-modulateurs qui stimulent la survie et la tubulogenèse des cellules endothéliales de façon paracrine. Cet effet implique la régulation de l’expression de SDF1 (CXCL12) et de deux membres de la famille des lipocalines. Ainsi, la TNC favorise l’angiogenèse en activant chez les cellules tumorales un sécrétome pro-angiogénique, et inhibe la tubulogenèse en altérant la survie des cellules endothéliales. Ces effets opposés pourraient expliquer pourquoi nous avons observé dans un modèle de tumeur spontanée chez la souris que la TNC favorise le switch angiogénique résultant en la formation d’une forte vascularisation tumorale, mais qui reste peu fonctionnelle associée à la formation de plus de métastases. Ce travail fournit pour la première fois la possibilité de contrer l’action de la TNC dans l'angiogenèse tumorale. / A high expression of the extracellular matrix molecule tenascin-C (TNC) enhances multiple steps in cancer progression and correlates with worsened survival prognosis. In this thesis I studied how TNC affects tumor angiogenesis. I showed that TNC impairs endothelial sprouting, tubulogenesis, migration and proliferation. I linked this effect to disruption of the actin cytoskeleton and reduced YAP signaling activity by TNC. In tumor cells and cancer associated fibroblasts, TNC regulated secretion of angio-modulatory factors that promoted endothelial cell survival and tubulogenesis in a paracrine manner involving regulation of SDF1 (CXCL12) and two lipocalin family members. Altogether, TNC promotes endothelial tubulogenesis through a pro-angiogenic secretome from tumor cells, and inhibits by direct contact tubulogenesis by impairing endothelial cell survival. These opposing effects could explain why we observed that TNC promotes the tumor angiogenic switch resulting in more but poorly functional blood vessels associated with more metastasis in a spontaneous tumor mouse model. This knowledge provides for the first time opportunities to counteract TNC activities in tumor angiogenesis.

Le carcinome hépatocellulaire (CHC) présente des mutations génétiques qui altèrent les principales voies de signalisation, notamment la voie Wnt/β-caténine. En absence de mutation génétique, certains CHC peuvent montrer une activité Wnt exacerbée suite à une inactivation épigénétique d’inhibiteurs ou à une surexpression de ligands Wnts ou de ses récepteurs. De plus, le remodelage de la matrice extracellulaire favorise la progression du CHC. Nous avons montré une association entre l’activation du signal Wnt et le remodelage de la matrice extracellulaire (MEC) dans les cirrhoses et le CHC. Puis modélisé in vitro, les effets des stimuli Wnt extracellulaires sur le phénotype de cellules hépatiques, en absence de mutation de la β-caténine. En effet, les cellules HepaRG ne présentent pas de mutations de la β-caténine, de l’axine et de p53. Ainsi, la stimulation Wnt3a des cellules HepaRG induisait la formation de palissades de cellules fusiformes. De plus, les cellules traitées exprimaient des taux élevés de αSMA, COLIV, c-MYC, CK19 et LGR5 suggérant un phénotype myofibroblastique, en accord avec l’expression des marqueurs de transition épithélio-mésenchymateuse (TEM), SNAIL et TWIST. Ces données sont en faveur du rôle déterminant du microenvironnement Wnt activé dans la progression du CHC entrainant les cellules vers un phénotype progéniteur plus agressif via une TEM. En outre, l'analyse in silico de la signature transcriptomique de l'activation non mutationnelle de la voie Wnt a révélé un réseau de gènes impliqués dans le remodelage de la MEC, la TEM et la différenciation cellulaire. Les résultats suggèrent le rôle de HAPLN1 qui affecterait la migration cellulaire et l'expression des gènes de la MEC. De plus, LGR5 semble favoriser la dédifférenciation des hépatocytes. Au total, 8 gènes marqueurs obtenus in vitro ont été validés in vivo dans une série de 81 CHC humains, par qPCR et immunohistochimie en utilisant des tissus micro-array (78 CHC et 5 foies contrôles). Au total, l'ensemble des données suggère que HAPLN1 a une valeur pronostique sur la récidive et la survie globale du CHC. HAPLN1semble être indépendant du statut mutationnel la β-caténine et des variables cliniques. De plus, sa valeur pronostique est additive avec celle de CK19 + EpCAM et il semble agir en synergie avec NOG. / Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) displays signaling pathway disorders, including Wnt/β-catenin. Up-regulation of extracellular Wnt pathway agonists and down-regulation of extracellular Wnt pathway inhibitors result in non-mutational activation of Wnt signaling. In addition, increased extracellular matrix remodeling fosters HCC progression. Thus, we showed that enhanced Wnt signaling is associated with extracellular matrix remodeling in human cirrhosis and cancer. To further investigate non-mutational Wnt pathway activation, we established a model of Wnt activation in HepaRG human HCC progenitor cells carrying wild-type β-catenin, axin and p53. HepaRG progenitor cells treated with Wnt3a became fusiform and grew in palisades with enhanced expression of αSMA, COLIV, CK19, c-MYC, LGR5, SNAIL and TWIST, suggesting that enhanced extracellular Wnt signaling may drive HCC cells toward a more aggressive progenitor and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. Moreover, in silico analysis of the transcriptomic signature of non-mutational Wnt activation revealed a gene network involved in ECM remodeling, EMT and cell fate. Results suggest a role of HAPLN1, affecting extracellular matrix gene expression and cell migration and of LGR5 in hepatocyte dedifferentiation. Eight genes among the HepaRG gene expression dataset were validated in vivo in a collection of 81 human HCC samples and controls by qPCR and immunohistochemistry using tissue micro-arrays (78 HCC samples and 5 normal livers) in the light of β-catenin activation and mutational status. In conclusion, data suggest that HAPLN1 has a prognostic value on overall survival and recurrence of HCC. HAPLN1 appears to be independent of clinical features and β-catenin mutationnal status. Moreover, HAPLN1 appears to have an additive prognostic value with CK19 + EpCAM and act synergistically with NOG.

Abstract Integrins are a large family of &#945;&#946;-heterodimeric cell adhesion receptors of which the cell type specific expression defines the extracellular matrix (ECM) binding properties of different adherent cell types. In addition to various growth factors and their receptors, epithelial morphogenesis is also executed by dynamic changes in the chemical composition and physical properties of the ECM that controls the shape and behavior of the associated cells via integrin mediated adhesion and signalling. Epithelial cell polarity and contractility are central mechanisms of epithelial shape determination and are established upon spatially, mechanically and chemically sensitive integrin signals of the microenvironment. The functional hierarchy between different integrin heterodimers and their ECM ligands in organizing these tasks has not been systematically addressed. In order to study the relative roles of different integrins, we set up a loss-of-function screen of co-expressed integrin subunits in the Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cell line. By analyzing MDCK cystogenesis in three-dimensional (3D) ECMs, we were able to establish a model of how epithelial polarity is organized: cell adhesion either by &#945;2&#946;1- or &#945;6&#946;4-integrins defines the orientation of cell polarity and coordinated functions of &#945;2&#946;1- and &#945;3&#946;1-integrins mediate the establishment of epithelial lumens via cavitation and hollowing, respectively. By analyzing the spreading of MDCK cells, we established that epithelial cell contractility is based on synergistic functions of &#946;1-integrins that mediate cell adhesion and &#945;V-integrins that facilitate ECM rigidity sensing. We also discovered that the hemidesmosomal integrin &#945;6 and integrin &#946;4 did not require heterodimerization to be transported to the plasma membrane (PM) and that integrin &#946;4 may support laminin assembly to the basement membrane (BM) independently of integrin &#945;6. / Tiivistelmä Integriinit ovat suuri molekyyliperhe &#945;&#946;-heterodimeerisiä adheesioreseptoreja. Integriinit ilmentyvät eri tavoin eri solutyypeissä, ja tämä säätelee sitä, miten solut tarttuvat ja reagoivat erilaisiin soluväliaineisiin. Tällä tavalla integriinit ja soluväliaine osallistuvat myös epiteelimorfogeneesiin lukuisten kasvutekijöiden ja niiden reseptoreiden lisäksi. Epiteelimorfogeneesissä etenkin solujen polarisaatio ja solujen supistuminen ovat tärkeitä tapahtumia, joiden ohjaukseen integriinit ja soluväliaine osallistuvat. Tämän tutkimuksen tarkoituksena oli selvittää eri integriinien ja niiden soluväliaineligandien toiminnallista hierarkiaa epiteelimorfogeneesissä, etenkin solujen polarisaatiossa ja supistumisessa. Integriinien keskinäisten roolien selvittämiseksi hiljensimme ilmentyvät integriinialayksiköt yksitellen munuaisen epiteelisolulinjasta RNA-häirinnän avulla. Mallina epiteelimorfogeneesille käytimme hyväksi munuaisepiteelisolujen kykyä muodostaa rakkularakenteita kolmiulotteisessa soluväliaineessa viljeltyinä. Näitä rakenteita analysoimalla pystyimme muodostamaan mallin siitä, miten polarisoitunut epiteelirakenne organisoituu: &#945;2&#946;1- tai &#945;6&#946;4-integriinien välittämä adheesio tarvitaan solujen polariteetin orientoimiseen ja &#945;2&#946;1- ja &#945;3&#946;1-integriinien yhteistoiminta tarvitaan epiteelisen rakkulan tyhjän sisäosan muodostumiseen, joko apoptoosin tai polarisoituneen kalvokuljetuksen kautta. Tutkimalla solujen levittäytymistä jäykälle kaksiulotteiselle alustalle pystyimme määrittämään, että epiteelisolun supistuminen pohjautuu &#946;1-integriinien välittämän adheesion ja &#945;V-integriinien välittämän väliaineen jäykkyyttä aistivien signaalien yhteistoimintaan. Havaitsimme myös, että hemidesmosomaalisten integriinien &#945;6 ja &#946;4 sekretioon ei tarvittu näiden keskinäistä heterodimerisaatiota ja integriini &#946;4:llä saattaa olla integriini &#945;6:sta riippumaton rooli laminiinin kokoamisessa tyvikalvoon.

Les pathologies valvulaires aortiques sont des pathologies plurifactorielles, comportant un déterminisme génétique indiscutable mais peu caractérisé. Ma thèse a pour but d’étudier le rôle du facteur de transcription Krox20 au cours du développement et de la maturation valvulaire à travers l’analyse de modèles murins. Nous avons montré que ce gène est nécessaire au développement et à la maturation de la valve aortique. L’invalidation de Krox20 chez la souris conduit à une hypertrophie des feuillets aortiques dès les stades fœtaux et à des insuffisances aortiques chez l’adulte. Ces anomalies sont associées à des défauts d’organisation de la matrice extracellulaire en partie liée à une régulation directe de l’expression des collagènes de type I et III. 25% des souris déficientes pour Krox20 présentent une bicuspidie de la valve aortique. Nous avons observé une diminution de l’expression de eNos chez ces mutants et pu mettre en évidence une interaction génétique entre Krox20 et eNos. De plus, nous avons identifié une sous population de cellules des crêtes neurales cardiaques impliquées dans l’apparition de la bicuspidie chez les mutants Krox20. Afin d’explorer le rôle de Krox20 dans la calcification de la valve aortique, nous avons étudié les conséquences de la surexpression de ce gène dans un modèle et montré que lcela induisait une activation de gènes pro-fibrotiques et pro-ostéogénique sans conduire à des dépôts calciques. Krox20 est donc un facteur de transcription important pour la valvulogenèse et à l’homéostasie valvulaire chez l’adulte. Mes travaux ont contribué à l’identification de Krox20 comme gène candidat potentiel aux valvulopathies rencontrées chez l’homme. / Long seen as a consequence of aging and mechanical wear of aortic cusps, aortic valve diseases are currently considered multifactorial diseases, with an indisputable genetic determinism but not well characterized. My thesis aims to study the role of the transcription factor Krox20 during development and maturation of the valve through the analysis of mouse models. We have shown that this gene is necessary for the development and maturation of the aortic valve. Indeed, the deletion of Krox20 in the mouse leads to thickened aortic leaflets from the fetal stage and the onset of aortic valve disease in adults. These anomalies are associated with defects in the organization of the extracellular matrix and more particularly to direct regulsation of collagen type I and type III expression. Our analysis showed that 25% Krox20-/- mice have a bicuspid aortic valve. The analysis of this model has allowed us to identify a population of cardiac neural crest cells involved in the occurrence of this phenotype. In addition, we were able to observe a down regulation of eNos in Krox20-/- embryos and show a genetic interaction between Krox20 and eNos. To address the role of Krox20 in the process of calcification of the aortic valve, we have studied the effects of its overexpression. Our preliminary results indicate that this overexpression leads to activation of pro-fibrotic and pro-osteogenic genes, however, this is not sufficient to induce calcification of aortic valve leaflets.Therefore Krox20 is important for valvulogenesis but also for valvular homeostasis in the adult. My work has contributed to the identification of a potential candidate gene involved in human valve diseases.

No description available.