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Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive type of adult brain tumour. It is currently incurable and requires more effective treatments. Tissue transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) has previously been suggested to have a role in glioblastoma. Previous studies focused on TGM2 expression and inhibition in glioblastoma cells. Here we were interested in TGM2 expression in glioblastoma-associated microglia/macrophages and in identifying the role it plays in the tumor microenvironment. Based on data from bioinformatics, cell culture experiments, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence on mouse samples and human samples, we have shown that glioblastoma-associated microglia/macrophages are the major source of TGM2 in the tumor microenvironment. We also identified a novel role for TGM2 in efferocytosis in glioblastoma; this suggests a role for TGM2 in the maintenance of an immunosuppressive environment in this cancer. With this, we hope that further studies will be designed to evaluate the use of TGM2 antagonists as therapeutic agents for glioblastoma.

A desnutrição é um dos principais problemas de saúde pública do mundo, que contribui significativamente para o aumento da morbidade e mortalidade. Estima-se um total de 815 milhões de pessoas subnutridas no mundo, e apesar da melhoria dos recursos alimentares o número de pessoas desnutridas ainda é alarmante. Estudos de nosso laboratório tem demonstrado, em modelo murino de desnutrição proteica, hipoplasia medular com evidências histológicas de alterações na matriz extracelular (MEC) e permanência da célula-tronco hemopoética (CTH) na fase G0/G1 do ciclo celular em camundongos desnutridos. Dados deste trabalho evidenciaram alterações nas proteínas Akt /mTOR, que podem contribuir para o aumento da expressão autofágica nas CTHs e CTPHs (célula-tronco progenitora). A literatura demonstra que desequilíbrios nutricionais e metabólicos podem induzir ativação autofágica. Autofagia é um processo catabólico que participa da manutenção da homeostase celular, da MEC e na regulação das CTHs, dados deste trabalho demonstram diminuição da quantidade de CTH e CTPH em camundongos desnutridos sem a presença do gene Atg7, proteína participativa no processo autofágico. Já camundongos com deleção da transglutaminase 2 (TG2) e submetidos a privação de nutrientes por 24 horas , apresentou diminuição da quantidade de CTH e aumento da diferenciação da CTPH. A TG2 tem participação na impulsão e formação do fagóforo (processo inicial autofágico). Considerando que a desnutrição proteica leva a comprometimento da hemopoese, alterações no ciclo celular das CTHs e hipoplasia medular com pancitopenia periférica e que privação e ou jejum prolongado de nutrientes pode aumentar a atividade autofágica, concluímos nesse projeto que autofagia é importante para regulação da CTH e diferenciação da CTPH, entretanto a desnutrição proteica e privação de nutrientes estimula de maneira diversa o mecanismo de diferenciação da CTH. / Malnutrition is one of the world\'s major public health problems, which contributes significantly to increased morbidity and mortality. An estimated 815 million people are undernourished in the world, and despite the improvement in food resources the number of undernourished people is still alarming. Studies of our laboratory have demonstrated in murine model of protein malnutrition, medullary hypoplasia with histological evidence of extracellular matrix (ECM) changes and hemopoietic stem cell (HSC) stay in the G0/ G1 phase of the cell cycle in malnourished mice. Data from this work showed alterations in Akt / mTOR proteins, which may contribute to the increase of autophagic expression in HSC and HPC (progenitor stem cell). The literature demonstrates that nutritional and metabolic imbalances can induce autophagic activation. Autophagy is a catabolic process that participates in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, ECM and in the regulation of HSC, data from this work demonstrate a decrease in the amount of HSC and HPC in malnourished mice without the presence of the Atg7 gene, a participatory protein in the autophagic process. Mice with transglutaminase 2 deletion (TG2) and submitted to nutrient deprivation for 24 hours showed a decrease in the amount of HSC and an increase in the differentiation of HPC. TG2 plays a role in the uptake and formation of phagophore (autophagic initial process). Considering that protein malnutrition leads to hemopoiesis, alterations in the cell cycle of HSC and spinal cord hypoplasia with peripheral pancytopenia, and that prolonged nutrient starvation or fasting may increase the autophagic activity, we conclude in this project that autophagy is important for regulation of HSC and differentiation of HPC, however, protein malnutrition and nutrient deprivation stimulate in a different way the mechanism of differentiation of HSC.

A desnutrição é um dos principais problemas de saúde pública do mundo, que contribui significativamente para o aumento da morbidade e mortalidade. Estima-se um total de 815 milhões de pessoas subnutridas no mundo, e apesar da melhoria dos recursos alimentares o número de pessoas desnutridas ainda é alarmante. Estudos de nosso laboratório tem demonstrado, em modelo murino de desnutrição proteica, hipoplasia medular com evidências histológicas de alterações na matriz extracelular (MEC) e permanência da célula-tronco hemopoética (CTH) na fase G0/G1 do ciclo celular em camundongos desnutridos. Dados deste trabalho evidenciaram alterações nas proteínas Akt /mTOR, que podem contribuir para o aumento da expressão autofágica nas CTHs e CTPHs (célula-tronco progenitora). A literatura demonstra que desequilíbrios nutricionais e metabólicos podem induzir ativação autofágica. Autofagia é um processo catabólico que participa da manutenção da homeostase celular, da MEC e na regulação das CTHs, dados deste trabalho demonstram diminuição da quantidade de CTH e CTPH em camundongos desnutridos sem a presença do gene Atg7, proteína participativa no processo autofágico. Já camundongos com deleção da transglutaminase 2 (TG2) e submetidos a privação de nutrientes por 24 horas , apresentou diminuição da quantidade de CTH e aumento da diferenciação da CTPH. A TG2 tem participação na impulsão e formação do fagóforo (processo inicial autofágico). Considerando que a desnutrição proteica leva a comprometimento da hemopoese, alterações no ciclo celular das CTHs e hipoplasia medular com pancitopenia periférica e que privação e ou jejum prolongado de nutrientes pode aumentar a atividade autofágica, concluímos nesse projeto que autofagia é importante para regulação da CTH e diferenciação da CTPH, entretanto a desnutrição proteica e privação de nutrientes estimula de maneira diversa o mecanismo de diferenciação da CTH. / Malnutrition is one of the world\'s major public health problems, which contributes significantly to increased morbidity and mortality. An estimated 815 million people are undernourished in the world, and despite the improvement in food resources the number of undernourished people is still alarming. Studies of our laboratory have demonstrated in murine model of protein malnutrition, medullary hypoplasia with histological evidence of extracellular matrix (ECM) changes and hemopoietic stem cell (HSC) stay in the G0/ G1 phase of the cell cycle in malnourished mice. Data from this work showed alterations in Akt / mTOR proteins, which may contribute to the increase of autophagic expression in HSC and HPC (progenitor stem cell). The literature demonstrates that nutritional and metabolic imbalances can induce autophagic activation. Autophagy is a catabolic process that participates in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, ECM and in the regulation of HSC, data from this work demonstrate a decrease in the amount of HSC and HPC in malnourished mice without the presence of the Atg7 gene, a participatory protein in the autophagic process. Mice with transglutaminase 2 deletion (TG2) and submitted to nutrient deprivation for 24 hours showed a decrease in the amount of HSC and an increase in the differentiation of HPC. TG2 plays a role in the uptake and formation of phagophore (autophagic initial process). Considering that protein malnutrition leads to hemopoiesis, alterations in the cell cycle of HSC and spinal cord hypoplasia with peripheral pancytopenia, and that prolonged nutrient starvation or fasting may increase the autophagic activity, we conclude in this project that autophagy is important for regulation of HSC and differentiation of HPC, however, protein malnutrition and nutrient deprivation stimulate in a different way the mechanism of differentiation of HSC.

La néphropathie à IgA (IgAN), est une maladie glomérulaire chronique primitive et principale cause d'insuffisance rénale dans le monde. Les causes et les facteurs aboutissant aux dépôts des complexes d'IgA1 sont inconnus. La forme soluble du récepteur (CD89s) complexée aux IgA joue un rôle clé dans la pathogenèse de cette maladie. Actuellement, aucun traitement spécifique n'est disponible et les options thérapeutiques sont limitées. La compréhension des mécanismes de la formation de ces complexes permettra d'envisager de nouvelles approches thérapeutiques. Dans cette perspective la première partie de cette thèse, met en évidence l'implication d'une protéine essentielle au développement de la N-IgA, la TG2, dans la régulation du clivage du CD89, et cela par la répression de la sérine phosphatase PP2A et l'activation de la métalloprotéase matricielle MMP-9. Dans les monocytes de patients l'expression diminuée de PP2A est associée à une tendance à l'augmentation de TG2, et inversement corrélée avec l'augmentation des complexes IgA1-CD89s. Afin de cibler ces complexes pathogéniques, un essai préclinique a été réalisé avec une protéase recombinante d'origine bactérienne clivant spécifiquement les IgA1 (IgA1-P). Les résultats ont formellement démontré la spécificité et l'efficacité de la protéase dans la réduction des complexes circulants et des dépôts d'IgA1 dans le modèle humanisé de N-IgA, associée à une diminution des marqueurs de l'inflammation et de l'hématurie. Les résultats ont mis en évidence le rôle de la dérégulation de l'axe TG2-PP2A-MMP-9 dans la formation des complexes IgA1-CD89s lors de la N-IgA, ainsi que l'efficacité de l'IgA1-P à éliminer ces complexes. Ces travaux suggèrent en plus du potentiel thérapeutique promoteur de l'IgA1-P, trois éventuelles cibles thérapeutiques envisageables pour la N-IgA. / IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a mesangial proliferative primary glomerulonephritis and a major cause of end-stage renal disease. Causes and factors leading to mesangial IgA1 deposition are unknown. The soluble form of the receptor (sCD89) complexed with IgA plays a key role in the pathogenesis of the disease. There is currently no specific treatment available and the therapeutic options are limited. A better comprehension of the mechanisms regulating the formation of IgA1-sCD89 complexes will unveil new strategies for targeted therapies. In this perspective, the first part of this thesis highlights the implication of the transglutaminase 2 (TG2), a protein essential for the development of IgAN, in the regulation of CD89 cleavage, in a mechanism involving the repression of the serine phosphatase PP2A and the activation of the matrix metalloproteinase MMP-9. While a trend towards TG2 increase is observed, PP2A expression is reduced in monocytes obtained from IgAN patients compared to controls, and inversely correlates with the levels of circulating hIgA1-sCD89 complexes. In order to target these pathogenic complexes, a preclinical assay has been performed with a recombinant protease, a bacterial protein that selectively cleaves human IgA1 (IgA1-P). Results formally demonstrate the specificity and the efficacy of the IgA1-P in the reduction of circulating complexes and mesangial IgA1 deposition in a humanized mouse model of IgAN, associated with a reduction in inflammation and hematuria. Concluding, the results presented in this thesis show a role for the TG2-PP2A-MMP-9 axis in the dysregulated formation of IgA1-sCD89 complexes during IgAN development, as well as the effectiveness of IgA1-P in the elimination of these complexes. In addition to the potential therapeutic use of IgA1-P, this work suggests the TG2-PP2A-MMP-9 axis as a new therapeutic candidate for IgAN treatment.

La matrice extracellulaire (MEC) intervient dans de nombreux processus biologiques tels que la migration, la différentiation ou l’adhésion cellulaire. Elle est également associée à plusieurs évènements pathologiques. La cohésion de la MEC est assurée par un réseau organisé et complexe de protéines présent au voisinage immédiat des cellules. Ce projet a pour objectif de contribuer à la caractérisation structurale et fonctionnelle de certaines de ces complexes protéiques. Le Gelatin Binding Domain (GBD) (⁶FI¹²FII ⁷⁸⁹FI), localisé dans la région N-terminale de la fibronectine est connu pour interagir avec la transglutaminase 2 (TG2), le collagène de type I, ou encore des protéines d’adhésion bactériennes tel que la FNE (protéine de Streptococcus equi). Mes travaux de thèse portent donc sur la caractérisation fonctionnelle et structurale de ces interactions par des approches biophysiques et biochimiques. Ce travail a permis de cartographier les régions d’interactionentre la TG2 et le GBD d’une part et la FNE et le GBD d’autre part. Nous avons par la suite entrepris une étude par SAXS des complexes TG2/GBD et FNE/GBD et réussi à établir des modèles structuraux d’interaction entre (1) le GBD et le domaine N-terminal de la TG2 et (2) entre la FNE et le sous fragment ⁷⁸⁹FI du GBD. La structure tridimensionnelle de la protéine FNE a été résolue par cristallographie aux rayons X grâce à l’utilisation d’un outil original facilitant l’obtention de cristaux. / The extracellular matrix (ECM) is involved in a number of biological pathways associated with the cell migration, differentiation, adhesion and is also implicated in several pathological events. The cohesion of the ECM is accomplished by a highly organized protein complex network on the cell surface. The Gelatin Binding Domain (GBD) (⁶FI¹²FII ⁷⁸⁹FI) of the N-terminal region of fibronectin is found to interact with the transglutaminase 2 (TG2), collagen type I and the bacterial adhesion protein FNE. In this study, we conducted the structural and functional characterization of the protein complexes involved in the cohesion of ECM. The interactions between either TG2 or FNE and GBD have been characterized and the regions responsible for the interactions have also been mapped. Furthermore, we studied TG2/GBD and FNE/GBD complex by SAXS and built two models underscoring the interactions between (1), the GBD and the Nterminus of TG2 and (2), FNE and the sub-fragment ⁷⁸⁹FI of GBD providing insights on mechanistically elucidating the protein interactions during the cohehsion of ECM. The X-ray structure of the protein FNE of Streptococcus equi has been determined at 1.8 Å, by using an original tool that facilitates obtaining crystals.

L’endostatine est le fragment C-terminal du collagène XVIII libéré dans la matrice extracellulaire par clivage enzymatique. C'est un inhibiteur endogène de l’angiogenèse et de la croissance tumorale. L'endostatine inhibe la prolifération et la migration des cellules endothéliales induite par le Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 ou le Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor et elle inhibe la croissance de 65 types de cellules tumorales. L’endostatine fait actuellement l’objet d’essais cliniques pour le traitement de différents cancers son mécanisme d’action est encore mal connu. Nous avons caractérisé par résonance plasmonique de surface (SPR) les interactions établies par l'endostatine avec les intégrines αvβ3 et α5β1 qui sont surexprimées à la surface des cellules endothéliales activée. Nous avons identifié le site de fixation l'endostatine sur les intégrines, proposé un modèle de structure du complexe formé par l'endostatine et l'intégrine αvβ3 et montré que l'endostatine ne peut pas se lier simultanément aux intégrines et aux chaînes d'héparane sulfate présentes à la surface cellulaire. Pour identifier des partenaires supplémentaires de l'endostatine, nous avons développé des puces à protéines et à glycosaminoglycanes basées sur la SPR et capables de suivre jusqu'à 400 interactions simultanément. Nous avons identifié neuf partenaires de l'endostatine (le dermatane sulfate, la transglutaminase-2, les collagènes I, IV et VI, le peptide amyloïde β1-42, et des protéines matricellulaires dont SPARC et thrombospondine-1). Nous avons montré que l’endostatine se fixe avec une forte affinité (KD ~ 6 nM) sur la transglutaminase-2 et que cette interaction nécessite la présence de calcium mais que l'endostatine n'est pas un substrat donneur d'acyle de l'enzyme. Nous avons montré que le réseau d'interactions de l'endostatine est enrichi en protéines contenant des modules EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor). Cela offre de nouvelles perspectives pour l'identification d'autres partenaires et donc de nouvelles fonctions de l'endostatine. Des protéines contenant des modules EGF comme la fibrilline-1, composant des fibres élastiques, et des protéines de l'immunité innée par exemple sont des partenaires potentiels de l'endostatine / Endostatin is the carboxyl-terminal fragment of collagen XVIII released in the extracellular matrix by proteolytic cleavage. It inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth. Endostatin inhibits the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells induced by Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and it inhibits 65 different tumor types. Endostatin is currently under clinical trials for several tumors. We have used surface plasmon resonance (SPR) binding assays to characterize interactions between endostatin and α5β1 or αvβ3 integrins which are over-expressed at cell surface of actived endothelial cell. We have identified the binding site of endostatin on those integrins, and we have built a molecular modeling of the endostatin/integrin αvβ3 complex. We have shown that endostatin can not bind simultaneously to integrins and to heparan sulfate. In order to identify new partners of endostatin we have developed glycosaminoglycan and protein arrays based on SPR detection. We have found nine new partners of endostatin include glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin and dermatan sulfate), matricellular proteins (thrombospondin-1 and SPARC), collagens (I, IV and VI), the amyloid peptide Aβ(1-42), and transglutaminase-2 (TG-2). We have shown that endostatin binds to transglutaminase-2 with an high affinity (KD ~ 6 nM) in a calcium-dependent manner. Enzymatic assays indicated that, in contrast to other extracellular matrix proteins, endostatin is not a glutaminyl substrate of TG-2, but would rather be an acyl acceptor. The endostatin network comprises a number of extracellular proteins containing EGF domains (Epidermal Growth Factor), and able to bind calcium. Depending on the trigger event, and on the availability of its members in a given tissue at a given time, the endostatin network might be involved either in the control of angiogenesis, and tumor growth, or in neurogenesis and neurodegenerative diseases

La maladie cœliaque est une entéropathie inflammatoire chronique se développant chez des individus génétiquement prédisposés par l’expression des haplotypes HLA-DQ2 ou HLA-DQ8 et survenant suite à la consommation de gluten. Elle se caractérise par le développement d’une atrophie des villosités de la muqueuse intestinale débouchant sur un syndrome de malabsorption alimentaire. La seule thérapie actuelle est le suivi d’une diète sans gluten mais cette éviction totale du gluten n’est pas toujours efficace et est lourde en concessions. Il est par conséquent urgent de développer des thérapies alternatives mais ce domaine constitue un pipeline évoluant lentement, notamment suite à l’absence d’un modèle animal pertinent et complet sur le plan physiologique. L’objectif de cette thèse doctorale est de répondre à ce besoin crucial en développant un modèle murin capable de récapituler les caractéristiques de la maladie. Le chapitre 1 dresse le portrait de la maladie en quatre parties amenant progressivement le lecteur dans les détails de sa pathogenèse. Cette introduction débute par un rappel sur la physiologie et l’immunité intestinale puis elle définit la face clinique de la maladie. Ensuite, le lecteur évolue dans une partie plus détaillée de la pathogenèse aidant au discernement de ses acteurs cellulaires et moléculaires. Finalement, elle se termine par une revue de la littérature sur les actuels modèles animaux. Le chapitre 2 brossent les objectifs de la thèse sur base de données clés de la littérature, notamment, les patients présentent au minimum une copie de l’halplotype HLA-DQ2 ou HLA-DQ8 et plus des deux-tiers sur-expriment la cytokine pro-inflammatoire interleukine-15 au niveau de leur muqueuse intestinale. Il est donc raisonnable de penser qu’ensemble, le gluten, l’haplotype HLA et l’interleukine-15 contribuent activement à la pathogenèse. Bien que soupçonnés, leurs rôles et interactions nécessitent l’apport de preuves tangibles in vivo. Le chapitre 3 détaille ainsi ces interactions démontrées à l’aide du développement de notre nouveau modèle murin. Ce dernier est caractérisé par la surexpression de l’interleukine-15 dans l’épithélium et dans la lamina propria intestinale et par l’expression de l’haplotype HLA-DQ8. Ce travail démontre que l’exposition de cette souris au gluten s’accompagne d’une atrophie villositaire et de la signature complète de la maladie, tant sur le plan sérologique, cellulaire que transcriptionnel. Nous démontrons que la surexpression simultanée de l’interleukine-15 dans les deux compartiments de la muqueuse intestinale que sont la lamina propria et l’épithélium est une condition sine qua non au développement de l’atrophie. Aussi, cette étude permet de mettre en lumière la nécessité des cellules T CD4+ et de l’interféron-gamma dans l’activation des lymphocytes intraépithéliaux et le développement de l’atrophie. Finalement, cette recherche établit le rôle central joué par l’haplotype HLA-DQ8 et par l’enzyme transglutaminase II tissulaire dans la survenue de ces lésions. De manière générale, les résultats issus de ce modèle et présentés au chapitre 3 reflètent toute la complexité des interactions entre le gluten, la génétique et l’IL-15 dans le développement de la maladie cœliaque. Enfin, le chapitre 4 apporte une conclusion à ce travail et le chapitre 5 discute des futures directions envisagées pour ce modèle préclinique. Ce dernier va sans doute contribuer à une meilleure compréhension de la maladie cœliaque et permettre l’identification de potentielles cibles thérapeutiques. / Coeliac disease is a chronic inflammatory enteropathy characterized by autoimmune features. This disease occurs in genetically predisposed individuals expressing HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 haplotypes and is triggered following gluten consumption. The disease is characterized by the development of intestinal villous atrophy leading to malabsorption. The only current therapy is the adherence to a gluten-free diet, but the diet is not always effective and is heavy in concessions. Therefore, the development of alternative therapies is urgent but is a slowly evolving pipeline, mainly due to the absence of a physiologically relevant animal model. The aim of this thesis is to answer this unmet need by developing an animal model capable of recapitulating the main characteristics of the disease. Chapter 1 depicts a portrait of the disease in four points, gradually leading the reader into the details of its pathogenesis. This introduction begins with a review of the physiology and intestinal immunity and then draws a clinical portrait of the disease. Third, the reader evolves in a more detailed part of the pathogenesis helping him to discern its cellular and molecular actors. Finally, the introduction ends with a review of the literature on current animal models. Chapter 2 outlines the thesis objectives based on key data from the literature, in particular, patients present at least one copy of the HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 haplotype and more than two-thirds over-express the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-15 at the level of their intestinal mucosa. It is therefore reasonable to hypothesize that gluten, HLA haplotype and interleukin-15 together contribute to the pathogenesis. Although suspected, their roles and interactions still require the provision of tangible evidence in vivo. Chapter 3 details these interactions based on the proposed new mouse model. This model is characterized by the overexpression of interleukin-15 in the intestinal epithelium and lamina propria and by the expression of the HLA-DQ8 haplotype. This work demonstrates that the exposure of this mouse to gluten is accompanied by villous atrophy and the complete serological, cellular and transcriptional signature of the disease. We also demonstrate that simultaneous overexpression of interleukin-15 in both mucosal compartments is a prerequisite for the development of atrophy. This study also highlights the need for CD4+ T cells and interferon-gamma in the activation of intraepithelial lymphocytes and the development of villous atrophy. Finally, this research establishes the central role played by the HLA-DQ8 haplotype and the enzyme tissue transglutaminase II in the occurrence of these lesions. In general, the results from this model presented in Chapter 3 reflects the complexity of the interactions between gluten, genetics and IL-15 in the development of coeliac disease. Finally, chapter 4 concludes this work and chapter 5 discusses future directions for this powerful preclinical model that will undoubtedly contribute to a better understanding of coeliac disease and will allow the identification of new potential therapeutic targets.

<p>Metastasis of primary mammary tumors to vital secondary organs is the primary cause of breast cancer-associated death, with no effective treatment. Metastasis is a highly selective process that requires cancer cells to overcome multiple barriers to escape the primary tumor, survive in circulation, and eventually colonize distant secondary organs. One of the important aspects of metastatic cancers is the ability to undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the reverse process mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) process. Constant interconversion of tumor cells between these phenotypes creates epithelial-mesenchymal heterogeneity (EMH) and interaction between these tumor cell types and the stromal cell compartment is clearly important to metastasis. In healthy tissues, stromal cells maintain the composition and structure of the tissue through the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and paracrine signaling with epithelial cells. However, little is known about how EMH promotes changes in the ECM to promote breast cancer progression and metastasis. Cancer cells also secret exosomes, nano-size extracellular vesicles, to establish intercellular communication with distant organs in order to induce metastasis. These exosomes contain a plethora of different proteins including extracellular matrix proteins and matrix crosslinking enzymes. Fibronectin, an important ECM protein, plays an active role in tumor progression and is often crosslinked by tissue transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) to promote fibrosis in cancer. Both FN and TGM2 exist in exosomes and are expressed by heterogenous breast tumors. Although FN and TGM2 have been reported to play essential roles in cancer, their involvement in metastasis remains unclear. This work utilizes a variety of approaches to investigate the role of tumor heterogeneity and ECM proteins in promoting breast cancer metastasis. In this dissertation, we establish that mesenchymal cells expressing intracellular FN are held in a stable non-metastatic mesenchymal phenotype and produce cellular fibrils containing functionalized FN capable of supporting the growth of metastatic competent epithelial cells. We introduce a novel 3D culture system consisting of a tessellated scaffold which is capable of recapitulating cellular and matrix phenotypes <i>in vivo. </i>Further, we also demonstrate breast tumor cells secrete exosomes containing TGM2 crosslinked FN fibrils to promote premetastatic niche formation and induction of metastasis.<i> </i>Using genetic approaches, we establish TGM2 is essential and sufficient to drive metastasis. Finally, we demonstrate pharmacological inhibition of TGM2 offers a potential therapeutic strategy to treat metastatic breast cancer. Altogether, our research provides insights into the mechanism through which TGM2 promotes metastatic breast cancer. This work will help in developing new drugs to target TGM2 aimed at reducing breast cancer metastasis.<br></p>

No description available.