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Biomedical subjects

P Moullier

Publications and source records attributed to P Moullier.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Overexpression of ecto-5'-nucleotidase promotes P-glycoprotein expression in renal epithelial cells.

UNLABELLED: P-glycoprotein (P-gp), responsible for multidrug resistance (MDR) of tumoral cells, is also expressed in apical membranes of normal epithelial cells, among which are proximal tubular cells. Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (5'Nu), co-located with P-gp in renal brush border membranes, could be instrumental in the expression of MDR phenotype. P-gp activity [assessed by rhodamine 123 (R123) and [3H]vinblastine (3H-VBL) accumulation] was evaluated in MDCK cell lines in which human 5'Nu was expressed at different levels after retroviral infection: MDCK-5'NU/- cells with a low 5'Nu activity (Vmax < 2 pmol/mg protein/min) and MDCK-5'NU/+ cells, which expressed a high level of 5'Nu (Vmax 150 +/- 18.5 pmol/mg protein/min). MDCK-5'NU/- cells did not display functional expression of MDR. In MDCK-5'NU/+ cells, R123 and 3H-VBL accumulation was significantly lower than in MDCK-5'NU/- cells and was dramatically enhanced by P-gp inhibitors. This high P-gp activity in MDCK-5'NU/+ cells was confirmed by their resistance to colchicine (measured by LDH release and MTT assay) as compared to MDCK-5'NU/- and was accounted for by increased membrane expression of P-gp assessed by Western blot. Neither AMP nor adenosine, the substrate and the product of 5'Nu, respectively, affected P-gp activity. Inhibition of 5'Nu with alpha beta-methylene-adenosine-diphosphate (alpha beta MADP) or with a blocking anti-5'Nu antibody (1E9) did not blunt MDR expression in MDCK-5'NU/+ cells. Conversely, the anti-5'Nu antibody 5F/F9, which did not block the enzymatic site, induced a decrease of P-gp activity. Further, incubation of MDCK-5'NU/- cells with conditioned medium from MDCK-5'NU/+ cells, which contained significant amounts of released 5'Nu, induced MDR phenotype. IN CONCLUSION: (i) expression of ecto-5'Nu promotes multidrug resistance (MDR) activity in renal epithelial cells by enhancement of P-gp expression; (ii) this effect does not involve enzymatic activity of 5'Nu; (iii) supernatants of cells that express 5'Nu conferred P-gp activity to 5'Nu negative cells.

5'-Nucleotidase↗

Hyperosmolality suppresses but TGF beta 1 increases MMP9 in human peritoneal mesothelial cells.

Peritoneal mesothelial cells are directly exposed to hyperosmolar dialysates which may enhance extracellular matrix accumulation and hence compromise ultrafiltration. Because these cells are laid on a type IV collagen containing basement membrane, we examined the pattern of type IV collagenases produced by cultured human mesothelial cells and their regulation by hyperosmolality and TGF beta 1. A cell line (HMrSV5) exhibiting major features of normal peritoneal mesothelial cells was derived from a primary culture retrovirally transduced with SV40 large-T antigen. Zymography and Western blot analysis showed that: (i) human peritoneal mesothelial cells produced and excreted MMP2 and MMP9 and their inhibitors TIMP1 and TIMP2; (ii) hyperosmolality drastically reduced the expression of MMP9 irrespective of the osmolyte used in a time- and concentration-dependent manner; (iii) TGF beta 1 unexpectedly increased MMP9 activity and protein in exponentially growing cells and could restore MMP9 activity suppressed by hyperosmolality in confluent cultures. To exclude a specific effect of SV40 large-T antigen on matrix metalloproteinases production and regulation, these results were confirmed in primary cultures derived from visceral peritoneal samples from different donors. Therefore, the hyperosmolality of dialysates may favor an accumulation of type IV collagen and thickening of peritoneal basement membrane, while TGF beta 1 released during infections may induce the degradation of type IV collagen and its replacement by interstitial collagens.

Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming↗

Gene transfer into the kidney: current status and limitations.

Gene therapy is obviously a controversial issue and a wave of suspicion has dampened the initial enthusiasm raised by this new therapeutic approach. It has now become fashionable to downplay the potential for gene therapy in most fields including kidney-related diseases. In our opinion, this is an unfair and unrealistic view of the future. In fact, gene therapy of well-selected kidney diseases will certainly become feasible, but a large data base on vectors and transfer methods both in the normal kidney and in disease models has first to be collected. Any significant progress in the biology of the vectors, in the cellular interactions of the newly introduced DNA, and in the regulation and persistency of the transgene should be rapidly translated to the kidney in relevant experimental models. Herein, we present the use and current limitations of gene transfer to the kidney and the potential therapeutic perspectives.

Animals↗

[Gene therapy in lysosomal diseases].

The study of the mechanisms of secretion and recapture of lysosomal enzymes has lead to the proposal of a treatment of lysosomal diseases by enzyme replacement. Autologous implants of genetically modified cells which secrete enzymes ensure systemic distribution of the lacking enzyme. A procedure which permits reimplantation of genetically modified fibroblasts is described. The stable secretion of human glucuronidase by autologous fibroblasts was thus obtained in animal species. This approach should by applicable to the treatment of Hurler's syndrome by obtaining the production and distribution of alpha-L-iduronidase in patients lacking this enzyme by retroviral transfer of the human alpha-L-iduronidase gene to cultured fibroblasts and by preparation of implants.

Animals↗

Sustained delivery of erythropoietin in mice by genetically modified skin fibroblasts.

We have examined whether the secretion of erythropoietin (Epo) from genetically modified cells could represent an alternative to repeated injections of the recombinant hormone for treating chronic anemias responsive to Epo. Primary mouse skin fibroblasts were transduced with a retroviral vector in which the murine Epo cDNA is expressed under the control of the murine phosphoglycerate kinase promoter. "Neo-organs" containing the genetically modified fibroblasts embedded into collagen lattices were implanted into the peritoneal cavity of mice. Increased hematocrit (> 80%) and elevated serum Epo concentration (ranging from 60 to 408 milliunits/ml) were observed in recipient animals over a 10-month observation period. Hematocrit values measured in recipient mice varied according to the number of implanted Epo-secreting fibroblasts (ranging from 2.5 to 20 x 10(6)). The implantation of neo-organs containing Epo-secreting fibroblasts appeared, therefore, as a convenient method to achieve permanent in vivo delivery of the hormone. We estimated that the biological efficacy of the approach may be relevant for the treatment of human hemoglobinopathies.

Animals↗

Retroviral-mediated gene transfer corrects very-long-chain fatty acid metabolism in adrenoleukodystrophy fibroblasts.

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a lethal demyelinating disease of the brain, is caused by mutations of a gene encoding an ATP-binding transporter, called ALDP, localized in the peroxisomal membrane. It is associated with a defective oxidation of very-long-chain fatty acids, leading to their accumulation in many tissues. This study reports that the retroviral-mediated transfer of the ALD cDNA restored very-long-chain fatty acid oxidation in ALD fibroblasts in vitro following abundant expression and appropriate targeting of the vector-encoded ALDP in peroxisomes. The same method may be used in hematopoietic cells as a further step of a gene therapy approach of ALD.

Adrenoleukodystrophy↗

Long-term delivery of a lysosomal enzyme by genetically modified fibroblasts in dogs.

We have evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of intraperitoneal implants (neo-organs) for protein delivery in large animals. Skin biopsies were taken from four healthy dogs. Primary fibroblast cultures were transduced with a retroviral vector coding for the human beta-glucuronidase. One to six lattices each containing 10(9) skin fibroblasts were implanted into the omentum of the donor animal. Laparotomies performed at regular intervals showed vascularized neo-organs without local inflammation. Human beta-glucuronidase levels equivalent to 0.8 to 3.1% of the endogenous canine activity were detected for up to 340 days on liver biopsy samples. These results indicate that neo-organs can be considered for the long-term delivery of therapeutic proteins or enzymes in humans.

Animals↗

In vivo delivery of human alpha-L-iduronidase in mice implanted with neo-organs.

Mucopolysaccharidose type I is a lysosomal storage disease caused by a deficiency in the enzyme alpha-L-iduronidase (IDUA). The existence of a secretory pathway for lysosomal enzymes and the capture of secreted molecules by distant cells through binding to mannose-6-phosphate receptors have provided a rationale for enzyme replacement therapy in lysosomal storage diseases. We have used genetically modified fibroblasts implanted into neo-organs as an in vivo delivery system for IDUA. The human IDUA cDNA was isolated and inserted into a retroviral vector where it was expressed from the phosphoglycerate kinase 1 gene promoter. MPS I fibroblasts transduced with this vector showed high levels of IDUA activity and secreted phosphorylated molecules that could be internalized by naive deficient cells. Neo-organs containing 2 x 10(7) IDUA-secreting cells were implanted into nude mice. Human and murine IDUA activities were measured in the liver and spleen of animals sacrificed 35-77 days after implantation. Human IDUA activity corresponded to 0.6-2.3% of the murine enzyme activity in the liver and to 0.1-0.3% in the spleen. These data indicated that human IDUA was secreted from neo-organs and internalized in distant tissues.

Animals↗

Adenoviral-mediated gene transfer to renal tubular cells in vivo.

The efficient introduction of genetic material into quiescent renal cells is potentially important in the study of renal physiopathology and for gene therapy of kidney related disorders. A replication-deficient adenoviral vector that contained a reporter gene encoding the nuclear beta-galactosidase was either selectively perfused into the renal artery or infused through a retrograde catheter into the pyelic cavity of the left kidney of adult rats. Highly efficient gene transfer was achieved by either route of administration, and nuclear beta-galactosidase activity was detected for two to four weeks following a progressive decline of expression. Genetically-modified cells were identified as proximal tubular cells when the adenoviral vector was selectively perfused via the renal artery, while tubular cells from the papilla and medulla were selectively transduced by retrograde infusion of the viral vector. No obvious cytopathic effect was observed. We conclude that: (i) efficient gene transfer in renal tubular cells can be achieved by adenoviral vectors; (ii) the targeted cell population can be chosen through the route of administration.

Adenoviruses, Human↗

Association of 1078 del T cystic fibrosis mutation with severe disease.

Apart from the high frequency of the delta F508 mutation (81.81%) in Breton cystic fibrosis chromosomes, one mutation, 1078 del T, is also observed frequently (4.96%) in this group, in comparison with the rest of the French where it occurs with a frequency of 0.57%. These two mutations account for more than 86.5% of the total CF mutations identified on Breton chromosomes. We have conducted an unblinded retrospective analysis of 25 patients with the 1078 del T mutation and compared their phenotypes with those of a group of 70 delta F508 homozygous patients. Both groups of patients had the same ethnic origin and were regularly attending the same CF centre in Brittany, which makes this sample highly homogeneous despite the small size. The 1078 del T mutation appeared to be associated with severe presentation of the disease with, however, a trend to reduced mortality and less Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonisation.

Adolescent↗

Gene therapy for lysosomal disorders.

Genetic defects of lysosomal hydrolases result in severe storage diseases and treatments based on enzyme replacement have been proposed. In mice lacking beta-glucuronidase, which develop a disease homologous to human mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII, sly syndrome), we have used autologous implants of genetically-modified cells for the continuous in vivo production of the enzyme. A retroviral vector containing the human beta-glucuronidase cDNA under the control of the mouse phosphoglycerate kinase promoter was used to infect primary skin fibroblasts, bone marrow cells, or myoblasts from mutant MPS VII animals. The fibroblasts were embedded into collagen lattices and reimplanted into the peritoneal cavity of recipient MPS VII mice. All animals, when analysed 10 to 155 days later, expressed beta-glucuronidase from the vascularised neo-organs that developed after implantation, and accumulated the enzyme in their tissues. A complete disappearance of the lysosomal storage lesions was observed in their liver and spleen. This procedure has been scaled up for long term lysosomal enzyme delivery in dogs. The bone marrow cells were used for partial hematopoietic reconstruction of sublethally irradiated MPS VII mice. Five months after gene transfer, animals in which under 5% of genetically-modified hematopoietic cells were detected in the spleen showed a drastic reduction of lysosomal storage lesions in the liver and spleen. Genetically-modified myoblasts were transplanted into injured muscles, where they participated in the regeneration of a significant proportion of muscle fibers. Enzyme secretion and liver uptake were observed for at least one month.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Correction of lysosomal storage in the liver and spleen of MPS VII mice by implantation of genetically modified skin fibroblasts.

Genetic defects of lysosomal hydrolases result in severe storage diseases and treatments based on enzyme replacement have been proposed. In mice lacking beta-glucuronidase, which develop a disease homologous to human mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (Sly syndrome), we have used autologous implants of genetically-modified skin fibroblasts for the continuous in vivo production of the enzyme. The human beta-glucuronidase cDNA was introduced with a retroviral vector into mutant mice skin fibroblasts grown in primary culture. Fourteen mutant mice were implanted intraperitoneally with these modified cells embedded into collagen lattices. All animals expressed beta-glucuronidase from the vascularized neo-organs that developed after implantation and accumulated the enzyme in their tissues. A complete disappearance of the lysosomal storage lesions was observed in their liver and spleen.

Animals↗

Genotype analysis of adult cystic fibrosis patients.

To assess the relationship between the genotype and phenotype of adult CF patients we have selected from a group of 512 CF patients attending centres in France, all these of greater than 35 years. We have analysed the entire coding sequence of their CFTR genes. The complete genotype was determined in 7 of the 8 patients and clinical data regarding pancreatic, respiratory and reproductive function were carefully evaluated. All these patients are compound heterozygote, seven carrying the delta F508 and one the G542X on one allele. The other allele carried is: (i) a missense mutation located in exons coding for transmembrane region in five patients [R334W (1); I336K (2); R117H (1); H1054D (1)]; (ii) a splice mutation in two patients [2789 + 5G-->A], (iii) an uncharacterised mutations in one patient. These results strongly suggest less severe CF phenotype to be associated with these mutations and strengthen the hypothesis that less severe phenotype are genetically determined.

Adult↗

Continuous systemic secretion of a lysosomal enzyme by genetically modified mouse skin fibroblasts.

Lysosomal enzymes secreted or externally supplied into the extracellular medium can be internalized by cells and targeted to lysosomes after binding to specific membrane receptors. This process allows for the replacement of the missing enzyme activity in deficient cells. Using a retroviral vector, we have introduced the human beta-glucuronidase cDNA into primary mouse skin fibroblasts. The genetically modified cells were then engrafted into neo-organs that had been previously implanted into the peritoneal cavity of syngeneic recipient mice. The hypervascularized structures, made of collagen and basic fibroblast growth factor-coated synthetic fibers embedded into extracellular matrix gel, allowed in vivo survival of engrafted fibroblasts that expressed the human beta-glucuronidase cDNA for at least 3 months. The human enzyme was detected in the liver, lung, and spleen of experimental animals, but became undetectable after removal of the neo-organ. This observation indicated that the human enzyme was secreted into the serum and then captured by distant organs. The use of genetically modified fibroblasts implanted into neo-organs may, therefore, represent a convenient approach to enzyme replacement therapy in lysosomal storage diseases.

3T3 Cells↗

Detection of over 98% cystic fibrosis mutations in a Celtic population.

We have conducted a large systematic study of 365 cystic fibrosis (CF) chromosomes in a Celtic population from Brittany, France, in which we have been able to identify more than 98% of the cystic fibrosis gene mutations. We detected 19 different CFTR mutations located in 9 exons. Eleven of these mutations have not been described previously and nine of them are presented in this study. The denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis strategy we have used, can be applied to other populations suggesting that population screening for CF on a large scale might be possible.

Base Sequence↗

Gene transfer to somatic tissues using retroviral vectors.

Retroviral vectors have successfully been used for stable gene transfer in a number of in vivo situation. Before this approach can reallistically be applied in the treatment of human genetic diseases, the correction of pathological symptoms have to be documented in an animal model. In this perspective, we have chosen to use a strain of mice carrying the gusmps mutation, where homozygotes are deficient for beta-glucuronidase and develop a mucopolysaccharidosis. Two methods which result in the stable introduction of the human beta-glucuronidase cDNA into skin fibroblasts or hematopoietic stem cells are presented. A third method, whereby genes can be stably transferred to the liver is also discussed.

Animals↗

[Subarachnoid hematoma and spinal anesthesia].

Two cases of spinal subarachnoid haematoma occurring after spinal anaesthesia are reported. In the first case, lumbar puncture was attempted three times in a 81-year-old man; spinal anaesthesia trial was than abandoned, and the patient given a general anaesthetic. He was given prophylactic calcium heparinate soon after surgery. On the fourth day, the patient became paraparetic. Radioculography revealed a blockage between T10 and L3. Laminectomy was performed to remove the haematoma, but the patient recovered motor activity only very partially. The second case was a 67-year-old man, in whom spinal anaesthesia was easily carried out. He was also given prophylactic calcium heparinate soon after surgery. On the fourth postoperative day, pulmonary embolism was suspected. Heparin treatment was then started. Twelve hours later, lumbar and bilateral buttock pain occurred, which later spread to the neck. On the eighth day, the patient had neck stiffness and two seizures. Emergency laminectomy was carried out, which revealed a subarachnoid haematoma spreading to a level higher than T6 and below L1, with no flow of cerebrospinal fluid, and a non pulsatile spinal cord. Surgery was stopped. The patient died on the following day. Both these cases are similar to those previously reported and point out the role played by anticoagulants. Because early diagnosis of spinal cord compression is difficult, the prognosis is poor, especially in case of paraplegia.

Aged↗