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Pierre Oudet

Publications and source records attributed to Pierre Oudet.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

Allelotyping analyses of synchronous primary and metastasis CIN colon cancers identified different subtypes.

In colorectal cancer, the molecular alterations that lead to metastasis are not clearly established, probably because of their high genetic complexity. To identify combinations of genetic changes involved in tumor progression and metastasis, we focused on chromosome instable (CIN) colon cancers. We compared by allelotyping of 33 microsatellites, the genomic alterations of 38 primary colon tumors with the synchronously resected matched liver metastases (CLM). We observed that (i) the number of patients with alterations at certain loci did not differ significantly between the whole primary tumor and the paired CLM, (ii) a group of patients had fewer alterations in the metastasis when compared with the matched primary tumor. A 2-way hierarchical unsupervised clustering of the allelotyping data revealed 2 tumor subtypes that have different levels of CIN (CIN-High, CIN-Low). Both subtypes have a minimal common set of alterations at chromosomes 8p, 17p and 18q, but does not include alteration at 5q or mutation at K-Ras. These 2 subtypes were also observed using a collection of 104 independent primary CIN colon tumors. In addition, we found a third subtype, consisting of tumors with a very low number of alterations not associated with specific loci (CIN-Very Low). We found that colon carcinogenesis may require a minimal set of alterations and that, in contrast to the current hypothesis, the level of CIN does not correlate with tumor progression. Therefore, our results suggest that metastasis potential could be present at very early stages of tumor development.

Alleles↗

Influence of drotrecogin alpha (activated) infusion on the variation of Bax/Bcl-2 and Bax/Bcl-xl ratios in circulating mononuclear cells: a cohort study in septic shock patients.

OBJECTIVE: Drotrecogin alpha (activated) (DAA), or recombinant human activated protein C, is a new treatment in sepsis-induced multiple organ failure, leading to significant reduction in the mortality rate, thanks to its anticoagulant properties. It has been suggested that DAA has anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects in sepsis animal models. This study investigates the potential actions of DAA on circulating mononuclear cells apoptosis in human septic shock. DESIGN: Prospective, cohort study. SETTING: Two intensive care wards and two research laboratories in a university hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-two septic shock patients with DAA treatment (DAA+), 19 septic shock patients without DAA treatment (DAA-), and 14 healthy controls were successively enrolled, but only 20 DAA+ and 16 DAA- patients fulfilled criteria for statistical analysis. INTERVENTIONS: Blood samples were collected at inclusion and 24 hrs later. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Circulating mononuclear cell apoptosis levels were assessed by flow cytometry with annexin V, and variations of the apoptotic rheostats (Bax/Bcl-2 and Bax/Bcl-xl ratios) were analyzed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Apoptosis was significantly increased in septic shock patients (DAA+, 12 +/- 6.4%; DAA-, 10.4 +/- 5%) vs. healthy patients (3.4 +/- 2.1%, p < .001). Twenty-four hours after DAA infusion, apoptosis was significantly lower in the DAA+ group compared with DAA- ones (respectively, 11.7 +/- 5.3% and 16.2 +/- 7.6%, p < .001). At inclusion, DAA+ and DAA- groups showed comparable Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (DAA+, 0.92 +/- 0.9; DAA-, 1.32 +/- 0.87) and Bax/Bcl-xl ratio (DAA+, 2 +/- 1.04; DAA-, 1.31 +/- 0.93). In contrast, 24 hrs later we observed a significant decrease in these ratios, indicating an antiapoptotic effect in the DAA+ group (Bax/Bcl-2, 0.39 +/- 0.27; Bax/Bcl-xl, 0.68 +/- 0.35) compared with the DAA- group (Bax/Bcl-2, 1.81 +/- 1.1; Bax/Bcl-xl, 1.22 +/- 0.92, p = .001 and p = .039, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In vivo, in human septic shock, DAA has antiapoptotic effects on circulating mononuclear cells, assessed by a significant decrease of both the Bax/Bcl-2 and Bax/Bcl-xl ratios.

Adult↗

[Value of urinary microsatellite analysis in the diagnosis of renal cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To detect the presence of tumour DNA in urine of patients with renal cancer based on microsatellite analysis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Blinded, comparative, experimental study conducted between July 1996 and December 2003. Preoperative urine and blood samples were collected from 69 patients with renal cancer (pT1 to pT4). The control population comprised 35 patients with a benign urological disease. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and allele amplification were investigated by analysing allele imbalances between urinary DNA and blood lymphocyte DNA. Twenty-six loci were analysed, including 23 microsatellites. We studied the sensitivity and specificity of this analysis as a function of stage, grade and invasion of renal cavities by the tumour. RESULTS: The sensitivity of the test was 61% for pT1a and the global sensitivity was 62.3%. A significant difference was observed in favour of low nuclear grades (p < 0.05). More than 80% of tumours detected were identified by 4 microsatellites. The specificity was 83%. Renal cavities were invaded by the tumour in 38% of cases. No correlation was observed between invasion of renal cavities and the result of the test. CONCLUSION: The results are encouraging, particularly for small tumours and justify development of clinical applications.

Adult↗

Frequent genomic abnormalities at TWIST in human pediatric osteosarcomas.

The identification of genes as markers for chromosome aberrations in specific tumors might facilitate oncogenesis mechanism comprehension, cancer detection, prediction of clinical outcomes, and response to therapy. Previous physiologic and oncologic data identified the TWIST gene as a marker for mesodermal derivative and bone tissue differentiation, but its contribution to bone malignancies has not been investigated. In the present study, search for genomic alterations in high-grade pediatric osteosarcomas was focused on the 7p21 region, and more specifically on the TWIST gene. In a cohort of 74 patients, we observed by allelotyping that 31 of 68 informative tumors were rearranged at the TWIST locus. Among them, analysis by quantitative PCR (QPCR) revealed that, surprisingly, mostly deletions (22/68), but also amplifications (9/68), of the TWIST gene were detected. Furthermore, deletions at TWIST were statistically correlated to other molecular abnormalities, like alterations at the APC or c-kit loci, as well as to clinical features such as a poor outcome. This work shows that the TWIST gene seemed to be involved in high-grade pediatric osteosarcomas and is a new marker with a possible initial predictive value.

Adolescent↗

Prognostic significance of allelic imbalance at the c-kit gene locus and c-kit overexpression by immunohistochemistry in pediatric osteosarcomas.

PURPOSE: Since the recent development of biologic agents targeting oncogenes, increasing attention has been focused on determining the role of tyrosine kinase receptors in the pathogenesis of tumors. Our study was designed to investigate the status of region 4q12, which contains the candidate gene c-kit, and the expression of c-kit by immunohistochemistry (IHC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Paired blood and biopsy specimens of 68 children treated for high-grade primary osteosarcomas were collected. Microsatellite analysis at two genomic sites containing c-kit gene was performed on paired DNA using a sensible fluorescent polymerase chain reaction technology. To confirm the DNA data, we studied c-kit protein expression by IHC in 56 available paraffin-embedded tumor tissues. RESULTS: The frequency of allelic imbalance (AI) at locus 4q12 was 39% in the overall population. In agreement with previous studies, we did not detect microsatellite instability, allowing us to hypothesize that this pathway is not implicated. Furthermore, the normal status at locus 4q12 was associated with a significantly better survival in the whole osteosarcoma population (P = .05). IHC overexpression of c-kit was concordant in all cases presenting an AI. However, normal status at locus 4q12 was correlated to an absence of c-kit protein expression in 19 (65.5%) of 29 informative cases. CONCLUSION: Allelotyping of locus 4q12, which contains the c-kit gene, could help pediatric osteosarcoma prognostic screening and showed a strong correlation with overexpression of c-kit protein. These results allowed us to hypothesize that, in some cases, a mutation of c-kit gene could lead to a protein overexpression.

Adolescent↗

Transient Bcl-2 gene down-expression in circulating mononuclear cells of severe sepsis patients who died despite appropriate intensive care.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the levels of expression of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 and the proapoptotic gene Bax in circulating mononuclear cells (CMNC) harvested during the course of severe sepsis (SS) in formerly non-immunocompromised patients undergoing hospital-acquired infection, in parallel to cytokine levels. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Intensive care unit. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 24 patients without immunodeficiency undergoing standard goal-directed therapy for nosocomial SS, 10 critically ill patients without sepsis, and 10 healthy controls. INTERVENTIONS: Blood was collected before infection and within 12 h, 1, 3 and 7 days after fever onset, to determine plasma concentrations of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, C-reactive protein, whole blood cell counts, lymphocyte subsets, annexin V labelling for apoptosis, and Bax and Bcl-2 relative RNA expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: SS patients displayed increased cytokine concentrations, TNF-alpha being significantly increased at full-blown sepsis. Within 12 h after onset of infection, lymphocyte counts were lower in SS patients than in critically ill controls ( p=0.001), and this phenomenon was marked in CD4+ and CD8+ subsets ( p<0.001). This was associated with enhanced apoptosis in CMNC (15.7+/-8.7% vs 3.4+/-2.1%, p<0.001) and a significant down-expression of the Bcl-2 gene throughout the study ( p<0.05). In contrast, the expression of Bax did not change significantly. Within 12 h of fever onset, non-survivors expressed a 10-fold down-expression of Bcl-2 when compared to survivors ( p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: An early transient down-expression of the gene Bcl-2 occurred in CMNC harvested from SS patients who died despite intensive care. In contrast, the expression of the gene Bax did not change significantly.

Analysis of Variance↗

Cdx1 homeobox gene during human colon cancer progression.

The Cdx1 homeobox gene encodes an intestine-specific transcription factor with a pro-oncogenic function in vitro. Here we have analysed the pattern of Cdx1 in human colon cancer progression. Cdx1 expression remains at a high level in the majority of the polyps and it is even overexpressed in more than one-third of the specimens, consistent with the fact that the gene is an intestine-specific target of oncogenic pathways. However, Cdx1 decreases in one-fifth of the polyps, which is reminiscent of the loss of expression previously reported in the majority of carcinomas. Allelic imbalance analysis demonstrates that the Cdx1 locus located on chromosome 5q is a major site of genomic rearrangement in colorectal cancers, and that the frequency of the rearrangements increases during polyps to carcinoma progression. Allelic imbalance at the Cdx1 locus occurs in relation to, although not invariably in association with, the rearrangements at the APC locus on the same chromosomal arm. Xenografts of primary human colon carcinomas indicate that the level of Cdx1 mRNA correlates with the intensity of allelic imbalance. Together, these data show that Cdx1 exhibits a complex pattern during colorectal cancer progression. Given that Cdx1 has a pro-oncogenic function in vitro, the maintenance of a high level of expression in polyps, and even its overexpression in one-third of the specimens, suggest that this homeobox gene may be an important factor in the process toward malignant transformation during the first steps of tumorigenesis.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein↗

Plasma DNA microsatellite panel as sensitive and tumor-specific marker in lung cancer patients.

The majority of lung cancer patients have tumor-derived genetic alterations in circulating plasma DNA that could be exploited as a diagnostic tool. We used fluorescent microsatellite analysis to detect alterations in plasma and tumor DNA in 34 patients who underwent bronchoscopy for lung cancer, including 11 small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and 23 nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (12 adenocarcinomas, 11 squamous cell carcinomas) and 20 controls. Allelotyping was performed with a selected panel of 12 microsatellites from 9 chromosomal regions 3p21, 3p24, 5q, 9p, 9q, 13q, 17p, 17q and 20q. Plasma DNA allelic imbalance (AI) was found in 88% (30 of 34 patients), with a similar sensitivity in SCLC and NSCLC. In the 24 paired available tumor tissues, 83% (20 of 24) presented at least 1 AI. Among these patients, 85% (17 of 20) presented also at least 1 AI in paired plasma DNA, but the location of the allelic alterations in paired plasma and tumor DNA could differ, suggesting the presence of heterogeneous tumor clones. None of the 20 controls displayed plasma or bronchial DNA alteration. A reduced panel of six markers (at 3p, 5q, 9p, 9q) showed a sensitivity of 85%. Moreover, a different panel of microsatellites at 3p and 17p13 in SCLC and at 5q, 9p, 9q and 20q in NSCLC patients could be specifically used. Analysis of plasma DNA using this targeted panel could be a valuable noninvasive test and a useful tool to monitor disease progression without assessing the tumor.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Molecular markers for colorectal cancer liver metastases: initial results and perspectives].

Systematic allelotyping of colorectal cancers and liver metastases is realized since 1996 in a close collaboration between the surgery, pathology departments and the molecular biology laboratory. Using amplification of 35 different microsatellites allelic imbalances and microsatellites instabilities were recorded. Beside the well documented increasing amount of genomic rearrangements we identified a subset of early stages tumors presenting a profile of rearrangement corresponding to high grades, and high grades cancers with a molecular profile corresponding to low grade. The comparison of synchrones liver metastases and colorectal tumors allowed us to propose for a more extensive studies the existence of sensitive structural chromosomic regions affecting separately both chromosomes and that it should be possible to identify a limited number of specific genes concerned by most of the advanced stages.

Allelic Imbalance↗

An open conformation of the Thermus thermophilus gyrase B ATP-binding domain.

DNA gyrase forms an A(2)B(2) tetramer involved in DNA replication, repair, recombination, and transcription in which the B subunit catalyzes ATP hydrolysis. The Thermus thermophilus and Escherichia coli gyrases are homologues and present the same catalytic activity. When compared with that of the E. coli 43K-5'-adenylyl-beta,gamma-imidodiphosphate complex, the crystal structure of Gyrase B 43K ATPase domain in complex with novobiocin, one of the most potent inhibitors of gyrase shows large conformational changes of the subdomains within the dimer. The stabilization of loop 98-118 closing the active site through dimeric contacts and interaction with domain 2 allows to observe novobiocin-protein interactions that could not be seen in the 24K-inhibitor complexes. Furthermore, this loop adopts a position which defines an "open" conformation of the active site in absence of ATP, in contrast with the "closed" conformation adopted upon ATP binding. All together, these results indicate how the subdomains may propagate conformational changes from the active site and provide crucial information for the design of more specific inhibitors.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Association of genetic defects in primary resected lung adenocarcinoma revealed by targeted allelic imbalance analysis.

Genetic mechanisms underlying origin and progression of lung cancer are still poorly understood, despite the numerous studies which identified many genomic alterations. Using polymorphic microsatellites, allelic imbalances have been frequently found at loci such as 3p, 5q, 8p, 9p and 9q, 11p and 11q, and 17q without either histologic specificity or prognosis value. We report allelotyping results in 54 cases (50 smokers) of primary lung adenocarcinoma (50 men/4 women) resected at one institution. To perform this study, a panel of seven microsatellites were chosen upon their likely involvement in lung cancer or in the cell cycle. A highly sensitive method was designed using fluorescent PCR coupled with quantification on an automated DNA sequencer. We report that at least one allelic imbalance was observed in 87% of adenocarcinoma. Alterations at 17q23 tended to be associated with early stage tumors (I and II) and longer survivals (P = 0.05 and P = 0.06, respectively). Furthermore, concomitant alterations were found at 9p21 and at either 9q34 or 3p24 loci (P = 0.003 and P = 0.004, respectively). The presence of genes coding for TGF-beta receptors I and II at these loci suggests that the TGF-beta/CDK inhibitor P16/P15 signaling pathway might be involved in lung adenocarcinoma development.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Overexpression of ICBP90, a novel CCAAT-binding protein, overcomes cell contact inhibition by forcing topoisomerase II alpha expression.

We have recently identified ICBP90 as being a protein able to bind in vitro a CCAAT box of the topoisomerase II alpha gene promoter. The aim of the present work was to check whether ICBP90 is able to regulate in vivo topoisomerase II alpha expression in human lung fibroblasts under various proliferating conditions. Transient transfection experiments performed on moderately growing human lung fibroblasts (50% of confluence) showed that overexpression of ICBP90 is associated with an elevation of topoisomerase II alpha expression and an increase of the cell proliferation rate. In highly proliferating human lung fibroblasts (20% confluence) overexpression of ICBP90 had no effect. In contrast, in non-proliferating fibroblasts (100% confluence) overexpression of ICBP90 allowed recovery of topoisomerase II alpha expression levels with a concomitant overgrowth of confluent cell cultures. Our results show that ICBP90 regulates topoisomerase II alpha expression and is able to overcome cell contact inhibition signaling, suggesting that increased ICBP90 expression may be involved in carcinogenesis.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗