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BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) results in modifications in the activity and/or structure of many organs. One of them is the intestine. Intestinal barrier dysfunction may result in turn, in gut leakage and aggravation of the course of CKD. The interaction between the colon and kidneys may be relevant for both, the kidneys as well as the colon. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of CKD and vascular calcification on colon tissue and function. METHOD Sprague–Dawley rats underwent 5/6 nephrectomy (SNx, n = 18) or sham surgery (Control, n = 6). A total of 8 weeks after surgery, SNx rats were divided into three groups: normal chow (SNx, n = 6); high phosphate (1.2%) with high vitamin D; 5 days/week at a dose of 0.1 µg/day (SNx-VC1, n = 6) or 0.4 µg/day (SNx-VC2, n = 6) to induce vascular calcification. Four weeks after dietary intervention, rats were sacrificed and colon tissue was sampled for analysis. The inflammation of colon tissue was scored on haematoxylin-eosin staining (score 1–4) and the presence of macrophages was quantified by immunostaining with CD68 antibody. The mucus production was also quantified by Alcian blue staining. RESULTS Haematoxylin-eosin staining showed increased inflammation in SNx-VC2 rats (2.47 ± 0.26) compared with the Control group (1.52 ± 0.14) (P CONCLUSION CKD was associated with a decrease in mucus production and an increase in inflammation in colon tissue. These changes are more marked in the animals with associated vascular calcification (high vitamin D and high phosphate diet).

Session 1: Impact of diet and additives on gut microbiota and health ; Communication PO30; International audience; In 2050, older adults (65+) will reach 35% of European population with sarcopenic individuals representing a third of them. Specific nutritional strategies based on proteins coupled or not with exercise have shown some beneficial effects to limit sarcopenia but depending of the physio-pathological state, they may not be optimal or not applicable in case of poor appetite or difficulties/disabilities to perform exercise. Consequently, additional strategies require to be developed to limit sarcopenia in such specific populations, and this, independently of food intake.In a recent study, we observed that in small intestine-resected patients whose gut physiology and metabolism have adapted to improve efficiency of nutrient utilization, a specific microbiota has developed with a large increased in Lactobacilli. We hypothesized that selected bacterial strains issued from these patients could be of interest to improve energy efficient in malnourished frail elderly. We isolated strains from their faeces and one strain belonging to Lactocaseibacillus casei (LC- 5663) was tested in vivo in aged rats (18 months) under moderate caloric restriction (75% of ad libitum). Body composition, muscle mass and insulin sensitivity was assessed (OGTT, HOMA IR).We showed that caloric restriction induced a decrease of muscle but that a daily intake of LC-5663 for one month (~109) was able to significantly prevent 12% of the sarcopenia observed (ANOVA, p

International audience; Many studies have highlighted the relationship between food and health status, with the aim of improving both disease prevention and life expectancy. Among the different food groups, fermented foods a have huge microbial biodiversity, making them an interesting source of metabolites that could exhibit health benefits. Our previous study highlighted the capacity of raw goat milk cheese, and some of the extracts recovered by the means of chemical fractionation, to increase the longevity of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. In this article, we pursued the investigation with a view toward understanding the biological mechanisms involved in this phenomenon. Using mutant nematode strains, we evaluated the implication of the insulin-like DAF-2/DAF-16 and the p38 MAPK pathways in the phenomenon of increased longevity and oxidative-stress resistance mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that freeze-dried raw goat milk cheese, and its extracts, induced the activation of the DAF-2/DAF-16 pathway, increasing longevity. Concerning oxidative-stress resistance, all the extracts increased the survival of the worms, but no evidence of the implication of both of the pathways was highlighted, except for the cheese-lipid extract that did seem to require both pathways to improve the survival rate. Simultaneously, the cheese-lipid extract and the dried extract W70, obtained with water, were able to reduce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in human leukocytes. This result is in good correlation with the results obtained with the nematode.

Candida albicans is a major fungal pathogen of humans. It exists as a commensal in the oral cavity, gut or genital tract of most individuals, constrained by the local microbiota, epithelial barriers and immune defences. Their perturbation can lead to fungal outgrowth and the development of mucosal infections such as oropharyngeal or vulvovaginal candidiasis, and patients with compromised immunity are susceptible to life-threatening systemic infections. The importance of the interplay between fungus, host and microbiota in driving the transition from C. albicans commensalism to pathogenicity is widely appreciated. However, the complexity of these interactions, and the significant impact of fungal, host and microbiota variability upon disease severity and outcome, are less well understood. Therefore, we summarise the features of the fungus that promote infection, and how genetic variation between clinical isolates influences pathogenicity. We discuss antifungal immunity, how this differs between mucosae, and how individual variation influences a person's susceptibility to infection. Also, we describe factors that influence the composition of gut, oral and vaginal microbiotas, and how these affect fungal colonisation and antifungal immunity. We argue that a detailed understanding of these variables, which underlie fungal-host-microbiota interactions, will present opportunities for directed antifungal therapies that benefit vulnerable patients., The complexity and variability of FunHoMic interactions between the fungal pathogen, its human host and the Microbiota strongly influence the development and outcomes of the superficial and systemic Candida albicans infections that plague human health worldwide.

International audience; The population over 60 years could represent 35% of the French population in 30 years and at least 30% of them suffer from sarcopenia and undernutrition. Various strategies exist to limit sarcopenia, but they can be unsuitable for frail people. Indeed, frail individuals present a decreased efficiency for food energy use associated with an alteration of their gut microbiota. In addition, as frail people are generally sitting (with a minimum exercise), they can be non-compliant to physical exercise advices. Other strategies to limit sarcopenia in this population should be developed and in particular novel nutritional recommendations/strategies. Probiotics are known to be able to modulate the composition of the microbiota and provide other health benefits. The aim of my thesis is then to investigate the potential of a probiotic strain to limit muscle mass loss in frail elderly population. Previous work from collaborators of the project have shown that when transferred to axenic mice, the microbiota from intestine-resected patient led to an increased release of GLP-1 and Ghrelin in rats, 2 peptides involved in appetite regulation of increased insulin sensitivity. We therefore postulated that specific microbes selected from these patients and further given to frail patients could modulate/alter gut peptides synthesis, increase insulin sensitivity and limit muscle mass loss. Selected bacterial strains isolated from an intestine-resected patient were screened in vitro for their ability to stimulate the secretion of gut peptides (GLP-1) in enterocytes and on Caenorhabditis elegans for their effect on worm longevity. The impact of probiotic microbes was assessed on protein-energy metabolism and insulin-sensitivity in old rats subjected to dietary restriction (to mimic frailty in humans). The results cannot be detailed in the present abstract since a patent deposit is pending concerning the strains and related health effects. We hope that the patent will be finalized for poster or oral presentation within the next months. The ultimate objective of my thesis will be to incorporate the most promising selected probiotic strain into a fermented food (soft cheese) in order to combine the beneficial effects on the metabolism of the strain with high protein intakes, this latter being also insufficiently supplied in frail elderly population.

Caenorhabditis elegans, a non-parasitic nematode emerges as a relevant and powerful candidate as anin vivomodel for microorganisms-microorganisms and microorganisms-host interactions studies. Experiments have demonstrated the probiotic potential of bacteria since they can provide to the worm a longer lifespan, an increased resistance to pathogens and to oxidative or heat stresses. Probiotics are used to prevent or treat microbiota dysbiosis and associated pathologies but the molecular mechanisms underlying their capacities are still unknown. Beyond safety and healthy aspects of probiotics,C. elegansrepresents a powerful way to design large-scale studies to explore transkingdom interactions and to solve questioning about the molecular aspect of these interactions. Future challenges and opportunities would be to validateC. elegansas anin vivotool for high-throughput screening of microorganisms for their potential probiotic use on human health and to enlarge the panels of microorganisms studied as well as the human diseases investigated.

GYNOPHILUS (Lcr REGENERANS) is a live biotherapeutic product (LBP) aimed at restoring the vaginal microbiome and contains the live biotherapeutic microorganism Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr35. In this study, the LBP formulation and manufacturing process significantly enhanced the anti-Candida activity of L. rhamnosus Lcr35, with a complete loss of viability of the yeast after 48 h of coincubation. Sodium thiosulfate (STS), one excipient of the product, was used as a potentiator of the anti-Candida spp. activity of Lactobacilli. This contact-independent phenomenon induced fungal cell disturbances, as observed by electron microscopy observations. Nonverbal sensory experiments showed clear odor dissimilarities between cocultures of L. rhamnosus Lcr35 and C. albicans in the presence and absence of STS, suggesting an impact of odor-active metabolites. A volatolomic approach allowed the identification of six odor-active compounds, including one sulfur compound that was identified as S-methyl thioacetate (MTA). MTA was associated with the antifungal effect of Lcr35, and its functional link was established in vitro. We show for the first time that the LBP GYNOPHILUS, which is a highly active product in the reduction of vulvovaginal candidiasis, requires the presence of a sulfur compound to fully achieve its antifungal effect.

The resistance of Candida albicans to conventional drug treatments, as well as the recurrence phenomena due to dysbiosis caused by antifungal treatments, have highlighted the need to implement new therapeutic methodologies. The antifungal potential of live biotherapeutic products (LBP) has already been demonstrated using preclinical models (cell cultures, laboratory animals). Understanding their mechanisms of action is strategic for the development of new therapeutics for humans. In this study, we investigated the curative anti-C. albicans properties of Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr35&reg, using the in vitro Caco-2 cell and the in vivo Caenorhabditis elegans models. We showed that Lcr35&reg, does inhibit neither the growth (p = 0.603) nor the biofilm formation (p = 0.869) of C. albicans in vitro. Lcr35&reg, protects the animal from the fungal infection (+225% of survival, p &lt, 2 &times, 10&ndash, 16) even if the yeast is detectable in its intestine. In contrast, the Lcr35&reg, cell-free supernatant does not appear to have any antipathogenic effect. At the mechanistic level, the DAF-16/Forkhead Box O transcription factor is activated by Lcr35&reg, and genes of the p38 MAP Kinase signaling pathway and genes involved in the antifungal response are upregulated in presence of Lcr35&reg, after C. albicans infection. These results suggest that the LBM strain acts by stimulating its host via DAF-16 and the p38 MAPK pathway.

With the ever-increasing human lifespan, age-related affections have become a public health issue. The health sector is looking for new bioactive compounds to respond to this demand. The unexplored microbial biodiversity and its metabolites represent a major source of innovative bioactive molecules with health potential. Fermented foods, such as raw-milk cheese, have already been investigated for their rich microbial environment, especially for their organoleptic qualities. But studies remain limited regarding their effects on health and few metabolites of microbial origin have been identified. An efficient methodology was developed in this study to investigate the biological effect of raw-milk cheese, combining a chemical fractionation, to isolate the most metabolites from the cheese matrix, and anin vivobiological test usingCaenorhabditis elegans.C.eleganswas brought into contact with cheese extracts, obtained by means of chemical fractionation, and with freeze-dried whole cheese by supplementing the nematode growth medium. A longevity assay was performed to evaluate the effects of the extracts on the worms. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of the method developed to bring the worms into contact of the cheese extracts. The evaluation of the effects of the extracts on the longevity was possible. Some extracts showed a beneficial effect as extract W70 for example, obtained with water, which increases the mean lifespan by 16% and extends the longevity by 73% (p< 0.0001).

International audience; The increased recurrence of Candida albicans infections is associated with greater resistance to antifungal drugs. This involves the establishment of alternative therapeutic protocols , such as probiotic microorganisms whose antifungal potential has already been demonstrated using preclinical models (cell cultures, laboratory animals). Understanding the mechanisms of action of probiotic microorganisms has become a strategic need for the development of new therapeutics for humans. In this study, we investigated the prophylactic anti-C. albicans properties of Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr35 ® using the in vitro Caco-2 cell model and the in vivo Caenorhabditis elegans model. In Caco-2 cells, we showed that the strain Lcr35 ® significantly inhibited the growth (~2 log CFU.mL-1) and adhesion (150 to 6,300 times less) of the pathogen. Moreover, in addition to having a pro-longevity activity in the nematode (+42.9%, p = 3.56.10 −6), Lcr35 ® protects the animal from the fungal infection (+267% of survival, p < 2.10 −16) even if the yeast is still detectable in its intestine. At the mechanistic level, we noticed the repression of genes of the p38 MAPK signalling pathway and genes involved in the antifungal response induced by Lcr35 ® , suggesting that the pathogen no longer appears to be detected by the worm immune system. However, the DAF-16/ FOXO transcription factor, implicated in the longevity and antipathogenic response of C. ele-gans, is activated by Lcr35 ®. These results suggest that the probiotic strain acts by stimulating its host via DAF-16 but also by suppressing the virulence of the pathogen.

International audience

The increased recurrence ofCandida albicansinfections is associated with greater resistance to antifungal drugs. This involves the establishment of alternative therapeutic protocols such as the probiotic microorganisms whose antifungal potential has already been demonstrated using preclinical models (cell cultures, laboratory animals). Understanding the mechanisms of action of probiotic microorganisms has become a strategic need for the development of new therapeutics for humans. In this study, we investigated the prophylactic anti-Candida albicansproperties ofLactobacillus rhamnosusLcr35®using thein vitroCaco-2 cells model and thein vivo Caenorhabditis elegansmodel. On Caco-2 cells, we showed that the strain Lcr35®significantly inhibited the growth of the pathogen (~2 log CFU.mL−1) and its adhesion (150 to 6,300 times less). Moreover, on the top of having a prolongevity activity in the nematode, Lcr35®protects the animal from the fungal infection even if the yeast is still detectable in its intestine. At the mechanistic level, we noticed the repression of genes of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway and genes involved in the antifungal response induced by Lcr35®suggesting that the pathogen no longer appears to be detected by the worm immune system. However, the DAF-16 / FOXO transcription factor, implicated in the longevity and antipathogenic response ofC. elegans, is activated by Lcr35®. These results suggest that the probiotic strain acts by stimulating its host via DAF-16, but also by suppressing the virulence of the pathogen.

The vaginal microbiota balance is quite fragile and susceptible to the development of vaginosis and candidiasis. The current diagnostic method for bacterial vaginosis relies on the evaluation of different bacterial morphotypes using the Nugent score. This method is only partially in correlation with a DNA sequencing-based diagnostic or Amsel criteria used by clinicians, suggesting the need for new molecular approaches dedicated to the diagnosis of BV. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay for the specific and rapid detection of three vaginal pathogens, i.e. Candida, Gardnerella and Atopobium and the commensal Lactobacillus genera. For this purpose, four oligonucleotide primer pairs were designed and tested to obtain optimal amplification of the four target genera. The qPCR assay was also tested on the non-target genera and on human DNA. The designed primers allowed specific amplification of the target organisms in vitro and in clinical vaginal samples. The qPCR assay designed in this study is effective to specifically detect these genera in clinical samples as a molecular technique complementary to the Nugent score. It can be used in epidemiological studies for understanding the role of these pathogens and to follow their abundance in the microbiota in disease processes such as the development of vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis.

National audience; La levure Candida albicans est un pathogène opportuniste retrouvée dans la flore commensale de 80% de la population. Elle est l’agent d’un grand nombre d’infections digestives et gynécologiques appelées candidoses. La prise d’antifongique, bien qu’efficace, peut entrainer une dysbiose favorable à une récidive ultérieure. Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr35® est un probiotique dont les propriétés antimicrobiennes, notamment anti-C. albicans, ont été démontrées à la fois in vitro et lors d’essais cliniques. Cependant, les mécanismes moléculaires expliquant ces propriétés n’ont pas encore été décrits. L’objectif de ma thèse est d’identifier ces mécanismes en utilisant un modèle in vivo physiologiquement proche de l’Homme, le ver Caenorhabditis elegans.Ce nématode modèle sera présenté suivi des différentes stratégies expérimentales mises en œuvre : (i) l’étude du temps de vie en présence du probiotique ou du pathogène, (ii) l’étude des effets préventifs et curatifs du probiotique vis-à-vis d’une infection fongique puis (iii) des études omiques (transcriptomique et métabolomique).Les premiers résultats ont mis en évidence que Lcr35® induit un effet positif sur la durée de vie de C. elegans à l’inverse de C. albicans qui induit un effet négatif. De plus, un effet protecteur du probiotique vis-à-vis d’une infection à C. albicans est observé. En effet, en présence de Lcr35®, le nématode résiste à l’infection et voit son temps de vie augmenter. En perspective, une étude transcriptomique de la réponse globale du ver à l’administration du probiotique et/ou du pathogène est envisagée dans le but d’identifier les mécanismes moléculaires responsables des effets observés.

The beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria on human health are now widely acknowledged, and this has prompted growing interest in research and development in the pharmaceutical field. However, to be viable when they reach their target, the bacteria must be able to survive during the manufacturing process and the biological pathway. Tablet form best meets the requirements for protecting acid labile drugs, but the tableting process could be an additional stress for the bacteria. This study evaluated the initial effect of compression pressure on the Lcr35® strain in a vaginal (Lcr regenerans®) and an intestinal (Lcr restituo®) formulation. A stability study was also performed on the tablets and revealed a beneficial effect of this form. The obtained destruction rates (k) demonstrated that the bacterial stability was greater in tablets than in powders (kpowders>ktablets). A new mathematical model was developed combining compression and temperature parameters to predict the bacterial viability at any pressure and time. Moreover, the genetic profile of Lcr35® (Rep-PCR, microarrays), its resistance to acidity and its ability to inhibit Candidaalbicans growth, after compression, were determined to evaluate the target product profile (TPP) in a Quality by Design (QbD) approach. The Rep-PCR analysis validated the strain identity and the microarrays demonstrated the genetic stability of Lcr35® strain after compaction. Additionally, ability to inhibit the C. albicans growth was maintained and the resistance to gastric conditions of Lcr35® was even improved by tableting. As a dosage form, tablets containing probiotic can guarantee that an adequate amount of bacteria reaches the therapeutic target (intestinal or vaginal) and that the product remains stable until the time of consumption.

The bio-preservation potential of Lactococcus garvieae lies in its capacity to inhibit the growth of staphylococci, especially Staphylococcus aureus, in dairy products and in vitro. In vitro, inhibition is modulated by the level of aeration, owing to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production by L. garvieae under aeration. The S. aureus response to this inhibition has already been studied. However, the molecular mechanisms of L. garvieae underlying the antagonism against S. aureus have never been explored. This study provides evidence of the presence of another extracellular inhibition effector in vitro. This effector was neither a protein, nor a lipid, nor a polysaccharide, nor related to an L-threonine deficiency. To better understand the H2O2-related inhibition mechanism at the transcriptome level and to identify other mechanisms potentially involved, we used RNA sequencing to determine the transcriptome response of L. garvieae to different aeration levels and to the presence or absence of S. aureus. The L. garvieae transcriptome differed radically between different aeration levels mainly in biological processes related to fundamental functions and nutritional adaptation. The transcriptomic response of L. garvieae to aeration level differed according to the presence or absence of S. aureus. The higher concentration of H2O2 with high aeration was not associated with a higher expression of L. garvieae H2O2-synthesis genes (pox, sodA, and spxA1) but rather with a repression of L. garvieae H2O2-degradation genes (trxB1, ahpC, ahpF, and gpx). We showed that L. garvieae displayed an original, previously undiscovered, H2O2 production regulation mechanism among bacteria. In addition to the key factor H2O2, the involvement of another extracellular effector in the antagonism against S. aureus was shown. Future studies should explore the relation between H2O2-metabolism, H2O2-producing LAB and the pathogen they inhibit. The nature of the other extracellular effector should also be determined.

Probiotics are administered as complex manufactured products and yet most studies on probiotic bacterial strains have been performed with native culture strains. Little is known about the influence of industrial processes on the properties of the microorganisms. In this study, we comparatively assessed the characteristics of the probiotic bacterial strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lcr35(®)) together with four of its commercial formulations, including three intestinal formulas (BACILOR with Lcr Restituo(®) packet and capsule and FLOREA Lcr Lenio(®)) and one vaginal formula (GYNOPHILUS Lcr Regenerans(®)). Lcr35(®) grown from the intestinal formulas displayed increased resistance to acidic pH and bile stress, especially FLOREA (Lcr Lenio(®)), which showed a 4.5log higher number of viable bacteria compared to the results obtained with the control native Lcr35(®) strain. Adhesion to intestinal cells was significantly higher with Lcr Restituo(®) packet and Lcr Restituo(®) capsule vs Lcr35(®). Bacteria from the vaginal formulation GYNOPHILUS had increased ability to metabolize glycogen thereby increasing lactic acid production. In vitro growth inhibition of the pathogen Candida albicans was significantly higher with bacteria from the vaginal formulation (4.5 log difference) and in the presence of vaginal epithelial cells than with the native strain. Our results show that the manufacturing process influences strain properties and should therefore be adapted according to the strain and the therapeutic indication.

International audience; Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF), a powerful factor involved in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, is translationally regulated through 2 independent internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs A and B). IRESs enable an mRNA to be translated under conditions in which 5'-cap-dependent translation is inhibited, such as low oxygen stress. In the VEGF mRNA, IRES A influences translation at the canonical AUG codon, whereas the 5' IRES B element regulates initiation at an upstream, in frame CUG. In this study, we have developed transgenic mice expressing reporter genes under the control of these 2 IRESs. We reveal that although these IRESs display low activity in embryos and adult tissues, they permit efficient translation at early time points in ischemic muscle, a stress under which cap-dependent translation is inhibited. These results demonstrate the in vivo efficacy of the VEGF IRESs in response to a local environmental stress such as hypoxia.

Growth of the foodborne pathogen Staphylococcus aureus can be inhibited in milk and in cheese by the hydrogen peroxide-producing Lactococcus garvieae N201 dairy strain. Transcriptomic responses of two S. aureus strains, the S. aureus SA15 dairy strain and the MW2 human pathogenic strain, to this growth inhibition were investigated in Brain-Heart Infusion broth under a high or a low aeration level. We demonstrated that S. aureus MW2 had a higher resistance to L. garvieae inhibition under the high aeration level: this correlated to a higher survival under hydrogen peroxide exposure. Conversely, the two strains were similarly inhibited under the low aeration level. Expression of S. aureus genes involved in response to H2O2 or other stresses as well as in cell division was generally repressed by L. garvieae. However, differential expressions between the two S. aureus strains were observed, especially under the high aeration level. Additionally, expression of virulence-related genes (enterotoxins, regulatory genes) was modulated by L. garvieae depending on the aeration level and on the S. aureus strain. This study led to new insights into potential molecular mechanisms of S. aureus inhibition by Lactic Acid Bacteria via H2O2 production.

VEGF is a modifier of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in mice and humans and protects motoneurons against ischemic death.Lambrechts D, Storkebaum E, Morimoto M, Del-Favero J, Desmet F, Marklund SL, Wyns S, Thijs V, Andersson J, van Marion I, Al-Chalabi A, Bornes S, Musson R, Hansen V, Beckman L, Adolfsson R, Pall HS, Prats H, Vermeire S, Rutgeerts P, Katayama S, Awata T, Leigh N, Lang-Lazdunski L, Dewerchin M, Shaw C, Moons L, Vlietinck R, Morrison KE, Robberecht W, Van Broeckhoven C, Collen D, Andersen PM, Carmeliet P.The Center for Transgene Technology and Gene Therapy, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology and Department of Neurology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, KU Leuven, Leuven, B-3000, Belgium.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable degenerative disorder of motoneurons. We recently reported that reduced expression of Vegfa causes ALS-like motoneuron degeneration in Vegfa(delta/delta) mice. In a meta-analysis of over 900 individuals from Sweden and over 1,000 individuals from Belgium and England, we now report that subjects homozygous with respect to the haplotypes -2,578A/-1,154A/-634G or -2,578A/-1,154G/-634G in the VEGF promoter/leader sequence had a 1.8 times greater risk of ALS (P = 0.00004). These 'at-risk' haplotypes lowered circulating VEGF levels in vivo and reduced VEGF gene transcription, IRES-mediated VEGF expression and translation of a novel large-VEGF isoform (L-VEGF) in vivo. Moreover, SOD1(G93A) mice crossbred with Vegfa(delta/delta) mice died earlier due to more severe motoneuron degeneration. Vegfa(delta/delta) mice were unusually susceptible to persistent paralysis after spinal cord ischemia, and treatment with Vegfa protected mice against ischemic motoneuron death. These findings indicate that VEGF is a modifier of motoneuron degeneration in human ALS and unveil a therapeutic potential of Vegfa for stressed motoneurons in mice.

The influence of the industrial process on the properties of probiotics, administered as complex manufactured products, has been poorly investigated. In the present study, we comparatively assessed the cell wall characteristics of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr35® together with three of its commercial formulations with intestinal applications. Putative secreted and transmembrane-protein-encoding genes were initially searched in silico in the genome of L. rhamnosus Lcr35®. A total of 369 candidate genes were identified which expressions were followed using a custom Lactobacillus DNA chip. Among them, 60 or 67 genes had their expression either upregulated or downregulated in the Lcr Restituo® packet or capsule formulations, compared to the native Lcr35® strain. Moreover, our data showed that the probiotic formulations (Lcr Lenio®, Lcr restituo® capsule and packet) showed a better capacity to adhere to intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells than the native Lcr35® strain. Microbial (MATS) tests showed that the probiotic was an electron donor and that they were more hydrophilic than the native strain. The enhanced adhesion capacity of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to epithelial Caco-2 cells and their antipathogen effect could be due to this greater surface hydrophilic character. These findings suggest that the manufacturing process influences the protein composition and the chemical properties of the cell wall. It is therefore likely that the antipathogen effect of the formulation is modulated by the industrial process. Screening of the manufactured products' properties would therefore represent an essential step in evaluating the effects of probiotic strains.

International audience

The expression of costimulatory molecules such as CD70 or CD80 by gene-modified tumor cells has been shown to enhance the antitumor immune response based mainly on T lymphocytes. However, most human tumors show defects of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression, preventing them from being recognized by MHC-restricted T cells. To investigate if coexpression of CD70 and CD80 costimulatory molecules induces comparable antitumor responses in low and high MHC-expressing tumor cells, we used two low immunogenic murine tumor models, the B16.F10 melanoma and the TS/A mammary adenocarcinoma cell lines expressing, respectively, low and high levels of MHC class I molecules. Transfection of both CD70 and CD80 genes resulted in an increased capacity of gene-modified tumor cells to costimulate in vitro the proliferation and cytokine production of optimally activated lymphoid cells. Coexpression of CD70 and CD80 by the two tumor cell lines, TS/A and B16.F10, resulted in both cases in partial regression of subcutaneous tumors. Immunochemical analysis and studies in nude mice showed that, even in the B16.F10 model, T cells had a significant role in the antitumor response induced by combining CD70 and CD80. However, rejection of the CD70/CD80-transfected tumor cells appeared more effective in the MHC class I high TS/A model, leading to a protection against parental tumor cells. B16.F10 and TS/A transfectants were then tested with fibroblasts genetically modified to secrete interleukin-12 (IL-12) as a therapeutic vaccine in mice bearing parental tumors. In the two models tested, the injections of irradiated IL-12 and CD70/CD80 gene-modified cells generated an antitumor response to established tumors leading to the slowing down of the tumor growth rate. Although the mechanisms remain to be defined, these findings suggest that the combination of several immuno-modulatory molecules could provide additional strategies for cancer immuno-gene therapy, even for MHC expression-deficient tumors.

EA GenoSol CT3; International audience; High-quality annotation of microsporidian genomes is essential for understanding the biological processes that govern the development of these parasites. Here we present an improved structural annotation method using transcriptional DNA signals. We apply this method to re-annotate four previously annotated genomes, which allow us to detect annotation errors and identify a significant number of unpredicted genes. We then annotate the newly sequenced genome of Anncaliia algerae. A comparative genomic analysis of A. algerae permits the identification of not only microsporidian core genes, but also potentially highly expressed genes encoding membrane-associated proteins, which represent good candidates involved in the spore architecture, the invasion process and the microsporidian-host relationships. Furthermore, we find that the ten-fold variation in microsporidian genome sizes is not due to gene number, size or complexity, but instead stems from the presence of transposable elements. Such elements, along with kinase regulatory pathways and specific transporters, appear to be key factors in microsporidian adaptive processes.

The diversity of the microbial community on cow teat skin was evaluated using a culture-dependent method based on the use of different dairy-specific media, followed by the identification of isolates by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This was combined with a direct molecular approach by cloning and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This study highlighted the large diversity of the bacterial community that may be found on teat skin, where 79.8% of clones corresponded to various unidentified species as well as 66 identified species, mainly belonging to those commonly found in raw milk ( Enterococcus , Pediococcus , Enterobacter , Pantoea , Aerococcus , and Staphylococcus ). Several of them, such as nonstarter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB), Staphylococcus , and Actinobacteria , may contribute to the development of the sensory characteristics of cheese during ripening. Therefore, teat skin could be an interesting source or vector of biodiversity for milk. Variations of microbial counts and diversity between the farms studied have been observed. Moreover, Staphylococcus auricularis , Staphylococcus devriesei , Staphylococcus arlettae , Streptococcus bovis , Streptococcus equinus , Clavibacter michiganensis , Coprococcus catus , or Arthrobacter gandavensis commensal bacteria of teat skin and teat canal, as well as human skin, are not common in milk, suggesting that there is a breakdown of microbial flow from animal to milk. It would then be interesting to thoroughly study this microbial flow from teat to milk.

International audience; To determine how farming practices and the intrinsic characteristics of individual dairy cows can influence the composition of the microbial community on teat skin, sixteen dairy farms in the Cantal region of France were studied. Microbial groups of the teat skin of 6 dairy cows per farm were counted using 10 dairy-specific media. Farms were classed into three groups according to the milking hygiene practices, the litter and the forage. Cows were also classed into three groups according to individual characteristics. Teat hygiene seems to be the factor that causes the greatest changes in the level of microbial flora on the teat. Whatever the type of practice, rather young cows are associated with lower levels of microbial flora on the teat skin. The microbial community on cow teat skin belonging to 3 groups of farms was evaluated by combining a culture-dependent method and a direct molecular approach. The diversity of this microbial community was large as 79.8% of clones corresponded to unidentified and 66 identified species belonging to most of those commonly found in raw milk. Then teat skin is an interesting source or vector of biodiversity for milk.

Tumour cells are often sensitized by interferons to the effects of tumour necrosis factor-alpha-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). We have demonstrated previously that TRAIL has an inhibitory effect on protein synthesis [Jeffrey IW, Bushell M, Tilleray VJ, Morley SClemens MJ (2002) Cancer Res62, 2272-2280] and we have therefore examined the consequences of prior interferon-alpha treatment for the sensitivity of translation to inhibition by TRAIL. Interferon treatment alone has only a minor effect on protein synthesis but it sensitizes both MCF-7 cells and HeLa cells to the downregulation of translation by TRAIL. The inhibition of translation is characterized by increased phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor eIF2 and dephosphorylation of the eIF4E-binding protein 4E-BP1. Both of these effects, as well as the decrease in overall protein synthesis, require caspase-8 activity, although they precede overt apoptosis by several hours. Interferon-alpha enhances the level and/or the extent of activation of caspase-8 by TRAIL, thus providing a likely explanation for the sensitization of cells to the inhibition of translation.

The vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF) gene locus contains eight exons that span 14 kb. Alternative splicing generates multiple, different mRNAs that in turn translate into at least five protein isoforms. While the canonical AUG start codon is located at position 1039 in exon 1, there also exists an upstream, in-frame CUG initiation codon that drives expression of L-VEGF, containing an additional 180 amino acids. Two separate internal ribosome entry sites (IRES) regulate the activity of each initiation codon. Thus the 5′-UTR of VEGF, which comprises the majority of exon 1, consists of IRES B, the CUG, IRES A, and the AUG, from 5′ to 3′. Previously, it has been shown that IRES B regulates initiation at the CUG and IRES A regulates AUG usage. In this study, we have found evidence that the exon content of the VEGF mRNA, determined through alternative splicing, controls IRES A activity. While the CUG is most efficient at initiating translation, transcripts that lack both exons 6 and 7 and therefore contain an exon 5/8 junction lack AUG-initiated translation. The process of splicing is not responsible for this start codon selection since transfection of genomic and cDNA VEGF sequences give the same expression pattern. We hypothesize that long range tertiary interactions in the VEGF mRNA regulate IRES activity and thus control start codon selection. This is the first report describing the influence of alternatively spliced coding sequences on codon selection by modulating IRES activity.

The use of several translation initiation codons in a single mRNA, by expressing several proteins from a single gene, contributes to the generation of protein diversity. A small, yet growing, number of mammalian mRNAs initiate translation from a non-AUG codon, in addition to initiating at a downstream in-frame AUG codon. Translation initiation on such mRNAs results in the synthesis of proteins harbouring different amino terminal domains potentially conferring on these isoforms distinct functions. Use of non-AUG codons appears to be governed by several features, including the sequence context and the secondary structure surrounding the codon. Selection of the downstream initiation codon can occur by leaky scanning of the 43S ribosomal subunit, internal entry of ribosome or ribosomal shunting. The biological significance of non-AUG alternative initiation is demonstrated by the different subcellular localisations and/or distinct biological functions of the isoforms translated from the single mRNA as illustrated by the two main angiogenic factor genes encoding the fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Consequently, the regulation of alternative initiation of translation might have a crucial role for the biological function of the gene product.

We recently demonstrated that the very long 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA contains two independent internal ribosome entry sites (IRES A and B). In the human sequence, four potential CUG translation initiation codons are located in between these IRES and are in frame with the classical AUG start codon. By in vitro translation and COS-7 cell transfections, we demonstrate that a high mol wt VEGF isoform [called large VEGF (L-VEGF)] is generated by an alternative translation initiation process, which occurs at the first of these CUG codons. Using a bicistronic strategy, we show that the upstream IRES B controls the translation initiation of L-VEGF. This isoform is 206 amino acids longer than the classical AUG-initiated form. With a specific antibody raised against this NH2 extension, we show that the L-VEGF is present in different mouse tissues or in transfected COS-7 cells. We also demonstrate that L-VEGF is cleaved into two fragments: a 23-kDa NH2-specific fragment and a fragment with an apparent size similar to that of the classical AUG-initiated form. This cleavage requires the integrity of a hydrophobic sequence located in the central part of the L-VEGF molecule. This sequence actually plays the role of signal peptide in the classical AUG-initiated form. The AUG-initiated form and the COOH cleavage product of the L-VEGF are both secreted. In contrast, the large isoform and its NH2 fragment present an intracellular localization. These data unravel a further level of complexity in the regulation of VEGF expression.

Background Polycistronic retroviral vectors that contain several therapeutic genes linked via internal ribosome entry sites (IRES), provide new and effective tools for the co-expression of exogenous cDNAs in clinical gene therapy protocols. For example, tricistronic retroviral vectors could be used to genetically modify antigen presenting cells, enabling them to express different co-stimulatory molecules known to enhance tumor cell immunogenicity.

National audience

Natural products have always been a successful source of new drugs. Nowadays, the health sector (animal and human) is still looking for new compounds from natural resources, especially those which can exhibit a beneficial effect on the biological processes involved in the age-related affections (which have become a public health issue). The plants have already been investigating for this application. However, other natural resources, such as the microbial diversity, remain unexplored for the bioactivity of their compounds. The non-pathogenic microorganisms, especially those that can be found in fermented foods and drinks, could be considered as an interesting and innovative source of new metabolites that could exhibit beneficial effects. Among those fermented foods, the raw-milk cheese appears to have a great potential, as a source of new compounds, due to its rich microbial diversity. An innovative strategy was developed in this thesis with the aim of discovering new bioactive metabolites in a raw goat milk cheese. Several cheese extracts were obtained via an extraction method, which efficacity has been validated. The effect of the extracts on aging has been determined on in vitro and on in vivo models. Their impacts on the longevity of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and on its survival on an oxidative medium have been evaluated. Some extracts (freeze-dried cheese, apolar extract and three aqueous extracts) have demonstrated beneficials effects during these experiments. Moreover, two signalling pathways (DAF-2/ILR pathway and p38 MAPK pathway) were identified to be involved in the mechanisms of action of the extracts. In parallel, two extracts (apolar extract and an aqueous extract) demonstrated a capacity to reduce the ROS production in human leukocytes. Finally, the study of the chemical composition of the bioactive extracts has begun, with the aim of determining the compounds that could be responsible of the biological activity and deserve to be isolated and studied. All the results obtained during this thesis are promising. The study of the chemical composition of the extracts will be pursued, as well as the study of their biological activity, especially on other in vitro and in vivo models more specific to aging., Depuis toujours, l’Homme a eu recours à la nature pour subvenir à ses besoins. Aujourd’hui encore, le secteur de la santé (animale et humaine) s’intéresse aux ressources naturelles pour découvrir des principes actifs originaux permettant de développer de nouveaux traitements. Ce secteur est notamment à la recherche de nouvelles molécules pouvant lutter contre les processus biologiques impliqués dans les affections liées au vieillissement, qui induisent une problématique de santé publique. Bien que la bioressource végétale ait été la plus étudiée pour ses propriétés pharmacologiques, d’autres ressources naturelles restent à explorer, telle que la bioressource microbienne. Les microorganismes non pathogènes, notamment ceux régulièrement consommés au travers des aliments et boissons fermentés, représentent une source intéressante de métabolites potentiellement actifs sur ces processus. Parmi ces aliments, le fromage au lait cru présente un fort potentiel grâce à la richesse de sa biodiversité microbienne. Une stratégie innovante a été développée au cours de cette thèse pour rechercher des métabolites bioactifs dans un caillé lactique caprin. Cette stratégie a permis l’obtention de plusieurs extraits de fromage, à l’aide d’une méthode d’extraction dont l’efficacité a été validée. Le criblage de l’effet des extraits sur le vieillissement a ensuite été réalisé à l’aide de modèles biologiques in vitro et in vivo. Leurs impacts sur la longévité du modèle Caenorhabditis elegans et sur sa survie sur un milieu oxydant ont notamment été évalués. Plusieurs des extraits (fromage lyophilisé, extrait apolaire, 3 extraits aqueux différents) ont par ailleurs montré des effets bénéfiques au cours de ces expériences. Les voies biologiques impliquées dans l’action des extraits ont également pu être identifiées (voie DAF-2/ILR et voie p38 MAPK). En parallèle, deux extraits (extrait apolaire et un des extraits aqueux) ont induit une diminution de la production de radicaux libres dans un modèle de leucocytes humains. Enfin, l’étude de la composition des extraits ayant présenté des résultats bénéfiques a débuté, avec pour objectif de cibler, parmi toutes les molécules les composant, celles pouvant être porteuses de l’activité biologique. L’ensemble des résultats obtenus est prometteur, et encourage à poursuivre les études de la composition des extraits issus du fromage ainsi que de leurs activités biologiques, notamment sur des modèles plus spécifiques du vieillissement.

Antibiotics and antifungals are one of the greatest discoveries of medicine and have helped save millions of lives. However, their effectiveness is threatened by the adaptation of microorganisms that become resistant. This phenomenon is particularly related to the abnormally high consumption of antimicrobial molecules, especially in France. Even though these resistances are mainly acquired by bacteria, pathogenic yeasts such as the genus Candida do not escape the rule. Therefore, the scientific community and health services must implement as soon as possible alternatives to traditional drugs. Among these alternatives, the use of probiotic microorganisms whose antifungal potential has already been demonstrated using preclinical models (cell cultures, laboratory animals) and clinical studies is particularly promising. This is the case of the Live Biotherapeutic Microorganism Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr35® strain whose anti-C. albicans has been demonstrated in previous work but failed to describe the mechanisms of action. Understanding them has become a strategic need for the development of new treatments for humans.An innovative experimental approach, using the nematode model Caenorhabditis elegans, has been implemented. The aim was to simulate a fungal infection and treat it with Lcr35® using preventive and curative approaches. These were followed by means of tests of longevity and survival of the host, by the study of its transcriptome (in a targeted and global way), all in connection with the follow-up of the activity of a factor transcription, DAF-16. We thus demonstrated that Lcr35® induced a significantly increased survival of the host, including after infection by Candida. The analysis of the transcriptome of C. elegans and the use of mutant strains showed the involvement of the p38 MAPK and DAF-2 / DAF-16 signaling pathways, pathways involved in longevity and pathogen control. Also, in vitro Caco-2 intestinal cell assays showed significant inhibition of pathogen growth and adhesion by Lcr35®. These results suggest that the bacterium Lcr35® has a direct action on the pathogen causing its death but also by modulating the transcriptional response of the host via highly conserved signaling pathways. Further study, targeting the host metabolome, would allow a better understanding of the mechanisms and adapt the industrial design of LBM according to the therapeutic target., Les antibiotiques et antifongiques constituent une des plus grandes découvertes de la médecine et ont participé à sauver des millions de vie. Cependant, leur efficacité est menacée du fait de l’adaptation des microorganismes qui deviennent résistants à leurs actions. Ce phénomène est en particulier lié à la consommation anormalement élevée de molécules antimicrobiennes, notamment en France. En dépit du fait que ces résistances soient acquises majoritairement par des bactéries, les levures pathogènes comme le genre Candida n’échappent pas à la règle. Dès lors, la communauté scientifique et les services de santé doivent mettre en place au plus vite des alternatives aux médicaments traditionnels. Parmi ces alternatives, l'utilisation de microorganismes probiotiques dont le potentiel antifongique a déjà été démontré à l'aide de modèles précliniques (cultures cellulaires, animaux de laboratoire) et d'études cliniques est prometteuse. Ceci est notamment le cas du Live Biotherapeutic Microorganism Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr35® dont l’activité anti-C. albicans a été prouvée lors de travaux précédents sans toutefois parvenir à décrire les mécanismes d’actions. Les comprendre est devenu un besoin stratégique pour le développement de nouveaux traitements pour l'homme.Une approche expérimentale innovante, utilisant le modèle nématode Caenorhabditis elegans, a été mise en œuvre. Celle-ci visait à simuler une infection fongique et à évaluer l’effet de Lcr35® par des approches préventive et curative. Les impacts ont été suivis au moyen de tests de longévité et de survie de l’hôte ainsi que par l’étude de son transcriptome (de manière ciblée et globale), le tout en lien avec le niveau d’activité d’un facteur de transcription central, DAF-16. Nous avons ainsi démontré que Lcr35® induisait une survie significativement augmentée de l’hôte y compris après infection par Candida. L’analyse du transcriptome de C. elegans et l’utilisation de souches mutantes ont montré l’implication des voies de signalisations p38 MAPK et DAF-2/DAF-16 impliquées dans la longévité et la lutte anti-pathogène. De plus, des tests in vitro sur cellules intestinales Caco-2 ont montré une inhibition significative de la croissance et de l’adhésion du pathogène par Lcr35®. Ces résultats suggèrent que la bactérie Lcr35® a une action directe sur le pathogène en entraînant sa mort, mais également en modulant la réponse transcriptionnelle de l’hôte via des voies de signalisation hautement conservées. Une étude plus approfondie, ciblant notamment le métabolome de l’hôte permettrait une compréhension plus fine des mécanismes afin d’adapter le criblage et la conception industrielle de LBM selon la cible thérapeutique.