OZ Biosciences (France)

Summary Normal and cancer cells accumulate lipid droplets (LDs) under stress to buffer lipotoxicity, but their role in regulated cell death (RCD) remains incompletely understood. Here, we explored LD accumulation across diverse apoptotic and non-apoptotic RCD modalities in human cancer cells and Drosophila germ cells. We found that LD accumulation arises from de novo LD biogenesis, whereas LD lipolysis remains active—or even enhanced—in dying germ cells and cancer cells, respectively. In Drosophila, LD accumulation in the Brummer lipase mutant inhibited germ cell death, indicating a protective function. Proteomic and imaging analyses revealed a broad redistribution of LD-associated proteins, encompassing lipid metabolism and stress response factors, as well as the pro-apoptotic effector Bax in human cancer cells. Enhanced LD–mitochondria contacts promoted active Bax translocation from mitochondria to LDs, thereby delaying apoptosis execution. Conversely, depletion of LDs sensitized cells to Bax- or truncated Bid-induced apoptosis. Collectively, these findings define LD accumulation during cell death as a delaying mechanism in which LDs sequester mitochondrial cell death regulators, attenuating their pro-death activity and revealing potential therapeutic implications for apoptosis-resistant cancers.

IntroductionTobacco addiction remains a major public health challenge. Existing smoking cessation treatments require prolonged daily use with potentially poor adherence and reduced efficacy.MethodsThe phase II study was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with a 1-year follow-up to assess the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of NFL-101 as a potential aid for smoking cessation. A total of 318 adult daily smokers were randomized to receive subcutaneous injections of NFL-101-100 μg, NFL-101-200 μg, or placebo on day 1 and day 8. The primary outcome was 6-week post-quit 28-day continuous abstinence (CA, day 15–day 43), validated by exhaled CO.ResultsCO verified 6-week post-quit CA was: NFL-101-100 μg: 31/108 (28.7%), 200 μg: 23/109 (21.1%), and placebo: 18/101 (17.8%), NFL-101-100 μg vs placebo, RR = 1.61, p = .063, and 200 μg vs placebo RR = 1.18, p = .5492. CA, when urinary cotinine was used, was: 26/108 (24.1%) for NFL-101-100 μg, 18/109 (16.5%) for 200 μg, and 13/101 (12.9%) for placebo. NFL-101-100 μg vs placebo showed an RR = 1.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02 to 3.44, p = .0378 and 200 μg vs placebo was RR = 1.28, 95%CI: 0.66 to 2.48, p = .4572. If individuals who used NRTs and/or e-cigarettes were classified as non-abstinent, then 29/108 (26.9%) were abstainers for NFL-101-100 μg and 14/101 (13.9%) for placebo (p = .0203). NFL-101-100 μg RR remained stable between 28 days and 12 months. At day 43, NFL-101-100 μg reduced craving (p < .05), with no significant difference for withdrawal symptoms. Abstainers experienced greater increases in anti-NFL-101-IgG concentrations compared to non-abstainers (p < .009). NFL-101 was well-tolerated.ConclusionsAlthough the prespecified primary endpoint was not statistically significant, if the primary outcome had been defined as nicotine abstinence, the results would have reached statistical significance. Efficacy, craving reduction, and minimal dosing regimen of NFL-101-100 μg support its potential as a promising smoking cessation therapy.ImplicationsIn this multicenter randomized clinical trial that included 318 smokers, effect sizes between groups were sufficiently large to suggest a meaningful clinical effect. NFL-101 at a dose of 100 μg increased 6-week post-quit 28-day continuous smoking abstinence that was confirmed by urinary cotinine concentrations and reduced craving, suggesting psychological benefits that could mitigate relapse risks. Abstainers experienced a significant increase in anti-NFL-101 IgG concentrations compared to those who continued to smoke.Findings from the present study offer support for an entirely new category of treatment that acts through immune modulation. Additional strengths include a subcutaneous route of administration in the form of two injections spaced a week apart (thus, enhances treatment adherence) and has demonstrated a safe profile with minimal adverse effects. These results support a follow-up phase III clinical trial.

The utilization of modified FOLFIRINOX (mFFX) therapy has shown notable advancements in patient outcomes in both localized and metastatic PDAC. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of mFFX treatment comes at the cost of elevated toxicity, leading to its restriction to patients with adequate performance status. Consequently, the administration of mFFX is contingent upon patient performance rather than rational criteria. The ideal scenario would involve the ability to assess the sensitivity of each drug within the mFFX regimen, minimizing unnecessary toxicity without compromising clinical benefits. We developed transcriptomic signatures for each drug of the mFFX regimen (5FU, oxaliplatin and irinotecan) by integrating transcriptomic data from PDC, PDO and PDX with their corresponding chemo-response profiles to capture the biological components responsible for the response to each drug. We further validated the signatures in a cohort of 167 patients with advanced and metastatic PDAC. All three signatures captured high responder patients for OS and PFS in the mFFX arm exclusively. We then studied the response of patients to 0, 1, 2 and 3 drugs and we identified a positive correlation between the number of drugs predicted as sensitive and the OS and PFS, and the with objective response rate. We developed three novel transcriptome-based signatures which define sensitivity for each mFFX components that can be used to rationalize the administration of the mFFX regimen in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer and could help to avoid unnecessary toxic effects.

Abstract Background and AimsNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease and related hepatic syndromes affect up to one third of the adult population. The molecular mechanisms underlying NAFL etiology remain elusive. Nuclear Protein 1 (NUPR1) expression increases upon cell injury in all organs and recently we report its active participation in the activation of the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). The UPR typically maintains protein homeostasis, but downstream mediators of the pathway regulate metabolic functions, including lipid metabolism. NUPR1 and UPR increase have been reported in obesity and liver pathologies and the goal of this study was to investigate the roles of NUPR1 in this context.MethodsWe used patient-derived liver biopsies andin vitroandin vivoNUPR1 loss of functions models. First, we analysed NUPR1 expression in a cohort of morbidly obese patients (MOPs), with either simple fatty liver (NAFL) or more severe steatohepatitis (NASH). Next, we explored the metabolic roles of NUPR1 in wild type (Nupr1+/+) orNupr1knockout mice (Nupr1-/-) fedad libitumwith a high fat diet (HFD) for up to 15 weeks.ResultsNUPR1 expression is inversely correlated to hepatic steatosis progression. We found that NUPR1 participates in the activation of PPAR-α signalling via UPR. PPAR-α signalling, is involved in the maintenance of fat metabolism and proper lipid homeostasis and energy balance. As PPAR-α signalling is controlled by UPR, collectively, these findings suggest a novel function for NUPR1 in protecting liver from metabolic distress by controlling lipid homeostasis, possibly through the UPR.ObjectiveNon-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) disease and related hepatic syndromes affect up to one third of the adult population in industrialised and developing countries. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying NAFL etiology remain elusive. Nuclear Protein 1 (NUPR1) expression increases upon cell injury in all organs including the liver. Recently, we report NUPR1 actively participates in activation of the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). The UPR typically maintains protein homeostasis, but downstream mediators of the pathway regulate metabolic functions, including lipid metabolism. NUPR1 and UPR increase have been reported in obesity and liver pathologies and the goal of this study was to investigate the roles of NUPR1 in this context.DesignWe used patient-derived liver biopsies andin vitroandin vivoNUPR1 loss of functions models. First, we analysed NUPR1 expression in a cohort of morbidly obese patients (MOPs), with either simple fatty liver (NAFL) or more severe steatohepatitis (NASH). Next, we explored the metabolic roles of NUPR1 in wild type (Nupr1+/+) orNupr1knockout mice (Nupr1-/-) fedad libitumwith a high fat diet (HFD) for up to 15 weeks.ResultsNUPR1 expression is inversely correlated to hepatic steatosis progression. Mechanistically, we found NUPR1 participates in the activation of PPAR-α signalling via UPR. PPAR-α signalling, is involved in the maintenance of fat metabolism and proper lipid homeostasis and energy balance. As PPAR-α signalling is controlled by UPR, collectively, these findings suggest a novel function for NUPR1 in protecting liver from metabolic distress by controlling lipid homeostasis, possibly through the UPR.ConclusionsAs PPAR-α signalling is controlled by UPR, collectively, these findings suggest a novel function for NUPR1 in protecting liver from metabolic distress by controlling lipid homeostasis, possibly through the UPR.Lay summaryNUPR1 is activated during high caloric intake in both mice and patients. Decrease in expression or inhibition of NUPR1 worsens lipid deposition and hepatic damage.Graphical abstractHighlightsNUPR1 protects liver from high caloric intake hepatic damageThe function of NUPR1 in this context is to control the lipid homeostasis through the UPR and more specifically through PPAR-α signalling.NUPR1 could be used as a predictive marker for the gravity of NAFL progression. Moreover, as clinical interest is being raised around NUPR1 inhibitors to treat liver and pancreatic cancer, care should be taken in monitoring lipotoxic parameters.

Abstract PurposeTo develop a non‐invasive drug delivery system based on superparamagnetic nanoparticles (NP) for the treatment of retinal degeneration on Bardet‐Biedl syndrome (BBS). The delivery system will be used to deliver two small molecules, valproic acid (VPA) and Guanabenz (GBZ).MethodsA mixture of two NP (one loaded with VPA and other with GBZ) was applied as eyedrops on 14‐days old mice with the use of a magnetic field. The treatment was assessed in both wild type and a mice model for BBS (Bbs12−/−). The effects of the treatment were evaluated 2 weeks post treatment at 1‐month‐old. Retinal structure and function were analysed using electroretinogram recordings (ERG), histology and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).ResultsIn vitro studies showed no important toxic effects in cell cultures for retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE1) and 661W (murine photoreceptor precursor) after treatment with unloaded NP. Scotopic and photopic ERG recordings showed no toxic effect of the NP on photoreceptor (PR) function. TEM analysis indicated the presence of the NP in the PR layer of the retina after eyedrop application. TEM images showed a decrease in Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) dilatation. The treated group with loaded NP showed an increase in the thickness of the inner nuclear layer, outer nuclear layer, inner PR segment and outer PR segment.ConclusionsThese results highlight the potential for these NP for non‐invasive drug delivery to the retina. Both the presence of the NP and biological effect were shown in our mouse model. The VPA and GBZ combination has already shown decrease of cell death mediated by ER stress in the Bbs12−/− model. This is an unmet clinical need with no curative treatment for retinal ciliopathies. The possibility of delaying PR death would increase the therapeutic window of gene therapy potentially increasing its effectivity.

The advent of the genomic era has made elucidating gene function on a large scale a pressing challenge. ORFeome collections, whereby almost all ORFs of a given species are cloned and can be subsequently leveraged in multiple functional genomic approaches, represent valuable resources toward this endeavor. Here we provide novel, genome-scale tools for the study of Candida albicans, a commensal yeast that is also responsible for frequent superficial and disseminated infections in humans. We have generated an ORFeome collection composed of 5099 ORFs cloned in a Gateway™ donor vector, representing 83% of the currently annotated coding sequences of C. albicans. Sequencing data of the cloned ORFs are available in the CandidaOrfDB database at http://candidaorfeome.eu. We also engineered 49 expression vectors with a choice of promoters, tags and selection markers and demonstrated their applicability to the study of target ORFs transferred from the C. albicans ORFeome. In addition, the use of the ORFeome in the detection of protein–protein interaction was demonstrated. Mating-compatible strains as well as Gateway™-compatible two-hybrid vectors were engineered, validated and used in a proof of concept experiment. These unique and valuable resources should greatly facilitate future functional studies in C. albicans and the elucidation of mechanisms that underlie its pathogenicity.

Many sources of foreign or semi foreign cells, known as microchimerism (Mc), can be found in healthy individuals. We have recently shown in women with end stage renal disease (ESRD) that Mc frequencies and levels are exacerbated prior to kidney transplantation. Is Mc arising from pregnancy a protective factor for renal diseases explaining lower incidence in women? Is Mc helpful in slowing down disease progression? However, natural Mc is not the only actor as post blood transfusion Mc is also found at high levels in women with ESRD. The difficulty is therefore to distinguish the different types of Mc and this is made even more complicated when the recipient receives a potentially chimeric organ. What part does each source of chimerism play in disease and transplant fate, and can one decipher each role knowing that one chimerism may hide another?