Aurélien Bidaud

Bio: Aurélien Bidaud is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: GTPase & RHOA. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 90 citations.

Loss of miR-122 expression in liver cancer correlates with suppression of the hepatic phenotype and gain of metastatic properties.

Abstract: Growing evidence indicates that microRNAs have a significant role in tumor development and may constitute robust biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. In this study, we evaluated the clinical and functional relevance of microRNA-122 (miR-122) expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We report that miR-122 is specifically repressed in a subset of primary tumors that are characterized by poor prognosis. We further show that the loss of miR-122 expression in tumor cells segregates with specific gene expression profiles linked to cancer progression, namely the suppression of hepatic phenotype and the acquisition of invasive properties. We identify liver-enriched transcription factors as central regulatory molecules in the gene networks associated with loss of miR-122, and provide evidence suggesting that miR-122 is under the transcriptional control of HNF1A, HNF3A and HNF3B. We further show that loss of miR-122 results in an increase of cell migration and invasion and that restoration of miR-122 reverses this phenotype. In conclusion, miR-122 is a marker of hepatocyte-specific differentiation and an important determinant in the control of cell migration and invasion. From a clinical point of view, our study emphasizes miR-122 as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for HCC progression.

G protein-coupled receptors: novel targets for drug discovery in cancer

Abstract: G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) belong to a superfamily of cell surface signalling proteins that have a pivotal role in many physiological functions and in multiple diseases, including the development of cancer and cancer metastasis. Current drugs that target GPCRs - many of which have excellent therapeutic benefits - are directed towards only a few GPCR members. Therefore, huge efforts are currently underway to develop new GPCR-based drugs, particularly for cancer. We review recent findings that present unexpected opportunities to interfere with major tumorigenic signals by manipulating GPCR-mediated pathways. We also discuss current data regarding novel GPCR targets that may provide promising opportunities for drug discovery in cancer prevention and treatment.

Role of Rho GTPases and their regulators in cancer progression

Abstract: Rho family of GTPases is an ubiquitiously expressed and evolutionarily conserved family of GTP binding proteins that regulate actin dynamics and intracellular signaling. Among the Rho family GTPases, three members RhoA, Rac1 and CDC42 have been well characterized. They each play pivotal roles in gene expression, cell proliferation, apoptosis and various cellular functions. They are driven by signaling from RhoGDIs, RhoGEFs, RhoGAPs and cell surface receptors. Abnormalities in Rho GTPase function have major consequences on cell behavior. Over expression of Rho GTPases is associated with reorganization of actin cytoskeleton, an increase in cell migration, invasion and metastasis which are important aspects of cancer progression. This review will explore these Rho GTPases and the function of their associated signaling pathways in different types of cancers.