Guido Kroemer

Bio: Guido Kroemer is an academic researcher from Institut Gustave Roussy. The author has contributed to research in topics: Programmed cell death & Autophagy. The author has an hindex of 236, co-authored 1404 publications receiving 246571 citations. Previous affiliations of Guido Kroemer include Karolinska Institutet & Spanish National Research Council.

Molecular characteristics of immunogenic cancer cell death.

Abstract: Apoptotic cell death is initiated by a morphologically homogenous entity that was considered to be non-immunogenic and non-inflammatory in nature. However, recent advances suggest that apoptosis, under certain circumstances, can be immunogenic. In particular, some characteristics of the plasma membrane, acquired at preapoptotic stage, can cause immune effectors to recognize and attack preapoptotic tumor cells. The signals that mediate the immunogenicity of tumor cells involve elements of the DNA damage response (such as ataxia telangiectasia mutated and p53 activation), elements of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response (such as eukaryotic initiation factor 2alpha phosphorylation), as well as elements of the apoptotic response (such as caspase activation). Depending on the signal-transduction pathway, tumor cells responding to chemotherapy or radiotherapy can express 'danger' and 'eat me' signals on the cell surface (such as NKG2D ligands, heat-shock proteins and calreticulin) or can secrete/release immunostimulatory factors (such as cytokines and high-mobility group box 1) to stimulate innate immune effectors. Likewise, the precise sequence of such events influences the 'decision' of the immune system to mount a cognate response or not. We therefore anticipate that the comprehension of the mechanisms governing the immunogenicity of cell death will have a profound impact on the design of anticancer therapies.

A novel dendritic cell subset involved in tumor immunosurveillance.

Abstract: The interferon (IFN)-γ–induced TRAIL effector mechanism is a vital component of cancer immunosurveillance by natural killer (NK) cells in mice1,2. Here we show that the main source of IFN-γ is not the conventional NK cell but a subset of B220+Ly6C− dendritic cells, which are atypical insofar as they express NK cell-surface molecules. Upon contact with a variety of tumor cells that are poorly recognized by NK cells, B220+NK1.1+ dendritic cells secrete high levels of IFN-γ and mediate TRAIL-dependent lysis of tumor cells. Adoptive transfer of these IFN-producing killer dendritic cells (IKDCs) into tumor-bearing Rag2−/−Il2rg−/− mice prevented tumor outgrowth, whereas transfer of conventional NK cells did not. In conclusion, we identified IKDCs as pivotal sensors and effectors of the innate antitumor immune response.

Mitochondrial Control of Cellular Life, Stress, and Death

Abstract: Since the discovery that mitochondrial membrane permeabilization represents a critical step in the regulation of intrinsic apoptosis, mitochondria have been viewed as pluripotent organelles, controlling cell death as well as several aspects of cell survival. Mitochondria constitute the most prominent source of ATP and are implicated in multiple anabolic and catabolic circuitries. In addition, mitochondria coordinate cell-wide stress responses, such as autophagy, and control nonapoptotic cell death routines, such as regulated necrosis. Thus, mitochondria seem to regulate a continuum of cellular functions, spanning from physiological metabolism to stress responses and death. The involvement of mitochondria in both vital and lethal processes is crucial for both embryonic and postembryonic development, as well as for the maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis. In line with this notion, primary mitochondrial defects or alterations in the signaling pathways that converge on or emanate from mitochondria underpin a large number of human diseases, including premature aging, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms that enable mitochondria to sustain cell survival, coordinate stress responses, and mediate cell death, linking these pathways--whenever relevant--to cardiovascular health and disease.

Role of the c subunit of the FO ATP synthase in mitochondrial permeability transition

Abstract: The term "mitochondrial permeability transition" (MPT) refers to an abrupt increase in the permeability of the inner mitochondrial membrane to low molecular weight solutes. Due to osmotic forces, MPT is paralleled by a massive influx of water into the mitochondrial matrix, eventually leading to the structural collapse of the organelle. Thus, MPT can initiate mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP), promoting the activation of the apoptotic caspase cascade as well as of caspase-independent cell death mechanisms. MPT appears to be mediated by the opening of the so-called "permeability transition pore complex" (PTPC), a poorly characterized and versatile supramolecular entity assembled at the junctions between the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes. In spite of considerable experimental efforts, the precise molecular composition of the PTPC remains obscure and only one of its constituents, cyclophilin D (CYPD), has been ascribed with a crucial role in the regulation of cell death. Conversely, the results of genetic experiments indicate that other major components of the PTPC, such as voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT), are dispensable for MPT-driven MOMP. Here, we demonstrate that the c subunit of the FO ATP synthase is required for MPT, mitochondrial fragmentation and cell death as induced by cytosolic calcium overload and oxidative stress in both glycolytic and respiratory cell models. Our results strongly suggest that, similar to CYPD, the c subunit of the FO ATP synthase constitutes a critical component of the PTPC.

Control of autophagy by oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.

Abstract: Multiple oncogenes (in particular phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, PI3K; activated Akt1; antiapoptotic proteins from the Bcl-2 family) inhibit autophagy. Similarly, several tumor suppressor proteins (such as BH3-only proteins; death-associated protein kinase-1, DAPK1; the phosphatase that antagonizes PI3K, PTEN; tuberous sclerosic complex 1 and 2, TSC1 and TSC2; as well as LKB1/STK11) induce autophagy, meaning that their loss reduces autophagy. Beclin-1, which is required for autophagy induction acts as a haploinsufficient tumor suppressor protein, and other essential autophagy mediators (such as Atg4c, UVRAG and Bif-1) are bona fide oncosuppressors. One of the central tumor suppressor proteins, p53 exerts an ambiguous function in the regulation of autophagy. Within the nucleus, p53 can act as an autophagy-inducing transcription factor. Within the cytoplasm, p53 exerts a tonic autophagy-inhibitory function, and its degradation is actually required for the induction of autophagy. The role of autophagy in oncogenesis and anticancer therapy is contradictory. Chronic suppression of autophagy may stimulate oncogenesis. However, once a tumor is formed, autophagy inhibition may be a therapeutic goal for radiosensitization and chemosensitization. Altogether, the current state-of-the art suggests a complex relationship between cancer and deregulated autophagy that must be disentangled by further in-depth investigation.

疟原虫var基因转换速率变化导致抗原变异[英]／Paul H, Robert P, Christodoulou Z, et al//Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

Abstract: 抗原变异可使得多种致病微生物易于逃避宿主免疫应答。表达在感染红细胞表面的恶性疟原虫红细胞表面蛋白1（PfPMP1）与感染红细胞、内皮细胞、树突状细胞以及胎盘的单个或多个受体作用，在黏附及免疫逃避中起关键的作用。每个单倍体基因组var基因家族编码约60种成员，通过启动转录不同的var基因变异体为抗原变异提供了分子基础。

Apoptosis: A Review of Programmed Cell Death

Abstract: The process of programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is generally characterized by distinct morphological characteristics and energy-dependent biochemical mechanisms. Apoptosis is considered a vital component of various processes including normal cell turnover, proper development and functioning of the immune system, hormone-dependent atrophy, embryonic development and chemical-induced cell death. Inappropriate apoptosis (either too little or too much) is a factor in many human conditions including neurodegenerative diseases, ischemic damage, autoimmune disorders and many types of cancer. The ability to modulate the life or death of a cell is recognized for its immense therapeutic potential. Therefore, research continues to focus on the elucidation and analysis of the cell cycle machinery and signaling pathways that control cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. To that end, the field of apoptosis research has been moving forward at an alarmingly rapid rate. Although many of the key apoptotic proteins have been identified, the molecular mechanisms of action or inaction of these proteins remain to be elucidated. The goal of this review is to provide a general overview of current knowledge on the process of apoptosis including morphology, biochemistry, the role of apoptosis in health and disease, detection methods, as well as a discussion of potential alternative forms of apoptosis.

The blockade of immune checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy

Abstract: Immune checkpoints refer to the plethora of inhibitory pathways that are crucial to maintaining self-tolerance. Tumour cells induce immune checkpoints to evade immunosurveillance. This Review discusses the progress in targeting immune checkpoints, the considerations for combinatorial therapy and the potential for additional immune-checkpoint targets.