Martine Peter

Bio: Martine Peter is an academic researcher from Curie Institute. The author has contributed to research in topics: Chromosome 22 & Gene. The author has an hindex of 27, co-authored 40 publications receiving 4806 citations. Previous affiliations of Martine Peter include Institut Gustave Roussy.

Gene fusion with an ETS DNA-binding domain caused by chromosome translocation in human tumours

Abstract: Ewing's sarcoma and related subtypes of primitive neuroectodermal tumours share a recurrent and specific t(11;22) (q24;q12) chromosome translocation, the breakpoints of which have recently been cloned. Phylogenetically conserved restriction fragments in the vicinity of EWSR1 and EWSR2, the genomic regions where the breakpoints of chromosome 22 and chromosome 11 are, respectively, have allowed identification of transcribed sequences from these regions and has indicated that a hybrid transcript might be generated by the translocation. Here we use these fragments to screen human complementary DNA libraries to show that the translocation alters the open reading frame of an expressed gene on chromosome 22 gene by substituting a sequence encoding a putative RNA-binding domain for that of the DNA-binding domain of the human homologue of murine Fli-1.

A new member of the ETS family fused to EWS in Ewing tumors

Abstract: As a result of chromosome translocations, the EWS gene is fused to a variety of transcription factors in human solid neoplasia. In Ewing tumors EWS can be fused to four different members of the ETS family, namely FLI-1, ERG, ETV1 and E1AF. We have identified a new member of the ETS family, called FEV, which is fused to EWS in a subset of Ewing tumors. FEV encodes a 238 amino acid protein which contains an ETS DNA binding domain closely related to that of FLI-1 and ERG. However, the N-terminal portion of FEV is only 42 amino acids long which suggests that FEV is lacking important transcription regulatory domains contained in FLI-1 and ERG N-terminal parts. The C-terminal end of FEV is rich in alanine residues which may indicate that FEV is a transcription repressor. The FEV gene is encoded by three exons and is located on chromosome 2. FEV expression was only detected in adult prostate and small intestine but not in other adult nor in fetal tissues, thus indicating that FEV has a restricted expression pattern. Following a scheme similar to previously described translocations in Ewing tumors, a t(2;22) chromosome translocation fuses the N-terminal domain of EWS to the ETS DNA binding domain of FEV.

Cloning and characterization of the Ewing's sarcoma and peripheral neuroepithelioma t(11;22) translocation breakpoints.

Abstract: Ewing's sarcoma (ES) and peripheral neuroepithelioma (PN) are related tumors, possibly of neural crest origin, which are cytogenetically characterized by the specific translocation t(11;22)(q24;q 12). The cos5 locus, previously identified in the vicinity of the chromosome 22 breakpoint of this translocation, was shown by in situ hybridization on interphase nuclei to lie between VIIIF2 and LIF, two loci located on either side of the breakpoint and at a distance of less than 2,000 kb. The progressive expansion of this locus by chromosome walking led to the construction of a 300 kb contig, which finally crossed the breakpoint. The subsequent cloning of the two translocation junction fragments of a PN, followed by the molecular characterization of the translocation breakpoints of 20 ES and PN, showed that most chromosome 22 breakpoints are clustered within a small, 2 kb region. In contrast, the chromosome 11 breakpoints are scattered over a region of at least 40 kb. The translocation leads to the synthesis of a chimeric transcript that links sequences from chromosomes 22 and 11. Finally, no evidence was found of any specific difference in the position of ES and PN translocation breakpoints.

Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin: pathological and molecular evidence for a causative role of MCV in oncogenesis.

Abstract: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a skin tumour with neuroendocrine features, was recently found to be associated with a new type of human polyomavirus, called Merkel cell virus (MCV). We investigated the specificity of this association as well as a causal role of MCV in oncogenesis. DNA and RNA from ten cases of MCC were analysed using PCR and RT-PCR. DNA from 1241 specimens of a wide range of human tumours was also analysed. The DIPS technique was used to identify the integration locus of viral DNA sequences. Array CGH was performed to analyse structural alterations of the cell genome. MCV DNA sequences were found in all ten cases of MCC and in none of the 1241 specimens of other tumour types. Clonal integration of MCV into the host genome was seen in all MCC cases and was checked by FISH in one case. A recurrent pattern of conserved viral sequences which encompassed the replication origin, the small tumour (ST), and the 5' part of the large tumour (LT) antigen DNA sequences was observed. Both ST and LT viral sequences were found to be significantly expressed in all MCCs. Neither recurrent site of integration nor alteration of cellular genes located near the viral sequences was observed. The tight association of MCV with MCC, the clonal pattern of MCV integration, and the expression of the viral oncoproteins strongly support a causative role for MCV in the tumour process. This information will help the development of novel approaches for the assessment and therapy of MCC and biologically related tumours.

Oncogenic conversion of a novel orphan nuclear receptor by chromosome translocation

Abstract: A recurrent t(9;22) (q22;q12) chromosome translocation has been described in extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC). Fluorescent in situ hybridization experiments performed on one EMC tumour indicated that the chromosome 22 breakpoint occurred in the EWS gene. Northern blot analysis revealed an aberrant EWS transcript which is cloned by a modified RT-PCR procedure. This transcript consists of an in-frame fusion of the 5' end of EWS to a previously unidentified gene, which was named TEC. This fusion transcript was detected in six of eight EMC studied, and three different junction types between the two genes were found. In all junction types, the putative translation product contained the amino-terminal transactivation domain of EWS linked to the entire TEC protein. Homology analysis showed that the predicted TEC protein contains a DNA-binding domain characteristic of nuclear receptors. The highest identity scores were observed with the NURR1 family of orphan nuclear receptors. These receptors are involved in the control of cell proliferation and differentiation by modulating the response to growth factors and retinoic acid. This work provides, after the PML/RAR alpha gene fusion, the second example of the oncogenic conversion of a nuclear receptor and the first example involving the orphan subfamily. Analysis of the disturbance induced by the EWS/TEc protein in the nuclear receptor network and their target genes may lead to new approaches for EMC treatment.

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。

“Bioinformatics” 특집을 내면서

Abstract: BIOE 402. Medical Technology Assessment. 2 or 3 hours. Bioentrepreneur course. Assessment of medical technology in the context of commercialization. Objectives, competition, market share, funding, pricing, manufacturing, growth, and intellectual property; many issues unique to biomedical products. Course Information: 2 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above and consent of the instructor.

Revisions of the international criteria for neuroblastoma diagnosis, staging, and response to treatment.

Abstract: PURPOSE AND METHODS: Based on preliminary experience, there was a need for modifications and clarifications in the International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS) and International Neuroblastoma Response Criteria (INRC). In 1988, a proposal was made to establish an internationally accepted staging system for neuroblastoma, as well as consistent criteria for confirming the diagnosis and determining response to therapy (Brodeur GM, et al: J Clin Oncol 6:1874-1881, 1988). A meeting was held to review experience with the INSS and INRC and to revise or clarify the language and intent of the originally proposed criteria. Substantial changes included a redefinition of the midline, restrictions on age and bone marrow involvement for stage 4S, and the recommendation that meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scanning be implemented for evaluating the extent of disease. Other modifications and clarifications of the INSS and INRC are presented. In addition, the criteria for the diagnosis of neuroblastoma were modified. ...