Project description:The Notch signalling pathway plays fundamental roles in diverse developmental processes in metazoans, where it is important in driving cell fate and directing differentiation of various cell types. However, we still have limited knowledge about the role of Notch in early preimplantation stages of mammalian development, or how it interacts with other signalling pathways active at these stages such as Hippo. By using genetic and pharmacological tools in vivo, together with image analysis of single embryos and pluripotent cell culture, we have found that Notch is active from the 4-cell stage. Transcriptomic analysis in single morula identified novel Notch targets, such as early naïve pluripotency markers or transcriptional repressors such as TLE4. Our results reveal a previously undescribed role for Notch in driving transitions during the gradual loss of potency that takes place in the early mouse embryo prior to the first lineage decisions.
Project description:The Notch signalling pathway plays fundamental roles in diverse developmental processes in metazoans, where it is important in driving cell fate and directing differentiation of various cell types. However, we still have limited knowledge about the role of Notch in early preimplantation stages of mammalian development, or how it interacts with other signalling pathways active at these stages such as Hippo. By using genetic and pharmacological tools in vivo, together with image analysis of single embryos and pluripotent cell culture, we have found that Notch is active from the 4-cell stage. Transcriptomic analysis in single morula identified novel Notch targets, such as early naïve pluripotency markers or transcriptional repressors such as TLE4. Our results reveal a previously undescribed role for Notch in driving transitions during the gradual loss of potency that takes place in the early mouse embryo prior to the first lineage decisions.
Project description:The NOTCH signaling pathway plays an important role in regulating various biological processes, including cell proliferation, lineage specification and apoptosis. Multiple components of the NOTCH pathway have been identified in mammalian preimplantation embryos. However, the precise role of NOTCH pathway in early embryonic development is poorly understood, especially in domestic animals. Here, we show that key transcripts of the NOTCH pathway exhibit a dynamic pattern throughout early embryonic development with an abundant level before embryonic genome activation in cattle. We also confirmed the presence of active NOTCH1 and RBPJ. By using pharmacological and RNAi tools, we demonstrated that the NOTCH pathway is required for the proper development of bovine early embryos. This functional consequence could be partly attributed to the major transcriptional mediator-RBPJ, whose deficiency also compromised the embryo quality. Indeed, we observed a significant increase of histone H3 serine 10 phosphorylation (pH3S10, a mitosis marker) positive blastomeres in not only NOTCH1 depleted embryos but RBPJ depleted ones. Importantly, RNA-seq analysis revealed that either NOTCH1 or RBPJ depletion triggers a reduction in H1FOO that encodes the oocyte-specific linker histone H1 variant. Interestingly, depleting H1FOO also results in detrimental effects on the developmental competence of early embryos, similar with NOTCH1 inhibition. Overall, our results reveal a crucial role for NOTCH pathway in regulating bovine preimplantation development, likely by controlling cell proliferation and maintaining H1FOO expression.
Project description:The primary objective of the two phase PERMAD trial is the evaluation of the impact of a personalized marker-driven treatment approach with early detection of progression and modification of treatment on cytokines and angiogenic factors (CAF) and efficacy.
In regard of the two parts, the primary objective of the run-in phase (n=50 patients) with conventional switch of chemotherapy together with the anti-angiogenic agent is the determination of a distinct cytokines and angiogenic factor (CAF) profile during treatment with FOLFOX and bevacizumab, which allows early detection/prediction of progressive disease. The primary objective of the marker-driven randomized part (n=150 patients) with marker-driven switch of antiangiogenic agent and maintenance of chemotherapy is the evaluation of the efficacy of an early marker-driven switch of anti-angiogenic treatment (bevacizumab to aflibercept)
This is a multicentre, multinational, open labeled, prospective, randomized, controlled phase II study designed to assess the clinical utility of an early marker driven change of anti-angiogenic treatment (bevacizumab to aflibercept) maintaining the chemotherapy backbone until definite radiological progression in first line treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. After completing the run in phase of the study, with at least 30 patients completing their first line treatment (due to progression, secondary resection or toxicity) and being evaluable for CAF analyses, the results will be reviewed by an Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC). Based on that review the decision to continue with, modify or cancel the randomized part will be made.
The primary endpoint of the run-in phase with conventional switch of chemotherapy together with the anti-angiogenic agent is:
• Progression free survival (PFS1) of first line treatment
The primary endpoint of the randomized part with marker-driven switch of antiangiogenic agent and maintenance of chemotherapy is:
• Progression free survival rate at 6 months (PFSR@6) after first cycle after randomization.