Jean-Michel Bidart | Paris Sud XI University (original) (raw)
Papers by Jean-Michel Bidart
Tumor Biology, Sep 26, 2013
Participants of the Second International Workshop (WS) on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) of t... more Participants of the Second International Workshop (WS) on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) of the International Society of Oncology and Biomarkers Tissue Differentiation 7 (ISOBM TD-7) have characterized in detail a panel of 69 antibodies (Abs) directed against hCG and hCG-related variants that were submitted by eight companies and research groups. Specificities of the Abs were determined using the First WHO International Reference Reagents for six hCG variants, i.e., hCG, hCGn, hCGβ, hCGβn, hCGβcf, and hCGα, which are calibrated in SI units, and hLH. Molecular epitope localizations were assigned to the ISOBM-mAbs by comparing ISOBM-Ab specificity, sandwich compatibility, and mutual inhibition profiles, to those of 17 reference monoclonal (m)Abs of known molecular epitope specificities. It appeared that 48 Abs recognized hCGβ-, 8 hCGα-, and 13 αβ-heterodimer-specific epitopes. Twenty-seven mAbs were of pan hCG specificity, two thereof with no (<0.1 %; epitope β 1), 12 with low (<1.0 %; epitopes β 2/4), and 13 with high (>>1 %; epitopes β 3/5) hLH cross-reactivity. The majority of hCGβ epitopes recognized were located in two major antigenic domains, one on the peptide chain of the tips of β-sheet loops 1 and 3 (epitopes β 2-6 ; 27 mAbs) and the second around the cystine knot (e.g., epitopes β 1 , β 7 , and β 10 ; 9 mAbs). Four mAbs recognized epitopes on hCGβcf-only (e.g., epitopes β 11 and β 13) and six mAbs epitopes on the remote hCGβcarboxyl-terminal peptide (epitopes β 8 and β 9 corresponding to amino acids 135-144 and 111-116, respectively). For routine diagnostic measurements, methods are used that either The International Society of Oncology and Biomarkers Tissue Differentiation (TD)-7 Workshop on hCG and Related Molecules.
Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1987
Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1988
British Journal of Cancer, 1998
Circulating neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and chromogranin A (CgA) were measured in 128 patients ... more Circulating neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and chromogranin A (CgA) were measured in 128 patients with neuroendocrine tumours (NET) to compare their sensitivity and specificity, to investigate factors associated with elevated serum levels and to determine the usefulness of these markers in the follow-up of NET patients. NSE (Cispack NSE, Cis Bio Intemational, Gif-sur-Yvette, France; normal <12.5 gig h1), and chromogranin A (CgA-Riact, Cis Bio Intemational, normal <100 jig 1-') were measured in 128 patients without renal insufficiency. There were 99 patients with gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) NET, 19 with medullary thyroid carcinoma and ten with phaeochromocytoma. Fiftythree patients with non-NET were studied as controls. Serum NSE and CgA levels were elevated in 48 (38%) and 76 (59%) of the 128 NET patients respectively. In all groups of NET patients, CgA proved to be more sensitive than NSE. NSE and CgA had a specificity of 73°o and 68% respectively. Immunostaining for NSE was positive in three out of eight controls with elevated CgA levels, whereas immunostaining for CgA and synaptophysin was negative in all cases. Elevated CgA levels were significantly associated with two independent parameters, namely the presence of other secretions (P= 0.0001) and a heavy tumour burden (P= 0.001). Elevated NSE levels were exclusively associated with poor tumour differentiation (P= 0.01). Among six patients with NET followed for 11-37 months. CgA appeared to be a better marker of tumour evolution than NSE. We suggest that CgA ought to be the only general marker screened in NET patients.
Human Reproduction, 2001
BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to evaluate whether the detection of serum molecular forms of... more BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to evaluate whether the detection of serum molecular forms of inhibin (A and B) could be useful for the diagnosis, prognosis and follow-up of placental tumours. METHODS: A total of 17 patients with hydatidiform mole (n ⍧ 13), invasive mole (n ⍧ 1) or choriocarcinoma (n ⍧ 3) were studied; serum concentrations of inhibins A and B, human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) and its free β subunit (HCGβ) were measured before chemotherapy (after mole evacuation for eight patients) and also during the course of chemotherapy (for 10 patients). RESULTS: After evacuation or before chemotherapy for refractory disease, serum inhibin A and B concentrations were found to be increased in 10/17 and 4/17 patients, when HCG and HCGβ were high in all patients. In 10 patients with a follow-up during treatment, nine had a high concentration of inhibin A which correlated with those of HCG and HCGβ. Normalization of inhibin A was faster than that of HCG and HCGβ for three and six patients respectively. There was no correlation between changes of inhibin B and HCGβ concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that inhibins A and B are not useful markers and that HCG determination still remains the most useful marker for diagnosis and follow-up of placental tumours.
Reproduction Nutrition Développement, 1988
Tumor Biology, 2002
The ISOBM TD-7 hCG Workshop was established to characterize the molecular epitope structure and s... more The ISOBM TD-7 hCG Workshop was established to characterize the molecular epitope structure and specificities of a panel of diagnostically relevant monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and its derivatives, and to consider how this information could be used to improve comparability of immunoassay results for these analytes. In this multicenter study, 27 MAbs have been characterized in detail as to their main and fine specificities by direct binding-, competitive- and sandwich-RIA, -ELISA, BIAcore and Western blotting. Antigens used in the study included the upcoming first WHO reference reagents for immunoassay, i.e. nick-free hCG (hCG), nicked hCG (hCGn), hCG alpha-subunit (hCGalpha), hCG beta-subunit (hCGbeta), nicked hCG beta-subunit (hCGbetan), hCG beta-core fragment (hCGbetacf), synthetic peptides of hCGbeta C-terminal peptide (hCGbetaCTP), and homologous hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH) and subunits (LHbeta) from various species. Correct classification of blinded internal controls demonstrated the reliability of the MAb referencing approach. Three-dimensional molecular epitope assignment was possible in many instances by comparing immunoreactivity of the ISOBM MAbs (n = 27) to a large panel of MAbs (n = 18) previously well characterized in the Innsbruck (P.B.) and Paris (J.M.B.) laboratories. All three major antibody specificities (alpha, n = 1; beta, n = 21; alphabeta, n = 5) were represented in the TD-7 MAb panel. HCGbeta MAbs could further be subdivided into (i) those recognizing hCGbeta only (epitopes: beta(6), n = 1; beta(7), n = 2; beta(14), n = 1) and (ii) those recognizing hCGbeta + hCG (beta1, beta2, beta4, beta5, n = 10; beta8 and beta9, n = 9). Members of the latter group were specific either for hCG + hCGbeta + hCGbetacf (beta1, n = 3) or hCG + hCGbeta + hCGbetaCTP (beta8, n = 6; beta9, n = 1) or in addition to hCG + hCGbeta + hCGbetacf recognized hLH/hLHbeta to a minor (beta2, n = 3; beta4, n = 3) or similar degree (beta5, n = 1). Epitopes were (i) located on the first and third loops protruding from the cystine knot of hCGbeta (beta2-beta6, aa hCGbeta20-25 and 68-77), (ii) presumably centered around the knot itself (beta1), or (iii) on hCGbetaCTP (epitope beta8 = hCGbeta141-144, beta9 = hCGbeta113-116). The ISOBM panel of MAbs represents all major epitope specificities suitable for the design of specific sandwich immunoassays. High analyte variability in serum and urine during the course of pregnancy and tumor development favors certain epitope combinations. For routine diagnostic purposes, assays recognizing a broad spectrum of hCG/hCGbeta variants such as hCG + hCGn + hCGbeta + hCGbetan + hCGbetacf + -CTPhCG + -CTPhCGbeta may be useful. Low cross-reactivity against related glycoprotein hormones (e.g. hLH) and their derivatives is mandatory. These criteria are best met by combinations of MAbs directed against epitopes located around the cystine knot (beta1) and against those encompassing the top of loops 1 and 3 on hCGbeta (beta2, beta4). The first WHO reference reagents for immunoassay of hCG and hCG-related molecules being prepared by the IFCC should facilitate characterization of what assays for 'hCG' are measuring. The next step towards improving between-laboratory comparability of measurements of hCG/hCG derivatives in pregnancy and oncology is provided by results of this TD-7 Workshop.
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 1996
As a glycoprotein hormone, human chorionic gonadotropic (hCG) is not a single molecular entity bu... more As a glycoprotein hormone, human chorionic gonadotropic (hCG) is not a single molecular entity but this term rather comprises an array of molecular variants such as hCG, hCG beta, hCGn, hCG beta n, hCG beta cf, -CTPhCG, hCG beta CTP, deglyhCG, asialohCG, hCGav and the closely related molecules hLH, hLH beta and hLH beta ef. The advent of monoclonal antibodies (MCA), the availability of ultrasensitive detection systems and the recent determination of the crystal structure of hCG, made it possible to design special purpose diagnostic and clinical research immunoassays for hCG-like molecules. For more than a decade we and others have tried to refine epitope maps for hCG and related molecules by means of a large panel of MCA, naturally occurring metabolic variants of hCG (hCGn, hCG beta, hCG alpha, hCG beta cf, hCG beta CTP), homologous hormones and subunits of various species (e.g. hLH, hLH beta, hFSH, hTSH, oLH, rLH beta), chemically modified molecules (deglyhCG, asialohCG, tryptic and chymotryptic hCG beta and hCG alpha fragments) and synthetic peptides (octapeptides and longer). It appeared that all epitopes on molecular hCG-variants recognized by our MCA are determined by the protein backbone. Except for the two major epitopes on hCG beta CTP and parts of two antigenic domains on hCG alpha, epitopes on hCG-derived molecules are determined by the tertiary and quarternary structure. Operationally useful descriptive epitope maps were designed including information on assay suitability of antigenic determinants. On this basis we established ultrasensitive time-resolved fluoroimmuno-assays for hCG, hCG and hCGn, hCG beta and hCG beta n and hCG beta cf, hCG alpha and additional assays recognizing different spectra of hCG-variants. Such assay have been applied by us and others to the detection of pregnancy, early pregnancy loss, choriocarcinoma, testicular cancer, other cancers and prenatal diagnosis. However, as the molecular structure of many epitopes utilized in immunoassays of different laboratories was not resolved, comparability of results was not satisfactory. Consequently, attempts were made to compare schematic epitope maps from different research institutions. The situation has been much improved by solving the three-dimensional (3D) structure of hCG. It has been shown that hCG is a member of the structural superfamily of cystine knot growth factors like NGF, PDGF-B and TGF-beta. Each of its subunits is stabilized in its topology by three disulfide bonds forming a cystine knot. Moreover, it turned out that the disulfide bridges in their majority have previously been wrongly assigned. Computer molecular modeling of crystallographic coordinates of hCG and subsequent selective combined--PCR-based and immunological--mutational analyses of hCG beta expressed via the transmembrane region of a MHC molecule made it possible to more precisely localize epitopes on hCG-derived molecules. Although the entire surface of hCG has to be regarded as potentially immunogenic there seems to be hot spots where epitopes are clustered in antigenic domains. These are located on the first and third loops protuding from the cystine knots of both subunits and are possibly centered around the knot itself. Ultimate answers on epitope localizations will be given by the crystal structure determination of hCG complexed with different Fabs.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2010
Context: Thyroperoxidase (TPO) and dual oxidase (DUOX) are present at the apical membrane of thyr... more Context: Thyroperoxidase (TPO) and dual oxidase (DUOX) are present at the apical membrane of thyrocytes, where TPO catalyzes thyroid hormone biosynthesis in the presence of H2O2 produced by DUOX. Both enzymes are colocalized and associated, but the consequences of this interaction remain obscure.Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the functional consequences of TPO-DUOX interaction at the plasma membrane.Design: The functional consequences of DUOX-TPO interaction were studied by measuring extracellular H2O2 concentration and TPO activity in a heterologous system. For this purpose, HEK293 cells were transiently transfected with a combination of human TPO with human DUOX1 or DUOX2 in the presence of their respective maturation factors, DUOXA1 or DUOXA2. The effect of human DUOX2 mutants in which cysteine residues in the N-terminal domain were replaced by glycines was also analyzed.Results: We observed that production of H2O2 decreases both TPO and DUOX activities. W...
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2012
Context: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is characterized by proto-oncogene RET mutations in al... more Context: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is characterized by proto-oncogene RET mutations in almost all hereditary cases as well as in more than 40% of sporadic cases. Recently, a high prevalence of RAS mutations was reported in sporadic MTC, suggesting an alternative genetic event in sporadic MTC tumorigenesis. Objective: This study aimed to extend this observation by screening somatic mutational status of RET, BRAF, and the three RAS proto-oncogenes in a large series of patients with MTC.
Clinical Chemistry, 2004
7* on behalf of the IFCC Working Group on hCG Background: The International Federation of Clinica... more 7* on behalf of the IFCC Working Group on hCG Background: The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) established a Working Group to investigate means of improving the comparability of immunoassays for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which was selected as a prototype glycoprotein analyte. The Working Group identified development of unambiguous nomenclature and production of new highly purified International Reference Reagents calibrated in substance concentrations as its primary objectives. Methods: Preparations of intact hCG, nicked hCG, hCG -subunit, nicked hCG -subunit, hCG ␣-subunit, and hCG -core fragment were purified from a crude urinary hCG preparation, ampouled, lyophilized, and assigned values in substance concentrations (mol/L). Value assignment and accelerated degradation studies were carried out in accordance with WHO protocols for International Reference Reagents. Results: The ampouled standards were assigned final values based on the recovery of immunoreactive material after reconstitution. The degradation studies showed that the standards were highly stable. Conclusions: The nomenclature of hCG-related molecules and immunoassays has been adopted by the IFCC, and the standards prepared and characterized by the Working Group have been formally adopted by the WHO as the First International Reference Reagents for six hCG-related molecules. These developments will enable better understanding of what assays for hCG measure and should ultimately help to improve the clinical application of these assays.
Biochemistry, 2000
Our present knowledge of the lutropin (LH/hCG) receptor structure derives from deductions made fr... more Our present knowledge of the lutropin (LH/hCG) receptor structure derives from deductions made from its amino acid sequence as established by studying the cDNA. To obtain direct experimental information, luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor expressed in L cells was immunopurified in sufficient amounts to warrant analysis by mass spectrometry and microsequencing. The mature receptor, complexed to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), was purified by using monoclonal antibodies recognizing the hormone, whereas the mannose-rich non-hormone-binding precursor was purified by use of antireceptor antibodies. Determination of the N-terminus showed that 2 / 3 of protein molecules started at Thr24 whereas 1 / 3 started at Ala28. All these molecules bound hCG, suggesting that the most N-terminal region of the receptor does not participate in hormone binding. Six N-glycosylation sites have been predicted from the amino acid sequence. One of them (Asn299) was found to be nonglycosylated in both the precursor and the mature protein. The most heavily glycosylated residue was Asn291, followed by Asn195 and Asn99. These three sites accounted for 82% and 97% of carbohydrate moieties in the mature receptor and in the mannose-rich precursor, respectively. The presence of some receptor molecules nonglycosylated at sites 99, 174, and 195 in hormone-receptor complexes dismisses a direct role of these glycosylation sites in hormone binding or in the correct folding of the protein. The mature carbohydrate chains were homogeneous at position 174, 195, and 313 (absence of Golgi mannosidase II activity at positions 174 and 313, absence of GlcNAc tranferases III and IV activity at position 195). Heterologous carbohydrates were present at sites 99 and 291. The latter, which is highly variable in carbohydrate chains, is unlikely to participate in a direct interaction with hormone. Site 313 thus remains as the main candidate for a role in hormone binding.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 1993
Clinical Chemistry, 1999
Only a few markers have been instrumental in the diagnosis of cancer. In contrast, tumor markers ... more Only a few markers have been instrumental in the diagnosis of cancer. In contrast, tumor markers play a critical role in the monitoring of patients. The patient’s clinical status and response to treatment can be evaluated rapidly using the tumor marker half-life (t1/2) and the tumor marker doubling time (DT). This report reviews the interest of determining these kinetic parameters for prostate-specific antigen, human chorionic gonadotropin, α-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, cancer antigen (CA) 125, and CA 15-3. A rise in tumor markers (DT) is a yardstick with which benign diseases can be distinguished from metastatic disease, and the DT can be used to assess the efficacy of treatments. A decline in the tumor marker concentration (t1/2) is a predictor of possible residual disease if the timing of blood sampling is soon after therapy. The discrepancies in results obtained by different groups may be attributable to the multiplicity of immunoassays, the intrinsic characteristics ...
Cancer research, Jan 15, 2002
By differential-display PCR a subclone of the SKBR3 cell line with high in vitro transendothelial... more By differential-display PCR a subclone of the SKBR3 cell line with high in vitro transendothelial invasiveness was identified to express increased levels of the INSL-4 gene. This new member of the insulin-like growth factor family encodes for a peptide, designated early placenta insulin-like (EPIL), being expressed in the so-called "invasive" phase of the placental development. Immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays revealed a heterogeneous expression of EPIL in breast cancer tissue and no expression in the surrounding stroma cells. A coexpression of pro-EPIL and c-erbB-2 could be observed predominantly in cell clusters at the infiltrating edge of the tumor. Our results give new suggestions for the presence of a signaling network of receptor tyrosine kinases underlying breast cancer invasion and metastasis.
BMC Cancer, 2002
Background: Sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) is a key protein in iodide transport by thyroid cells a... more Background: Sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) is a key protein in iodide transport by thyroid cells and this activity is a prerequisite for effective radioiodide treatment of thyroid cancer. In the majority of thyroid cancers, however, iodide uptake is reduced, probably as a result of decreased NIS protein expression. Methods: To identify the mechanisms that negatively affect NIS expression in thyroid tumors, we performed electrophoresis mobility shift assays and immunoblot analysis of nuclear protein extracts from normal and tumoral thyroid tissues from 14 unrelated patients. Results: Two proteins closely related to the transcription factors AP2 and Sp1 were identified in the nuclear extracts. Expression of both AP2 and Sp1 in nuclear extracts from thyroid tumors was significantly higher than that observed in corresponding normal tissues. Conclusion: These observations raise the possibility that NIS expression, and subsequently iodide transport, are reduced in thyroid tumors at least in part owing to alterations in the binding activity of AP2 and Sp1 transcription factors to NIS promoter. Recently, the 5'-flanking DNA sequence of the human NIS gene has been analyzed by several groups [5-11]. These studies have led to the detection and characterization of DNA regulatory proteins that seem to play important roles in regulating the transcription of this gene. To shed
British Journal of Cancer, 2001
Using specific immunoradiometric assays, we evaluated the clinical usefulness of chromogranin A a... more Using specific immunoradiometric assays, we evaluated the clinical usefulness of chromogranin A and the α-subunit of glycoprotein hormones in neuroendocrine tumours of neuroectodermic origin. The serum α-subunit of glycoprotein hormones was only slightly increased in 2 out of 44 medullary thyroid carcinoma or phaeochromocytoma patients with increased calcitonin or 24-hour urinary metanephrine levels. Serum chromogranin A was increased in 12 of 45 (27%) medullary thyroid carcinoma patients with an elevated calcitonin level and in 4 of 16 medullary thyroid carcinoma patients (25%) with an undetectable calcitonin level, in 5 of 7 phaeochromocytoma patients with increased urinary catecholamine and metabolite excretion, and in 2 of 3 patients with a non-functioning phaeochromocytoma. During follow-up, the course of chromogranin A was found to parallel that of tumour burden and/or 24-hour urinary metanephrine in 5 phaeochromocytoma patients. We conclude that chromogranin A measurement is not recommended for the diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma patients. It may be useful in patients with functioning and non-functioning phaeochromocytomas as a follow-up marker. In neuroendocrine tumour patients with elevated calcitonin secretion, the serum α-subunit of glycoprotein hormone measurement may help differentiate medullary thyroid carcinoma or phaeochromocytoma patients from other endodermal-derived neuroendocrine tumour patients in whom it is frequently elevated.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Jan 6, 2015
Ionizing radiation (IR) causes not only acute tissue damage, but also late effects in several cel... more Ionizing radiation (IR) causes not only acute tissue damage, but also late effects in several cell generations after the initial exposure. The thyroid gland is one of the most sensitive organs to the carcinogenic effects of IR, and we have recently highlighted that an oxidative stress is responsible for the chromosomal rearrangements found in radio-induced papillary thyroid carcinoma. Using both a human thyroid cell line and primary thyrocytes, we investigated the mechanism by which IR induces the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) several days after irradiation. We focused on NADPH oxidases, which are specialized ROS-generating enzymes known as NOX/DUOX. Our results show that IR induces delayed NADPH oxidase DUOX1-dependent H2O2 production in a dose-dependent manner, which is sustained for several days. We report that p38 MAPK, activated after IR, increased DUOX1 via IL-13 expression, leading to persistent DNA damage and growth arrest. Pretreatment of cells with catalase, ...
Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine, 2004
The high sensitivity of the thyroid gland to the carcinogenic effects of radiation during childho... more The high sensitivity of the thyroid gland to the carcinogenic effects of radiation during childhood contrasts with the absence of demonstrable carcinogenic effects of radiation in adults. To better understand these age-related variations, we studied follicular morphometry, functional status, and proliferative activity in 31 thyroid glands removed from relatives of medullary thyroid carcinoma patients, with ages ranging from 3 to 39 y. The mean follicular diameter (MFD) was estimated, and immunohistochemistry was performed with antibodies directed to molecules involved in iodide transport (Na(+)/I(-) symporter [NIS], pendrin, and apical iodide transporter), in organification (thyroperoxidase [TPO] and Duox), in cell cycle and growth (Ki-67, cyclin A and D1, and galectin-3), and in angiogenesis (vascular endothelial growth factor and nitric oxide synthase III [NOSIII]). Compared with older patients, patients who were < or =12 y old had a smaller MFD (P < 0.001) and more frequent...
PLoS ONE, 2011
Notch signalling plays an important role in endocrine development, through its target gene Hes1. ... more Notch signalling plays an important role in endocrine development, through its target gene Hes1. Hes1, a bHLH transcriptional repressor, influences progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation. Recently, Hes1 was shown to be expressed in the thyroid and regulate expression of the sodium iodide symporter (Nis). To investigate the role of Hes1 for thyroid development, we studied thyroid morphology and function in mice lacking Hes1. During normal mouse thyroid development, Hes1 was detected from E9.5 onwards in the median anlage, and at E11.5 in the ultimobranchial bodies. Hes1 2/2 mouse embryos had a significantly lower number of Nkx2-1-positive progenitor cells (p,0.05) at E9.5 and at E11.5. Moreover, Hes1 2/2 mouse embryos showed a significantly smaller total thyroid surface area (240 to 260%) compared to wild type mice at all study time points (E9.52E16.5). In both Hes1 2/2 and wild type mouse embryos, most Nkx2-1-positive thyroid cells expressed the cell cycle inhibitor p57 at E9.5 in correlation with low proliferation index. In Hes1 2/2 mouse embryos, fusion of the median anlage with the ultimobranchial bodies was delayed by 3 days (E16.5 vs. E13.5 in wild type mice). After fusion of thyroid anlages, hypoplastic Hes1 2/2 thyroids revealed a significantly decreased labelling area for T4 (278%) and calcitonin (265%) normalized to Nkx2-1 positive cells. Decreased T4-synthesis might be due to reduced Nis labelling area (269%). These findings suggest a dual role of Hes1 during thyroid development: first, control of the number of both thyrocyte and C-cell progenitors, via a p57-independent mechanism; second, adequate differentiation and endocrine function of thyrocytes and C-cells.
Tumor Biology, Sep 26, 2013
Participants of the Second International Workshop (WS) on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) of t... more Participants of the Second International Workshop (WS) on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) of the International Society of Oncology and Biomarkers Tissue Differentiation 7 (ISOBM TD-7) have characterized in detail a panel of 69 antibodies (Abs) directed against hCG and hCG-related variants that were submitted by eight companies and research groups. Specificities of the Abs were determined using the First WHO International Reference Reagents for six hCG variants, i.e., hCG, hCGn, hCGβ, hCGβn, hCGβcf, and hCGα, which are calibrated in SI units, and hLH. Molecular epitope localizations were assigned to the ISOBM-mAbs by comparing ISOBM-Ab specificity, sandwich compatibility, and mutual inhibition profiles, to those of 17 reference monoclonal (m)Abs of known molecular epitope specificities. It appeared that 48 Abs recognized hCGβ-, 8 hCGα-, and 13 αβ-heterodimer-specific epitopes. Twenty-seven mAbs were of pan hCG specificity, two thereof with no (<0.1 %; epitope β 1), 12 with low (<1.0 %; epitopes β 2/4), and 13 with high (>>1 %; epitopes β 3/5) hLH cross-reactivity. The majority of hCGβ epitopes recognized were located in two major antigenic domains, one on the peptide chain of the tips of β-sheet loops 1 and 3 (epitopes β 2-6 ; 27 mAbs) and the second around the cystine knot (e.g., epitopes β 1 , β 7 , and β 10 ; 9 mAbs). Four mAbs recognized epitopes on hCGβcf-only (e.g., epitopes β 11 and β 13) and six mAbs epitopes on the remote hCGβcarboxyl-terminal peptide (epitopes β 8 and β 9 corresponding to amino acids 135-144 and 111-116, respectively). For routine diagnostic measurements, methods are used that either The International Society of Oncology and Biomarkers Tissue Differentiation (TD)-7 Workshop on hCG and Related Molecules.
Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1987
Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1988
British Journal of Cancer, 1998
Circulating neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and chromogranin A (CgA) were measured in 128 patients ... more Circulating neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and chromogranin A (CgA) were measured in 128 patients with neuroendocrine tumours (NET) to compare their sensitivity and specificity, to investigate factors associated with elevated serum levels and to determine the usefulness of these markers in the follow-up of NET patients. NSE (Cispack NSE, Cis Bio Intemational, Gif-sur-Yvette, France; normal <12.5 gig h1), and chromogranin A (CgA-Riact, Cis Bio Intemational, normal <100 jig 1-') were measured in 128 patients without renal insufficiency. There were 99 patients with gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) NET, 19 with medullary thyroid carcinoma and ten with phaeochromocytoma. Fiftythree patients with non-NET were studied as controls. Serum NSE and CgA levels were elevated in 48 (38%) and 76 (59%) of the 128 NET patients respectively. In all groups of NET patients, CgA proved to be more sensitive than NSE. NSE and CgA had a specificity of 73°o and 68% respectively. Immunostaining for NSE was positive in three out of eight controls with elevated CgA levels, whereas immunostaining for CgA and synaptophysin was negative in all cases. Elevated CgA levels were significantly associated with two independent parameters, namely the presence of other secretions (P= 0.0001) and a heavy tumour burden (P= 0.001). Elevated NSE levels were exclusively associated with poor tumour differentiation (P= 0.01). Among six patients with NET followed for 11-37 months. CgA appeared to be a better marker of tumour evolution than NSE. We suggest that CgA ought to be the only general marker screened in NET patients.
Human Reproduction, 2001
BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to evaluate whether the detection of serum molecular forms of... more BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to evaluate whether the detection of serum molecular forms of inhibin (A and B) could be useful for the diagnosis, prognosis and follow-up of placental tumours. METHODS: A total of 17 patients with hydatidiform mole (n ⍧ 13), invasive mole (n ⍧ 1) or choriocarcinoma (n ⍧ 3) were studied; serum concentrations of inhibins A and B, human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) and its free β subunit (HCGβ) were measured before chemotherapy (after mole evacuation for eight patients) and also during the course of chemotherapy (for 10 patients). RESULTS: After evacuation or before chemotherapy for refractory disease, serum inhibin A and B concentrations were found to be increased in 10/17 and 4/17 patients, when HCG and HCGβ were high in all patients. In 10 patients with a follow-up during treatment, nine had a high concentration of inhibin A which correlated with those of HCG and HCGβ. Normalization of inhibin A was faster than that of HCG and HCGβ for three and six patients respectively. There was no correlation between changes of inhibin B and HCGβ concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that inhibins A and B are not useful markers and that HCG determination still remains the most useful marker for diagnosis and follow-up of placental tumours.
Reproduction Nutrition Développement, 1988
Tumor Biology, 2002
The ISOBM TD-7 hCG Workshop was established to characterize the molecular epitope structure and s... more The ISOBM TD-7 hCG Workshop was established to characterize the molecular epitope structure and specificities of a panel of diagnostically relevant monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and its derivatives, and to consider how this information could be used to improve comparability of immunoassay results for these analytes. In this multicenter study, 27 MAbs have been characterized in detail as to their main and fine specificities by direct binding-, competitive- and sandwich-RIA, -ELISA, BIAcore and Western blotting. Antigens used in the study included the upcoming first WHO reference reagents for immunoassay, i.e. nick-free hCG (hCG), nicked hCG (hCGn), hCG alpha-subunit (hCGalpha), hCG beta-subunit (hCGbeta), nicked hCG beta-subunit (hCGbetan), hCG beta-core fragment (hCGbetacf), synthetic peptides of hCGbeta C-terminal peptide (hCGbetaCTP), and homologous hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH) and subunits (LHbeta) from various species. Correct classification of blinded internal controls demonstrated the reliability of the MAb referencing approach. Three-dimensional molecular epitope assignment was possible in many instances by comparing immunoreactivity of the ISOBM MAbs (n = 27) to a large panel of MAbs (n = 18) previously well characterized in the Innsbruck (P.B.) and Paris (J.M.B.) laboratories. All three major antibody specificities (alpha, n = 1; beta, n = 21; alphabeta, n = 5) were represented in the TD-7 MAb panel. HCGbeta MAbs could further be subdivided into (i) those recognizing hCGbeta only (epitopes: beta(6), n = 1; beta(7), n = 2; beta(14), n = 1) and (ii) those recognizing hCGbeta + hCG (beta1, beta2, beta4, beta5, n = 10; beta8 and beta9, n = 9). Members of the latter group were specific either for hCG + hCGbeta + hCGbetacf (beta1, n = 3) or hCG + hCGbeta + hCGbetaCTP (beta8, n = 6; beta9, n = 1) or in addition to hCG + hCGbeta + hCGbetacf recognized hLH/hLHbeta to a minor (beta2, n = 3; beta4, n = 3) or similar degree (beta5, n = 1). Epitopes were (i) located on the first and third loops protruding from the cystine knot of hCGbeta (beta2-beta6, aa hCGbeta20-25 and 68-77), (ii) presumably centered around the knot itself (beta1), or (iii) on hCGbetaCTP (epitope beta8 = hCGbeta141-144, beta9 = hCGbeta113-116). The ISOBM panel of MAbs represents all major epitope specificities suitable for the design of specific sandwich immunoassays. High analyte variability in serum and urine during the course of pregnancy and tumor development favors certain epitope combinations. For routine diagnostic purposes, assays recognizing a broad spectrum of hCG/hCGbeta variants such as hCG + hCGn + hCGbeta + hCGbetan + hCGbetacf + -CTPhCG + -CTPhCGbeta may be useful. Low cross-reactivity against related glycoprotein hormones (e.g. hLH) and their derivatives is mandatory. These criteria are best met by combinations of MAbs directed against epitopes located around the cystine knot (beta1) and against those encompassing the top of loops 1 and 3 on hCGbeta (beta2, beta4). The first WHO reference reagents for immunoassay of hCG and hCG-related molecules being prepared by the IFCC should facilitate characterization of what assays for 'hCG' are measuring. The next step towards improving between-laboratory comparability of measurements of hCG/hCG derivatives in pregnancy and oncology is provided by results of this TD-7 Workshop.
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 1996
As a glycoprotein hormone, human chorionic gonadotropic (hCG) is not a single molecular entity bu... more As a glycoprotein hormone, human chorionic gonadotropic (hCG) is not a single molecular entity but this term rather comprises an array of molecular variants such as hCG, hCG beta, hCGn, hCG beta n, hCG beta cf, -CTPhCG, hCG beta CTP, deglyhCG, asialohCG, hCGav and the closely related molecules hLH, hLH beta and hLH beta ef. The advent of monoclonal antibodies (MCA), the availability of ultrasensitive detection systems and the recent determination of the crystal structure of hCG, made it possible to design special purpose diagnostic and clinical research immunoassays for hCG-like molecules. For more than a decade we and others have tried to refine epitope maps for hCG and related molecules by means of a large panel of MCA, naturally occurring metabolic variants of hCG (hCGn, hCG beta, hCG alpha, hCG beta cf, hCG beta CTP), homologous hormones and subunits of various species (e.g. hLH, hLH beta, hFSH, hTSH, oLH, rLH beta), chemically modified molecules (deglyhCG, asialohCG, tryptic and chymotryptic hCG beta and hCG alpha fragments) and synthetic peptides (octapeptides and longer). It appeared that all epitopes on molecular hCG-variants recognized by our MCA are determined by the protein backbone. Except for the two major epitopes on hCG beta CTP and parts of two antigenic domains on hCG alpha, epitopes on hCG-derived molecules are determined by the tertiary and quarternary structure. Operationally useful descriptive epitope maps were designed including information on assay suitability of antigenic determinants. On this basis we established ultrasensitive time-resolved fluoroimmuno-assays for hCG, hCG and hCGn, hCG beta and hCG beta n and hCG beta cf, hCG alpha and additional assays recognizing different spectra of hCG-variants. Such assay have been applied by us and others to the detection of pregnancy, early pregnancy loss, choriocarcinoma, testicular cancer, other cancers and prenatal diagnosis. However, as the molecular structure of many epitopes utilized in immunoassays of different laboratories was not resolved, comparability of results was not satisfactory. Consequently, attempts were made to compare schematic epitope maps from different research institutions. The situation has been much improved by solving the three-dimensional (3D) structure of hCG. It has been shown that hCG is a member of the structural superfamily of cystine knot growth factors like NGF, PDGF-B and TGF-beta. Each of its subunits is stabilized in its topology by three disulfide bonds forming a cystine knot. Moreover, it turned out that the disulfide bridges in their majority have previously been wrongly assigned. Computer molecular modeling of crystallographic coordinates of hCG and subsequent selective combined--PCR-based and immunological--mutational analyses of hCG beta expressed via the transmembrane region of a MHC molecule made it possible to more precisely localize epitopes on hCG-derived molecules. Although the entire surface of hCG has to be regarded as potentially immunogenic there seems to be hot spots where epitopes are clustered in antigenic domains. These are located on the first and third loops protuding from the cystine knots of both subunits and are possibly centered around the knot itself. Ultimate answers on epitope localizations will be given by the crystal structure determination of hCG complexed with different Fabs.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2010
Context: Thyroperoxidase (TPO) and dual oxidase (DUOX) are present at the apical membrane of thyr... more Context: Thyroperoxidase (TPO) and dual oxidase (DUOX) are present at the apical membrane of thyrocytes, where TPO catalyzes thyroid hormone biosynthesis in the presence of H2O2 produced by DUOX. Both enzymes are colocalized and associated, but the consequences of this interaction remain obscure.Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the functional consequences of TPO-DUOX interaction at the plasma membrane.Design: The functional consequences of DUOX-TPO interaction were studied by measuring extracellular H2O2 concentration and TPO activity in a heterologous system. For this purpose, HEK293 cells were transiently transfected with a combination of human TPO with human DUOX1 or DUOX2 in the presence of their respective maturation factors, DUOXA1 or DUOXA2. The effect of human DUOX2 mutants in which cysteine residues in the N-terminal domain were replaced by glycines was also analyzed.Results: We observed that production of H2O2 decreases both TPO and DUOX activities. W...
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2012
Context: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is characterized by proto-oncogene RET mutations in al... more Context: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is characterized by proto-oncogene RET mutations in almost all hereditary cases as well as in more than 40% of sporadic cases. Recently, a high prevalence of RAS mutations was reported in sporadic MTC, suggesting an alternative genetic event in sporadic MTC tumorigenesis. Objective: This study aimed to extend this observation by screening somatic mutational status of RET, BRAF, and the three RAS proto-oncogenes in a large series of patients with MTC.
Clinical Chemistry, 2004
7* on behalf of the IFCC Working Group on hCG Background: The International Federation of Clinica... more 7* on behalf of the IFCC Working Group on hCG Background: The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) established a Working Group to investigate means of improving the comparability of immunoassays for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which was selected as a prototype glycoprotein analyte. The Working Group identified development of unambiguous nomenclature and production of new highly purified International Reference Reagents calibrated in substance concentrations as its primary objectives. Methods: Preparations of intact hCG, nicked hCG, hCG -subunit, nicked hCG -subunit, hCG ␣-subunit, and hCG -core fragment were purified from a crude urinary hCG preparation, ampouled, lyophilized, and assigned values in substance concentrations (mol/L). Value assignment and accelerated degradation studies were carried out in accordance with WHO protocols for International Reference Reagents. Results: The ampouled standards were assigned final values based on the recovery of immunoreactive material after reconstitution. The degradation studies showed that the standards were highly stable. Conclusions: The nomenclature of hCG-related molecules and immunoassays has been adopted by the IFCC, and the standards prepared and characterized by the Working Group have been formally adopted by the WHO as the First International Reference Reagents for six hCG-related molecules. These developments will enable better understanding of what assays for hCG measure and should ultimately help to improve the clinical application of these assays.
Biochemistry, 2000
Our present knowledge of the lutropin (LH/hCG) receptor structure derives from deductions made fr... more Our present knowledge of the lutropin (LH/hCG) receptor structure derives from deductions made from its amino acid sequence as established by studying the cDNA. To obtain direct experimental information, luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor expressed in L cells was immunopurified in sufficient amounts to warrant analysis by mass spectrometry and microsequencing. The mature receptor, complexed to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), was purified by using monoclonal antibodies recognizing the hormone, whereas the mannose-rich non-hormone-binding precursor was purified by use of antireceptor antibodies. Determination of the N-terminus showed that 2 / 3 of protein molecules started at Thr24 whereas 1 / 3 started at Ala28. All these molecules bound hCG, suggesting that the most N-terminal region of the receptor does not participate in hormone binding. Six N-glycosylation sites have been predicted from the amino acid sequence. One of them (Asn299) was found to be nonglycosylated in both the precursor and the mature protein. The most heavily glycosylated residue was Asn291, followed by Asn195 and Asn99. These three sites accounted for 82% and 97% of carbohydrate moieties in the mature receptor and in the mannose-rich precursor, respectively. The presence of some receptor molecules nonglycosylated at sites 99, 174, and 195 in hormone-receptor complexes dismisses a direct role of these glycosylation sites in hormone binding or in the correct folding of the protein. The mature carbohydrate chains were homogeneous at position 174, 195, and 313 (absence of Golgi mannosidase II activity at positions 174 and 313, absence of GlcNAc tranferases III and IV activity at position 195). Heterologous carbohydrates were present at sites 99 and 291. The latter, which is highly variable in carbohydrate chains, is unlikely to participate in a direct interaction with hormone. Site 313 thus remains as the main candidate for a role in hormone binding.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 1993
Clinical Chemistry, 1999
Only a few markers have been instrumental in the diagnosis of cancer. In contrast, tumor markers ... more Only a few markers have been instrumental in the diagnosis of cancer. In contrast, tumor markers play a critical role in the monitoring of patients. The patient’s clinical status and response to treatment can be evaluated rapidly using the tumor marker half-life (t1/2) and the tumor marker doubling time (DT). This report reviews the interest of determining these kinetic parameters for prostate-specific antigen, human chorionic gonadotropin, α-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, cancer antigen (CA) 125, and CA 15-3. A rise in tumor markers (DT) is a yardstick with which benign diseases can be distinguished from metastatic disease, and the DT can be used to assess the efficacy of treatments. A decline in the tumor marker concentration (t1/2) is a predictor of possible residual disease if the timing of blood sampling is soon after therapy. The discrepancies in results obtained by different groups may be attributable to the multiplicity of immunoassays, the intrinsic characteristics ...
Cancer research, Jan 15, 2002
By differential-display PCR a subclone of the SKBR3 cell line with high in vitro transendothelial... more By differential-display PCR a subclone of the SKBR3 cell line with high in vitro transendothelial invasiveness was identified to express increased levels of the INSL-4 gene. This new member of the insulin-like growth factor family encodes for a peptide, designated early placenta insulin-like (EPIL), being expressed in the so-called "invasive" phase of the placental development. Immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays revealed a heterogeneous expression of EPIL in breast cancer tissue and no expression in the surrounding stroma cells. A coexpression of pro-EPIL and c-erbB-2 could be observed predominantly in cell clusters at the infiltrating edge of the tumor. Our results give new suggestions for the presence of a signaling network of receptor tyrosine kinases underlying breast cancer invasion and metastasis.
BMC Cancer, 2002
Background: Sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) is a key protein in iodide transport by thyroid cells a... more Background: Sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) is a key protein in iodide transport by thyroid cells and this activity is a prerequisite for effective radioiodide treatment of thyroid cancer. In the majority of thyroid cancers, however, iodide uptake is reduced, probably as a result of decreased NIS protein expression. Methods: To identify the mechanisms that negatively affect NIS expression in thyroid tumors, we performed electrophoresis mobility shift assays and immunoblot analysis of nuclear protein extracts from normal and tumoral thyroid tissues from 14 unrelated patients. Results: Two proteins closely related to the transcription factors AP2 and Sp1 were identified in the nuclear extracts. Expression of both AP2 and Sp1 in nuclear extracts from thyroid tumors was significantly higher than that observed in corresponding normal tissues. Conclusion: These observations raise the possibility that NIS expression, and subsequently iodide transport, are reduced in thyroid tumors at least in part owing to alterations in the binding activity of AP2 and Sp1 transcription factors to NIS promoter. Recently, the 5'-flanking DNA sequence of the human NIS gene has been analyzed by several groups [5-11]. These studies have led to the detection and characterization of DNA regulatory proteins that seem to play important roles in regulating the transcription of this gene. To shed
British Journal of Cancer, 2001
Using specific immunoradiometric assays, we evaluated the clinical usefulness of chromogranin A a... more Using specific immunoradiometric assays, we evaluated the clinical usefulness of chromogranin A and the α-subunit of glycoprotein hormones in neuroendocrine tumours of neuroectodermic origin. The serum α-subunit of glycoprotein hormones was only slightly increased in 2 out of 44 medullary thyroid carcinoma or phaeochromocytoma patients with increased calcitonin or 24-hour urinary metanephrine levels. Serum chromogranin A was increased in 12 of 45 (27%) medullary thyroid carcinoma patients with an elevated calcitonin level and in 4 of 16 medullary thyroid carcinoma patients (25%) with an undetectable calcitonin level, in 5 of 7 phaeochromocytoma patients with increased urinary catecholamine and metabolite excretion, and in 2 of 3 patients with a non-functioning phaeochromocytoma. During follow-up, the course of chromogranin A was found to parallel that of tumour burden and/or 24-hour urinary metanephrine in 5 phaeochromocytoma patients. We conclude that chromogranin A measurement is not recommended for the diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma patients. It may be useful in patients with functioning and non-functioning phaeochromocytomas as a follow-up marker. In neuroendocrine tumour patients with elevated calcitonin secretion, the serum α-subunit of glycoprotein hormone measurement may help differentiate medullary thyroid carcinoma or phaeochromocytoma patients from other endodermal-derived neuroendocrine tumour patients in whom it is frequently elevated.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Jan 6, 2015
Ionizing radiation (IR) causes not only acute tissue damage, but also late effects in several cel... more Ionizing radiation (IR) causes not only acute tissue damage, but also late effects in several cell generations after the initial exposure. The thyroid gland is one of the most sensitive organs to the carcinogenic effects of IR, and we have recently highlighted that an oxidative stress is responsible for the chromosomal rearrangements found in radio-induced papillary thyroid carcinoma. Using both a human thyroid cell line and primary thyrocytes, we investigated the mechanism by which IR induces the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) several days after irradiation. We focused on NADPH oxidases, which are specialized ROS-generating enzymes known as NOX/DUOX. Our results show that IR induces delayed NADPH oxidase DUOX1-dependent H2O2 production in a dose-dependent manner, which is sustained for several days. We report that p38 MAPK, activated after IR, increased DUOX1 via IL-13 expression, leading to persistent DNA damage and growth arrest. Pretreatment of cells with catalase, ...
Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine, 2004
The high sensitivity of the thyroid gland to the carcinogenic effects of radiation during childho... more The high sensitivity of the thyroid gland to the carcinogenic effects of radiation during childhood contrasts with the absence of demonstrable carcinogenic effects of radiation in adults. To better understand these age-related variations, we studied follicular morphometry, functional status, and proliferative activity in 31 thyroid glands removed from relatives of medullary thyroid carcinoma patients, with ages ranging from 3 to 39 y. The mean follicular diameter (MFD) was estimated, and immunohistochemistry was performed with antibodies directed to molecules involved in iodide transport (Na(+)/I(-) symporter [NIS], pendrin, and apical iodide transporter), in organification (thyroperoxidase [TPO] and Duox), in cell cycle and growth (Ki-67, cyclin A and D1, and galectin-3), and in angiogenesis (vascular endothelial growth factor and nitric oxide synthase III [NOSIII]). Compared with older patients, patients who were < or =12 y old had a smaller MFD (P < 0.001) and more frequent...
PLoS ONE, 2011
Notch signalling plays an important role in endocrine development, through its target gene Hes1. ... more Notch signalling plays an important role in endocrine development, through its target gene Hes1. Hes1, a bHLH transcriptional repressor, influences progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation. Recently, Hes1 was shown to be expressed in the thyroid and regulate expression of the sodium iodide symporter (Nis). To investigate the role of Hes1 for thyroid development, we studied thyroid morphology and function in mice lacking Hes1. During normal mouse thyroid development, Hes1 was detected from E9.5 onwards in the median anlage, and at E11.5 in the ultimobranchial bodies. Hes1 2/2 mouse embryos had a significantly lower number of Nkx2-1-positive progenitor cells (p,0.05) at E9.5 and at E11.5. Moreover, Hes1 2/2 mouse embryos showed a significantly smaller total thyroid surface area (240 to 260%) compared to wild type mice at all study time points (E9.52E16.5). In both Hes1 2/2 and wild type mouse embryos, most Nkx2-1-positive thyroid cells expressed the cell cycle inhibitor p57 at E9.5 in correlation with low proliferation index. In Hes1 2/2 mouse embryos, fusion of the median anlage with the ultimobranchial bodies was delayed by 3 days (E16.5 vs. E13.5 in wild type mice). After fusion of thyroid anlages, hypoplastic Hes1 2/2 thyroids revealed a significantly decreased labelling area for T4 (278%) and calcitonin (265%) normalized to Nkx2-1 positive cells. Decreased T4-synthesis might be due to reduced Nis labelling area (269%). These findings suggest a dual role of Hes1 during thyroid development: first, control of the number of both thyrocyte and C-cell progenitors, via a p57-independent mechanism; second, adequate differentiation and endocrine function of thyrocytes and C-cells.