Biology subjects

Atlan, K.

Publications and source records attributed to Atlan, K..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Synovium-Restricted Armored PD-1-Targeted CAR-T Cells Reprogram Immunity and Resolve Experimental Arthritis

Despite major therapeutic advances, a substantial fraction of patients with autoimmune disease remains refractory to treatment. While B cell-targeted CAR-T therapies have shown considerable efficacy, the central contribution of pathogenic T cells to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) suggests that complementary T cell-directed strategies may enable deeper disease control. Using single-cell multi-omics of human RA and experimental models, PDCD1 was identified as a selective marker of synovial disease-associated T cells. We developed PD-1-directed CAR-T cells that potently eliminate these cells in vitro and in vivo, leading to marked attenuation of synovitis in RA models. To limit off-target activity, we engineered NR4A2-driven CAR-responsive biosensors to restrict CAR activity to inflamed synovium. To couple anti-PD-1 CAR-mediated cytotoxicity with microenvironmental modulation, we further engineered these CAR-T cells to secrete soluble TNF receptor II (sTNFRii), counteracting baseline inflammation and CAR-induced IFN response and promoting a tissue-reparative myeloid state. PD-1-targeted CAR-T therapy thus represents a promising, specific, and safe strategy for autoimmune diseases involving disease-associated T cells.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2023

Enhancer heterogeneity of lung neuroendocrine tumors reveals sensitivity to FGF signaling inhibition

Well-differentiated low-grade lung neuroendocrine tumors (lung carcinoids or LNETs) are histopathologically classified as typical and atypical LNETs, but each subtype is still heterogeneous at both the molecular level and its clinical manifestation. Here, we report the first genome-wide profiles of primary LNETs cis-regulatory elements by H3K27ac ChIP-seq with matching RNA-seq profiles. Analysis of these regulatory landscapes revealed three regulatory subtypes, independent of the typical / atypical classification. We identified unique differentiation signals that delineate each subtype. The proneuronal subtype emerges under the influence of ASCL1, TCF4, and SOX4 transcription factors, embodying a pronounced proneuronal signature. The luminal subtype is characterized by gain of acetylation at markers of luminal cells and GATA2 activation, and loss of LRP5 and OTP. The HNF+ subtype is characterized by a robust enhancer landscape driven by HNF1A, HNF4A, and FOXA3, with a notable acetylation and expression of FGF signaling genes, especially FGFR3 and FGFR4 genes, pivotal components of the FGF pathway. Our findings not only deepen the understanding of LNETs regulatory and developmental diversity but also spotlight the HNF+ subtypes reliance on FGFR signaling. We demonstrate that targeting this pathway with FGF inhibitors curtails tumor growth both in vitro and in xenograft models, unveiling a potential vulnerability and paving the way for targeted therapies. Overall, our work provides an important resource for studying LNETs to uncover regulatory networks, differentiation signals and therapeutically relevant dependences.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2022

Loss of tumor suppressor WWOX enhances RAS activity in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers, owing to its late diagnosis and resistance to chemotherapy. The tumor suppressor WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX), one of the most active fragile sites in the human genome (FRA16D), is commonly altered in pancreatic cancer. However, the direct contribution of WWOX loss to pancreatic cancer development and progression remains largely unknown. Here, we report that combined conditional deletion of Wwox and activation of KRasG12D in Ptf1a-CreER-expressing mice results in accelerated formation of precursor lesions and pancreatic carcinoma. At the molecular level, we found that WWOX physically interacts with SMAD3 and BMP2, which are known activators of the TGF-{beta} signaling pathway. In the absence of WWOX, TGF{beta}/BMPs signaling was enhanced, leading to increased macrophage infiltration and enhanced cancer stemness. Finally, overexpression of WWOX in patient-derived xenografts led to diminished aggressiveness both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, our findings reveal an essential role of WWOX in pancreatic cancer development and progression and underscore its role as a bona fide tumor suppressor.

cancer biology↗