Biology subjects

Recapet, C.

Publications and source records attributed to Recapet, C..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2022

The cytidine deaminase APOBEC3G drives cancer mutagenesis and clonal evolution in bladder cancer

Mutagenic processes leave distinct signatures in cancer genomes. The mutational signatures attributed to APOBEC3 cytidine deaminases are pervasive in human cancers. However, data linking individual APOBEC3 proteins to cancer mutagenesis in vivo are limited. Here, we show that transgenic expression of human APOBEC3G promotes mutagenesis, genomic instability, and kataegis, leading to shorter survival in a murine bladder cancer model. Acting as mutagenic fuel, APOBEC3G increases the clonal diversity of bladder cancers, driving divergent cancer evolution. We characterize the single base substitution signature induced by APOBEC3G in vivo, showing the induction of a mutational signature different from that caused by APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B. Analysis of thousands of human cancers reveals the contribution of APOBEC3G to the mutational profiles of multiple cancer types, including bladder cancer. Our findings define the role of APOBEC3G in cancer mutagenesis and clonal heterogeneity. These results potentially inform future therapeutic efforts that restrict tumor evolution.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2021

Resource and seasonality drive interspecific variability in a Dynamic Energy Budget model

Animals show a vast array of phenotypic traits in time and space. These variation patterns have traditionally been described as ecogeographical rules; for example, the tendency of size and clutch size to increase with latitude (Bergmans and Lacks rules, respectively). Despite considerable research into these patterns, the processes behind trait variation remain controversial. Here, we show how food variability, which determines individual energy input and allocation trade-offs, can drive interspecific trait variation. Using a dynamic energy budget (DEB) model, we simulated different food environments as well as interspecific variability in the parameters for energy assimilation, mobilization, and allocation to soma. We found that interspecific variability is greater when the resource is non-limiting in both constant and seasonal environments. Our findings further show that individuals can reach larger biomass and greater reproductive output in a seasonal environment than in a constant environment of equal average resource due to the peaks of food surplus. Our results agree with the classical patterns of interspecific trait variation and provide a mechanistic understanding that supports recent hypotheses which explain them: the resource and the eNPP (net primary production during the growing season) rules. Due to the current alterations to ecosystems and communities, disentangling trait variation is increasingly important to understand and predict biodiversity dynamics under environmental change.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2017

Effects of confinement on body mass and site fidelity of feral pigeons during the setting-up of pigeon houses.

Feral pigeons can reach high densities in the urban environments and have thus been subject to various regulation programs. Recently, an alternative ethical regulation strategy based on the installation of artificial breeding facilities has been tested in European cities. In Paris (France), pigeons are first confined for several weeks within the pigeon house before being released. According to authorities, this method allows to retain confined pigeons in this new habitat and to attract more conspecifics. This study aims at evaluating the efficiency and potential side-effects of this method by assessing pigeon fidelity behaviour and pigeon welfare after release. Results show that confinement in pigeon houses induced a significant body mass loss in birds. Only 19% of confined pigeons became faithful to their new habitat. This fidelity depended on the origin of birds suggesting that pigeons captured closer to the pigeon houses are more likely to stay in the vicinity of the pigeon house one year after. Investigations on methods of regulation on animal behavior may help to improve management procedures.

ecology↗