Team 4

New endothelial molecular targets
SupervisorsTeam members
CD146
Marcel Blot-Chabaud
The CD146 group is interested in the role of this molecule and its soluble form in various pathologies linked to inflammation and angiogenesis.
In this context, we are working on the role of soluble CD146 (CD146s) as a potential biomarker in scleroderma. We have also identified a role for CD146s in placental vascular development and trophoblastic invasion, suggesting its involvement in embryonic implantation. These results led us to propose CD146s as a biomarker in in vitro fertilization, enabling selection of the embryo to be implanted.
We also generated different transgenic mouse models to study the role of CD146 in atherosclerosis. We were able to show that CD146 was a major protein in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Our aim is now to turn it into a therapeutic molecule by targeting it to the atherosclerotic plaque.
Another part of our work involves studying the role of this molecule in the development of fibrosis, in particular cardiac and renal fibrosis. To this end, we are using various models of myocardial infarction and chronic renal failure, as well as cultured cardiac and renal endothelial cells.
Finally, we are also studying the role of CD146/CD146s in oncology.We have shown that this molecule is involved in angiogenesis and tumor growth, but also in metastatic dissemination. To combat these effects, we have generated various monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic purposes, some of which have now been humanized and tested in preclinical models of glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer.
All this work leads to the production of scientific articles and patents, which in turn open up opportunities for R&D contracts with the pharmaceutical industry.