Clémence Belleannée, PhD

Clémence Belleannée, PhD

Associate Professor, Université Laval

research axis 3

Phone: 418 525-4444 Ext. 47789

E-mail: Clemence.Belleannee@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca

Address

418 525-4444 Ext. 47789
Clemence.Belleannee@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca
http://clemencebelle.wixsite.com/labbelleannee
CHU de Québec - Université Laval
2705, boul. Laurier, Local T3-48
Québec, QC, G1V 4G2
Fax: 418 654-2783

Research interests

Male infertility and cancer of the reproductive system
Post-testicular maturation
Signalization of the primary cilium

The primary cilium is a cell signaling antenna that is involved in the development and homeostatic control of various organs of the male reproductive system. To identify new molecular targets controlling physiology and the main male reproductive functions, we have developed a research program dedicated to the study of this organelle in two pathological contexts relevant to male reproductive health: male infertility and prostate cancer.

Theme 1. Identify the ciliary factors controlling male fertility

The vas efferens and the epididymis are tubules located downstream of the testicle whose dysfunctions cause male infertility issues. They thus constitute models of choice for identifying the molecular players involved in this pathology. Although primary cilia are organelles controlling cellular functions essential to the maintenance of male reproductive capacity in rodents and nematodes, their contribution in humans is not known. In collaboration with Transplant Québec, we are studying the molecular features of these organelles from a human tissue biobank. Additional mechanistic and functional studies are carried out on mouse models in which the invalidation of these ciliary components (CRISPR-Cas9 and Cre-Lox approaches) leads to male infertility. This research will improve our fundamental knowledge of male reproductive health and thus develop new approaches to diagnosing and treating male infertility. Research funded by CIHR and NSERC.

Theme 2. Decipher the ciliary signaling that prevents the development of prostate cancer

The prostate is an accessory gland of the male reproductive system whose secretions participate in the activation of sperm and male fertility. The mechanisms controlling the pathophysiology of this organ also constitute a direct target of prostate cancer (PCa). By combining cutting-edge approaches for the study of animal models and human biopsies (scRNA sequencing, imaging and in situ hybridization on organoids), our research aims to determine the role and therapeutic potential of ciliary signaling molecules in the face of CPa. Our preliminary data show that alteration of Hedgehog pathway transduction is sufficient to disrupt ciliogenesis, initiate cellular disorganization of the prostate as well as the development of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia towards more advanced stages. Beyond improving our knowledge of the cellular mechanisms at the origin of prostate carcinogenesis, treatments carried out on organoids from donors suffering from PCa will make it possible to determine whether the restoration of cilio-dependent pathways can offer new therapeutic strategies. Research funded by CIHR