Dr. Ariane SHARIF, Ph.D.

ariane.sharif@inserm.fr

Group leader & Lecturer.

Expert in stem and glial cell biology. Ariane’s research focuses on the production of new cells in the postnatal hypothalamus, and aims to better understand how this process is regulated and how it participates in the control of reproduction and energy metabolism.

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Career

My research concerns cell neogenesis in the postnatal hypothalamus, a form of brain plasticity corresponding to the production of new glial and neuronal cells beyond the embryonic developmental period. Studies have shown that the newborn cells are involved in controlling energy metabolism, reproduction, thermoregulation and sleep.

However, our knowledge of this phenomenon remains very incomplete, particularly concerning its cellular origin, the molecular mechanisms involved in its regulation and its pathophysiological relevance. I’m exploring these questions through various lines of research, from the early postnatal period to adulthood, using neuroanatomy, cell biology, molecular biology, electrophysiology, biochemistry, physiology and behavioural analyses.

For example, we have shown how astrocyte production in the environment of GnRH neurons during the 2nd week of postnatal life regulates sexual maturation and the onset of puberty in the rat. In adulthood, we are studying how this cell neogenesis is modulated by reproductive life stage and metabolic status, and which molecular determinants are involved. We have also carried out the first neuroanatomical characterization of the adult hypothalamic niche in humans, highlighting features specific to our species.

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I obtained a PhD in Neuroscience (Université Pierre & Marie Curie) in 2005, during which I studied erbB receptor signaling in glial cells, with the aim of exploring the mechanisms initiating the formation of glial brain tumors. We discovered a phenotypic plasticity of cortical astrocytes that dedifferentiate into progenitors and stem cells under continuous activation of the EGF receptor. I then joined Vincent Prevot’s laboratory (Lille, France) as a post-doctoral fellow (2006-2011) where I continued to study normal and tumoral glial erbB signaling in humans, thanks to collaborations with clinicians at Lille University Hospital. In 2011, I obtained a position as Associate Professor in Neuroscience at the Lille Faculty of Medicine, and initiated a thematic reorientation of my research to focus on cellular plasticity in the neuroendocrine brain. I currently lead a research group on cell neogenesis in the postnatal hypothalamus, where we explore how this neogenic activity is regulated, and how it contributes to the control of reproduction and energy metabolism, using rodent models. I obtained my Habilitation to direct research (HDR) in 2015 and was promoted hors-classe in 2019. My pedagogical activities concern the teaching of histology, neuroscience and neuroendocrinology to medical and scientific students at the University of Lille. I also give Master 2 courses in neuroendocrinology at other universities. In addition, I am involved in expertise activities (member of the neuroscience study section at Inserm from 2016 to 2021; reviewing of articles and funding applications; participation in juries), I am a member of learned societies (treasurer of the Club des Cellules Gliales (2014-2020); treasurer of the French Society for Neuroendocrinology (SNE, 2022-2024), and I take part in scientific congress organization and science outreach activities.

Nov 1;13(21):1808. doi: 10.3390/cells13211808. PMID: 39513915. 2024

Russo M, Zahaf A, Kassoussi A, Sharif A, Faure H, Traiffort E, Ruat M. Sonic Hedgehog Is an Early Oligodendrocyte Marker During Remyelination. Cells.

Jun 11;134(15):e172908. doi: 10.1172/JCI172908. PMID: 38861336. 2024

Torres E, Pellegrino G, Granados-Rodríguez M, Fuentes-Fayos AC, Velasco I, Coutteau-Robles A, Legrand A, Shanabrough M, Perdices-Lopez C, Leon S, Yeo SH, Manchishi SM, Sánchez-Tapia MJ, Navarro VM, Pineda R, Roa J, Naftolin F, Argente J, Luque RM, Chowen JA, Horvath TL, Prevot V, Sharif A, Colledge WH, Tena-Sempere M, Romero-Ruiz A. Kisspeptin signaling in astrocytes modulates the reproductive axis. J Clin Invest.

Apr;229(3):705-727. doi: 10.1007/s00429-023-02756-2. PMID: 38329543. 2024

Russo M, Pellegrino G, Faure H, Tirou L, Sharif A, Ruat M. Characterization of Sonic Hedgehog transcripts in the adult mouse brain: co-expression with neuronal and oligodendroglial markers. Brain Struct Funct.

Mar;117:330-346. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.01.216. PMID: 38309640.

Sanchez C, Colson C, Gautier N, Noser P, Salvi J, Villet M, Fleuriot L, Peltier C, Schlich P, Brau F, Sharif A, Altintas A, Amri EZ, Nahon JL, Blondeau N, Benani A, Barrès R, Rovère C. Dietary fatty acid composition drives neuroinflammation and impaired behavior in obesity. Brain Behav Immun. 2024

Oct;96:104784. doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104784. PMID: 37713808. 2023

Sauve F, Nampoothiri S, Clarke SA, Fernandois D, Ferreira Coêlho CF, Dewisme J, Mills EG, Ternier G, Cotellessa L, Iglesias-Garcia C, Mueller-Fielitz H, Lebouvier T, Perbet R, Florent V, Baroncini M, Sharif A, Ereño-Orbea J, Mercado-Gómez M, Palazon A, Mattot V, Pasquier F, Catteau-Jonard S, Martinez-Chantar M, Hrabovszky E, Jourdain M, Deplanque D, Morelli A, Guarnieri G, Storme L, Robil C, Trottein F, Nogueiras R, Schwaninger M, Pigny P, Poissy J, Chachlaki K, Maurage CA, Giacobini P, Dhillo W, Rasika S, Prevot V. Long-COVID cognitive impairments and reproductive hormone deficits in men may stem from GnRH neuronal death. EBioMedicine.

Mar 16;13:869019. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.869019. eCollection 2022. PMID: 35370973. 2022

Butruille L, Batailler M, Cateau ML, Sharif A, Leysen V, Prévot V, Vaudin P, Pillon D, Migaud M. Selective Depletion of Adult GFAP-Expressing Tanycytes Leads to Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in Males. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne).

Dec;24(12):1660-1672. doi: 10.1038/s41593-021-00960-z. PMID: 34795451. *Equal contribution; $Equal supervision, corresponding author. 2021

Pellegrino G*, Martin M*, Allet C*, Lhomme T, Geller S, Franssen D, Mansuy V, Manfredi-Lozano M, Coutteau-Robles A, Delli V, Rasika S, Mazur D, Loyens A, Tena-Sempere M, Siepmann J, Pralong FP, Ciofi P, Corfas G, Parent AS, Ojeda SR, Sharif A$, Prevot V$. GnRH neurons recruit astrocytes in infancy to facilitate network integration and sexual maturation. Nat Neurosci.

May;47:101172. PMID: 33513436. 2021

Tirou L, Russo M, Faure H, Pellegrino G, Demongin C, Daynac M, Sharif A, Amosse J, Le Lay S, Denis R, Luquet S, Taouis M, Benomar Y, Ruat M. Sonic Hedgehog receptor Patched deficiency in astrocytes enhances glucose metabolism in mice. Mol Metab.

Feb 20;15(2):e0229362. PMID: 32078657. 2020

10. Tirou L, Russo M, Faure H, Pellegrino G, Sharif A, Ruat M. C9C5 positive mature oligodendrocytes are a source of Sonic Hedgehog in the mouse brain. PLoS One.

2023-2026
• Recipient of the RIPEC (research excellence bonus)

2018-2022
• Recipient of the PEDR (research excellence bonus)

2014
• Walbaum 2014” price from the Association pour l’Etude des Anomalies Congénitales.

2010-2011
• Fondation de France postdoctoral fellowship

2008-2010
• Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale postdoctoral fellowship

2006-2008
• Région Nord Pas-de-Calais postdoctoral fellowship

2004-2005
• Doctoral fellowship from the Association pour la Recherche sur le Cancer

2001-2004
• Doctoral fellowship from the French Ministry of Research

Selected publications