Orientador: Renée Laufer Amorim / Resumo: As alterações na expressão de E-caderina, -catenina, APC e Caveolina-1 nas células epiteliais prostáticas têm sido estudados em humanos como mecanismos relacionados com progressão tumoral, invasão e metástase. Estas proteínas estão envolvidas no processo de adesão celular e ativação da via WNT canônica. No cão, a perda da expressão proteica de E-caderina e a translocação da -catenina da membrana para o citoplasma/núcleo foram descritas anteriormente em lesões prostáticas caninas. No entanto, nenhum estudo correlacionou alterações de expressão dessas proteínas com as proteínas APC e Caveolina-1. Devido ao prognóstico desfavorável do carcinoma prostático (CaP) no cão e a importância da identificação de novos marcadores prognósticos e preditivos, o presente estudo visou avaliar as expressões gênica e proteica de E-caderina, -catenina, APC e Caveolina-1 em diferentes lesões prostáticas caninas, além de avaliar o padrão de metilação do gene APC. Foram utilizados neste estudo 10 CaPs, 4 metástases de carcinoma prostático, 10 amostras de atrofia inflamatória proliferativa (PIA) e 10 próstatas normais de cães para análise imuno-histoquímica. Para a técnica de RT-qPCR forma utilizados 11 próstatas normais, 11 PIA, 17 CaPs e 3 metástases. Para análise de metilacão foram utilizadas seis próstatas normais, seis próstatas com PIA e 12 CaPs. Este estudo revelou aumento de expressão gênica e proteica de Caveolina-1 nas amostras de CaP e metástases, além de menor expressão nas amostras de ca... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Altered expression of E-cadherin, -catenin, APC and Caveolin-1 in prostate epithelial cells has been studied in humans as mechanisms related with tumor progression, invasion and metastasis. These proteins are envolved in cell-cell cohesion and participate in the activation of the canonical WNT pathway. In dogs, membranous E-cadherin loss and translocation of -catenin from the membrane to cytoplasm/nucleus were described previously in canine prostatic lesions. However, studies correlating these genes have not been reported their proteins with APC and Caveolin-1 expressions in canine prostatic lesions. Due to poor prognosis in canine prostate carcinoma (PC) and the need to develop new prognostic and predictive biomarkers, this study aimed to evaluate gene and protein expression of E-cadherin, -catenin, APC and Caveolin-1 in different canine prostatic lesions, and the methylation status of APC gene. We used 10 PC, 4 prostate metastasis, 10 proliferative inflammatory atrophy(PIA) and 10 canine normal prostates tissues for immunohistochemistry. For RT-qPCR we used 11 normal prostate, 11 PIA, 17 PC and 4 metastasis. For methylation analysis, we used six normal prostates, 6 PIA and 13 PC. This study revealed increased Caveolin-1 gene and protein expression in PC and metastasis and lower expression were found in tumors with lower Gleason score. Membranous E-cadherin and - catenin staining was observed in normal prostate samples whereas heterogenous loss was detected in other samples.... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Das seit 1957 als essentiell klassifizierte Spurenelement Selen vermittelt seine Funktion hauptsächlich durch seinen Einbau in Selenoproteine in Form der 21. proteinogenen Aminosäure Selenocystein. Insgesamt wurden 25 humane Gene für Selenoproteine identifiziert, deren genaue Funktion häufig noch nicht bekannt ist. Selen ist das einzige Mitglied aus der Gruppe der Mikronährstoffe, für das nach wie vor eine antikanzerogene Funktion vor allem in Bezug auf Darmkrebs postuliert wird. Die Grundlage dafür liefert eine Interventionsstudie, bei der 1.312 Probanden für 4,5 Jahre mit 200 μg Selen/Tag supplementiert wurden. Dies resultierte in einer Senkung der Gesamtkrebsmortalität um 50 %. Die Fragen einer optimalen Selenzufuhr, die nicht nur den Bedarf deckt, sondern auch die Entfaltung der antikanzerogenen Wirkung von Selen gewährleistet und die zugrunde liegenden molekularen Mechanismen sind noch ungeklärt. Zudem liegt die Selenzufuhr bei einem Großteil der europäischen Bevölkerung unter den Empfehlungen. Deshalb wurden in der vorliegenden Arbeit vier Wochen alte Mäuse für sechs Wochen marginal defizient (0,086 mg/kg Futter) bzw. selenadäquat (0,15 mg/kg Futter) gefüttert. Dieser geringe Unterschied im Selengehalt resultierte in einer Senkung des Plasmaselenspiegels der selenarmen Tiere auf 13 % und der GPx-Aktivität in der Leber auf 35 %. Zunächst wurde der Einfluss von Selen auf die globale Genexpression im murinen Colon mittels Microarray untersucht. Von den im Colon exprimierten Selenoproteinen reagierte die mRNA von SelW, SelH, GPx1 und SelM im Selenmangel besonders deutlich mit Expressionsverlust. Da diese Selenoproteine nicht nur im Colon, sondern auch in Leukozyten reguliert waren, sind sie auch als humane Biomarker für die in dieser Studie gewählte Schwankung des Selengehalts geeignet. Des Weiteren wurde auf Basis der Microarraydaten eine Signalweganalyse durchgeführt, die der Identifizierung krebsrelevanter Signalwege diente, um mögliche molekularbiologische Erklärungsansätze für die Rolle von Selen im Krebsgeschehen zu finden. Es zeigte sich, dass die mRNA von Schlüsselgenen des Wnt-Signalwegs wie β-Catenin, Gsk3β, Dvl2, Tle2, Lef1 und c-Myc auf Schwankungen des Selengehalts reagiert. Vor allem die Induktion von c-Myc, einem Zielgen des Wnt-Signalwegs, deutet darauf hin, dass dieser im Selenmangel tatsächlich aktiver ist als bei selenadäquater Versorgung. Ein weiterer möglicher Erklärungsansatz für die postulierte präventive Funktion von Selen gegenüber Darmkrebs ist die gastrointestinale Glutathionperoxidase (GPx2), die physiologisch in den proliferierenden Zellen des Kryptengrunds exprimiert wird. Die Regulation dieses Enzyms durch den Wnt-Signalweg, der ebenfalls in proliferierenden Zellen aktiv ist, konnte mittels Reportergenanalyse und endogen auf mRNA- und Proteinebene in Zellkultur gezeigt werden. Die Aktivierung verkürzter Promotorkonstrukte und die Mutation eines potentiellen Bindeelements identifizierten den für die Bindung von TCF und β-Catenin verantwortlichen Bereich. Als Zielgen des Wnt-Signalwegs scheint GPx2 zu den an Proliferationsprozessen beteiligten Genen zu gehören, was unter physiologischen Bedingungen die Aufrechterhaltung des intestinalen Epithels gewährleistet. Bei der Entstehung intestinaler Tumore, die in der Initiationsphase zu über 90 % mit einer konstitutiven Aktivierung des Wnt-Signalwegs einhergeht, wirkt GPx2 möglicherweise prokanzerogen. Die genaue Funktion von GPx2 während der Kanzerogenese bleibt weiter zu untersuchen. / Suboptimal selenium (Se) status has been suggested to be associated with a higher risk of developing various cancers, especially colon cancer. In mammals, Se exerts its functions through selenoproteins into which it is incorporated as selenocysteine. Since the function of many selenoproteins has not been identified the underlying mechanisms of the anti-carcinogenic function of Se remains unclear. Therefore, mice were fed either a marginal Se-deficient diet (0.086 mg Se/kg) or a Se-adequate diet (0.15 mg Se/kg) for six weeks. The plasma Se level was reduced to 13 % in the Se-deficient group while GPx activity in the liver was reduced to 35 %. The influence of Se on the global gene expression pattern was analysed using microarray technology. Among selenoproteins SelW, GPx1, SelH and SelM were consistently lower expressed in animals fed with the Se-deficient diet. As the mRNA of these genes was regulated in leucocytes as well, they are possible new biomarkers for the Se status in human studies. In addition, pathway analysis revealed that the cancer-relevant Wnt pathway was affected by the Se status, indicated by changes in the mRNA expression of key proteins like β-catenin, Gsk3β, Dvl2, Tle2, Lef1 and the Wnt target gene c-Myc. The regulation of these genes by Se points to a slightly increased basal activity level of the Wnt pathway in the Se poor state and may therefore contribute to the higher cancer risk in a marginal Se deficiency. Another possible explanation for anti-carcinogenic effects of Se is the gastrointestinal glutathione peroxidase GPx2, a selenoprotein predominantly expressed in proliferating cells at the crypt grounds of the intestine. The regulation of GPx2 via the Wnt pathway was confirmed by reporter gene experiments and by analysing endogenous GPx2 expression on the mRNA as well as on the protein level in different cell culture systems. Shortened promoter constructs and the mutation of a potential TCF binding element identified the area responsible for β-catenin/TCF binding. GPx2 is the first selenoprotein identified as a target of the Wnt pathway. This finding suggests a function of GPx2 in the maintenance of normal renewal of the intestinal epithelium as well as in cancer development.

Delayed or impaired bone healing occurs in 5-10% of all fractures, yet cost effective solutions to enhance the healing process are limited. Lithium, a current treatment for bipolar disorder, is not clinically indicated for use in fracture management, but has been reported to positively influence bone biology. The objective of this study was to identify lithium administration parameters that maximize bone healing in a preclinical, rodent femur fracture model. Using a three factor, two level, design of experiments (DOE) approach, bone healing was assessed through mechanical testing and μCT-image analysis. Significant improvements in healing were found at a low dose, later onset, longer duration treatment combination, with onset identified as the most influential parameter. The positive results from this DOE screening focuses the optimization phase towards further investigation of the onset component of treatment, and forms a crucial foundation for future studies evaluating the role of lithium in fracture healing.

No description available.

Delayed or impaired bone healing occurs in 5-10% of all fractures, yet cost effective solutions to enhance the healing process are limited. Lithium, a current treatment for bipolar disorder, is not clinically indicated for use in fracture management, but has been reported to positively influence bone biology. The objective of this study was to identify lithium administration parameters that maximize bone healing in a preclinical, rodent femur fracture model. Using a three factor, two level, design of experiments (DOE) approach, bone healing was assessed through mechanical testing and μCT-image analysis. Significant improvements in healing were found at a low dose, later onset, longer duration treatment combination, with onset identified as the most influential parameter. The positive results from this DOE screening focuses the optimization phase towards further investigation of the onset component of treatment, and forms a crucial foundation for future studies evaluating the role of lithium in fracture healing.

RNA interference (RNAi) is a post-transcriptional gene silencing process elicited by double-stranded RNA, such as micro-RNA (miRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA). They are 18-25 nucleotide long, small non-coding RNAs acting as critical regulators in eukaryotic genome expression. They play an important role in regulating a wide range of biological processes such as cell cycle control, differentiation, aging and apoptosis. However, their role in supporting skeletal development and bone homeostasis is still poorly understood. Osteoporotic fractures constitute a tremendous and growing problem in our ageing populations, with an annual incidence of approximately 60000 osteoporotic fractures in Sweden. Osteoporosis is referred as the “Silent epidemic” because bone loss is gradual and a basically symptomless development until a fracture occurs. Results presented in this thesis provide a novel insight into crucial roles of   miRNAs in regulating bone homeostasis. The initial aim for the thesis was to perform global miRNA expression profiling in human bone cells, and to correlate these levels to global mRNA levels. We identified and functionally characterized several miRNAs that were differentially expressed and acted in important bone signaling pathways such as the Wnt and BMP pathways. These miRNAs included hsa-miR-29b, hsa-miR-30c2 and hsa-miR-125b, which we found targeting genes highly relevant to bone metabolism e.g. COL1A1, SPARC, RUNX2, BGLAP and FRZB. Thereafter, the effect on the microRNAome upon external stimuli (e.g., Dexamethasone and Parathyroid hormone) was assessed by SOLiD sequencing. We observed a substantial difference in the expression of miRNAs between PTH and DEX treated cells. Understanding the changes in miRNAome in human bone cells under different conditions could provide new insight in bone remodeling, specifically differentiation and functional properties of osteoblasts. Based on these studies, we furthermore identified Dlx5 as potential common target of miR-203 and miR-320b and these miRNAs negatively regulate BMP-2-induced osteoblast differentiation. To activate the RNAi pathway, siRNA or miRNA molecules must be conveyed into the cytoplasm of target cells. Since challenges in cellular delivery of these small silencing RNA molecules so far have limited their clinical utility, we developed a new siRNA design that demonstrates a novel carrier-free cellular delivery. This development could potentially have a major impact in RNAi therapeutics. In conclusion, this thesis provides novel insight of miRNAs that play a major role in the regulation of bone remodeling and differentiation and functional properties of osteoblasts. Our findings may have diagnostic and/or therapeutic implications in disorders of bone metabolism.

Background: The Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway is activated in arrhythmogenic heart diseases such as myocardial infarction and heart failure, but it is unclear if the pathway regulates cardiac ion channels and thus may play a role in arrhythmogenesis. Previous PCR array screening from our lab showed that the transcript level of the T-type calcium channel gene Cacna1g was reduced in primary culture of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) after activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling with Wnt3a protein (100 ng/ml) or a small molecule activator of the pathway, CHIR (3 µM) (n=3, p<0.01). In this study, we examined the effects of Wnt/β-catenin signalling on T-type calcium channels (Caᴠ3.1), which play a key role in the pacemaker function of the sinoatrial node (SAN). Results: RT-qPCR and western blot demonstrated dose-dependent reductions in Cacna1g mRNA (n=7, p<0.01) and Cav3.1 protein (n=4, p<0.01) in NRVMs after treatment with CHIR (3 μM). There was also a decrease in Cacna1g mRNA in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) after treatment with CHIR (5 μM) (n=4; p<0.001). Patch-clamp recording demonstrated reduced T-type calcium current (ICa,T) in NRVMs after Wnt3a treatment (3 μg/ml) (n=5, p<0.05). In isolated mouse SAN tissue, perfusion with an ICa,T blocker, ML-218 (30 µM), led to dose-dependent reductions in spontaneous beating rate (n=4, p<0.0001) indicating a critical role of ICa,T in SAN pacemaking. In adult rats, activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling through the application of CHIR in a poloxamer gel to the SAN region did not alter the in vivo heart rate in electrocardiogram (ECG) (n=8, p=0.12). However, ex vivo culture of SAN tissue from the in vivo experiments revealed a reduction intrinsic beating rate in the CHIR treated group (n=7) compared to the control (DMSO) (n=8) (p<0.05). Summary: Wnt/β-catenin signalling inhibits T-type Ca²⁺ current in cardiomyocytes by, at least partly, reduced Cacna1g mRNA and Cav3.1 protein. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling reduces the intrinsic heart rate likely by inhibition of T-type Ca²⁺ current in SAN pacemaker cells.

No description available.

S100A4 spielt eine zentrale Rolle für die Metastasierung des Dickdarmkrebses. Die Hemmung der S100A4 Expression stellt damit einen vielversprechenden therapeutischen Ansatz dar. Die vorliegende Arbeit präsentiert Niklosamid und Calcimycin als neue Inhibitoren der S100A4 Transkription. In Kolonkarzinomzellen, die mit einem der beiden Inhibitoren behandelt wurden, wurde die S100A4 Expression konzentrations- und zeitabhängig unterdrückt. Des Weiteren war die Zellmigration und -invasion in Abhängigkeit von S100A4 in behandelten Zellen vermindert. Niklosamid und Calcimycin Behandlung verhinderten die Zellproliferation und die Koloniebildung von Kolonkarzinomzellen. Beide Inhibitoren hemmten den konstitutiv aktiven Wnt Pathway von Kolonkarzinomzellen. Calcimycin Behandlung verminderte die Expression von beta-catenin. Niklosamid hemmte die Bildung des beta-catenin/TCF Komplexes und unterband damit die Expression von Wnt Pathway Genen, wie z.B. S100A4. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurde ein in vivo Tiermodell entwickelt, mit dem die S100A4-induzierte Metastasierung mit Hilfe von nicht-invasivem Biolumineszenz Imaging visualisiert werden konnte. In diesem Model konnte gezeigt werden, dass Niklosamid signifikant die S100A4 Expression im Tumor vermindert und damit die Metastasierung hemmt. Des Weiteren zeigt diese Arbeit, dass S100A4 die Expression des Wnt Pathway Antagonisten DKK-1 in Kolonkarzinomzellen hemmt. DKK-1 selbst konnte als endogener Inhibitor der S100A4 Expression identifiziert werden. Zusammenfassend beschreibt die vorliegende Arbeit einen neuen regulativen Mechanismus im Wnt Pathway, der die S100A4 Expression im Kolonkarzinom fördert. Diese Beobachtung verdeutlicht die Notwendigkeit für wirksame S100A4 Inhibitoren, wie Niklosamid und Calcimycin, die das Potenzial haben, in einer klinischen Anwendung die Metastasierung von Kolonkarzinompatienten mit erhöhter S100A4 Expression zu hemmen und damit deren Überlebenschance wesentlich zu verbessern. / S100A4 promotes metastasis in colon cancer patients thereby reducing their five-year survival chances to less than 10%. Consequently, inhibition of S100A4 expression is a promising strategy for anti-metastatic treatment of colon cancer patients. The present study characterizes the small molecules niclosamide and calcimycin as transcriptional inhibitors of S100A4 which reduced S100A4 expression concentration- and time-dependently. Niclosamide and calcimycin treatment restricted cell migration, invasion and wound healing capabilities in a S100A4-specific manner, and inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation of colon cancer cells. Both small molecule inhibitors interfere with the constitutively active Wnt pathway. Targeting β-catenin expression by calcimycin or interfering with the β-catenin/TCF transcription activating complex by niclosamide resulted in reduced Wnt target gene transcription, among them S100A4. The study further presents a human colon cancer xenograft mouse model for monitoring S100A4-induced metastasis formation via non-invasive bioluminescence imaging. Treatment of xenograft mice with niclosamide resulted in a significant reduction of the S100A4 mRNA level in the tumor accompanied by inhibition of metastasis formation. Moreover, this study presents evidence that S100A4 is an inhibitor of DKK-1 expression. In colon cancer cells DKK-1 and S100A4 expression was negatively correlated. Ectopic S100A4 overexpression inhibited DKK-1 expression. Targeting S100A4 via shRNA recovered the repressed DKK-1 expression and vice versa. In summary, the study describes a novel positive feedback loop in the Wnt pathway regulation formed by S100A4 repressing its antagonist DKK-1. This novel mechanism further strengthens the need for S100A4 inhibitors such as niclosamide or calcimycin. Consequently, such small molecules provide immense potential for the treatment of colon cancer patients who are at high risk for S100A4-induced colon cancer metastasis.

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2017-09-19T13:13:44Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese - Kelly Deyse Segati - 2017.pdf: 1820249 bytes, checksum: 36ea5524af9118dfeefed599a8c8ef16 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2017-09-19T13:14:09Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese - Kelly Deyse Segati - 2017.pdf: 1820249 bytes, checksum: 36ea5524af9118dfeefed599a8c8ef16 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-09-19T13:14:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese - Kelly Deyse Segati - 2017.pdf: 1820249 bytes, checksum: 36ea5524af9118dfeefed599a8c8ef16 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-08-08 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / Cervical cancer is caused by persistent high-risk HPV infection. In addition, genetic and epigenetic changes such as the silencing of Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor genes appear to be essential for the development and progression of the disease. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of HPV infections in cervical cancer and to verify the associations between age, histological type, degree of tumor differentiation and the presence of methylation DKK3, SOX17 and SFRP2. This is a cross-sectional study including cases of cervical cancer, distributed in diagnoses of squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. The samples were assayed for 25 HPV genotypes using the INNOLipa® kit, then performed M-PCR to identify the presence of methylation in the promoter region of the genes DKK3, SOX17 and SFRP2. The results of the research showed that the age is significantly lower for women with cervical adenocarcinomas compared to those with a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. Infections with genotypes 18 and 45 were associated with the diagnosis of adenocarcinomas in women younger than 50 years. Methylation of inhibitors of the Wnt signaling pathway and HPV infections 16, 18 and 45 are frequent events during multistage carcinogenesis, however, only a significant association with SFRP2 methylation was observed. The methylation of gene promoter SOX17 was related to lower cervical cancer severity but not to HPV types. Adenocarcinomas were significantlyassociated with HPV infections 16, 18 and 45, and demonstrated a borderline association with DKK3 and SOX17 methylation. In summary, the results of the present study contribute to a better understanding of carcinogenesis of the cervix in the Center-West of Brazil. / O câncer de colo uterino é causado pela infecção persistente por HPV de alto risco oncogênico. Em adição, as alterações genéticas e epigenéticas como o silenciamento dos genes inibidoresda via de sinalização Wnt parecem ser essenciais para o desenvolvimento e progressão da doença. Esse estudo teve como objetivo analisar a prevalência de infecções por genótipos específicos de HPV em câncer de colo uterino e verificar as associações entre a idade, tipo histológico, o grau de diferenciação tumoral e a presença da metilação na região promotora dos genes DKK3, SOX17 e SFRP2. Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal incluindo casos de câncer de colo uterino, distribuídos em diagnósticos de carcinomas de células escamosas e adenocarcinomas. As amostras foram testadas para 25 genótipos de HPV utilizando o kit INNOLipa®, em seguida foram submetidas a M-PCR para identificar a presença da metilação na região promotora dos genes DKK3, SOX17 e SFRP2. Os resultados da pesquisa mostraram que a idade é significativamente menor em mulheres com adenocarcinomas cervicais comparadas com aquelas com diagnóstico de carcinoma de células escamosas. A infecção por genótipos 18 e 45 foram positivamente associadas ao diagnóstico de adenocarcinomas em mulheres com idade menor que 50 anos. A metilação dos inibidores da via de sinalização Wnt e as infecções por HPV 16, 18 e 45 são eventos frequentes durante a carcinogênese em várias etapas, no entanto, apenas foi observada associação significativa com a metilação de SFRP2. A metilação da região promotora de SOX17 foi relacionada com menor gravidade do câncer de colo uterino, mas não com tipos de HPV. Os adenocarcinomas apresentaram associação significativa com infecções por HPV 16, 18 e 45, além de demonstrar uma associação limítrofe com a metilação de DKK3 e SOX17. Em resumo, resultados do presente estudo contribuem para o melhor entendimento da carcinogêneses do colo uterino na região Centro-Oeste do Brasil.