Preliminary analyses of three kinds of promoter activity showed that a-actin gene promoter was chosen to initiate the hormone transcription for the first consideration. We have fused the cDNAs encoding the intact somatolactins in frame to a zebrafish a-actin gene promoter to generate transgenic zebrafish lines co-injected with a GFP protein driven by the same promoter. The transgenic zebrafish were selected from GFP expression and confirmed by genomic PCR and Southern blot analysis, then maintained as transgenic founders. Measurement of the transgenes' expressions and the expressions of marker genes in different pathways by using real-time PCR provided a general understanding of SLs' actions. The data obtained indicated that the over-expressing of SLalpha and SLbeta in vivo significantly enhance the transcriptions of the insulin-like growth factors, IGF1 (5.46-fold and 6.77-fold), IGF2a (4.38-fold and 4.35-fold) and IGF2b (2.83-fold and 3.94-fold), but down-regulated IGF3 (a novel member found specifically in gonad) in larvae. However, the stimulation by administration of recombinant proteins (SLalpha and SLbeta) only showed a slight induction of the mRNA levels of IGFs (IGF1, IGF2a and IGF2b) on ZFL cells in vitro. / Somatolactin (SL) is a novel member of pituitary polypeptide hormone found only in fish; it shares significant structural homology with prolactin and growth hormone. Since somatolactin receptor (SLR) was first defined as GHR1 and orthologous to the growth hormone receptor GHR2, SL and GH may share similar actions in growth and development. Recently, two SLs have been identified as SLalpha and SLbeta with similar structures, freshwater fish have these two isoforms found in the same species and only one isoform (SLalpha) is found in marine species. The two isoforms of SL may have different functions and physiological actions. To investigate the roles of SLs on vertebrate development and embryogenesis, we generated transgenic fish models with "all zebrafish" elements in origin to study the physiological functions of SLs in zebrafish. / The ectopic expression of somatolactins also results in up-regulating gene expression of insulin, leptin, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) and fatty acid synthase (FAS), as well as the expression of vitellogenin and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) levels while causing reduction of catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels in larvae. The results here represent the similar function between SLalpha and SLbeta and reveal more details in fish of the endocrinology system involvement in growth development, glucose synthesis, lipid metabolism, reproduction, pigmentation and antioxidant defense system through the actions of SLs. / Three different gene promoters of zebrafish have been isolated to initiate the ectopic expression of somatolactins in vivo, which including a constitutional beta-actin gene promoter, a liver specific transferrin gene promoter and a zinc ion inducible metallothionein (MT) gene promoter. The promoter activities were tested in fish cell-line by using luciferase reporter assay. In MT gene promoter, two alleles of a zebrafish metallothionein II gene (zMT-II) promoter (zMT-IIA and zMT-IIB) containing 10 MREs in the 5'-flanking region (1,514 bp) were identified in zebrafish. These putative MREs were confirmed via electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) to have binding activities from the cellular and nuclear extracts of a zebrafish cell line, ZFL. Transient gene expression studies using zebrafish liver (ZFL) cell lines also confirmed that the most distal cluster of MREs contributed to the maximal induction of zMT-IIA activity by Zn2+ and the Zn 2+ induction was dose-dependent. EMSA also identified transcription factor(s) of two different sizes from the cytoplasmic and nuclear extracts of the ZFL cells that were able to bind with the MREs, but no increase in MRE binding was detected in the extracts of these cells after Zn2+ or Cd2+ treatment, compared with untreated control cells. The mechanisms of MT gene transcription induction via metal ions are discussed herein. / Wan, Guohui. / Adviser: Chan King Ming. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-01, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 139-163). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [201-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst., 2003. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Nevada, Reno, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references. Online version available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 2005. / Not embargoed. Vita. References located at the end of each chapter.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-22T20:50:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2008-05-28. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-08-11T03:25:51Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 Publico-10921a.pdf: 1592777 bytes, checksum: 7d854c386b05884268c8e4a74b23d1dd (MD5). Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-08-11T03:25:51Z : No. of bitstreams: 2 Publico-10921a.pdf: 1592777 bytes, checksum: 7d854c386b05884268c8e4a74b23d1dd (MD5) Publico-10921b.pdf: 1890621 bytes, checksum: 9a2c7c7f503afda64c4ccccb296a2193 (MD5). Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-08-11T03:25:51Z : No. of bitstreams: 3 Publico-10921a.pdf: 1592777 bytes, checksum: 7d854c386b05884268c8e4a74b23d1dd (MD5) Publico-10921b.pdf: 1890621 bytes, checksum: 9a2c7c7f503afda64c4ccccb296a2193 (MD5) Publico-10921c.pdf: 1802078 bytes, checksum: abe7bcfbf5434d049fa4830000c4afab (MD5). Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-08-11T03:25:51Z : No. of bitstreams: 4 Publico-10921a.pdf: 1592777 bytes, checksum: 7d854c386b05884268c8e4a74b23d1dd (MD5) Publico-10921b.pdf: 1890621 bytes, checksum: 9a2c7c7f503afda64c4ccccb296a2193 (MD5) Publico-10921c.pdf: 1802078 bytes, checksum: abe7bcfbf5434d049fa4830000c4afab (MD5) Publico-10921d.pdf: 1224466 bytes, checksum: f4c12de814a5b8f7d7e0b7dec3980e89 (MD5) / Introdução: Alterações no tamponamento do cálcio citosólico (Ca+2 c) podem levar à desordens neurodegenerativas como a Doença de Huntington (DH). Vários mecanismos estão relacionados esses processos tais como a excitotoxicidade, o estresse oxidativo e as interações da proteína huntintina mutante (mhtt) com outras proteínas como a transglutaminase 2 (TG2). Essas alterações podem estar relacionadas com a ativação de mecanismos de morte celular ou autofagia. Objetivo: O objetivo deste projeto foi investigar os mecanismos celulares e moleculares envolvidos no processo de neurodegeneração da DH tais como alterações dos níveis de Ca+2 c relacionados com o transporte de Ca+2 mitocondrial (Ca+2 m) e reticular (Ca+2 RE), disfunção mitocondrial e morte celular, em três modelos experimentais: a) animais transgênicos da linhagem R6/1; b) linfoblastos provenientes de pacientes com DH; c) células MEFs (fibroblastos) normais e knock-outs para a TG2, na presença ou ausência da mhtt. Resultados e Conclusões: Nos camundongos transgênicos R6/1 houve um aumento significante do Ca+2 c em relação aos controles aos 9 meses de idade. Essa alteração parece ser devido a um aumento da liberação do Ca+2 m, do estresse oxidativo, do potencial de membrana mitocondrial (DYm) e do consumo de oxigênio. Os transgênicos não apresentaram diferença quanto à SDH, muito embora haja um aumento desta com o envelhecimento. Além disso, os linfoblastos de pacientes com DH apresentaram alterações do Ca+2 m e do Ca+2 RE, bem como um aumento na taxa de células autofágicas. Por outro lado, nas células de fibroblastos de camundongos embrionários (MEFs), a presença de mhtt parece não afetar a homeostase celular de Ca2+. A ausência da TG2 nestas células, influenciou não somente os níveis de Ca2+ c como também protegeu as células contra autofagia, mesmo na presença de mhtt. / TEDE / BV UNIFESP: Teses e dissertações

Os efeitos do treinamento físico aeróbio sobre o sistema renina-angiotensina cardíaco (SRA) foram avaliados em camundongos com insuficiência cardíaca (IC) e em seus respectivos controles (WT). O treinamento físico foi conduzido em esteira rolante (8 semanas, 5 x/sem, 60 min por dia). A tolerância à realização de esforço físico, e análises estruturais e funcionais cardíacas foram avaliadas. Os camundongos apresentaram disfunção cardíaca e fibrose associadas ao aumento na expressão de angiotensina II cardíaca e ao aumento na atividade da enzima conversora de angiotensina cardíaca (ECA). O treinamento físico aeróbio reduziu os níveis de angiotensina II e de ECA cardíaca para os mesmos valores apresentados pelo grupo controle. Além disso, elevou a expressão da ECA2 cardíaca, preveniu a intolerância à realização de esforço físico e a disfunção cardíaca, com pouco impacto sobre o remodelamento cardíaco / The effects of aerobic exercise training on the cardiac renin-angiotensin system (RAS) was evaluated in mice with heart failure (HF) and control (WT). The exercise training was realized in a motor treadmill (8 weeks, 5d/wk, 60 min/day). The exercise tolerance, structural and function analysis were evaluated. Mice displayed cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis associated to increased in cardiac angiotensin II expression and angiotensin converting enzyme activity (ACE). The exercise training reduced cardiac angiotensin II and ACE levels to age-matched WT. In addition, increased the ACE2 expression, prevent the exercise intolerance and cardiac dysfunction, with little impact on cardiac remodeling

Os efeitos do treinamento físico aeróbio sobre o sistema renina-angiotensina cardíaco (SRA) foram avaliados em camundongos com insuficiência cardíaca (IC) e em seus respectivos controles (WT). O treinamento físico foi conduzido em esteira rolante (8 semanas, 5 x/sem, 60 min por dia). A tolerância à realização de esforço físico, e análises estruturais e funcionais cardíacas foram avaliadas. Os camundongos apresentaram disfunção cardíaca e fibrose associadas ao aumento na expressão de angiotensina II cardíaca e ao aumento na atividade da enzima conversora de angiotensina cardíaca (ECA). O treinamento físico aeróbio reduziu os níveis de angiotensina II e de ECA cardíaca para os mesmos valores apresentados pelo grupo controle. Além disso, elevou a expressão da ECA2 cardíaca, preveniu a intolerância à realização de esforço físico e a disfunção cardíaca, com pouco impacto sobre o remodelamento cardíaco / The effects of aerobic exercise training on the cardiac renin-angiotensin system (RAS) was evaluated in mice with heart failure (HF) and control (WT). The exercise training was realized in a motor treadmill (8 weeks, 5d/wk, 60 min/day). The exercise tolerance, structural and function analysis were evaluated. Mice displayed cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis associated to increased in cardiac angiotensin II expression and angiotensin converting enzyme activity (ACE). The exercise training reduced cardiac angiotensin II and ACE levels to age-matched WT. In addition, increased the ACE2 expression, prevent the exercise intolerance and cardiac dysfunction, with little impact on cardiac remodeling

by Yan Hiu Mei, Carol. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 114-126). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / 摘要 --- p.iii / Acknowledgements --- p.iv / Table of Contents --- p.v / List of Tables --- p.viii / List of Figures --- p.ix / Abbreviations --- p.xii / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- TRANSGENIC TECHNOLOGY --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Transgenesis in animals --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Transgenic fish in toxicology --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Aquatic metal toxicity --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Environmental monitoring of aquatic metal toxicity --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Biomarkers --- p.6 / Chapter 1.3 --- Transgenics in aquaculture --- p.9 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Revolution is needed in aquaculture --- p.9 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Aquaculture potential of tilapia in China --- p.10 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Endocrinology for fish growth --- p.12 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- Growth promotion by exogenous growth hormone in tilapia --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.5 --- Accelerated growth in transgenic fish --- p.15 / Chapter 1.4 --- General principle in transgenic fish production --- p.16 / Chapter 1.5 --- Project aim --- p.22 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ZEBRAFISH METALLOTHIONEIN GENE PROMOTER --- p.23 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.23 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Metallothionein --- p.23 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Biological functions --- p.24 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Metallothionein gene regulations --- p.25 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Metallothionein as biomarker for metal pollution --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.28 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- General molecular biology techniques --- p.28 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Sequences of PCR primers used --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Cloning zebrafish MT gene 5-flanking region --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Cloning zebrafish MT gene --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Cloning full length zMT gene --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Cell culture --- p.35 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- Transient transfection assay --- p.37 / Chapter 2.2.8 --- Electrophoretic mobility shift assay --- p.39 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results --- p.42 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Zebrafish metallothionein gene --- p.42 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Deletion analysis of zMT promoter by transient transfection assay --- p.48 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Functional characterization of zebrafish metallothionein promoter --- p.57 / Chapter 2.4 --- Discussions --- p.61 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Zebrafish MT gene --- p.61 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Functional characterization of zebrafish MT promoter --- p.61 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- PREPARATION OF GENE CONSTRUCTS FOR TRANSFER IN ZEBRAFISH --- p.65 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.65 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Zebrafish as model in toxicological studies --- p.65 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Reporter gene system --- p.66 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Transgenic reporter fish --- p.68 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Gene transfer by electroporation in zebrafish --- p.68 / Chapter 3.1.5 --- Objective --- p.69 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.70 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Design of gene constructs for ectopic expression in zebrafish --- p.70 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Testing electroporation conditions for zebrafish --- p.72 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.73 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussions --- p.76 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Engineering gene constructs --- p.76 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Applications of transgenic zebrafish --- p.79 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- GENE TRANSFER EXPERIMENTS ON TILAPIA --- p.82 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.82 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.85 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Isolation of O. aureus growth hormone --- p.85 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Engineering gene constructs for ectopic expression in tilapia --- p.86 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Gene transfer in tilapia --- p.87 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Screening transgenic tilapia --- p.89 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.91 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Tilapia growth hormone --- p.91 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Gene constructs for ectopic expression in tilapia --- p.94 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Testing electroporation conditions --- p.96 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- PCR screening for transgenic fish --- p.97 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussions --- p.101 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Tilapia growth hormone --- p.101 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Electroporation experiments on of tilapia eggs --- p.101 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Improvements on gene construct design for tilapia --- p.104 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Ethical and safety considerations --- p.106 / Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- REFERENCES --- p.114 / APPENDIX --- p.127