Legionella pneumophila, o agente etiológico da doença dos Legionários, é conhecida por desencadear a formação de poro em membranas de macrófagos derivados de medula óssea (BMMs) por mecanismos dependentes do sistema de secreção do tipo IV conhecido como Dot/Icm. Neste trabalho, foram utillizados vários mutantes de L. pneumophila em combinação com camundongos nocautes para investigar os fatores bacterianos e do hospedeiro envolvidos na formação de poro em BMMs. Observamos que apesar da atividade do Dot/Icm, a formação de poro não ocorre em BMMs deficientes para caspase-1 e Nlrc4. A formação de poro foi temporalmente associada com a secreção de IL-1b e precedeu a lise celular e a piroptose. A formação de poro foi dependente do Dot/Icm, mas independente de várias proteínas efetoras, da multiplicação bacteriana e da síntese de novo de proteínas. A flagelina, a qual é conhecida em ativar o inflamassoma de Nlrc4, foi necessária para a formação de poro; a bactéria mutante flaA falhou em induzir a permeabilização celular. Consequentemente, a transfecção da flagelina purificada foi suficiente para desencadear a formação de poro independente da infecção. Utilizando 11 diferentes espécies de Legionella, nós observamos alta formação de poro em resposta à L. micdadei, L. bozemanii, L. gratiana, L. jordanis e L. rubrilucens, e essa resposta estava correlacionada com a expressão de flagelina por essas espécies. Além disso, verificamos que as proteínas Asc e Caspase-11 apresentam fenótipo intermediário na formação de poro, sugerindo que outras vias podem estar envolvidas no processo. Observamos também que a formação de poro desencadeada por L. pneumophila difere daquela induzida pelo ATP. Em conjunto, nossos resultados sugerem que a formação de poro não é uma resposta específica de L. pneumophila nem o resultado de dano da membrana induzido pelo Dot/Icm. Ao invés disso, a formação de poro é uma resposta do hospedeiro altamente coordenada, dependente dos componentes do inflamassoma Nlrc4 e caspase-1 e é desencadeada em resposta a bactérias que expressam o sistema de secreção do tipo IV e flagelina. / Legionella pneumophila, the etiological agent of Legionnaires disease, is known to trigger pore formation in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) by mechanisms dependent on the type IVB secretion system known as Dot/Icm. Here, we used several mutants of L. pneumophila in combination with knockout mice to assess the host and bacterial factors involved in pore formation in BMMs. We found that regardless of Dot/Icm activity, pore formation does not occur in BMMs deficient in caspase-1 and Nlrc4/Ipaf. Pore formation was temporally associated with IL-1b secretion and preceded host cell lysis and pyroptosis. Pore-forming ability was dependent on bacterial Dot/Icm but independent of several effector proteins, multiplication and de novo protein synthesis. Flagellin, which is known to trigger the Nlrc4 inflammasome, was required for pore formation as flaA mutant bacteria failed to induce cell permeabilization. Accordingly, transfection of purified flagellin was sufficient to trigger pore formation independent of infection. By using 11 different Legionella species, we found robust pore formation in response to L. micdadei, L. bozemanii, L. gratiana, L. jordanis and L. rubrilucens, and this trait correlated with flagellin expression by these species. Furthermore, we found that Asc and Caspase-11 showed an intermediate phenotype in pore formation, suggesting that other pathways may be involved in this process. We also observed that the pore formation triggered by L. pneumophila differs from the pore induced by ATP. Together, the results suggest that pore formation is neither L. pneumophilaspecific nor the result of membrane damage induced by Dot/Icm activity; instead, it is a highly coordinated host cell response dependent on host Nlrc4 and caspase-1 and on bacterial flagellin and type IV secretion system.

A bactéria Legionella pneumophila é um bacilo Gram-negativo, flagelado causador da doença dos legionários e febre de Pontiac. O inflamassoma mais importante no controle da replicação desta bactéria é o composto por Naip5/NLRC4, que é responsável pelo reconhecimento de flagelina. A ativação do inflamassoma de Naip5/NLRC4 pela flagelina induz a ativação de caspase-1, induzindo a formação de poros na membrana, piroptose e controle da replicação desta bactéria. A participação da proteína adaptadora ASC é essencial para a nucleação deste complexo e secreção de citocinas inflamatórias como IL-1? e IL-18 por esta via. Além do controle da replicação de L. pneumophila pelo inflamassoma NLRC4 dependente de caspase-1, foi demonstrado que existe uma via induzida por NLRC4 independente de caspase- 1/11. Dessa forma, camundongos e células Nlrc4-/- são mais susceptíveis à infecção por esta bactéria do que as células Casp1/11-/-. Neste trabalho, nós identificamos que a via independente de caspase-1/11 é composta por Naip5/NLRC4/ASC/Caspase-8 e é essencial para o controle da replicação de Legionella spp. flageladas em macrófagos e in vivo. Através da utilização de BMDMs Casp1/11-/- e Asc/Casp1/11-/- transduzidos com NLRC4-GFP ou ASC-GFP, identificamos que a formação de punctas de NLRC4 e ASC dependem do reconhecimento de flagelina e que ASC é essencial para a formação desses punctas. Também foi identificado que a infecção com L. pneumophila que expressa flagelina leva à ativação de caspase-8 de maneira dependente de ASC e Naip5, mas independente de caspase-1/11. De acordo com esses dados, o silenciamento de caspase-8 em macrófagos Casp1/11-/- aumentou a susceptibilidade dessas células à infecção com L. pneumophila flagelada. Além disso, macrófagos e camundongos Asc/Casp1/11-/- foram tão susceptíveis quanto os Nlrc4- /- e mais susceptíveis que os Casp1/11-/-. Nós observamos que o inflamassoma de NLRC4/ASC/Caspase-8 induz formação de poros e morte celular independente de gasdermina-D (GSDMD). Por meio da utilização de células de camundongos C57BL/6, foi observado que caspase-8 é recrutada para o inflamassoma de Naip5/NLRC4/ASC/Caspase-1. Entretanto, a ativação de caspase-8 só ocorre na 10 ausência de caspase-1 ou GSDMD. Nossos dados sugerem que a ativação de caspase-8 no inflamassoma composto por NLRC4/ASC/Caspase-8 representa uma via alternativa que opera para garantir o controle da replicação de bactérias flageladas em situações nas quais ou caspase-1 ou GSDMD estão inibidas. / Legionella pneumophila is a flagellated Gram-negative bacillus that is the causative agent of the legionnaire\'s disease and Pontiac fever. The most important inflammasome for the control of L. pneumophila replication is the Naip5/NLRC4, responsible for the flagellin recognition. The activation of the Naip5/NLRC4 inflammasome leads to caspase-1 activation, consequently pore formation, pyroptosis and control of bacterial replication. The participation of the adaptor molecule ASC is essential for this complex nucleation and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines like IL-1? and IL-18 by this pathway. Besides the control of L. pneumophila replication by Naip5/NLRC4/Caspase-1 inflammasome, it was demonstrated there are NLRC4 responses independent of caspase-1/11. These explain why mice and macrophages Nlrc4-/- are more susceptible than Casp1/11-/-. In this work, we identified that the caspase-1/11-independent pathway is composed of Naip5/NLRC4/ASC/Caspase-8 and it is essential for the control of flagellated Legionella spp. replication in macrophages and in vivo. Infection of Casp1/11-/- and Asc/Casp1/11-/- macrophages, transduced with NLRC4-GFP or ASC-GFP, showed that flagellin-positive bacteria triggered puncta formation that is ASC-dependent. Accordingly, Naip5 and ASC, but not caspase-1/11, were required for caspase-8 activation in response to flagellated bacteria. Silencing caspase-8 in Casp1/11-/- BMDMs increased the susceptibility to L. pneumophila infection. Furthermore, the macrophages and mice Asc/Casp1/11-/- are as susceptible as Nlrc4-/-, but more susceptible than Casp1/11-/-. We also found that the NLRC4/ASC/Caspase-8 inflammasome induces GSDMD-independent pore formation and cell death. Using C57BL/6 cells, we observed that caspase-8 is recruited to Naip5/NLRC4/ASC/Caspase-1 inflammasome. However, caspase-8 is just activated in the absence of caspase-1 or GSDMD. Our data suggest that caspase-8 activation in the NLRC4/ASC/Caspase-8 inflammasome represents an alternative pathway that operates to ensure the control of flagellated bacteria replication in situations which either caspase-1 or GSDMD are inhibited.

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2014-12-01T11:55:38Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Bruna dos Santos Rodrigues - 2013.pdf: 1797836 bytes, checksum: b56e1b3bdd63eeb9040d2ef050f157f8 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2014-12-04T14:18:47Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Bruna dos Santos Rodrigues - 2013.pdf: 1797836 bytes, checksum: b56e1b3bdd63eeb9040d2ef050f157f8 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-04T14:18:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Bruna dos Santos Rodrigues - 2013.pdf: 1797836 bytes, checksum: b56e1b3bdd63eeb9040d2ef050f157f8 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-08-30 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The death mechanisms induced by a new synthetic compound (4-FTC) in adenocarcinoma prostate cells (PC-3) and its toxicity were investigated in this study. PC-3 cells cytotoxity was evaluated by MTT reduction assay. The mechanisms involved in PC-3 death and cell cycle were investigated by flow cytometry and colorimetric assays. The compound toxicity was analized by cytotoxicity of mononuclear cells (MTT reduction assay) and 3T3 cells (neutral red uptake assay), myelotoxicity, haemolytic activity and acute oral toxicity. 4-FTC has concentration dependent cytotoxic activity in PC-3 cells, and 184,6 μM IC50. Investigation of death mechanisms indicated death by apoptosis, because of the significant increase in phosphatidylserine externalization (109,83%), loss of mytochondrial membrane potential (41,96%), significant increase of DNA fragmentation (284,02%) and capases 3/7 and 9 activity increase, 13,12% and 12,8%, respectively. Furthermore, the treatment of PC-3 cells wih 4-FTC did not induce the reactive oxygen species production, as well as, the induction of acid autophagic vesicles generation and did not change the cell cycle significantly. Althought 4-FTC was able to modulate the expression of some proteins that regulate cell cycle, incresead the expression of p53, p21 and p27. Thus, the results suggests that 4-FTC induced PC-3 death by apoptosis dependent by mitochondrial pathway activation. In toxicity evaluation, 4-FTC presented 52,86 μM and 19,63 μM IC50 to mononuclear and 3T3 cells, respectively; 27,35 μM IC50 to hematopoietic precursors; low acute oral toxicity, classified in GHS category 5, and not significant haemolytic activity. / Neste trabalho, investigaram-se os mecanismos de morte induzidos por um novo composto sintético, 4-fluorbenzaldeidotiossemicarbazona (4-FTC), nas células de adenocarcinoma prostático PC-3 e alguns parâmetros da toxicidade desse composto. A citotoxicidade nas células PC-3 foi avaliada pelo método de redução do MTT, método colorimétrico para avaliar a viabilidade celular. A investigação dos mecanismos de morte induzidos foi realizada por citometria de fluxo e ensaio colorimétrico. A toxicidade do composto foi avaliada pela citotoxicidade em células mononucleares pelo método de redução do MTT, citotoxicidade em células 3T3 pelo método de incorporação do vermelho neutro, mielotoxicidade, potencial hemolítico e toxicidade oral aguda. Os resultados obtidos mostram atividade citotóxica concentração dependente, com CI50 de 184,6 μM para PC-3. A investigação dos mecanismos de morte induzidos indicou morte por apoptose, pois houve aumento significativo da externalização da fosfatidilsserina (109,83%), perda do potencial de membrana mitocondrial em 41,96%, aumento significativo da fragmentação de DNA (284,02%) e aumento de caspases 3/7 e 9, em 13,12% e 12,8%, respectivamente. Além disso, não induziu a produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio, bem como, a formação de vesículas autofágicas ácidas e não alterou o perfil do ciclo celular de forma significativa. Embora tenha modulado a expressão de proteínas reguladoras do ciclo celular, aumentando a expressão de p53, p21 e p27. Assim, pode-se sugeririr que o 4-FTC induz morte por apoptose por meio de mecanismos de ativação dependentes da via mitocondrial em células PC-3. Na avaliação da toxicidade, o 4-FTC apresentou concentração inibitória 50% (CI50) de 52,86 μM e 19,63 μM para células mononuclerares e células 3T3, respectivamente; CI50 de 27,35 μM para precursores hematopoiéticos; baixa toxicidade oral aguda, sendo classificado na categoria 5 e baixo potencial hemolítico.

O reconhecimento da flagelina é compartilhado pelo receptor transmembrânico TLR5 e citosólico NAIP5/NLRC4. Entretanto, pouco se sabe sobre os mecanismos efetores individuais induzidos a partir do reconhecimento extra e intracelular da flagelina. Aqui, nós demonstramos que macrófagos estimulados com a flagelina citosólica (FLA-BSDot) induziu a expressão de iNOS, enzima responsável pela produção do óxido nítrico (NO). A expressão de iNOS foi dependente do eixo NAIP5/NLRC4/caspase-1 e independente de IL-1β, IL-18 e MyD88, descartando a via de ativação dos TLRs. Ainda, esta via não requer a ativação do fator de transcrição IRF-1, mas envolve a ativação do NF-kB, assim como a clivagem da enzima PARP-1 (poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1). Por fim, avaliamos a relevância biológica desta via no controle das infecções por L. pneumophila e S. Typhimurium, dados que definem um mecanismo efetor adicional no controle de patógenos. / Recognition of flagellin is shared by transmembranic TLR5 and cytosolic NAIP5/NLRC4. However, little is known about the individual effector mechanisms induced by extra and intracellular flagellin. Here, we have demonstrated that cytosolic flagellin-stimulated macrophages (FLA-BSDot) induced iNOS expression, an enzyme responsible for the production of nitric oxide (NO). iNOS expression was dependent of the NAIP5/NLRC4/caspase-1 axis and independent of IL-1β, IL-18 and MyD88, discarding TLRs signaling pathway. Still, this pathway do not require the activation of IRF-1 transcriptional factor, but involves NF-kB activation as well as the cleavage of the enzyme, PARP-1 (poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1). Finally, we have evaluated the biological relevance of this pathway in the control of the infections by L. pneumophila e S. Typhimurium, which define an additional effector mechanism to the control of pathogens.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / Apoptosis or programmed cell death is vital to the development of organisms as they maintain the balance between cell death and cell growth. Failure to activate apoptosis has been implicated in carcinogenesis and often results from the over expression of anti–cancer proteins such as the X–linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP). XIAP is over expresses in certain cancers and is a potent inhibitor of the initiator caspase 9 and effector caspases 3 and 7. The increased expression of XIAP in cancer cells result in the resistance to apoptosis. The control of XIAP is therefore considered as a target for anti–cancer drug development. Embelin or 2,5–dihydroxy–3–undecyl–1,4–benzoquinoine is a dihydroxyquinone compound that was previously shown to inhibit XIAP. This drug was discovered by structure based computational screening. The binding of embelin to XIAP displaces XIAP from caspases, consequently eliminating the inhibitory effect of XIAP on apoptosis. The objective of this study was to develop a gold nanoparticle that can be used for the targeted delivery of embelin to cancer cells thereby enhancing pro–apoptotic effects of the pro–apoptotic drug, ceramide. XIAP expression levels were investigated by Western blot analysis in a panel of human cancer cell lines available in the laboratory to identify two cell lines that can be used as low and high XIAP expression controls. Gold nanoparticles were synthesized and conjugated with embelin and a cancer targeting peptide with the amino acid sequence LTVSPWY. The biconjugated nanoparticles were used to co–treat MCF7 and HepG2 cells with ceramide. Apoptosis was quantified using flow cytometry. The uptake of gold nanoparticles was investigated using HR–TEM and ICP–OES. This study showed that gold nanoparticles conjugated with the LTVSPWY peptide is specifically targeted to and taken up by cancer cells. Gold nanoparticles conjugated with embelin promoted ceramide induced apoptotic cell death of cancer cells. However, it was observed that gold nanoparticles biconjugated with the LTVSPWY peptide and embelin failed to enhance the pro–apoptotic effects of ceramide. iii This study successfully demonstrated that gold nanoparticles conjugated with embelin could be used to enhance the effects of anti–cancer drugs using ceramide as an example.

Cell fate decisions incorporate distinct and overlapping mechanisms. The activity of caspase 3 was initially understood to be a cell death restricted event, however numerous studies have implicated this enzyme in the regulation of both differentiation and proliferation. How the activity of caspase 3 promotes a non-death cell fate remains unclear. Here we examine the role caspase 3 activity plays during skeletal muscle differentiation; in particular we explore the hypothesis that the mechanism of inducing DNA strand breaks during cell death is also a key feature of differentiation, albeit with a distinctly different outcome. We delineate the transient formation of Caspase 3/Caspase activated DNase (CAD) dependent DNA strand breaks during differentiation. The formation of these breaks is essential for differentiation and the regulation of specific genes. In particular expression of the cell cycle inhibitor p21 is related to the formation of a DNA strand break within the gene’s promoter element. Further, we explored the genome wide association of CAD using Chromatin Immunoprecipitation coupled to high through put sequencing (ChIP-seq). This approach identified a potential role for Caspase3/CAD in regulating the expression of Pax7. Here, a CAD directed DNA strand break in the Pax7 gene is correlated with decreased Pax7 expression, an outcome that has been shown to be critical for progress of the myogenic differentiation program. The regulation of Pax7 expression through a CAD induced DNA strand break raises an intriguing connection between this regulation and oncogenic transformation observed in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. The putative site of CAD induced DNA strand breaks that promote decreased Pax7 expression during differentiation corresponds to site of chromosomal translocations responsible for Pax7 fusion events in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.

O estresse causa modificações no epitélio intestinal, tais como o aumento de células caliciformes e da taxa de apoptose. O uso de alimentos nutracêuticos tem sido uma alternativa para amenizar essas modificações sobre o tecido epitelial. Desta forma, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar se a inclusão de colostro bovino, o qual é constituído de fatores antioxidantes, imunes e de crescimento, seria capaz de amenizar as consequências do estresse crônico sob o intestino. Para isso, juvenis de pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) adensados a 50 kg/m3 foram alimentados duas vezes ao dia até a saciedade com ração peletizada e semi-purificada sem (0%CBL) e com a inclusão de colostro bovino liofilizado em concentrações crescentes (10, 20 e 30%CBL), (n=4). Após 28 dias, foram coletados segmentos do intestino médio, S1 e S2, e reto. Os tecidos foram marcados com corantes histológicos para a quantificação de células caliciformes contendo mucinas neutras, ácidas (incluindo sialo e sulfomucinas) e ácidas-neutras. Também foram mensurados o volume (Vv) e a densidade da superfície (Sv) da mucosa, por análise estereológica, e a espessura da camada muscular. A razão do número de cada tipo e subtipo de célula caliciforme sobre o Vv e Sv foi calculada para estimar a densidade de células caliciformes, Dv e Ds, respectivamente. A taxa apoptótica foi analisada qualitativamente através da intensidade (alta, média e baixa) da imunomarcação da caspase-3 nas células epiteliais. As dietas não influenciaram os parâmetros zootécnicos analisados (P>0,05). No reto, os grupos que receberam 20 e 30%CBL apresentaram menor número de células caliciformes contendo sulfomucinas e menor Ds em relação a 0 e 10% (P=0,0148 e 0,0198, respectivamente). No RT, Dv total e Dv de células caliciformes contendo mucinas ácidas foi maior em 0 e 30%CBL em relação a 20%CBL (P=0,0155 e 0,225, respectivamente). No S1, 10 e 30%CBL apresentaram maior Dv em relação a 20%CBL (P=0,0540). A espessura da camada muscular, o Vv e a Sv não diferiram entre os tratamentos (P>0,05). No S2 e RT, a taxa de apoptose teve relação inversa à concentração de colostro bovino liofilizado adicionado na ração. Nos três segmentos, houve maior proporção de células caliciformes contendo mucinas ácidas do que neutras, sendo a maioria representada por sulfomucinas. Assim, a inclusão de colostro bovino liofilizado nas rações de juvenis de pacu adensados diminuiu a apoptose nos segmentos intestinais S2 e RT e também diminuiu o número de células caliciformes contendo sulfomucinas no RT, indicando que o colostro bovino liofilizado pode ser utilizado como alimento nutracêutico para pacus (Piaractus mesopotamicus) adensados, a fim de diminuir a taxa apoptótica e proteger o intestino contra enzimas bacterianas, uma das principais funções das sulfomucinas. / The stress causes changes in the intestinal epithelium, such as the increase in the number of goblet cells and on the rate of apoptosis. The use of nutraceutical foods has been an alternative to soften these modifications on the epithelial tissue. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate if the inclusion of bovine colostrum, which is composed of antioxidant, immune and growth factors, would be able to attenuate the consequences of chronic stress on the intestine. For this, pacu juveniles (Piaractus mesopotamicus), stocked at density of 50 kg/m3, were fed twice daily until satiety with pelleted and semi-purified diet without (0% LBC) and with the inclusion of lyophilized bovine colostrum in increasing concentrations (10, 20 and 30% LBC), (n = 4). After 28 days, segments of the middle gut, S1 and S2, and rectum (RT) were collected. The tissues were stained with histological dyes for the quantification of goblet cells containing neutral, acidic (including sialo and sulphomucins) and acid-neutral mucins. The volume (Vv) and surface density (Sv) of the mucosa were also measured by stereological analysis and the thickness of the muscular layer. The ratio between the number of each goblet cell type and subtype and the Vv or Sv was calculated to estimate the density of goblet cells, Dv and Ds, respectively. The apoptotic rate was analyzed qualitatively according to the intensity (high, medium and low) of caspase-3 immunostaining in epithelial cells. The diets did not influence the zootechnical parameters analyzed (P> 0.05). In the rectum, the groups that received 20 and 30% LBC presented lower number of goblet cells containing sulphomucins and lower Ds in relation to 0 and 10% (P = 0.0148 and 0.0198, respectively). In RT, total Dv and Dv of goblet cells containing acid mucins were higher in 0 and 30% LBC in relation to 20% LBC (P = 0.0155 and 0.225, respectively). In S1, 10 and 30% LBC presented higher Dv in relation to 20% LBC (P = 0.0540). Muscle layer thickness, Vv and Sv did not differ between treatments (P> 0.05). In S2 and RT, the rate of apoptosis was inversely related to the concentration of lyophilized bovine colostrum added in the diet. In the three segments, there was higher proportion of goblet cells containing acidic than neutral mucins, most of them being sulphomucins. Thus, the inclusion of lyophilized bovine colostrum in diets of pacu juveniles reduced apoptosis in the intestinal segments S2 and RT and also decreased the number of goblet-containing sulphomucins in the RT, indicating that lyophilized bovine colostrum can be used as a nutraceutical feed for pacus (Piaractus mesopotamicus) under high stocking density to decrease the apoptotic rate and protect the intestine against bacterial enzymes, one of the main functions of sulphomucins.

Caspase-3 has demonstrated a non-apoptotic function in several developmental programs including skeletal muscle differentiation, yet the mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated. Under apoptotic conditions Caspase-3 induces DNA fragmentation through activation of CAD. Recent observations have demonstrated CAD activity and the resulting DNA strand breaks are also vital for skeletal muscle differentiation. These breaks are transient in nature, suggesting an active DNA repair program to maintain genomic integrity. The aim of this study was to delineate the DNA repair mechanism coordinated with caspase/CAD mediated DNA damage. It was found that XRCC1 formed punctate nuclear foci early in myoblast differentiation concurrent to the induction of DNA damage. Caspase-3 inhibition caused attenuation of the formation of DNA lesions and XRCC1 foci in differentiating myoblasts. Targeted reduction in XRCC1 expression impaired myoblast differentiation. These results suggest that XRCC1 may play a role in repairing the DNA damage associated with myoblast differentiation.

No description available.

The inflammasome complex is a multiprotein complex that may play a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by secreting the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, and inducing pyroptosis, as a response to signals through several inflammasome sensors. This study looked at the expression of several inflammasome components in the ileum and colon of patients suffering from IBD. The inflammasome sensors NLRP1, NLRP3, AIM2 and pyrin were upregulated in whole intestinal tissue of IBD patients, particularly in the colon. NLRP6 expression was increased in the colon of Crohn's disease patients, but not ulcerative colitis patients relative to colon of controls, and was reduced in the ileum of Crohn's disease patients compared to control ileum. Expression of caspase-1 and IL-1β, but not IL-18, were also increased in ileum and colon tissue from Crohn's patients. To identify the cell type where inflammasome expression was altered in Crohn’s disease, transcription of inflammasome subunits in intestinal tissue enriched for epithelial cells or lamina propria (LP) cells was analysed. These analyses indicated that LP cells have greater expression of the inflammasome sensors NLRP1, NLRP3, AIM2 and pyrin relative to epithelial cells, both during disease and in control tissue. Moreover, LP cells from Crohn’s patients have higher expression level of NLRP1, AIM2 and pyrin than LP cells from controls. In contrast the inflammasome sensor NLRP6 was more highly expressed by epithelial cells relative to LP cells in general, and NLRP6 expression in LP cells from IBD patients was lower than that observed in LP cells from controls. The observed differential expression of inflammasome components in controls versus IBD intestine and in different cellular fractions of intestinal tissue highlight the importance of understanding the role of the inflammasome in IBD and hints at the possibility of targeting the inflammasome pathway as a future treatment strategy.