Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2004. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 96-108).

Diss. (sammanfattning) Linköping : Linköpings universitet, 2007. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Orientador: Marcela Rocha de Oliveira Carrilho, Mario Fernando de Góes / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-22T04:19:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Scaffa_PollianaMendesCandia_D.pdf: 3692601 bytes, checksum: 6b5331b03a6d5fcfc0192039b767ea01 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Resumo: Para o entendimento do processo de adesão à dentina é fundamental conhecer a estrutura bioquímica e biomecânica deste substrato em condições normais ou quando submetido às diferentes etapas do procedimento restaurador adesivo. Evidências indicam que a reportada degradação da camada híbrida pode ocorrer pela ação de enzimas proteolíticas, pertencentes à família das metaloproteinases da matriz (MMPs) e das cisteíno-catepsinas (CTs). No entanto, é ainda necessário elucidar as funções biológicas dessas enzimas nesse processo, bem como, definir uma estratégia para prolongar a durabilidade das restaurações adesivas. O presente estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar o perfil proteolítico da dentina humana frente a sua exposição a diferentes concentrações de digluconato de clorexidina (CHX), um potente inibidor da atividade de MMPs. O efeito da CHX sobre a atividade proteolítica intrínseca da dentina foi avaliado a partir da análise do comportamento mecânico e bioquímico da matriz dentinária e da durabilidade de restaurações adesivas. No primeiro estudo, foi analisada a capacidade da CHX em inibir a atividade das CTs (B, K e L) por hidrólise de substratos fluorogênicos específicos, verificando a afinidade de ligação entre a CHX e as enzimas. No segundo estudo, o tratamento da matriz de dentina com diferentes concentrações de CHX foi avaliado pela análise do módulo de elasticidade e do grau de hidrólise do colágeno (liberação de hidroxiprolina) após armazenagem das amostras em solução fisiológica por 1 dia, 7 ou 30 dias. Finalmente, a função terapêutica da CHX como agente inibitório da atividade proteolítica da dentina foi investigada a partir de sua capacidade em preservar a integridade mecânica (resistência de união) e morfológica de interfaces adesivas tratadas com diferentes concentrações de CHX (0,2; 2,2 e 22 mM) e armazenadas por 6 a 18 meses. No terceiro estudo, a presença das CT-B e CT-K na dentina humana foram avaliadas por imunomarcação em MEV e MET. A atividade enzimática das MMPs e CTs na dentina e uma possível interação entre as duas famílias de enzimas foram verificadas por zimografia in situ e por espectrofluorimetria. Os resultados mostraram, de forma até então inédita, que a CHX é um potente inibidor das CTs presentes no complexo dentino-pulpar. No entanto, a CHX não foi capaz de preservar integralmente o módulo de elasticidade (E) da matriz dentinária após o período mais longo de armazenagem. De modo similar, maior grau de hidrólise do colágeno ocorreu após 30 dias de armazenamento para as amostras que não foram tratadas com CHX ou que foram tratadas com baixa concentração da mesma (0,2 mM) (p<0,05). Notavelmente, o grau de hidrólise do colágeno foi mínimo ou insignificante quando a matriz dentinária foi tratada com concentração mais elevada de CHX (22 mM) (p>0,05). A CHX não afetou a resistência de união imediata da interface adesiva e preservou a resistência da união dentina/resina mesmo após 6 ou 18 meses de armazenamento. Similarmente, menor grau de nanoinfiltração com prata, significando maior integridade morfológica, foi observado para os espécimes tratados com CHX e envelhecidos por 6 ou 18 meses em comparação com as amostras do grupo controle. As imagens de imuno-histoquímica mostraram que as proteases CT-B e CT-K estão presentes na dentina humana, e não apenas na região de pré-dentina e interior dos túbulos dentinários como anteriormente antecipado. A zimografia in situ sugere que a atividade gelatinolítica das MMPs na dentina parece ser preponderante em relação à atividade das CTs, embora a espectrofluorimetria sugira que a atividade proteolítica de ambas as famílias de enzimas esteja presente no tecido dentinário. Dessa forma, concluiu-se que MMPs e CTs podem atuar sinergicamente na degradação da matriz orgânica dentinária, mas que parte dessa atividade proteolítica pode ser controlada pela presença de CHX, sobretudo, se essa estiver confinada no interior da camada híbrida / Abstract: To better understand the process of adhesion to dentin is essential to understand the biochemical and biomechanical structures of this substrate under normal conditions or when subjected to the different steps of the adhesive restorative procedure. Evidences indicate that the hybrid layer degradation can result from the activity of proteolytic enzymes, belonging to the family of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteine-cathepsins (CTs). However, it is still necessary to comprehend the role of these enzymes in this degrading process as well as to determine the best way to extend the durability of adhesive restorations. The general purpose of the present study was to characterize the human dentin proteolytic profile when exposed to different concentration of chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), a potent inhibitor of MMPs activity. The effect of CHX on the dentin endogenous proteolytic activity was evaluated by the analysis of dentin matrix mechanical and biochemical properties and adhesive restorations durability. The first study evaluated the CHX ability to inhibit CTs (B, K and L) activity by the hydrolysis of fluorogenic substrates, verifying the binding affinity between CHX and enzymes. The dentin matrix treatment with different CHX concentrations was evaluated in the second study by the elastic modulus (E) and degree of collagen hydrolysis (hydroxyproline release) after storage for 1, 7 or 30 days in saline solution. Finally, the CHX therapeutic action as an inhibitor of dentin proteolytic activity was investigated by its ability to maintain the mechanical (bond strength) and morphological (nanoleakage) properties of adhesive interfaces treated with different CHX concentrations (0.2, 2.2 and 22 mM) after aging for 6 to 18 months. The third study evaluated the presence of CT-B and CT-K in human dentin using immunolabeling in SEM and TEM. MMPs and CTs proteolytic activities and a possible interaction between these two families were verified by in situ zymography and by spectrofluorimetry. Results showed, for the first time, that the CHX is a potent inhibitor of CTs in the pulp-dentin complex. However, CHX was not able to preserve the integrity of the dentin matrix E after the longest storage period. Likewise, higher collagen hydrolysis occurred after 30 days of storage when the samples were not treated or treated with low CHX concentration (0.2 mM) (p<0.05). It was noticeable that the collagen hydrolysis was minimum or insignificant when the dentin matrix was treated with the highest CHX concentration (22 mM) (p>0.05). CHX did not affect the immediate bond strength of adhesive interfaces and preserved the resin/dentin bond strength even after 6 or 18 months of storage. Similarly, less nanoleakage with silver particles, which means better morphological integrity, was observed for specimens treated with CHX and aged for 6 or 18 months in comparison with control samples. Immunohistochemistry images showed that the proteases CT-B and CT-K are present in human dentin matrix, not only in pre-dentin region and inside the dentin tubules as previous suggested. In situ zymography suggests that the MMPs gelatinolytic activity in dentin seems to be predominant when compared to CTs activities, although the spectrofluorimetry suggests that the proteolytic activity of both families of enzymes are present in dentin. In this way, it was concluded that MMPs and CTs may synergistically act in the dentin organic matrix degradation, but part of this proteolytic activity can be controlled by the presence of CHX, especially when it is restrained inside the hybrid layer / Doutorado / Materiais Dentarios / Doutora em Materiais Dentários

Profiles of plasma estradiol and testosterone concentrations, cathepsin D, L, and B activities, and quantitative and qualitative protein content were developed and evaluated in four commercial strains of channel catfish, Gold Kist (2), Thompson and NWAC-103 for one year (age 2 to age 3). Great variation between individuals of the same strain precluded the identification of any significant, strain-specific differences for the variables under investigation. When variables from fish of all strains were collectively evaluated over time, both estradiol and testosterone concentrations significantly increased in July and then later from February to April. The increase in hormone concentration was accompanied by oocyte growth and increases in proteolytic activity of cathepsins D, L, and B, supporting the role of estradiol in regulating vitellogenesis. Vitellogenin was enzymatically broken down into smaller protein units by cathepsins L, D, and B that were separately predominant at different stages of oocyte development. During oocyte development, there were sequential relationships among hormone concentration, cathepsin activity, protein content, and predominant oocyte proteins. This observation was associated with high levels of activity of cathepsin L in February, suggesting an important role in protein degradation during that time, while high activity of cathepsin B occurred, stimulating during November to January. Cathepsin B is more important in oogenesis or early vitellogenesis, and cathepsin L assumes a principal role during middle vitellogenesis. Twenty hours subsequent to the injection of fish with either carp pituitary hormone or luteinizing hormone releasing hormone, increases in the concentration of plasma estradiol and testosterone, activities of cathepsins L, D, and B, egg size, and egg protein content occurred, stimulating the process of oocyte maturation. The percentages of spawning obtained were 18.8% of LHRH injected fish, 12.4% of CPE injected fish, 9.4% of fish not injected, and 0% of saline injected fish. Injection of females with LHRH can potentially serve as a tool to increase spawning success in appropriate commercial settings, particularly for improving three year old catfish spawning success early in the spawning season. Low estradiol levels in all three-year-old fish suggest that insufficient stimulation of vitellogenin production by estradiol may underlie the lack of vitellogenin incorporation into developing oocytes. In the present study, the measurement of the activities of the cathepsins and their relationships to other parameters were evaluated for the first time. This is also the first study to report plasma estradiol and testosterone concentrations, protein content, and egg size in 2 to 3-year old channel catfish. All of the parameters collectively evaluated may serve to assist in the selection of the best 2- year old channel catfish female broodstock, and to determine the optimal timing of treatments of hormone injection to increase reproductive performance.

No description available.

Cysteine cathepsins B, L and S are endosomal/lysosomal proteases that participate in numerous physiological systems. Cathepsin expression and activity are altered during various inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. Early immune responses to microbial pathogens are mediated by pattern-recognition receptors, including Toll-like receptors (TLR). Signaling through TLR causes cell activation and release of inflammatory mediators, which can contribute to the severity of chronic inflammatory diseases. The impact of TLR cell activation on cathepsins B, L and S activities was investigated using live-cell enzymatic assays. Individual ligands of TLR4, TLR2 and TLR3 increased intracellular activities of the three cathepsins indicating the involvement of both MyD88-dependent and -independent pathways. To investigate the role of inflammatory cytokines in regulating these proteases, a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) non-responsive cell line was utilized. LPS non-responsive cells co-cultured with LPS responsive macrophages upregulated cathepsin activities. Furthermore, culture supernatants from LPS-stimulated macrophages increased cathepsin activities in LPS non-responsive cells, which could be reduced by neutralizing antibodies to TNF-α or IL-1β. These findings indicate cytokines regulate cathepsin activities during macrophage responses to TLR stimulation. Using LPS as a model for inflammation, the ability of the cannabinoids, delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and CP55940 to suppress cysteine cathepsins during an inflammatory response was investigated. Cannabinoids, including the major psychoactive component of marijuana THC, modulate a variety of immune responses and have been proposed as possible therapeutics to control chronic inflammation. Cannabinoids may mediate their effects through receptor-dependent or independent mechanisms. Cannabinoid receptor subtype 1 (CB1) and receptor subtype 2 (CB2) have differential expression in leukocytes. Dose response studies showed that 1 nM THC was sufficient to inhibit cathepsin enhancement in LPS-stimulated cells. P388D1 macrophages expressed CB2 mRNA, but had no detectable CB1 mRNA indicating a role for the CB2 receptor. Utilizing a CB2-/- macrophage cell line, the role of CB2 receptor participation in THC inhibition of cysteine cathepsin upregulation was explored. THC did not affect cathepsin activity in LPS-stimulated cells lacking CB2 expression. These findings support the possibility of receptor selective agonists as therapeutic treatment during inflammatory diseases to prevent cathepsin involvement in pathological tissue destruction.

Neste trabalho está descrito a síntese e avaliação biológica de uma série de compostos de selênio(IV) e telúrio(IV). Esta série foi planejada para que diferentes fatores estruturais pudessem ser avaliados e as possíveis relações entre a estrutura e atividade biológica dos compostos pudessem ser determinadas. Para tanto, selênio, telúrio, cloro e bromo foram diferentemente combinados em um esqueleto carbônico simples, contendo ou não um centro assimétrico. Os compostos de interesse foram sintetizados empregando metodologias quimio-enzimáticas, quando necessário, e reações clássicas da química do selênio e telúrio, levando aos compostos de interesse em poucas etapas e com bons rendimentos. No caso dos ensaios biológicos, parâmetros como potência relativa, constante de inibição de segunda-ordem, mecanismo de inibição, CI50 e viabilidade celular foram determinados dentro das possibilidades experimentais envolvendo cada enzima. As possíveis combinações deram origem a 12 compostos que foram avaliados como inibidores de cisteíno catepsinas B, K, V e S onde a potência relativa dos mesmos pode ser determinada. Para as cisteíno catepsinas V e S, as constantes de inibição de segunda-ordem foram determinadas e ficou evidenciado que a combinação entre telúrio e bromo leva aos compostos mais potentes para estas proteases, enquanto que a combinação entre selênio e cloro origina os inibidores menos potentes. A combinação, selênio e bromo, ou telúrio e cloro forneceu inibidores com potências intermediárias. Este foi o primeiro estudo descrevendo compostos de selênio(IV) como inibidores de proteases. Os mesmos compostos também foram avaliados como inibidores do proteassomo 20S, uma treonino protease, onde se pode observar pela primeira vez que compostos de selênio e telúrio atuam como inibidores desta protease. Os valores de CI50 dos compostos foram determinados e novamente os compostos de telúrio mostraram-se mais potentes do que seus congêneres de selênio. Por outro lado, ensaios em células demonstraram que os compostos de telúrio são direcionados a outro alvo biológico, diferentemente dos compostos de selênio que continuaram a inibir o proteassomo em um lisado celular. Em ensaios de viabilidade celular ficou evidenciado que os compostos de selênio foram mais citotóxicos do que os de telúrio, o que se mostrou muito interessante para desenvolvimento de um agente anticancer onde a resposta biológica desejada é a morte celular. / The synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of selenium(IV) and tellurium(IV) compounds have been described in this research. This series was designed to allow different structural factors to be evaluated, and the possible strutucture-activity relationships determinated. Selenium, tellurium, chlorine and bromine were differently combined in a carbon backbone with or without an asymmetric center. The compounds were synthetized by using both chemo-enzymatic methodology and classical selenium and tellurium chemistry. From biological assays, relative potency, second-order inactivation constant, inhibition mechanism, IC50 and cell viability were determinated according to the experimental possibilities involving each enzyme protocol. The 12 compounds synthesized from the possible combinations among selenium, tellurium, chlorine and bromine were evaluated as cysteine cathepsins B, K, V and S inhibitors, and their relative potencies were determined. By determining the second-order inactivation constant for cysteine cathepsins V and S, it was shown that a tellurium and bromine combination led to most powerfull inhibitors. Selenium and chlorine combination led to less potent inhibitiors, while selenium and bromine, and tellurium and chlorine led to inhibitors with intermediate potency. Those compounds were also evaluated as 20S proteasome inhibitors, a threonine protease. We first observed selenium and tellurium-containing compounds acting as inhibitors of 20S proteasome. The IC50 values were determinate and tellurium compounds were more potent again. On the other hand, tellurium compound did not inhibit proteasome in cells, while selenium-containing compound does it. By cell viability assays it was verified that selenium-containing compounds were more cytotoxic than their tellurium analogs. This data is interesting for someone that wishes to develop an anti-cancer agent where the biological response desired is death of cancerous cells.

Neste trabalho está descrito a síntese e avaliação biológica de uma série de compostos de selênio(IV) e telúrio(IV). Esta série foi planejada para que diferentes fatores estruturais pudessem ser avaliados e as possíveis relações entre a estrutura e atividade biológica dos compostos pudessem ser determinadas. Para tanto, selênio, telúrio, cloro e bromo foram diferentemente combinados em um esqueleto carbônico simples, contendo ou não um centro assimétrico. Os compostos de interesse foram sintetizados empregando metodologias quimio-enzimáticas, quando necessário, e reações clássicas da química do selênio e telúrio, levando aos compostos de interesse em poucas etapas e com bons rendimentos. No caso dos ensaios biológicos, parâmetros como potência relativa, constante de inibição de segunda-ordem, mecanismo de inibição, CI50 e viabilidade celular foram determinados dentro das possibilidades experimentais envolvendo cada enzima. As possíveis combinações deram origem a 12 compostos que foram avaliados como inibidores de cisteíno catepsinas B, K, V e S onde a potência relativa dos mesmos pode ser determinada. Para as cisteíno catepsinas V e S, as constantes de inibição de segunda-ordem foram determinadas e ficou evidenciado que a combinação entre telúrio e bromo leva aos compostos mais potentes para estas proteases, enquanto que a combinação entre selênio e cloro origina os inibidores menos potentes. A combinação, selênio e bromo, ou telúrio e cloro forneceu inibidores com potências intermediárias. Este foi o primeiro estudo descrevendo compostos de selênio(IV) como inibidores de proteases. Os mesmos compostos também foram avaliados como inibidores do proteassomo 20S, uma treonino protease, onde se pode observar pela primeira vez que compostos de selênio e telúrio atuam como inibidores desta protease. Os valores de CI50 dos compostos foram determinados e novamente os compostos de telúrio mostraram-se mais potentes do que seus congêneres de selênio. Por outro lado, ensaios em células demonstraram que os compostos de telúrio são direcionados a outro alvo biológico, diferentemente dos compostos de selênio que continuaram a inibir o proteassomo em um lisado celular. Em ensaios de viabilidade celular ficou evidenciado que os compostos de selênio foram mais citotóxicos do que os de telúrio, o que se mostrou muito interessante para desenvolvimento de um agente anticancer onde a resposta biológica desejada é a morte celular. / The synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of selenium(IV) and tellurium(IV) compounds have been described in this research. This series was designed to allow different structural factors to be evaluated, and the possible strutucture-activity relationships determinated. Selenium, tellurium, chlorine and bromine were differently combined in a carbon backbone with or without an asymmetric center. The compounds were synthetized by using both chemo-enzymatic methodology and classical selenium and tellurium chemistry. From biological assays, relative potency, second-order inactivation constant, inhibition mechanism, IC50 and cell viability were determinated according to the experimental possibilities involving each enzyme protocol. The 12 compounds synthesized from the possible combinations among selenium, tellurium, chlorine and bromine were evaluated as cysteine cathepsins B, K, V and S inhibitors, and their relative potencies were determined. By determining the second-order inactivation constant for cysteine cathepsins V and S, it was shown that a tellurium and bromine combination led to most powerfull inhibitors. Selenium and chlorine combination led to less potent inhibitiors, while selenium and bromine, and tellurium and chlorine led to inhibitors with intermediate potency. Those compounds were also evaluated as 20S proteasome inhibitors, a threonine protease. We first observed selenium and tellurium-containing compounds acting as inhibitors of 20S proteasome. The IC50 values were determinate and tellurium compounds were more potent again. On the other hand, tellurium compound did not inhibit proteasome in cells, while selenium-containing compound does it. By cell viability assays it was verified that selenium-containing compounds were more cytotoxic than their tellurium analogs. This data is interesting for someone that wishes to develop an anti-cancer agent where the biological response desired is death of cancerous cells.

Adesivos dentinários aplicados diretamente sobre dentina aumentam a atividade de enzimas endógenas deste tecido que degradam colágeno, colocando em risco a integridade da camada híbrida de restaurações estéticas. Estes adesivos podem também alcançar a polpa dentária indiretamente através do fluído dos túbulos dentinários por substâncias liberadas pelos mesmos. Desta forma, a polpa dentária poderia responder a estas substâncias por meio de síntese e/ou aumento da atividade de colagenases, o que poderia colaborar na degradação da camada híbrida. Sendo assim, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o efeito das substâncias liberadas por sistemas adesivos dos tipos autocondicionante e condicione e lave sobre a atividade e a expressão gênica de metaloproteinases (MMPs) e cisteíno-catepsinas (CTs) em células-tronco da polpa dentária humana. Foram aplicados meios de cultura condicionados por adesivos do tipo autocondicionante e condicione e lave polimerizados e não polimerizados sobre culturas celulares por 24 horas. O meio de cultivo fresco foi usado como controle. Depois de 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas, as atividades gelatinolíticas de MMP-2 e de MMP-9 foram avaliadas por meio da técnica de zimografia em gel de gelatina. Nos mesmos tempos experimentais, a modulação da expressão gênica das MMPs (1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 13 e 14) e das CTs (B e K) foi analisada por meio de reação de transcriptase reversa quantitativa em tempo real (qRT-PCR). Os resultados obtidos dos dois experimentos foram avaliados por meio do teste estatístico ANOVA, complementado pelo teste de Tukey (p<0.05). Todos os grupos mostraram atividade gelatinolítica aumentada de MMP-2 e MMP-9. Até 72 horas, as atividades foram similares em todos os grupos experimentais. Diferenças significativas apareceram somente em 96 horas. De forma geral, as maiores atividades de MMPs foram observadas nas culturas celulares tratadas com o adesivo autocondicionante. Para a MMP-2, o grupo do adesivo autocondicionante polimerizado mostrou atividade intermediária, enquanto o grupo não polimerizado mostrou a maior atividade. Os dois grupos do adesivo condicione e lave polimerizado e não polimerizado mostraram atividade de MMP-9 intermediária, enquanto o grupo autocondicionante polimerizado mostrou maior atividade que o grupo controle. O qRT-PCR revelou que a maioria das MMPs e CTs analisadas tiveram a expressão gênica positivamente modulada em 24 e 48 horas. MMP-7 e MMP-9 não foram expressos em nenhum grupo experimental. Baseados nas limitações deste estudo in vitro, concluímos que substâncias liberadas por sistemas adesivos são capazes de influenciar células-tronco de polpa dentária humana levando ao aumento da atividade de MMP-2 e MMP-9 e também à modulação positiva de genes das MMPs e CTS estudadas. / Adhesive systems directly applied to dentin increase the activity of endogenous collagen degrading proteinases of the dentin, which jeopardizes the integrity of the hybrid layer of aesthetic restorations. These adhesives can also reach the dental pulp through the dentinal fluid indirectly by substances leached from them. Then, the dental pulp tissue could respond by synthetizing and/or increasing the activity of collagen proteases, which in turn could collaborate to the hybrid layer degradation. Then, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of substances leached from self-etch and etch-and-rinse adhesive systems on the expression and activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteine cathepsins (CT-B and CT-K) in human dental pulp stem cells. Culture media conditioned by polymerized or non-polymerized self-etch and etch-and-rinse adhesive systems were applied to the cultures for 24 hours. Fresh medium was used as control. After 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, the gelatinolytic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were assessed by zymography technique. At the same experimental time gene expression of MMPs (1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 13 e 14) and CTs (B e K) were analyzed with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Data was compared by ANOVA complemented by the Tukey´s test (p<0.05). All experimental groups showed increased gelatinolytic activity for MMP-2 and MMP-9. Until 72 hours, the activities were similar regardless the group. Significant differences appeared only after 96 hours. Overall, the highest activities of MMPs were observed in the cultures treated with the self-etch adhesive. For MMP-2, the group of polymerized self-etch adhesive showed intermediary activity, while the group of non-polymerized adhesive showed the highest activity. Both polymerized and non-polymerized etch-and-rinse adhesive groups showed intermediary MMP-9 activity, while the group of polymerized self-etch adhesive showed higher activity than control. The qRT-PCR revealed that most of MMPs and CTs analyzed presented the gene expression positively modulated at 24 and 48 hours. MMP-7 and MMP-9 were not expressed in any experimental group.Based on the limitations of this in vitro study, it was concluded that substances leached from adhesive systems are able to influence human dental pulp stem cells leading to the increase of the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 along with positive modulation of MMPs and CTS studied genes.

CP1 is a well-conserved cathepsin L-like protease essential for proper growth and development in Drosophila melanogaster. Previous research has demonstrated that CP1 has the ability to break down the extracellular matrix. Using the UAS-GAL4 system, immunohistochemistry, and antibody-staining, this research attempts to characterize the role of CP1 and its effects on basement membrane degradation and signaling. These effects include actions at the cellular level and on a known signaling pathway. The genes involved in this pathway are known to be required for proper development of the wing disc into the adult wing. We have demonstrated the collagenase activity of CP1 as well as a possible mechanism via TIMP. We have shown that cp1 is part of the wingless signaling pathway and potentially acts as an upstream regulator on wingless and nubbin. Finally, we have successfully inserted the cDNA of a potential inhibitor of CP1, titled crammer, into the vector pUAST to create transgenic flies. Understanding how CP1 affects Drosophila development through cellular and gene activity is important because cathepsins are highly conserved between flies, humans, and have been implicated in several diseases, including cancer. Discovering the mechanisms by which CP1 functions allows for discoveries to be made in connection with disease processes.