Esta dissertação investigou os mecanismos envolvidos na vasodilatação focando no papel das cavéolas e na possível interação com a isoforma endotelial da sintase de óxido nítrico (eNOS)/ óxido nítrico e neuronal (nNOS)/ peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) em aorta de camundongos tratados com isoproterenol (ISO). Anéis de aorta foram montados em banho de órgãos para medida de tensão isométrica. A expressão das proteínas foi avaliada a partir da técnica de Western blot. Os resultados demonstraram que o tratamento com ISO: 1) não modifica nem a vasodilatação à acetilcolina (ACh) nem ao nitroprussiato de sódio; 2) aumenta a dependência das cavéolas na resposta vasodilatadora à ACh e ao ionóforo de cálcio e a expressão proteica da caveolina-1, mas não da caveolina-3; 3) aumenta a modulação das NOS, principalmente a nNOS, à ACh; 4) aumenta a participação do H2O2 na vasodilatação à ACh e 5) aumenta a expressão de proteínas da defesa antioxidante. Conclui-se que a hiperativação β-AR com ISO ativa mecanismos vasodilatadores compensatórios em resposta à ACh nas aortas de camundongos. / The aim of this thesis was to investigate the mechanisms involved on the endothelium-dependent vasodilation focusing on the role of caveolae and the possible interaction between endothelial nitric synthase (eNOS)/ nitric oxide and neuronal (nNOS)/ hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in aorta of ISO-treated mice. Aortic rings were mounted in an organ bath for measurement of isometric tension. The expression of proteins was evaluated using Western blot. The results demonstrated that ISO treatment: 1) did not change acetylcholine (ACh) or NO donor-induced relaxation; 2) increases the caveolae participation in ACh and calcium ionophore-induced relaxation and caveolin-1 protein expression, while did not change caveolin-3; 3) increases the constitutive NOS modulation to ACh-induced relaxation, mainly through nNOS; 4) increases the H2O2 involvement on the vasodilation-induced to ACh and 5) increases the antioxidant proteins. It is concluded that β-AR hyperactivation ISO active vasodilators compensatory mechanisms in response to ACh in the aortas of mice.

Résumé : A ce jour, lutilité des cyclodextrines comme adjuvant pharmaceutique nest plus à démontrer. En biologie cellulaire, la méthyl-b-cyclodextrine est un outil couramment utilisé par les expérimentateurs. La déstructuration quelle induit au niveau des microdomaines membranaires que sont les radeaux lipidiques ou les cavéoles est mise à profit pour létude des fonctions cellulaires qui y sont associées. Le but de notre recherche est détudier les interactions de différentes cyclodextrines couramment utilisées dans le domaine pharmaceutique avec les constituants des membranes liposomales ou biologiques afin de mieux comprendre les conséquences de ces interactions au niveau cellulaire. Lhypothèse dune interaction des cyclodextrines avec les constituants lipophiles des membranes cellulaires a souvent été énoncée pour expliquer la cytotoxicité de certains dérivés. Nous avons pu montrer à laide de liposomes unilamellaires utilisés comme modèles membranaires, que linteraction des cyclodextrines avec leurs constituants, en particulier le cholestérol, est en relation avec une perte de lintégrité de la membrane. Ces premières études nous ont permis de prédire quels seraient les dérivés qui induiraient la cytotoxicité la plus importante. La cytotoxicité importante de certains dérivés méthylés (D.S. proche de 2) a été corrélée avec une capacité dextraction du cholestérol cellulaire relativement élevée. A linverse, nous avons montré que les dérivés faiblement substitués extraient peu le cholestérol, ce qui permet dexpliquer la meilleure tolérance observée au niveau biologique avec la Crysmeb et lHP-b-CD. Nous nous sommes ensuite intéressés à leffet de la b-CD et de ses dérivés méthylés sur la déstructuration des microdomaines membranaires. Nous avons étudié la relation entre leur capacité de déstructuration des cavéoles et dextraction du cholestérol cellulaire. Une extraction relativement élevée du lipide induit un effet important au niveau des microdomaines voire très important dans le cas de la Dimeb, le dérivé ayant leffet le plus délétère sur lintégrité des membranes artificielles et biologiques. Un effet moins marqué a également pu être corrélé avec une extraction plus faible du cholestérol par certains dérivés (Crysmeb, Trimeb). Les taux dextraction du cholestérol cellulaire mesurés sont en bonne corrélation, mis à part pour la Trimeb et la b-CD, avec les résultats des diagrammes de solubilité. La capacité de solubilisation du cholestérol par les cyclodextrines est en accord avec les interactions plus ou moins importantes observées en RMN. Les résultats de mesure de lintégrité des membranes artificielles correspondent à ceux obtenus avec les membranes biologiques excepté pour la b-CD, cette dernière nayant pu être testée dans les mêmes conditions que les autres cyclodextrines sur les liposomes. Il est maintenant admis que les cyclodextrines pourraient avoir un intérêt thérapeutique potentiel. En effet, la modulation des taux de cholestérol par lutilisation de cyclodextrines pourrait être mise à profit pour traiter des maladies ou infections impliquant ces microdomaines membranaires. Summary : Nowadays, the usefulness of cyclodextrins as pharmaceutical adjuvants is obvious. In cell biology, methyl-b-CD is a tool commonly used by scientists. The disruption of membrane microdomains (such as lipid rafts and caveolae) caused by cyclodextrins is used to study cellular functions. The aim of this research is to study the interactions of various cyclodextrins currently used in pharmaceutical development with the components of liposomal and biological membranes for a better understanding of the consequences of these interactions at the cell level. The hypothesis of an interaction between cyclodextrins and lipophilic components of cell membranes has often been suggested to explain the cytotoxicity of some cyclodextrin derivatives. Using unilamellar liposomes as model membranes, this research has shown that the interaction between cyclodextrins and their components, especially cholesterol, is linked with a loss of membrane integrity. This preliminary study has allowed predicting which derivatives will be the most cytotoxic. The high cytotoxicity of some methylated derivatives (D.S. close to 2) has been correlated with a relatively strong extraction capacity of cell cholesterol. On the other hand, it has been shown that low substituted derivatives do not extract much cholesterol, which is in agreement with the better biological compatibility observed with Crysmeb and HP-b-CD. The research has then focused on the effect of b-CD and its methylated derivatives on membrane microdomains disruption. The relation between caveolae disruption and cell cholesterol extraction capacities has been studied. A relatively strong extraction of the lipid highly disturbs the microdomains and this effect is even more important for Dimeb, the derivative showing the highest loss of integrity of artificial and biological membranes. A less marked effect has also been correlated with the lowest cholesterol extraction capacities of some derivatives (Crysmeb, Trimeb). The measured cell cholesterol extraction rates are in good correlation, except for Trimeb and b-CD, with the results of the solubility diagrams. The cholesterol solubilisation capacity of cyclodextrins is in accordance with the intensity of the interactions observed by NMR. The effects on the integrity of artificial membranes correspond to those obtained with biological membranes except for b-CD, which was not tested on liposomes in the same conditions as those used for the other cyclodextrins. It is now agreed that cyclodextrins could have a therapeutical potential. Indeed, the modulation of cholesterol levels could be applied for treating raft-related infections and diseases.

Las membranas celulares contienen un canal de Cl- (Maxi-Cl-) que es modulado por estrógenos y antiestrógenos. El trabajo experimental de mi tesis doctoral ha consistido en el estudio de la modulación de este canal y su identidad molecular. El resultado de mi trabajo ha demostrado que la base molecular del canal Maxi-Cl- es una isoforma de la proteína mitocondrial VDAC y que la activación del canal por los antiestrógenos y su inhibición por los estrógenos implica procesos de defosforilación y fosforilación, respectivamente. / Cellular membranes contain a Maxi-Cl- channel that is modulated by oestrogen and antioestrogens. The experimental work of my PhD Thesis has focussed in the study of the molecular identity of the Maxi-Cl- channel and its regulation. My results demonstrated that an isoform of the mitochondrial protein VDAC is the molecular correlate of the Maxi-Cl- channel and that the activation of the channel by antioestrogens and its inhibition by oestrogen requires a dephosphorylation and phosphorylation process, respectively.

Caveolae sind charakteristische Plasmamembraneinstülpungen, die in vielen Zelltypen vorkommen und deren biologische Funktion umstritten ist. Ihre besondere Form und ihre Häu gkeit in Zellen, die stets mechanischen Belastungen ausgesetzt sind, führten zu der Annahme, dass Caveolae die Plasmamembran vor mechanischen Belastungen schützen und als Membranreservoir dienen. Dies sollte mit dieser Dissertation experimentell geprüft werden. Zunächst wurde der Ein uss der Caveolae auf die Membranspannung von Zellen im Normalzustand untersucht. Dann wurden die Zellen mechanisch belastet. Mit Fluoreszensmikroskopie wurde das Verschwinden von Caveolae nach Strecken der Zellen oder nach einem hypo-osmotischen Schock beobachtet. Messungen der Membranspannung vor und unmittelbar nach dem hypo-osmotischem Schock zeigten, dass Caveolae einen Anstieg der Membranspannung verhindern, unabhängig von ATP und dem Cytoskelett. Die Erzeugung von Membranvesikel mit Caveolae erlaubte es, diesen Effekt der Caveolae in einem vereinfachten Membransystem zu beobachten. Schliesslich wurden Muskelzellen untersucht. Zellen, die genetisch bedingt weniger Caveolae haben und mit Muskelschwundkrankheiten in Verbingung stehen, waren mechanisch weniger belastbar als gesunde Zellen. Zusammenfassend wird mit dieser Dissertation die These bestärkt, dass Caveolae einem Anstieg der Membranspannungen entgegenwirken. Dass dies in Zellen und in Vesikeln unabhängig von Energie und Cytoskelett geschieht, lässt auf einen passiven, mechanisch getriebenen Prozess schliessen. Diese Erkenntnis trägt zum Verständnis der Rolle von Caveolae in Zellen bei und kann dem besseren Verständnis von Krankheiten bedingt durch Caveolin-Mutationen, wie z.B. Muskelschwundkrankheiten, dienen. / Caveolae, the characteristic plasma membrane invaginations present in many cells, have been associated with numerous functions that still remain debated. Taking into account the particular abundance of caveolae in cells experiencing mechanical stress, it was proposed that caveolae constitute a membrane reservoir and bu er the membrane tension upon mechanical stress. The present work aimed to check this proposition experimentally. First, the in uence of caveolae on the membrane tension was studied on mouse lung endothelial cells in resting conditions using tether extraction with optically trapped beads. Second, experiments on cells upon acute mechanical stress showed that caveolae serve as a membrane reservoir bu ering surges in membrane tension in their immediate, ATP- and cytoskeleton-independent attening and disassembly. Third, caveolae incorporated in membrane vesicles also showed the tension bu ering. Finally, in a physiologically more relevant case, human muscle cells were studied, and it was shown that mutations with impaired caveolae which are described in muscular dystrophies render muscle cells less resistant to mechanical stress. In Summary the present work provides experimental evidence for the hypothesis that caveolae bu er the membrane tension upon mechanical stress. The fact that this was observed in cells and membrane vesicles in an ATP and cytoskeleton independent manner reveals a passive, mechanically driven process. This could be a leap forward in the comprehension of the role of caveolae in the cell, and in the understanding of genetic diseases like muscular dystrophies. / Cavéoles sont des invaginations caractéristiques de la membrane plas- mique présents dans beaucoup de types cellulaires. Ils sont liées à plusieurs fonctions cellulaires, ce qui sont encore débattues. Prenant compte de l importance des cavéoles dans les cellules soumises au stress mécanique, les cavéoles sont proposées de constituer un réservoir membranaire et de tamponner la tension membranaire pendant des stresses mécaniques. Cette étude a eu le but de tester cette hypothèse expérimentalement. En premier, l in uence des cavéoles sur la tension membranaire au repos a été étudiée sur des cellules endothéliales du poumon de la souris. Puis, on a montré que les cavéoles tamponnent l augmentation de la tension membranaire après l application d un stress mécanique. En suite, la réalisation des vésicules membranaires contenant des cavéoles a permit de montrer leur rôle comme réservoir membranaire dans un système simpli é. Finalement, dans un contexte physiologiquement plus relevant, l étude des cellules musculaires a montrée que les mutations du cavéolin associées aux dystrophies musculaires rendent les cellules moins résistante aux stresses mécaniques. En conclusion, cette étude supporte l\'hypothèse que les cavéoles tamponnent la tension membranaire pendant des stresses mécaniques. Le fait que cela se passe dans les cellules et les vésicules indépendamment d ATP et du cytosquelette révèlent un processus passif et mécanique. Cela pourrait servir à une meilleure compréhension du rôle des cavéoles dans la cellule et les maladies génétiques comme les dystrophies musculaires.

Gemini surfactants are versatile gene delivery agents because of their ability to bind and compact DNA and their low cellular toxicity. The aim of my dissertation work was to develop non-invasive mucosal formulations of novel amino acid-substituted gemini surfactants with the general chemical formula C12H25(CH3)2N+-(CH2)3-N(AA)-(CH2)3-N+(CH3)2-C12H25 (AA= glycine, lysine, glycyl-lysine, lysyl-lysine). These compounds were formulated with a model plasmid DNA, encoding for interferon-γ and green fluorescent protein, in the presence of helper lipid, 1,2 dioleyl-sn-glycero-phosphatidyl-ethanolamine. Formulations were assessed in Sf 1 Ep epithelial cells. Among the novel compounds, plasmid/gemini/lipid (P/G/L) nanoparticles formulated using glycine- and glycyl-lysine substituted gemini surfactants achieved significantly higher gene expression than the parent unsubstituted compound. The key physicochemical properties, e.g. size, surface charge, DNA binding, and toxicity of P/G/L complexes were correlated with transfection efficiency. The presence of amino-acid substitution did not interfere with DNA compaction and contributed to an overall low toxicity of all P/G/L complexes, comparable to the parent gemini surfactant. A cellular uptake mechanistic study revealed that both clathrin- and caveolae-mediated uptake were major uptake routes for P/G/L nanoparticles. However, amino acid substitution in the gemini surfactant imparted high buffering capacity, pH-dependent increase in particle size, and balanced DNA binding properties. These properties may enhance endosomal escape of P/12-7NGK-12/L resulting in higher gene expression. Finally, the P/G/L complexes were incorporated into an in-situ gelling dispersion containing a thermosensitive polymer, poloxamer 407, and a permeation enhancer, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DEGEE). A 16% w/v poloxamer concentration produced a dispersion that gelled at body temperature and exhibited sufficient yield value to prevent formulation leakage from the vaginal cavity. The formulations were prepared with a model plasmid, encoding for red fluorescent protein, and administered topically to rabbit vagina. In agreement with our in vitro results, confocal microscopy revealed that glycyl-lysine substituted gemini surfactant exhibited higher gene expression compared to the parent unsubstituted gemini surfactant. This provided proof-of-concept for use of amino acid-substituted gemini surfactant in non-invasive mucosal (vaginal) gene delivery systems with potential therapeutic applications. These formulations will be developed with therapeutically relevant genes to assess their potential as genetic vaccines. In addition, new gemini surfactants will be developed by grafting other amino acids via glycine linkage to retain conformation flexibility and enhance endosomal escape of DNA complexes for higher transfection efficiency.

As células-tronco mesenquimais humanas derivadas de tecido adiposo, do inglês human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSC), são células progenitoras que residem entre adipócitos e armazenam lipídios neutros, principalmente triglicerídeos e ésteres de colesterol (TG e EC), em gotas lipídicas citoplasmáticas (GLC), contribuindo para o turnover do tecido adiposo. As GLC são organelas que desempenham um papel crucial na homeostasia energética e no metabolismo dessas células. Caveolas são invaginações de 50-100 nm que foram inicialmente caracterizadas por microscopia eletrônica. A forma e a organização estrutural das caveolas deve-se a proteínas especificas da família das caveolinas (caveolina-1, -2 e -3) que se associam em oligômeros para formar cavidades/invaginações na membrana plasmática. A função das caveolinas na formação das GLC está relacionada com a captação de ácidos graxos e seu metabolismo, e a relação existente entre estes dois componentes celulares parece ser crucial para manutenção da homeostasia celular. Muitas organelas que são funcionalmente conectadas ao metabolismo de lipídeos são encontradas justapostas as GLC. Distinções morfológicas observadas reforçam diferenças que podem existir na maneira pelas quais as GLC interagem com outras organelas em adipócitos. Sítios de contatos entre membranas, do inglês membrane contact sites (MCS), são descritos para muitas organelas e parecem funcionalmente importantes nos processos de interações entre as GLC e outras organelas celulares. O presente trabalho avaliou as diferenças ultraestruturais entre hADSC diferenciadas ou não para pré-adipócitos, comparando com células 3T3-L1. Também foram avaliadas, através de microscopia eletrônica de transmissão, as interações das GLC com outras organelas celulares durante a diferenciação adipogênica, pois apesar de sua importância no metabolismo energético e em várias doenças, as GLC são pouco compreendidas como organelas celulares. De fato, o tamanho, a composição e a regulação das GLC variam consideravelmente entre organismos e tipos celulares. A complexidade das interações das GLC com outras organelas também varia consideravelmente em adipócitos e não adipócitos. Este trabalho mostrou a importância de estudos que visam esclarecer como as GLC são formadas, modificadas e reguladas. Através destes estudos poderemos ter uma melhor compreensão acerca da relação existente entre o acúmulo excessivo de lipídios no organismo e a chamada síndrome metabólica (obesidade, diabetes e aterosclerose). / Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSC) are progenitor cells that reside between adipocytes, store neutral lipids, especially triglycerides and cholesterol esters (TG and CE) into cytoplasmic lipid droplets (CLD), contributing to the turnover of the adipose tissue. The CLD are organelles that play a crucial role in energy homeostasis and cell metabolism. Caveolae are invaginations of 50-100 nm that were initially characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The shape and structural organization of caveolae are held by specific proteins of the family of caveolinas (caveolin-1, -2 and -3) that associate to form oligomers in cavities/invaginations on the plasma membrane. The caveolin functions on the CLD development are related to the fatty acid uptake and its metabolism. The relationship between these cell components seems to be pivotal for the cellular homeostasis maintenance. Many organelles that are functionally connected to lipid metabolism are found juxtaposed to the CLD. Morphologic distinctions reveal the differences that may exist in the way through which the CLD interact with other organelles within adipocytes. The membrane contact sites (MCS) have been described for many organelles and seems to be functionally important in the interaction processes with CLD. This work evaluated the ultrastructural differences between hASDC differentiated or not to pre-adipocyte compared to the 3T3-L1 cells. It was also evaluated through transmission electron microscopy, the CLD interactions to the others cellular organelles in hASDC during adipogenesis induction because, despite its importance in energy metabolism and in various diseases, the CLD are poorly understood as cell organelles. Indeed, the size, composition and regulation of GLC vary considerably between organisms and cell types. The complexity of CLD interactions with other organelles also ranged considerably between adipocytes and undifferentiated. This work showed the importance of studies that aim the clarify how the CLD are formed, modified and regulated. Through these studies it is possible to get a better understanding of the relationship between the excessive accumulation of body lipids and the metabolic syndrome (obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis).

As células-tronco mesenquimais humanas derivadas de tecido adiposo, do inglês human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSC), são células progenitoras que residem entre adipócitos e armazenam lipídios neutros, principalmente triglicerídeos e ésteres de colesterol (TG e EC), em gotas lipídicas citoplasmáticas (GLC), contribuindo para o turnover do tecido adiposo. As GLC são organelas que desempenham um papel crucial na homeostasia energética e no metabolismo dessas células. Caveolas são invaginações de 50-100 nm que foram inicialmente caracterizadas por microscopia eletrônica. A forma e a organização estrutural das caveolas deve-se a proteínas especificas da família das caveolinas (caveolina-1, -2 e -3) que se associam em oligômeros para formar cavidades/invaginações na membrana plasmática. A função das caveolinas na formação das GLC está relacionada com a captação de ácidos graxos e seu metabolismo, e a relação existente entre estes dois componentes celulares parece ser crucial para manutenção da homeostasia celular. Muitas organelas que são funcionalmente conectadas ao metabolismo de lipídeos são encontradas justapostas as GLC. Distinções morfológicas observadas reforçam diferenças que podem existir na maneira pelas quais as GLC interagem com outras organelas em adipócitos. Sítios de contatos entre membranas, do inglês membrane contact sites (MCS), são descritos para muitas organelas e parecem funcionalmente importantes nos processos de interações entre as GLC e outras organelas celulares. O presente trabalho avaliou as diferenças ultraestruturais entre hADSC diferenciadas ou não para pré-adipócitos, comparando com células 3T3-L1. Também foram avaliadas, através de microscopia eletrônica de transmissão, as interações das GLC com outras organelas celulares durante a diferenciação adipogênica, pois apesar de sua importância no metabolismo energético e em várias doenças, as GLC são pouco compreendidas como organelas celulares. De fato, o tamanho, a composição e a regulação das GLC variam consideravelmente entre organismos e tipos celulares. A complexidade das interações das GLC com outras organelas também varia consideravelmente em adipócitos e não adipócitos. Este trabalho mostrou a importância de estudos que visam esclarecer como as GLC são formadas, modificadas e reguladas. Através destes estudos poderemos ter uma melhor compreensão acerca da relação existente entre o acúmulo excessivo de lipídios no organismo e a chamada síndrome metabólica (obesidade, diabetes e aterosclerose). / Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSC) are progenitor cells that reside between adipocytes, store neutral lipids, especially triglycerides and cholesterol esters (TG and CE) into cytoplasmic lipid droplets (CLD), contributing to the turnover of the adipose tissue. The CLD are organelles that play a crucial role in energy homeostasis and cell metabolism. Caveolae are invaginations of 50-100 nm that were initially characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The shape and structural organization of caveolae are held by specific proteins of the family of caveolinas (caveolin-1, -2 and -3) that associate to form oligomers in cavities/invaginations on the plasma membrane. The caveolin functions on the CLD development are related to the fatty acid uptake and its metabolism. The relationship between these cell components seems to be pivotal for the cellular homeostasis maintenance. Many organelles that are functionally connected to lipid metabolism are found juxtaposed to the CLD. Morphologic distinctions reveal the differences that may exist in the way through which the CLD interact with other organelles within adipocytes. The membrane contact sites (MCS) have been described for many organelles and seems to be functionally important in the interaction processes with CLD. This work evaluated the ultrastructural differences between hASDC differentiated or not to pre-adipocyte compared to the 3T3-L1 cells. It was also evaluated through transmission electron microscopy, the CLD interactions to the others cellular organelles in hASDC during adipogenesis induction because, despite its importance in energy metabolism and in various diseases, the CLD are poorly understood as cell organelles. Indeed, the size, composition and regulation of GLC vary considerably between organisms and cell types. The complexity of CLD interactions with other organelles also ranged considerably between adipocytes and undifferentiated. This work showed the importance of studies that aim the clarify how the CLD are formed, modified and regulated. Through these studies it is possible to get a better understanding of the relationship between the excessive accumulation of body lipids and the metabolic syndrome (obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis).

As células-tronco mesenquimais humanas derivadas de tecido adiposo, do inglês human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSC), são células progenitoras que residem entre adipócitos e armazenam lipídios neutros, principalmente triglicerídeos e ésteres de colesterol (TG e EC), em gotas lipídicas citoplasmáticas (GLC), contribuindo para o turnover do tecido adiposo. As GLC são organelas que desempenham um papel crucial na homeostasia energética e no metabolismo dessas células. Caveolas são invaginações de 50-100 nm que foram inicialmente caracterizadas por microscopia eletrônica. A forma e a organização estrutural das caveolas deve-se a proteínas especificas da família das caveolinas (caveolina-1, -2 e -3) que se associam em oligômeros para formar cavidades/invaginações na membrana plasmática. A função das caveolinas na formação das GLC está relacionada com a captação de ácidos graxos e seu metabolismo, e a relação existente entre estes dois componentes celulares parece ser crucial para manutenção da homeostasia celular. Muitas organelas que são funcionalmente conectadas ao metabolismo de lipídeos são encontradas justapostas as GLC. Distinções morfológicas observadas reforçam diferenças que podem existir na maneira pelas quais as GLC interagem com outras organelas em adipócitos. Sítios de contatos entre membranas, do inglês membrane contact sites (MCS), são descritos para muitas organelas e parecem funcionalmente importantes nos processos de interações entre as GLC e outras organelas celulares. O presente trabalho avaliou as diferenças ultraestruturais entre hADSC diferenciadas ou não para pré-adipócitos, comparando com células 3T3-L1. Também foram avaliadas, através de microscopia eletrônica de transmissão, as interações das GLC com outras organelas celulares durante a diferenciação adipogênica, pois apesar de sua importância no metabolismo energético e em várias doenças, as GLC são pouco compreendidas como organelas celulares. De fato, o tamanho, a composição e a regulação das GLC variam consideravelmente entre organismos e tipos celulares. A complexidade das interações das GLC com outras organelas também varia consideravelmente em adipócitos e não adipócitos. Este trabalho mostrou a importância de estudos que visam esclarecer como as GLC são formadas, modificadas e reguladas. Através destes estudos poderemos ter uma melhor compreensão acerca da relação existente entre o acúmulo excessivo de lipídios no organismo e a chamada síndrome metabólica (obesidade, diabetes e aterosclerose). / Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSC) are progenitor cells that reside between adipocytes, store neutral lipids, especially triglycerides and cholesterol esters (TG and CE) into cytoplasmic lipid droplets (CLD), contributing to the turnover of the adipose tissue. The CLD are organelles that play a crucial role in energy homeostasis and cell metabolism. Caveolae are invaginations of 50-100 nm that were initially characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The shape and structural organization of caveolae are held by specific proteins of the family of caveolinas (caveolin-1, -2 and -3) that associate to form oligomers in cavities/invaginations on the plasma membrane. The caveolin functions on the CLD development are related to the fatty acid uptake and its metabolism. The relationship between these cell components seems to be pivotal for the cellular homeostasis maintenance. Many organelles that are functionally connected to lipid metabolism are found juxtaposed to the CLD. Morphologic distinctions reveal the differences that may exist in the way through which the CLD interact with other organelles within adipocytes. The membrane contact sites (MCS) have been described for many organelles and seems to be functionally important in the interaction processes with CLD. This work evaluated the ultrastructural differences between hASDC differentiated or not to pre-adipocyte compared to the 3T3-L1 cells. It was also evaluated through transmission electron microscopy, the CLD interactions to the others cellular organelles in hASDC during adipogenesis induction because, despite its importance in energy metabolism and in various diseases, the CLD are poorly understood as cell organelles. Indeed, the size, composition and regulation of GLC vary considerably between organisms and cell types. The complexity of CLD interactions with other organelles also ranged considerably between adipocytes and undifferentiated. This work showed the importance of studies that aim the clarify how the CLD are formed, modified and regulated. Through these studies it is possible to get a better understanding of the relationship between the excessive accumulation of body lipids and the metabolic syndrome (obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis).

Esta dissertação investigou os mecanismos envolvidos na vasodilatação focando no papel das cavéolas e na possível interação com a isoforma endotelial da sintase de óxido nítrico (eNOS)/ óxido nítrico e neuronal (nNOS)/ peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) em aorta de camundongos tratados com isoproterenol (ISO). Anéis de aorta foram montados em banho de órgãos para medida de tensão isométrica. A expressão das proteínas foi avaliada a partir da técnica de Western blot. Os resultados demonstraram que o tratamento com ISO: 1) não modifica nem a vasodilatação à acetilcolina (ACh) nem ao nitroprussiato de sódio; 2) aumenta a dependência das cavéolas na resposta vasodilatadora à ACh e ao ionóforo de cálcio e a expressão proteica da caveolina-1, mas não da caveolina-3; 3) aumenta a modulação das NOS, principalmente a nNOS, à ACh; 4) aumenta a participação do H2O2 na vasodilatação à ACh e 5) aumenta a expressão de proteínas da defesa antioxidante. Conclui-se que a hiperativação β-AR com ISO ativa mecanismos vasodilatadores compensatórios em resposta à ACh nas aortas de camundongos. / The aim of this thesis was to investigate the mechanisms involved on the endothelium-dependent vasodilation focusing on the role of caveolae and the possible interaction between endothelial nitric synthase (eNOS)/ nitric oxide and neuronal (nNOS)/ hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in aorta of ISO-treated mice. Aortic rings were mounted in an organ bath for measurement of isometric tension. The expression of proteins was evaluated using Western blot. The results demonstrated that ISO treatment: 1) did not change acetylcholine (ACh) or NO donor-induced relaxation; 2) increases the caveolae participation in ACh and calcium ionophore-induced relaxation and caveolin-1 protein expression, while did not change caveolin-3; 3) increases the constitutive NOS modulation to ACh-induced relaxation, mainly through nNOS; 4) increases the H2O2 involvement on the vasodilation-induced to ACh and 5) increases the antioxidant proteins. It is concluded that β-AR hyperactivation ISO active vasodilators compensatory mechanisms in response to ACh in the aortas of mice.

Les dystrophies musculaires des ceintures (LGMD) sont un groupe hétérogène de dystrophies musculaires à progression lente. Des mutations du gène de la dysferline causent la LGMD de type 2B, mutations dans le gène de la cavéoline-3 (cav-3) causent LGMD de type 1C et des mutations dans le gène anoctamine-5 (ano-5) sont liées aux LGMD. Dans le but d'analyser les mécanismes moléculaires des LGMD et d'étudier les potentielles interactions de la dysferline, de la cav-3 et de l'ano5, des expériences sur des cellules musculaires primaires portant des mutations associées aux gènes DYSF, CAV3 et ANO5 ont été analysées. Les études d'immunomarquage ont montré que la protéine dysferline et la cav-3 sont partiellement colocalisées dans des structures vésiculaires de la membrane plasmique des myotubes primaires humains. La purification biochimique des "detergent-resistant membranes" issus des myotubes différenciés a montré que la dysferline est associée aux " lipid raft " liées aux cytosquelettes d'actine. L'analyse de la microscopie électronique sur les myotubes issus des muscles des patients atteints de LGMD a montré des altérations dans l'abondance des cavéoles à la membrane plasmique qui est en corrélation avec les mutations causant la maladie. L'analyse de l'ultrastructure cellulaire a montré que la dysferline est localisée à la membrane plasmique mais également dans des vésicules cytosoliques. L'immunopurification de ces vésicules contenant de la dysferline a révélé la présence d'environ 500 protéines détectées par LC-MS, ce qui pourrait représenter des protéines structurales vésiculaires, ainsi que des nouveaux partenaires potentiels d'interaction de la dysferline. / Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) are a heterogeneous group of slowly progressive muscular dystrophies with common features such as hyperCKemia and skeletal muscle weakness. Mutations in the dysferlin gene cause LGMD 2B, in the caveolin-3 (cav-3) gene LGMD 1C and in the anoctamin-5 (ano-5) gene LGMD 2L, respectively. In order to reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying LGMD and to investigate the putative interactions of dysferlin, cav-3, and ano5, primary skeletal muscle cell lines with disease-related mutations in DYSF, CAV3, and ANO5 have been analyzed. Immunolabeling studies revealed that dysferlin and cav-3 are partially colocalized in vesicular structures at the plasma membrane. Biochemical purification of detergent-resistant membranes from differentiated myotubes showed that dysferlin is associated with lipid rafts linked to the actin-cytoskeleton. Transmission electron microscopy analysis of myotubes revealed alterations of caveolae abundance at the plasma membrane correlating with disease-causing mutations. Ultrastructural studies revealed localization of dysferlin at the plasma membrane, but also in cytosolic vesicles. These vesicles contained a subset of approximately 500 proteins detected by LC-MS, which might represent vesicular structural proteins, vesicle cargo, and putative new dysferlin interaction partners. Results from this study lead to the conclusion that caveolae play a crucial role in the context of LGMD. Dysferlin and cav-3 seem to be closely linked on structural as well as on functional level. Our results confirm that dysferlin is localized in cytosolic vesicles, which are involved in multiple cellular processes.