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Thèse numérisée par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.

Extracellular vesicles have been shown to be an important factor in cancer progression through cell-to-cell communication of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. There are certain proteins that are seen commonly in these vesicles including the multi-subunit protein Chaperonin Containing TCP-1 (CCT) that is frequently upregulated in cancers as they progress in stage/severity. New literature suggests that the silencing of CCT leads to the dysregulation of EV secretion through alterations in the cellular metabolism of lipids. To date, no work has been done on cells that have an increased amount of CCT, which is what this work aims to explore. Exogenously expressing one of the CCT subunits, CCT2, caused an increase in CCT2 protein and RNA content in EVs. There was also a significant increase in the number of EVs smaller than 100nm in size. While the biological role of these EVs is yet to be determined, preliminary data suggests that EVs less than 100nm are able to increase total CCT2 protein levels in control cells when compared with conditioned media containing EVs of all sizes. This investigation aims to characterize these EVs in hopes to translate the findings clinically to detect EVs from cancer patients as a noninvasive diagnostic tool.

Cancer is one of the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Current anti-cancer therapeutics are approved for specific targets (e.g., ER, RAS, HER2). Despite initial favorable responses, cancer cells still acquire drug resistance and cross-tolerance to other treatments overtime. To address this urgent unmet need, new targets must be identified. Our research focuses on Chaperonin-containing TCP-1 (CCT), a double-ring, cylindrical protein folding complex consisting of eight subunits. Cancer patient databases revealed that higher gene expression of the second subunit, CCT2, correlates with tumor progression and poorer survival probability across various cancers. We hypothesize that cancer cells upregulate CCT2 to meet the demand for increased protein folding activity to produce essential products resulting from genomic alterations. Functionally, the depletion of CCT2 decreased cell viability and proliferation in T47D (luminal A breast cancer) cells and reduced tumor growth, nodule amounts, and CCT2 RNA in S-K-NAS (non-MYCN amplified neuroblastoma) tumors subcutaneously injected in nude mice. Conversely, the exogenous expression of CCT2 in T47D cells caused changes in cytoskeletal morphology (e.g. increased F-actin staining), greater migration, and larger sized spheroids compared to control cells. Through transcriptomic analysis, we found that depletion of CCT2 caused different patterns of transcriptomic changes in T47D compared to S-K-NAS cells, but showed similarities in decreased mRNA expression of other CCT subunits, molecular chaperones (e.g. HSP) and key oncogenic clients in major cancer signaling pathways. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that DNA processing and transcription could be implicated in breast cancer and cytoplasmic processes (e.g. protein localization, clathrin-coat assembly) are affected in neuroblastoma with CCT2 depletion. These results support that therapeutically targeting CCT for inhibition could target multiple oncogenic drivers, such as transcription factors and signaling kinases. As such, CCT inhibition could have a global impact on cancer cells without the need to pre-identify organ-specific genomic changes.

No presente trabalho, foi realizado um estudo sobre a influência da adição do boro em um aço C-Mn, nas transformações de fases por resfriamento contínuo, através da técnica dilatométrica. Para este estudo, utilizou-se dois aços de composição química semelhante: o aço 10B22 com 30 ppm de boro e o aço sem boro é o E1522, equivalente. Foram traçadas as curvas de CCT dos dois aços, onde analisou-se o efeito de temperabilidade do boro através das curvas de resfriamento. Os materiais foram ensaiados em um dilatômetro de resfriamento rápido, utilizando corpos de prova cilíndricos, resfriados por injeção de ar e hélio. Os resultados gráficos dos processos de resfriamento foram comparados com análises metalográficas ótica estruturais e quantitativas e também por medidas de dureza. Detalhes microestruturais, tais como, contagem de fases formadas em função das taxas de resfriamento, tamanho de grão, distribuição de inclusões e precipitados, foram extraídos, através de um sistema de análise de imagens. Complementando o trabalho, foi realizado uma completa documentação fotográfica das microestruturas, com uma indicação final do tratamento térmico mais adequado aos aços C-Mn microligados ao boro. / This work presents a study about the influence of boron on phase transformation by continuous cooling in a C-Mn steel using the dilatometric technique. For this study two close chemical composition steels were applied: a 10B2 steel with 30 ppm of boron and a E1522 steel without boron. For both steels the CCT curves were obtained, where the effect of boron on hardenability was analysed throughout continuous cooling curves. Both materials were testedcin a high speed quenching dilatometer, using cilindricals samples quenched by helium blow on their surfaces. The graphics results of cooling processes were compared with microstructural and quantitative optical metallographic analysis and hardness measurements. Microstructural features as such phases fraction as a function of cooling rates, grain size, and distributions of inclusions and precipitates were obtained through an image analysis system. In addition, complete microstructural photography documentation was carried out where it was possible to indicate the best heat treatment to boron microalloyed C-Mn steels.

Le paludisme est causé par cinq espèces du genre Plasmodium, P. falciparum étant le plus mortel. Des résistances de certaines souches du parasite ont été rapportées pour tous les médicaments mis sur le marché. Les moustiques vecteurs du parasite sont résistants aux insecticides et aucun vaccin n'est disponible. Cette maladie est un problème économique et de santé publique pour les pays en voie de développement. Mes travaux de thèses visent à identifier de nouveaux traitements contre le paludisme, en ciblant deux nouvelles protéines. Les Apicomplexes ont développé un mécanisme unique d'invasion, impliquant une interaction forte entre la cellule hôte et la surface du parasite, appelée jonction mobile. La caractérisation structurale et fonctionnelle du complexe AMA1-RON2 a ouvert la voie à la découverte de petites molécules capables d'empêcher l'interaction AMA1-RON2 et de ce fait, l'invasion. Le parasite a aussi besoin de phospholipides pour construire sa membrane durant le cycle érythrocytaire. Il y a six fois plus de phospholipides dans les érythrocytes infectés que dans les érythrocytes sains. Notre stratégie est d'inhiber la voie de synthèse de novo Kennedy et plus précisément, son étape limitante catalysée par la PfCCT. Des filtres basés sur le ligand (LBVS) et sur la structure (SBVS) ont été utilisés pour tester virtuellement les chimiothèques commerciales que j'ai préparées. Pour chaque projet, des molécules ont été sélectionnées pour leurs scores de docking et les interactions qu'elles établissent avec les résidus clés de la protéine. En combinant la bioinformatique structurale et la chémoinformatique, nous avons identifié des inhibiteurs potentiels des deux cibles protéiques. / Human malaria is caused by five parasitic species of the genus Plasmodium, P. falciparum being the most deadly. Drug resistance of some parasite strains has been reported for commercial drugs. Vector mosquitoes are resistant to perythroid insecticides and no successful vaccine is available. This disease is a public and economic health issue for developing countries. My PhD projects investigate new treatments for malaria, by targeting two new proteins. Apicomplexa parasites have developed a unique invasion mechanism involving a tight interaction formed between the host cell and the parasite surfaces called Moving Junction. The structural and functional characterization of the AMA1-RON2 complex pave the way for the design of low molecular weight compounds capable of disrupting the AMA1-RON2 assembly and thereby invasion. The parasite also needs phospholipids to build its membrane during the erythrocytic cycle. There are six times more phospholipids in infected erythrocytes compared to healthy ones. Our strategy is to inhibit the de novo Kennedy pathway and more precisely its rate-limiting step catalysed by the enzyme PfCCT. Filters were used for ligand-based (LBVS) and structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) of commercial chemical databases that I have prepared. For each project, molecules were selected in terms of their docking scores and their interactions with key active site residues. By combining structural bioinformatics and cheminformatics, we identified potential inhibitors of the two protein targets.

No presente trabalho, foi realizado um estudo sobre a influência da adição do boro em um aço C-Mn, nas transformações de fases por resfriamento contínuo, através da técnica dilatométrica. Para este estudo, utilizou-se dois aços de composição química semelhante: o aço 10B22 com 30 ppm de boro e o aço sem boro é o E1522, equivalente. Foram traçadas as curvas de CCT dos dois aços, onde analisou-se o efeito de temperabilidade do boro através das curvas de resfriamento. Os materiais foram ensaiados em um dilatômetro de resfriamento rápido, utilizando corpos de prova cilíndricos, resfriados por injeção de ar e hélio. Os resultados gráficos dos processos de resfriamento foram comparados com análises metalográficas ótica estruturais e quantitativas e também por medidas de dureza. Detalhes microestruturais, tais como, contagem de fases formadas em função das taxas de resfriamento, tamanho de grão, distribuição de inclusões e precipitados, foram extraídos, através de um sistema de análise de imagens. Complementando o trabalho, foi realizado uma completa documentação fotográfica das microestruturas, com uma indicação final do tratamento térmico mais adequado aos aços C-Mn microligados ao boro. / This work presents a study about the influence of boron on phase transformation by continuous cooling in a C-Mn steel using the dilatometric technique. For this study two close chemical composition steels were applied: a 10B2 steel with 30 ppm of boron and a E1522 steel without boron. For both steels the CCT curves were obtained, where the effect of boron on hardenability was analysed throughout continuous cooling curves. Both materials were testedcin a high speed quenching dilatometer, using cilindricals samples quenched by helium blow on their surfaces. The graphics results of cooling processes were compared with microstructural and quantitative optical metallographic analysis and hardness measurements. Microstructural features as such phases fraction as a function of cooling rates, grain size, and distributions of inclusions and precipitates were obtained through an image analysis system. In addition, complete microstructural photography documentation was carried out where it was possible to indicate the best heat treatment to boron microalloyed C-Mn steels.

mTOR is the central kinase in biochemical pathways that regulate cellular growth, protein synthesis and cell survival. Deregulation of mTOR signaling results in uncontrolled cell proliferation and hence is implicated in various cancers and autoimmune diseases. mTOR functions through two distinct signaling complexes, called mTORC1 and mTORC2. CCT is a cytosolic chaperonin that assists in folding of several protein substrates. In these studies, we have identified two components of the mTOR complexes, mLST8 and Raptor, as substrates of CCT. We have performed biochemical and signaling studies which indicate that CCT is involved in assembly and signaling of mTOR complexes by folding β-propeller domains of mLST8 and Raptor. We have also obtained high resolution structural information of the mLST8-CCT complex by cryo-EM and mass spectrometric cross-linking. Moreover, we have explored the role of PhLP1 as a co-chaperone for CCT in the assembly of mTOR complexes. Interestingly, we found that PhLP1 plays very different roles in the case of mLST8 and Raptor. While PhLP1 participate in assembly of mLST8 into mTOR complexes, it facilitates degradation of Raptor. These biochemical data, combined with structural information, can be used to design small molecules that modulate mTOR signaling by affecting the formation of intact mTOR complexes.

Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement is a routine procedure and a fundament in glaucoma care. Elevated IOP is the main risk factor for glaucoma, and to date, reduction of IOP is the only possible treatment. In a retrospective clinical material, the prevalence of open angle glaucoma was estimated on the west coast of Iceland. IOP measurement and optic nerve head examination were used to capture glaucoma suspects, within the compulsory ophthalmological examination for the prescription of eye glasses. The results were mainly in agreement with a recent prospective study in the same region. This indicated that retrospective data, under certain conditions, may contribute with useful information on the prevalence of glaucoma. However, normal tension glaucoma is underestimated if perimetry and/or fundus photography are not included in the examination. Three studies focused on the measurement of IOP. Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) is the standard method. GAT is affected by corneal properties, e.g. central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal curvature (CC). Refractive surgery changes these properties. This has put focus on how corneal biomechanics translate into tonometric errors and stimulated the development of new methods. As a result, Pascal ® Dynamic Contour Tonometry (PDCT) and Icare® rebound tonometry have been introduced. A method under development by our research group is Applanation Resonance Tonometry (ART). It is based on resonance technology and estimates IOP from continuous measurement of force and contact area. Comparison of PDCT, Icare and GAT in a prospective study showed that the concordance to GAT was close to the limits set by the International Standard Organization (ISO) for PDCT, while Icare was outside the limits. To investigate if laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) affects tonometry, a study was performed where measurements with GAT, PDCT and ART were obtained before, three and six months after LASEK. The hypothesis was that PDCT and ART would be less affected by LASEK than GAT. The results showed a statistically significant reduction of measured IOP three and six months after LASEK for all tonometry methods. Change in visual acuity and IOP between three and six months suggested a prolonged postoperative process. A servo-controlled prototype (ART servo) was developed. A study was undertaken to assess the agreement of ARTservo and a further developed v manual prototype (ART manual) with GAT. The study design was in accordance with the requirements of the ISO standard for tonometers. ARTmanual fulfilled the precision requirements of the ISO standard. ARTservo did not meet all the requirements of the standard at the highest pressure levels. Four tonometry methods, GAT, PDCT, Icare and ART, were investigated. None of them was independent of both CCT and CC. The inconsistencies in the results emphasize the importance of study design. A meta-analysis comprising healthy eyes (IOP ≤ 21 mmHg) in the three papers, revealed age as an important confounder. In summary, glaucoma prevalence in Iceland was investigated and the results indicated that a retrospective approach can contribute with meaningful information. ART and PDCT had a similar agreement to GAT. ART manual fulfilled the precision requirements set by the ISO-standard, ARTservo and PDCT were close, while Icare was distinctly outside the limits. All tonometry methods were affected by LASEK and no method was completely independent of corneal properties.

Digital Sneakerhead communities have gained significant attention in the fashion market in recent years, this is due to their unique dynamics and cultural significance. This thesis aims to explore the culture of sneaker collectors, pointing its focus on the intricate dynamics and practices used to drive their interactions, discussions and dedication. The study of Sneakerhead culture, traditionally more focused on commercial aspects and brand appeal, can be crucial for understanding contemporary consumption patterns and the connections between consumer culture and social identities. This thesis offers valuable insights into the cultural practices and dynamics of digital Sneakerhead communities, aiming to inform and provide new insights in the development of more empathetic approaches to consumer engagement, as well as to contribute to the broader body of consumer culture academic interest. The thesis uses Kozinets’ (2019) Netnographic method in order to observe and analyse social dynamics, knowledge exchange dynamics, and socially conscious consumption practices among participants in digital sneaker communities. After observing the Sneakerhead community through these theoretical themes based on Marketplace culture theory, the results produced are sub-themes which grants a deeper insight of the digital Sneakerhead community. 19 of these sub-themes were identified, following the three themes selected in accordance with the theory. The results of this thesis is then based on observation and analysis of the Sneakerhead community and provides new insider information about the culture created and sustained in digital communities, while also offering practical insight for marketers and other stakeholders. Delimitations of this thesis are mostly attributed to the method used and to the inherent problem of bias in qualitative research. Future research is suggested on different social media platforms, as well as on in-person meeting of the Sneakerhead communities; an outlook in different geographical areas could provide additional insight and validation to this thesis.