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Les collagènes de défense (C1q, MBL, ficolines) sont capables de reconnaître de nombreux motifs à la surface des éléments du non soi ou du soi altéré, via leurs domaines globulaires C-terminaux. Ils peuvent également interagir avec certains récepteurs présents à la surface des cellules humaines ou de pathogènes. Nous nous sommes intéressés dans un premier temps à la calréticuline de Trypanosoma Cruzi (TcCRT), une protéine qui interviendrait dans les mécanismes d'évasion de ce parasite. Dans le but de réaliser des études fonctionnelles et structurales de la TcCRT, nous avons produit différents fragments recombinants. Nous ne sommes cependant pas parvenus à obtenir un échantillon nous permettant d'accomplir nos objectifs, nous conduisant à reporter nos efforts sur l'étude d'un autre récepteur, CR1/CD35. Il a été montré précédemment que CR1/CD35 pouvait interagir avec C1q et la MBL, probablement par ses modules CCP 22-30. Cette interaction pourrait être impliquée dans l'élimination des complexes immuns, la phagocytose ou encore des mécanismes de signalisation cellulaire. A l'aide d'un fragment recombinant comprenant les modules CCP 22-30 de CR1, nous avons confirmé par SPR l'interaction avec C1q et la MBL. Nous avons également montré pour la première fois que CR1 pouvait interagir avec les ficolines L, H et M par ce même domaine. Nos résultats indiquent que cette interaction prendrait majoritairement place dans la région collagène de C1q, de la MBL et de la ficoline L, probablement à proximité du site de fixation des protéases. L'utilisation de fragments tronqués de CR1 CCP 22-30, nous permet de proposer l'hypothèse que les modules CCP 24 et 25 de CR1 seraient le site majoritaire de fixation des collagènes de défense. Ces données ouvrent la voie à des études structurales et fonctionnelles visant à approfondir notre connaissance des interactions CR1 – collagène de défense et de leur rôle physiologique. / The defence collagens (C1q, MBL, ficolins) are able to recognize various patterns on non-self or altered-self surfaces through their globular domains. They can also interact with receptors at the surface of human cells or pathogens. First, we were interested in the calreticulin from Trypanosoma cruzi, a protein which may be involved in the evasion mechanisms of that parasite. To achieve structural and functional studies, we produced recombinant fragments from TcCRT. Unfortunately, we couldn't obtain any sample suitable for our studies, so we decided to focus on another receptor, CR1/CD35. It has been shown previously by other teams that C1q and MBL bind to CR1/CD35, probably through CCP modules 22 to 30, close to the cell membrane. This interaction could be involved in several biologic mechanisms: elimination of immune complexes, phagocytosis, cell signaling. We produced a recombinant fragment including the CCP modules 22 to 30 of CR1 and confirmed its interaction with C1q and MBL using SPR. We also showed for the first time that L-, H- and M-ficolins bind to CR1 through CCP modules 22 to 30. Our results point out that the CR1 binding site of C1q, MBL and L-ficolin is located in the collagen stalks, most probably at or in close proximity to the serine protease interaction site. By using CR1 CCP 22-30 truncated fragments, we suggest that CCP modules 24 to 25 could be the main binding site for the defence collagens. These data open the way for structural and functional studies aiming at improving our knowledge of the CR1 – defense collagen interactions and of their physiological role.

Les études d'association pangénomiques ont permis d'identifier de nouveaux loci, dont le gène CR1 comme associé au risque de maladie d'Alzheimer (MA). Le récepteur du complément de type 1 (CR1) est une glycoprotéine transmembranaire, présente notamment à la surface des érythrocytes (CR1E), mais également dans le plasma sous forme soluble (CR1s). Le CR1 peut prendre des formes fonctionnelles différentes, qui pourraient conférer des niveaux de risque différents, voire suggérer des mécanismes physiopathologiques de la MA. Si la relation entre CR1 et MA est aujourd'hui connue, son mécanisme reste énigmatique.L'objectif principal de cette thèse était de corréler aux données génétiques (single nucleotide polymorphisms, polymorphismes de longueur, polymorphismes de densité), des éléments phénotypiques acquis comme la densité du CR1E ou le CR1S. D'une part, notre étude a montré grâce à deux méthodes différentes, que la MA était associée à une densité basse de l'isoforme long de CR1 (CR1*2) et suggérait l'existence d'allèle silencieux de CR1. D'autre part, nous avons montré que même si les critères génétiques étaient respectés, certains phénotypes pourraient être acquis au cours de la maladie. Nos résultats suggèrent que la MA résulterait plus d'une insuffisance d'épuration des dépôts amyloïdes, que d'une réponse excessive dont la réaction inflammatoire serait délétère. Bien que cette recherche génotypique et phénotypique, à potentiel physiopathologique, nécessite des investigations à plus grande échelle, elle pourra ouvrir la voie à des nouvelles pistes thérapeutiques qui ne peuvent être envisagées aujourd'hui faute de vue claire du ou des mécanismes en cause. / Genome-wide association studies have identified new loci, including the CR1 gene, as being associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. The complement receptor type 1 (CR1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein found on the surface of erythrocytes (CR1E), and also in the plasma in soluble form (CR1s). CR1 can have different functional forms that may confer different risk levels, or even suggest pathophysiological mechanisms of AD. Indeed, the relation between CR1 and AD is now well established, the mechanism of this association remains to be elucidated.The main objective of this thesis was to correlate acquired phenotype elements, such as density of CR1E (number of CR1 antigenic sites per erythrocyte) or CR1s with genetic data (single nucleotide polymorphisms, length and density polymorphisms). Firstly, our study showed using two different methods that AD is associated with low density of the long CR1 isoform (CR1*2) and suggested the possible existence of silent CR1 alleles. Secondly, we showed that although genetic criteria were met, some phenotypes could be acquired during the course of the disease. Our findings suggest that AD stems more from insufficient clearance of amyloid deposits than from excessive response whose inflammatory reaction might be deleterious. Although this genetic and phenotypic study with pathophysiological potential still require further investigation on a larger scale, she could pave the way towards new therapeutic avenues that currently remain elusive in the absence of a clear overview of the mechanisms involved.

Submitted by Ana Damasceno (ana.damasceno@unipampa.edu.br) on 2017-06-01T20:37:06Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Estudo de elementos Galluhop e Cr1-like nos genomas de aves.pdf: 2302319 bytes, checksum: fa0edcdeb7492075c39bf4c060375643 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-06-01T20:37:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Estudo de elementos Galluhop e Cr1-like nos genomas de aves.pdf: 2302319 bytes, checksum: fa0edcdeb7492075c39bf4c060375643 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-04-04 / Elementos transponíveis (TEs, do inglês Transposable Elements) são sequências que possuem a particularidade de se mobilizar dentro e entre genomas, estando presentes ubiquamente nos organismos e distribuídos por todos os ramos da árvore da vida. Os TEs influenciam os genomas hospedeiros de diferentes maneiras tendo um papel fundamental na evolução dos mesmos. São classificados em duas grandes classes, com base no seu intermediário de transposição: Classe I (retrotransposons) se transpõe via RNA, Classe II (transposons) se movem via DNA. Em aves, o conhecimento sobre elementos transponíveis ainda é muito insipiente, restringindo-se a poucos genomas sequenciados, principalmente o de Gallus gallus. Neste trabalho foram estudados dois tipos distintos de TEs: galluhop - elemento de Classe II, pertencente à superfamília mariner/Tc1, e CR1 - elemento de Classe I, ordem conhecida como LINE (do inglês Long Interspersed Nuclear Element), pertencente à superfamília CR1. Os objetivos desse trabalho foram caracterizar a história evolutiva das seqüências de homólogas de galluhop encontradas em genomas disponíveis de aves e, também, caracterizar a distribuição cromossômica de CR1-like em genomas de aves Piciformes (pica-paus). No primeiro capítulo, através de análises in silico, foi possível estimar a diversidade de cópias, as características estruturais e funcionais, a distribuição descontinua na linhagem aviária, a descrição de uma nova subfamília para família mariner e sugerir um evento de transferência horizontal do elemento galluhop. Destacamos nesta abordagem o primeiro registro de uma possível transferência horizontal de elemento transponível entre aves, e a nova subfamília Gallus restrita, até o momento, a elementos galluhop encontrados em aves. No segundo capítulo, mostramos por meio da técnica de FISH, a distribuição cromossômica de um mesmo elemento transponível, CR1-E-like, em diferentes genomas de aves, evidenciando padrão de distribuição muito diferente em cada genoma, mesmo entre espécies do mesmo gênero. / Transposable Elements (TEs) are sequences that have the particularity of mobilizing within and between genomes, being ubiquitously present in organisms and distributed throughout the branches of the tree of life. TEs influence host genomes in different ways and play a key role in their evolution. They are classified into two major classes, based on their transposition intermediary: Class I (retrotransposons) transposes via RNA, Class II (transposons) move through DNA. In birds, the knowledge about transposable elements is still very insipient, being restricted to a few genomes sequenced, mainly the one of Gallus gallus. In this work two distinct types of TEs were studied: galluhop - element of Class II, belonging to the superfamily mariner / Tc1, and CR1 - element of Class I, order known as LINE (of the English Long Interspersed Nuclear Element), belonging to the superfamily CR1. The objectives of this work were to characterize the evolutionary history of galluhop homolog sequences found in avian available genomes and also to characterize the chromosomal distribution of CR1-like in genomes of woodpeckers. In the first chapter, through in silico analysis, it was possible to estimate the diversity of copies, the structural and functional characteristics, the discontinuous distribution in the avian line, the description of a new subfamily for the mariner family and to suggest a horizontal transfer event of the galluhop element . We highlight in this approach the first record of a possible horizontal transfer of transposable element between birds, and the new Gallus subfamily restricted, until now, to galluhop elements found in birds. In the second chapter, we show through the FISH technique the chromosomal distribution of the same transposable element, CR1-E-like, in different bird genomes, showing a very different distribution pattern in each genome, even among species of the same genus.

Les collagènes de défense (C1q, MBL, ficolines) sont capables de reconnaître de nombreux motifs à la surface des éléments du non soi ou du soi altéré, via leurs domaines globulaires C-terminaux. Ils peuvent également interagir avec certains récepteurs présents à la surface des cellules humaines ou de pathogènes. Nous nous sommes intéressés dans un premier temps à la calréticuline de Trypanosoma Cruzi (TcCRT), une protéine qui interviendrait dans les mécanismes d'évasion de ce parasite. Dans le but de réaliser des études fonctionnelles et structurales de la TcCRT, nous avons produit différents fragments recombinants. Nous ne sommes cependant pas parvenus à obtenir un échantillon nous permettant d'accomplir nos objectifs, nous conduisant à reporter nos efforts sur l'étude d'un autre récepteur, CR1/CD35. Il a été montré précédemment que CR1/CD35 pouvait interagir avec C1q et la MBL, probablement par ses modules CCP 22-30. Cette interaction pourrait être impliquée dans l'élimination des complexes immuns, la phagocytose ou encore des mécanismes de signalisation cellulaire. A l'aide d'un fragment recombinant comprenant les modules CCP 22-30 de CR1, nous avons confirmé par SPR l'interaction avec C1q et la MBL. Nous avons également montré pour la première fois que CR1 pouvait interagir avec les ficolines L, H et M par ce même domaine. Nos résultats indiquent que cette interaction prendrait majoritairement place dans la région collagène de C1q, de la MBL et de la ficoline L, probablement à proximité du site de fixation des protéases. L'utilisation de fragments tronqués de CR1 CCP 22-30, nous permet de proposer l'hypothèse que les modules CCP 24 et 25 de CR1 seraient le site majoritaire de fixation des collagènes de défense. Ces données ouvrent la voie à des études structurales et fonctionnelles visant à approfondir notre connaissance des interactions CR1 - collagène de défense et de leur rôle physiologique.

<p>IgG, IgM and IgE in complex with antigen have the capacity to regulate specific immune responses. In this investigation, the role of Fc receptors for IgG (FcγRI, FcγRII and FcγRIII) and complement receptors 1 and 2 (CR1/2) for antibody-mediated enhancement of antibody responses are investigated.</p><p>IgM is known to efficiently activate complement and thereby enhance specific antibody responses but it is not known if this involves binding to CR1/2. Using CR1/2 deficient mice, immunized with sheep erythrocytes alone or together with specific IgM, we present evidence that IgM-mediated enhancement is completely dependent on CR1/2 expression, whereas IgG or IgE in complex with bovine serum albumin (BSA) induce strong antibody responses in CR1/2-deficient mice. Enhancement by IgE is mediated via the low affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRII, CD23). However, the receptors which are involved in IgG-mediated enhancement are not known. We find that γ-chain-deficient mice (lacking FcγRI and FcγRIII) have impaired antibody responses to IgG/BSA complexes. In contrast, FcγRIII deficient mice have normal responses, suggesting that FcγRI mediates the effect. Furthermore, IgG/BSA complexes induce up to 189-fold stronger antibody responses in FcγRIIB-deficient mice than in wild-type mice. The threshold dose of IgG/BSA required was lower, the response was sustained for longer and initiated earlier in FcγRIIB-deficient than in wild-type animals. The findings suggest that FcγRIIB acts as a "safety-valve" preventing excessive antibody production during an immune response. We show for the first time that IgG3/BSA complexes can mediate enhancement of specific antibody responses. Their effect does not involve known Fcγ receptors.</p>

IgG, IgM and IgE in complex with antigen have the capacity to regulate specific immune responses. In this investigation, the role of Fc receptors for IgG (FcγRI, FcγRII and FcγRIII) and complement receptors 1 and 2 (CR1/2) for antibody-mediated enhancement of antibody responses are investigated. IgM is known to efficiently activate complement and thereby enhance specific antibody responses but it is not known if this involves binding to CR1/2. Using CR1/2 deficient mice, immunized with sheep erythrocytes alone or together with specific IgM, we present evidence that IgM-mediated enhancement is completely dependent on CR1/2 expression, whereas IgG or IgE in complex with bovine serum albumin (BSA) induce strong antibody responses in CR1/2-deficient mice. Enhancement by IgE is mediated via the low affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRII, CD23). However, the receptors which are involved in IgG-mediated enhancement are not known. We find that γ-chain-deficient mice (lacking FcγRI and FcγRIII) have impaired antibody responses to IgG/BSA complexes. In contrast, FcγRIII deficient mice have normal responses, suggesting that FcγRI mediates the effect. Furthermore, IgG/BSA complexes induce up to 189-fold stronger antibody responses in FcγRIIB-deficient mice than in wild-type mice. The threshold dose of IgG/BSA required was lower, the response was sustained for longer and initiated earlier in FcγRIIB-deficient than in wild-type animals. The findings suggest that FcγRIIB acts as a "safety-valve" preventing excessive antibody production during an immune response. We show for the first time that IgG3/BSA complexes can mediate enhancement of specific antibody responses. Their effect does not involve known Fcγ receptors.

Les oxydes d'éléments de transition présentent une grande diversité de comportement allant du diélectrique au métal et même au supraconducteur. Ce phénomène a donné lieu à un grand nombre de théorie qui n'ont cessé de se développer au cours des quarantes dernières années. Ces théories dont un rappel est proposé au début du mémoire ont été appliquées à des systèmes d'oxydes de tungstène à valences mixtes tels que les bronzes, comme NaxWO3 et CsxWO3, purs ou dopés, ou des solutions solides de structures dérivées du rutile, comme Cr1-xW1+xO4. L'étude de ces systèmes dans lesquels la localisation d'Anderson semble jouer un rôle important a permis de mettre en évidence le rôle du libre parcours moyen inélastique et à basse température celui des corrélations électroniques.

Monitoring the working environment of laboratories and industries for pollutants is of primary concern to ensure the healthiness of working personnel. Semiconducting metal oxides (SMOs) are sensitive to the gas ambience and can be tuned for sensing purpose. As SMOs are not selective, an array of sensors with differential selectivity may resolve to great extent. The objective of the thesis is to understand the physicochemical properties and gas sensing characteristics of Cr1-xFexNbO4. Applying principal component analysis to the sensor response data either for selection of features or for differentiation of analysts is also of concern. Preparation of Cr1-xFexNbO4, phase characterization, lattice parameters estimation, morphological and micro chemical analysis (SEM & EDX), electrical characterization by direct current (DC & AC) in the temperature range of 423 K to 573 K, weighted magnetic moment of iron and chromium deduced from susceptibility measurements, spin nature of iron and surface compositions of different valences of chromium and iron deduced from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of are presented. The wide dynamic range hydrogen sensing characteristics of CrNbO4 bulk pellets at different temperatures along with the cross-sensitivity towards NH3, NOx(NO+NO2) and PG (petroleum gas) are investigated. The preparation of Cr1-xFexNbO4 thick and thin films by screen-printing and PLD are also presented. The thick films are tested at different temperatures towards hydrogen. The n-type or p-type nature of thick films towards hydrogen with varying iron concentration in Cr1-xFexNbO4 is reported. The thin films are characterized for phase formation, morphology by XRD, SEM and AFM. XPS performed surface characterization. Electrical resistance measurements at different temperatures and preliminary experiments on hydrogen sensing are presented. The probable hydrogen sensing mechanism of CrNbO4 was revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The experimentally observed reduction in metal ion oxidation states upon interacting with hydrogen is best illustrated by Kröger Vink notation. Principal component analysis was applied for three different types of studies: i) The fit parameters of the transient response of CrNbO4 thick films towards hydrogen are analyzed for finding out the better feature for calibration, ii) Different thick films of CrNbO4, Cr0.5Fe0.5NbO4 and FeNbO4 operated at various temperatures for testing H2 and VOCs are analyzed for redundancy in sensor behaviour and iii) Cr0.8Fe0.2NbO4 thick films are studied for sensing H2, NH3 and their mixtures and usefulness of PCA in resolving them in PC-space. In addition, H2 and VOCs are tested at different temperatures and redundancy in temperature is deduced to construct a sensor array with a minimum number of sensors. Finally, a sensor array consisting of Cr0.8Fe0.2NbO4 thick films, operating at different temperatures is built, and qualitative discrimination of analysts in PC-space is demonstrated. Finally, the major findings of the present investigations and suggestions for future aspects of experimentation are provided