No description available.

O fator 2 derivado de células estromais, SDF2 (do inglês Stromal cell derived fator 2) é um gene de função ainda desconhecida, conservado em mamíferos e descrito primeiramente por Hamada et al. (1996). Neste estudo, observamos que a proteína Sdf2 de camundongo possui a alta similaridade de sequência em relação ao SDF2-like(L)1 humano e murino e de estrutura preditiva também similar em relação ao SDF2-like de Arabidopsis thaliana. A proteína mostrou-se sublocalizada no retículo endoplasmático e apresentou ampla distribuição nos tecidos e órgãos de camundongos. O mapeamento da expressão de Sdf2 ao longo da gestação humana e de camundongo nos mostrou que a proteína está presente em todas as etapas e compartimentos da placenta, com expressão em diversos tipos celulares. Nossos resultados sugerem que o SDF2 participa dos processos de diferenciação de células trofoblásticas humanas e murinas de maneira oposta. Em humanos, onde o processo é dependente da ativação de caspase-8 observou-se um aumento da expressão de SDF2. Em camundongos, onde o processo é por endoreduplicação, houve diminuição da expressão da proteína. A participação do SDF2 na via de estresse de retículo endoplasmático (RE) nas células trofoblásticas também foi analisada. Fatores adversos que podem levar à perda da homeostase do RE e levar a um acúmulo de proteínas mal enoveladas geram o fenômeno conhecido como Estresse de RE. O estresse de RE ativa a via de Resposta a Proteínas Mal Enoveladas (UPR, em inglês Unfolded Protein Response), que atua em diferentes vias de sinalização para aumentar a produção de chaperonas, a degradação das proteínas mal enoveladas e a diminuição da produção de novas proteínas. Estas respostas aumentam as chances de sobrevivência celular. Se, no entanto, a célula não recuperar sua homeostase, vias que levam à apoptose serão ativadas. A geração de estresse de RE pelo agente tunicamicina alterou significativamente a expressão de SDF2. Além disso, o silenciamento do gene SDF2 alterou a expressão dos principais fatores de controle de sobrevivência e apoptose da UPR. Desta forma, estes achados sugerem que o SDF2 desempenha um papel na regulação de sobrevivência/apoptose das células trofoblásticas pela via UPR. / The stromal cell derived factor 2 (SDF2) was first described by Hamada et al.(1996), is well conserved in mammals but its function is still unknown. In this study, we observed the predicted aminoacid sequence os Sdf2 is similar to human and mouse SDF2L1 sequence and the predicted Sdf2 structure is similar to SDF2-like from Arabidopsis thaliana. The protein is sublocalizes in the ER and it is widely expressed in mouse tissue and organs. The expression of Sdf2 throughout human and mouse gestation showed the protein is present in all gestational phases and compartments analysed and it is expressed by several cell types in the placenta. In trophoblast functional assays, SDF2 showed opposite expression patterns in human and mouse differentiation processes. In humans, where the process is dependent of caspase-8 activation, the protein is upregulated. Im mouse, the process is dependent of endoreduplication, the protein is downregulated. The participation of SDF2 in Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress in trophoblastic cells was also evaluated. Adverse environmental conditions may lead to disruption of ER homeostasis causing accumulation of unfolded/misfolded proteins in ER, a phenomenon known as ER stress. ER stress activates the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) that acts in several signaling cascades to improve chaperone production, misfolded protein degradation and to downregulate new protein production. These responses increase the capacity of cells to maintain alive even in stress conditions. Whether cells fail on restore homeostasis, the UPR activates apoptosis. We were able to observed that when gene silencing assays was used for SDF2, modifications in UPR cell survival/apoptosis markers were observed. In conclusion, we propose that SDF2 is playing a role in ER stress cell survival/apoptosis control in trophoblast cells.

O transplante de ilhotas pancreáticas é uma terapia promissora para o tratamento da diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1). No entanto, ilhotas transplantadas estão sujeitas à rejeição pelo sistema imune dos pacientes receptores, portanto faz-se necessário o desenvolvimento de mecanismos moleculares que protejam essas células. Estudos mostraram que o hormônio prolactina (PRL) é capaz de inibir a apoptose desencadeada por citocinas pró-inflamatórias sobre células beta pancreáticas e que este processo citoprotetor depende da presença da chaperona HSPB1. Foi observado que durante o desenvolvimento do DM1, as células beta pancreáticas sofrem estresse de retículo endoplasmático e que isso contribui para desencadear apoptose. O estresse de retículo endoplasmático é caracterizado pelo acúmulo de proteínas mal dobradas nessa organela resultando na ativação da resposta a proteínas mal dobradas (UPR) que tem como finalidade recuperar a homeostase celular. No presente estudo mostramos, pela primeira vez, que PRL foi capaz de proteger células beta pancreáticas contra estresse de retículo endoplasmático promovido tanto por citocinas pró-inflamatórias (TNFα, IFNγ e IL1β) quanto pelos estressores de retículo endoplasmático: tunicamicina e tapsigargina; e que HSPB1 é essencial nesse mecanismo de citoproteção. No contexto do DM1, esse hormônio parece ter um efeito modulador da UPR aumentando os níveis de BiP, antecipando a ativação de ATF6 e PERK, mantendo a via de PERK ativa por mais tempo, inibindo a via de IRE1α, e diminuindo os níveis de CHOP em tempos maiores. Coletivamente, os resultados aqui apresentados aprofundam os conhecimentos sobre a função de HSPB1, conduzindo para o desenvolvimento de estratégias que visam à atenuação da morte de células beta por meio da modulação de uma via de proteção endógena, a qual é independente da modulação do sistema imunológico. / The islet transplantation is a promising therapy for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). However, transplanted islets are subject to rejection by the immune system of the recipient patients, therefore the development of molecular mechanisms that protect these cells is necessary. Studies have shown that the hormone prolactin (PRL) is capable of inhibiting apoptosis triggered by pro-inflammatory cytokines on pancreatic beta cells and that this cytoprotective process depends on the presence of the chaperone HSPB1. It was observed that during the development of type 1 diabetes, pancreatic beta cells undergo endoplasmic reticulum stress and that this contributes to trigger apoptosis. The endoplasmic reticulum stress is characterized by accumulation of misfolded proteins in this organelle resulting in the activation of unfolded protein response (UPR) that aims to restore cellular homeostasis. In the present study, we show for the first time that PRL was able to protect pancreatic beta cells against endoplasmic reticulum stress promoted by both pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IFNγ and IL1β) as the endoplasmic reticulum stressors: tunicamycin and thapsigargin; and HSPB1 is essential that cytoprotective mechanism. In the context of T1DM, PRL appears to have a modulating effect of the UPR by increasing the levels of BiP, anticipating the activation of ATF6 and PERK, keeping the PERK pathway active for longer, inhibiting the pathway IRE1α, and decreasing the levels of CHOP for longer times. Collectively, the results presented here deepen the knowledge of the HSPB1 function, leading to the development of strategies inducing attenuation of beta cells death through modulation of endogenous protection means, which are independent of the modulation of the immune system.

Le calcium (Ca2+) joue un rôle prépondérant dans la fonction de nos neurones et du système nerveux central. Différents travaux ont rapporté que la dérégulation de l’homéostasie calcique, est associée au développement de la Maladie d’Alzheimer (MA). Durant ma thèse, j’ai étudié l’implication de deux acteurs importants de l’homéostasie calcique du Réticulum Endoplasmique (RE) : 1) le Récepteur de la Ryanodine (RyR) faisant sortir le Ca2+ vers le cytosol et 2) l’isoforme tronquée de la Sarco-Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 1 (S1T), ayant perdu la fonction de pompe calcique et jouant un rôle dans la fuite passive du Ca2+ du RE. Au cours de ma thèse j’ai démontré le mécanisme moléculaire impliqué dans la dérégulation de l’activité de l’isoforme RyR2 dans des modèles d’étude in vitro et in vivo de la MA. Nous avons montré que le RyR2 subit des modifications post-traductionnelles (MPTs) (phosphorylation, oxydation, nitrosylation) dans le cerveau de patients atteints de la MA et dans des modèles murins de la maladie. Nous avons identifié une cascade dans laquelle l’Amyloïde β (Aβ) active les récepteurs β2-Adrénergiques, conduisant aux MPTs du RyR2 aboutissant à la dissociation de la protéine régulatrice Calstabine2 du macrocomplexe du RyR2 et à l’augmentation de la fuite de Ca2+ du RE. Nous avons aussi mis en évidence la possibilité de réduire les MPTs du RyR2 et de stabiliser la Calstabine2 sur le macrocomplexe RyR2 en inhibant pharmacologiquement la cascade β2-Adrénergique. Par ailleurs, nous avons également stabilisé la Calstabine2 par des moyens pharmacologiques (in vitro et in vivo) ou génétiques (in vivo). Nos résultats montrent que cela permet non seulement de limiter la fuite de Ca2+ mais également de réduire le métabolisme du Précurseur du Peptide Amyloïde (APP) et les dépôts d’Aβ in vitro et in vivo et le déficit cognitif et les défauts de plasticité synaptique dans deux modèles murins d’étude de la MA. Nos résultats ont également montré l’existence d’une boucle d’amplification de la pathologie dans laquelle la dérégulation calcique liée au RyR accroit la production de l’Aβ qui va en retour induire les modifications du RyR. Par ailleurs, je me suis également intéressé à l’implication potentielle de S1T dans la MA. Nos résultats révèlent : 1) l’expression de S1T dans les cerveaux de patients Alzheimer et dans un modèle in vitro de la MA ; 2) l’induction de S1T par l’Aβ, 3) l’impact de l’expression de S1T sur le métabolisme de l’APP et 4) l’impact de l’expression de S1T sur la neuroinflammation dans des modèles in vitro et in vivo. L’article issu de cette seconde étude est en cours de soumission. Ainsi l’augmentation de la fuite du Ca2+ du RE vers le cytosol semble être particulièrement impliquée dans la physiopathologie de la MA. Le canal RyR2 se révèlerait être un candidat intéressant à cibler pour des approches thérapeutiques visant à réguler son activité dans le but de prévenir ou guérir la MA. / Calcium (Ca2+) plays a major role in the function of our neurones and central nervous system. Various studies reported that the deregulation of Ca2+ homeostasis is associated with the development of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). During my PhD, I studied the implication in two important actors of the Endoplasmic (ER) Ca2+ homeostasis. 1) The Ryanodine Receptor (RyR) which leads Ca2+ from the ER towards the cytosol and 2) the truncated isoform of the Sarco-Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 1 (S1T), which loses its Ca2+ pump function and plays a role in the ER passive Ca2+ leak. During my thesis I demonstrated the molecular mechanism involved in the deregulation of RyR2 isoform activity in in vitro and in vivo AD models. We have shown that RyR2 undergoes post-translational modifications (PTMs) (phosphorylation, oxidation, nitrosylation) in the brains of patients with AD and in murine models of the disease. We have identified a cascade in which Amyloid β (Aβ) activates β2-adrenergic receptors, leading to RyR2 PTMs resulting in dissociation of Calstabine2 regulatory protein from RyR2 macrocomplex and increased ER Ca2+ leakage. We have also demonstrated the possibility of reducing RyR2 PTMs and stabilizing Calstabine2 on the RyR2 macrocomplex by pharmacologically inhibiting the β2-adrenergic cascade. In addition, we have also stabilized Calstabine2 by pharmacological (in vitro and in vivo) or genetic (in vivo) means. Our results show that this is not only limiting Ca2+ leakage but also reducing the Amyloid Peptide Precursor (APP) metabolism and Aβ deposits in vitro and in vivo, and cognitive deficit and synaptic plasticity defects. two murine models of AD. Our results also showed the existence of a loop amplificating the pathology in which RyR-related calcium deregulation increases the production of Aβ, which in turn induces RyR modifications. In addition, I was also interested in the potential involvement of S1T in AD. Our results reveal: 1) the expression of S1T in the brains of Alzheimer patients and in an in vitro model of AD; 2) the induction of S1T by Aβ, 3) the impact of S1T expression on the metabolism of APP and 4) the impact of S1T expression on neuroinflammation in in vitro and in vivo models. The article from this second study is being submitted. Thus, the increase of the ER Ca2+ leakage towards the cytosol appears to be particularly involved in the pathophysiology of AD. The RyR2 channel would prove to be an interesting candidate to target for therapeutic approaches aimed at regulating its activity in order to prevent or cure AD.

Heart failure is a debilitating condition in which the heart cannot meet the metabolic demands of the body. Chronic β-adrenergic (β-AR) stimulation causes pathological myocardial remodeling that leads to heart failure, in part, by promoting apoptosis of cardiac myocytes. Work from our laboratory has shown that β-AR stimulated apoptosis is dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS), but the molecular targets by which ROS mediate apoptosis is not known. One target of ROS that may contribute to activating the apoptosis pathway is the sarco-endoplasmic reticulum ATPase (SERCA2). SERCA2 is responsible for moving the large majority of intracellular calcium in the cardiac myocyte. We have identified that SERCA2 can undergo oxidative post-translational modification (OPTM) of cysteine C674: Low ROS increase activity while high ROS decreases. Since SERCA is the primary calcium transporter and is located in close proximity of the mitochondria, it is possible SERCA activity may affect the level of calcium in mitochondria, which in excess is a known activator of the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Progressive loss of myocardial cells in ischemia and heart failure likely contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy. We hypothesized that oxidation of SERCA2 at C674 increases mitochondrial calcium, thereby activating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. To address this thesis, we used a novel redox-insensitive SERCA2 mutation in which C674 is replaced by serine (C674S) to determine the role of oxidative inhibition of SERCA in H2O2-stimulated apoptosis in vitro. We tested our hypothesis using adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVM) that overexpress wild type or SERCA C674 and assessed intra-organelle calcium content, mitochondrial function and activation of the apoptosis pathway. To measure mitochondrial calcium, we optimized the use of an ultrasensitive genetically-encoded calcium indicator (GECI) targeted to the mitochondria which was expressed in ARVM via adenovirus infection. Redox-insensitive SERCA C674S expressing ARVM displayed less sensitivity to H2O2-stimulated mitochondrial calcium uptake which was confirmed by measuring calcium sensitive pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphorylation status. Furthermore, SERCA C674S ARVM were protected from H2O2 -mediated apoptosis, indicated by a reduction in cytochrome c release and annexin V staining. Lastly, H2O2 treatment decreased the cytosolic ATP/ADP ratio and depolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential, however this was independent of SERCA C674 oxidation. Taken together, these experiments elucidate a novel role for SERCA2 activity in cardiac myocytes and provide a potential therapeutic target for reducing cardiac myocyte apoptosis, potentially improving cardiac function during heart failure.

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(医学) / 甲第23082号 / 医博第4709号 / 新制||医||1049(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院医学研究科医学専攻 / (主査)教授 長船 健二, 教授 妹尾 浩, 教授 村川 泰裕 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Medical Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(医学) / 甲第23085号 / 医博第4712号 / 新制||医||1049(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院医学研究科医学専攻 / (主査)教授 安達 泰治, 教授 戸口田 淳也, 教授 別所 和久 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Medical Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

Orientador: Fabíola Freitas de Paula Lopes / Resumo: A série de eventos desencadeados durante o período de maturação oocitária é muito susceptível ao estresse ambiental. Condições adversas tais como agentes pró-oxidantes e temperatura ambiente comprometem a função oocitária, reduzindo a capacidade de fertilização e o posterior desenvolvimento embrionário. O efeito negativo do estresse térmico sobre a fertilidade de bovinos já foi bem caracterizado. Entre os efeitos celulares do estresse térmico no oócito bovino podemos destacar a desorganização do citoesqueleto, aumento na produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS), danos mitocondriais e ativação da morte celular por apoptose. Um efeito conservado do choque térmico em diferentes tipos celulares é a desnaturação de proteínas, ativando mecanismos de proteção no citoplasma celular e no retículo endoplasmático (RE) para manutenção da proteostasis. O RE funciona como sensor de estresse ambiental ativando a Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), podendo desencadear autofagia e/ou apoptose, dependendo da intensidade do estresse. Apesar da importância do RE para a função oocitária, os efeitos do choque térmico nesta organela nunca foram investigados. Portanto, os objetivos gerais desta dissertação foram determinar o papel do estresse do RE na função de oócitos bovinos submetidos ao choque térmico (Capítulo 2) e o papel da autofagia na expressão gênica e competência de desenvolvimento de oócitos bovinos submetidos a choque térmico durante a maturação in vitro (MIV) (Capítulo 3). Para os ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The series of events triggered during the oocyte maturation is very susceptible to environmental stress. Adverse conditions such as pro-oxidant agents and environmental temperature compromise oocyte function, reducing fertilization capacity and subsequent embryonic development. The negative effect of heat stress on bovine fertility has been well characterized. Among the cellular effects of heat stress on bovine oocytes, one can highlight cytoskeletal disorganization, increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial damage, and activation of cell death by apoptosis. A conserved effect of heat shock on different cell types is protein denaturation, activating protection mechanisms in the cytoplasm and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to maintain proteostasis. The ER acts as an environmental stress sensor activating Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), which can trigger autophagy and/or apoptosis, depending on the intensity of the stress. Despite the importance of ER for oocyte function, the effects of heat shock on this organelle have never been investigated. Therefore, the general objectives of this dissertation were to determine the role of ER stress on function of bovine oocytes submitted to heat shock (Chapter 2) and the role of autophagy on gene expression and developmental competence of bovine oocytes submitted to heat shock during in vitro maturation (IVM) (Chapter 3). For the ER studies, cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were initially distributed in the followin... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Regulated intramembrane proteolysis is an interesting process involved in a multitude of cellular pathways. Enzymes which catalyse this are termed intramembrane proteases (IMPRs), cleaving proteins passing through the membrane within their transmembrane domain. Rhomboid proteases are serine IMPRs. They are widely distributed among organisms and evolutionarily conserved, but despite many efforts, their physiological roles are largely unexplored. RHBDL4 is a mammalian rhomboid protease localised to the endoplasmic reticulum. It is involved in the development of colorectal cancer, which makes it an important focus of research, but its physiological function is not well understood. In order to explore it, I established and employed a proximity proteomics approach, termed APEX2. It is based on biotinylation of proteins in the spatial proximity of the target in the physiological environment of intact living cells. Labelled proteins are subsequently purified, identified and quantified by mass spectrometry. Exploring the physiological vicinity of RHBDL4, its interaction partners and substrates can be revealed and the detailed subcellular compartment, where RHBDL4 resides, can thus be inferred. During three independent experiments in HCT116 cell line, three proteins emerged repeatedly in the RHBDL4...

Single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses commonly rearrange host cell organelle membranes into neo-organelles which are involved in virus replication and assembly. These organelles serve to concentrate viral and host factors as well as to conceal viral RNA replication activities from host cell surveillance. To date, many virus-induced membrane rearrangements have been studied by targeted electron tomographic (ET) imaging of specific viral structures at timepoints of known interest. However, the broad cellular context within which these membrane modifications occur and how they change over time are not well understood. A question spanning many virus families is the morphological mechanism of formation of membrane rearrangements. Additionally, it is largely unknown how the membrane modifications affect the morphology of the organelle of origin. In this study, we address specific questions about virus-derived organelles induced by two positive-sense RNA viruses: the coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) and the alphavirus Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV). Utilizing serial sectioning and montage imaging for ET, volumes representing approximately 10% of virus-infected cells were imaged and detailed organelle analysis was performed. Using MHV-infected cells, we demonstrate that coronavirus-induced double-membrane vesicles (DMVs) are formed by budding from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and are trafficked to lysosomes for degradation. The ER remains largely morphologically normal early in infection despite the presence of hundreds of DMVs; however, late in infection, virus envelopment in the ER lumen leads to loss of cisternal morphology. For the alphavirus VEEV, we analyze the structure and origin of virus-derived cytopathic vacuoles II (CPVII). We identify four distinct morphological forms of CPVII and provide evidence that all four forms are derived from the Golgi apparatus. Additionally, a protocol is outlined for a newly-developed method for improved cell ultrastructure during genetically-encoded peroxidase tagging of membrane-proteins. This method is also amenable to ET. Overall, this work provides morphological cellular context for virus-induced membrane rearrangements from two families of positive-sense RNA viruses. Analysis of virus-host cell interactions from this large-scale ultrastructural perspective has the potential to lead to new approaches and strategies to combat current and future viral diseases.<br>