L'hypoxie intermittente (HI), induite par les apnées du sommeil, conduit à des altérations de la sensibilité à l'insuline et de l'homéostasie glucidique mais les mécanismes impliqués restent mal connus. L'objectif de ce travail était d'étudier les effets et les mécanismes sous jacents d'une exposition chronique à l'HI sur l'homéostasie glucidique. L'HI induit une résistance à l'insuline à la fois systémique et tissulaire, ainsi qu'une amélioration de la tolérance au glucose associée à une activation de l'AMPK musculaire. L'HI cause également des altérations du foie et du tissu adipeux associées à un changement du pattern d'expression des gènes dans ces tissus et à un risque accru de développement de pathologies vasculaires comme l'athérosclérose. Enfin, la délétion de PHD1, une des protéines régulatrices de HIF-1, entraîne une résistance à l'insuline associée une stéatose hépatique, faisant de HIF-1 une cible potentielle impliquée dans les altérations metaboliques induites par l'HI. / Intermittent hypoxia (IH), induced by sleep apnea, leads to alterations in insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis but the mechanisms involved remains poorly understood. The objective of this work was to study the effects and the underlying mechanisms of chronic exposure to IH on glucose homeostasis. IH induces both systemic and tissue-specific insulin resistance , as well as improved glucose tolerance associated with an activation of muscle AMPK. IH also causes a change in the pattern of gene expression in liver and adipose tissue and an increased risk of vascular pathologies such as atherosclerosis development. Finally, the deletion of PHD1, a regulatory protein of HIF-1, leads to insulin resistance associated with hepatic steatosis, making HIF-1 a possible target involved in the metabolic changes induced by IH.

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2015-10-09T12:38:26Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Maisa Ribeiro - 2015.pdf: 1621645 bytes, checksum: 2b3a1e65f1e53b4a1264cf3febb2c630 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2015-10-09T12:41:15Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Maisa Ribeiro - 2015.pdf: 1621645 bytes, checksum: 2b3a1e65f1e53b4a1264cf3febb2c630 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-10-09T12:41:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Maisa Ribeiro - 2015.pdf: 1621645 bytes, checksum: 2b3a1e65f1e53b4a1264cf3febb2c630 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-19 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / In the lesions carcinomatous, low oxygen tension plays a crucial step in the self-renewal, metastatic potential, and therapy resistance of cancers. To adapt to the hypoxic microenvironment, neoplastic cells activate hypoxia-induced factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha), which may mediates invasion and metastasis. In addition, the human THY-1 (CD90) cell surface protein mediates cell adhesion expressed in stem cells, and seens to drive tumor development in some malignant tumors. The present study investigates HIF-1 alpha (n=98) and CD90 (n=97) expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and metastatic lymph nodes (n=24), the intratumoral region and the invasive front, by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, clinicopathological data revised from the medical records. In superficial OSCCs, most tumor cells overexpressed HIF-1 alpha, whereas was restricted in the intratumoral region in invasive conventional SCCs. Interestingly, metastatic lymph nodes (91.7%, p=0.001), and intratumoral regions of its corresponding primary tumors (83.3%, p<0.001) were invaded by HIF-1 alpha-positive neoplastic cells. Overall survival was poor in patients with nodal involvement. CD90 was expressed mostly in microvessels and granulocyte cells similar to mast cells. These cells expressed CD90 mostly in the peritumoral region of invasive SCC (p<0.001). Microvessels CD90 positive were higher in the intratumoral region (p=0.032). Interesting, mast cell and microvessels positively correlated in OSCC (p=0.006; r²=0.077). In conclusion, hypoxic environment may facilitate regional metastasis and serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker in OSCC primary tumors. Microvessels CD90 positive seems to promote tumor growth except in BSCC. Mast cell may occur via CD90 for tumor progression. / Nas lesões carcinomatosas a baixa tensão de oxigênio desempenha um passo crucial para a auto-renovação, potencial metastático, e resistência à terapia no câncer. Para se adaptar ao ambiente hipóxico, células neoplásicas ativam o fator induzido por hipóxia-1 alfa (HIF-1 alfa), que pode facilitar a invasão e metástase. Além disso, o THY-1 (CD90) humano, uma proteína de superfície celular expressa em células estaminais, medeia a adesão celular, e parece promover o desenvolvimento em alguns tumores malignos. O presente estudo analisou a expressão das proteínas HIF-1 alfa (n = 98) e CD90 (n = 97) no carcinoma espinocelular de boca (CEC de boca) e linfonodos metastáticos (n=24), na região intratumoral e no fronte de invasão, por meio de imunoistoquímica. Além disso os dados clinicopatológicos foram revisados a partir dos prontuários médicos e a sobrevida foi analisada. No CEC microinvasivo, a maioria das células tumorais apresentaram superexpressão do HIF-1 alfa, enquanto que no CEC invasivo a superexpressão foi restrita na região intratumoral. Verificou-se que em linfonodos metastáticos (91,7%, p = 0,001), e regiões intratumorais dos seus tumores primários correspondentes (83,3%, p <0,001) houve forte expressão do HIF-1 alfa em células neoplásicas. A sobrevida global foi pior em pacientes com metástase regional. A proteína CD90 foi expressa principalmente em microvasos e células de granulócitos semelhantes aos mastócitos. Estas células expressaram CD90 principalmente na região fronte de invasão do CEC invasivo (p<0,001). A média de microvasos CD90 positivo foi maior na região intratumoral (p=0,032). Interessantemente, mastócitos e microvasos foram positivamente correlacionados no CEC de boca (p=0,006; r²=0,077). Em conclusão, o ambiente hipóxico pode facilitar metástases regionais e funcionar como um potencial marcador de diagnóstico e prognóstico em tumores primários do CEC de boca. Os microvasos CD90 positivo parecem promover o crescimento do tumor, exceto no carcinoma escamoso basalóide (CEB). Os mastócitos ativados via CD90 podem contribuir com a progressão do tumor.

Alterações no mecanismo de transporte de oxigênio (O2) frequentes em inflamações, infecções, tumores, transplantes e isquemia, levam a hipóxia tecidual. Espécies reativas do O2 são produzidas e citocinas inflamatórias são liberadas engatilhando uma série de eventos, os quais são amplificados após a restituição do fluxo sanguíneo resultando em inflamação sistêmica. No presente estudo, caracterizamos a regulação da Resposta Inflamatória Aguda (AIR) após indução de isquemia e reperfusão intestinal (I/Ri) e a participação do HIF-1&alpha; neste fenótipo. Camundongos selecionados para alta (AIRmax) e baixa (AIRmin) AIR foram submetidos a I/Ri e avaliados em diferentes períodos de reperfusão (0, 1, 4 e 24h). Nossos resultados demonstraram maior sensibilidade da linhagem AIRmax frente a I/Ri, confirmada por: 1) maior mobilização de neutrófilos para circulação periférica; 2) maior adesão celular e aumento da migração granulocítica no intestino e pulmão; 3) aumento da expressão de genes de citocinas e daqueles expressos em hipóxia (Tnfa, Il1, Il6 e Hif1a); 4) Translocação Bacteriana (TB); 5) maior expressão pulmonar da proteína HIF-1&alpha; e de proteínas envolvidas em processos inflamatórios tais como S100A9, Anexina 1, Profilina 1, Tropomiosina. Por outro lado, a linhagem AIRmin foi considerada pouco responsiva aos efeitos da I/Ri. Diante do exposto, nós concluímos que a sensibilidade dos camundongos AIRmax à injuria após indução de IRi está associada ao agravamento da inflamação sistemica, a qual foi determinada pela indução de HIF-1&alpha; atrelada à expressão de proteínas pró- inflamatórias e TB, indicando o compartilhamento ou a co- segregação entre os genes envolvidos na AIR e na hipóxia. / Changes in oxygen transport mechanism (O2) frequent in inflammation, infection, tumors, transplantation and ischemia, lead to tissue hypoxia. Reactive species of O2 are produced and inflammatory cytokines are released triggering a series of events, which are amplified after blood flow refund resulting in systemic inflammation. In the present study, we characterized the regulation of Acute Inflammatory Response (AIR) after intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (I/Ri) induction and the involvement of HIF-1&alpha; in this phenotype. Mice selected for high (AIRmax) and low (AIRmin) AIR were subjected to I/Ri and evaluated in different periods of reperfusion (0, 1, 4 and 24h). Our results show sensitivity of AIRmax front line I/Ri, confirmed by: 1) higher neutrophils mobilization to peripheral circulation; 2) increase in cell adhesion and granulocyte migration in lung and intestine; 3) higher expression of cytokine genes and those expressed in hypoxia (TNFa, IL-1, IL-6 and HIF1a); 4) Bacterial Translocation (BT), 5) increase in HIF-1&alpha; pulmonary protein expression and those involved in inflammatory processes such as S100A9, Annexin 1, profilin 1 Tropomyosin. On the other hand, the AIRmin line was considered unresponsive to effects of I/Ri. We concluded that the I/Ri sensitivity of the AIRmax mice were associated with worsening of systemic inflammation, which was determined by HIF-1&alpha; induction linked to the expression of pro- inflammatory proteins and TB, indicating the share and/or co-segregation of the genes involved in AIR.

Objetivos: Determinar a expressão imunohistoquímica do fator indutor de hipóxia 1-alfa (HIF-1-alfa) e suas variáveis associadas em pacientes com câncer de mama localmente avançado. Pacientes e método: Vinte e sete mulheres foram biopsiadas para diagnóstico histopatológico do carcinoma mamário e submetidas a tratamento quimioterápico pré-cirúrgico. Analisou-se a associação do HIF-1-alfa com idade, tamanho tumoral, grau histológico, estadio clínico, status hormonal e axilar, resposta clínica e patológica após tratamento quimioterápico, expressão do receptor de estrogênio, progesterona e cerbB2. Resultados: A expressão de HIF-1-alfa foi presente em 66,7% das pacientes. O único fator associado à sua presença foi o status axilar positivo (p=0,02), tendo permanecido durante a análise univariada. As demais variáveis não apresentaram associação estatisticamente significante. Conclusão: Existe uma associação estatisticamente significante entre o acometimento linfonodal e a presença de HIF-1-alfa em pacientes com câncer de mama localmente avançado. / Objectives: To assess the expression of HIF-1 and its associated variables with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients. Methods: Twenty-seven women were submitted to incisional biopsy for histopathological diagnosis of breast carcinoma and undertaken to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). It was studied the association of HIF-1 with age, tumoral size, histological grade, clinical stage, hormonal and axillary status, clinical and pathological response after NACT, expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors, as well as the presence of cerbB2 antigen. Results: HIF-1-alpha expression was found in 66.7% of patients. Only axillary status was the associated factor with its presence (p=0.02), and remained after univariate analysis. The others did not present any significant statistically difference. Conclusion: There is a significant statistically association between axillary status and HIF-1-alpha expression in LABC patients.

Les traitements des cancers des VADS reposent sur la chirurgie, la radiothérapie, et la chimiothérapie. Malgré ces traitements, la survie globale des patients à 5 ans est de l’ordre de 50%. Les causes d’échec thérapeutique sont dues au profil de résistance des tumeurs. Le ciblage de l’axe EGFR/mTOR/HIF-1 par une combinaison de rapalogues et d’anti-EGFR a montré son efficacité sur certaines tumeurs solides. L’objet de ce travail de thèse a été de caractériser l’impact d’une combinaison de drogues à faibles doses sur des lignées cellulaires des VADS au moyen d’une approche pharmacologique et moléculaires. Nos résultats montrent que la combinaison de la rapamycine (5nM) au cetuximab (2,5μg/ml) diminue la survie clonogénique des cellules et permet une inhibition du facteur de transcription HIF-1α. Cette combinaison de drogue améliore l’efficacité de la radiothérapie. En revanche, l’induction de HIF-2a induite par le traitement provoque la résistance des cellules aux traitements par, et une rechute rapide des tumeurs in vivo. L’inhibition de HIF-2 permet une inhibition de la survie cellulaire d’environ 100% dans un modèle résistant. / Management of HNSCC relies on surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Despite these treatments, the 5 years overall survival of patient is lower than 50%. Main causes of therapeutic failure are due to the profile of resistance of tumors. The efficacy of a combination rapalogues and anti-EGFR therapies in targeting the EGFR/mTOR/HIF-1 axis in solid tumors was shown previously. In this PhD work, we have evaluated the impact of a low-dose drug combination on head and neck cancer cells lines with a pharmacological and molecular approach. We show that the combination of rapamycine (5nM) and cetuximab (2,5μg/ml) efficiently inhibits the HIF-1 transcription factor and impairs cell clonogenic survival. The efficacy of radiation therapy is improved by this drug combination. However, cell resistance to the treatment is acquired via the induction of HIF-2 in our resistant model cell line. This induction is associated with more tumor relapse in tumors mice xenograft. The inhibition of HIF-2 achieves a dramatic drop of cell clonogenic survival to < 1%.

No description available.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is becoming a national epidemic, as it accounts for 1.5 million cases each year. This disorder affects primarily the young population and elderly. Currently, there is no treatment for TBI, which means that ~2% of the U.S. population is currently living with prolonged neurological damage and dysfunction. Recently, there have been many studies showing that TBI negatively impacts mitochondrial function. It has been proposed that in order to save the cell from destruction mitochondrial function must be preserved. The ketogenic diet, originally designed to mimic fasting physiology, is effective in treating epilepsy. Therefore, we have used fasting as a post injury treatment and attempted to elucidate its underlying mechanism. 24 hours of fasting after a moderate TBI increased tissue sparing, cognitive recovery, improved mitochondrial function, and decreased mitochondrial biomarkers of injury. Fasting results in hypoglycemia, the production of ketones, and the upregulation of free fatty acids (FFA). As such, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of hypoglycemia in the absence of fasting through insulin administration. Insulin administration was not neuroprotective and increased mortality in some treatment groups. However, ketone administration resulted in increased tissue sparing. Also, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, increased the efficiency of NADH utilization, and increased respiratory function. FFAs and uncoupling proteins (UCP) have been implicated in an endogenously regulated anti-ROS mechanism. FFAs of various chain lengths and saturation were screened for their ability to activate UCP mediated mitochondrial respiration and attenuate ROS production. We also measured FFA levels in serum, brain, and CSF after a 24 hour fast. We also used UCP2 transgenic overexpressing and knockout mice in our CCI injury model, which showed UCP2 overexpression increased tissue sparing, however UCP2 deficient mice did not show a decrease in tissue sparing, compared with their wild type littermates. Together our results indicate that post injury initiated fasting is neuroprotective and that this treatment is able to preserve mitochondrial function. Our work also indicates ketones and UCPs may be working together to preserve mitochondrial and cellular function in a concerted mechanism, and that this cooperative system is the underlying mechanism of fasting induced neuroprotection.

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

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a major component of the immune suppressive network that develops during cancer. MDSC down-regulate immune surveillance and antitumor immunity and facilitate tumor growth. The ability of MDSC to suppress T cell responses has been documented; however the mechanisms regulating this suppression remain to be understood. This work proposes a biological dichotomy of MDSC regulated by the tumor microenvironment. In peripheral lymphoid organs MDSC cause T-cell non-responsiveness that is antigen-specific. These MDSC have increased expression of NOX2, enabling them to produce large amounts of reactive oxygen species. Since the transcription factor STAT3 is substantially activated in MDSC, its potential role in upregulation of NOX2 expression was investigated. Over-expression of a constitutively active form of STAT3 increases expression of NOX2 subunits, whereas attenuation of STAT3 activity leads to decreased expression of NOX2. The significance of NOX2 in ROS generation is demonstrated in mice devoid of NOX2 function; NOX2- deficient MDSC are unable to inhibit antigen-induced activation of T cells. In contrast, MDSC within the tumor microenvironment have a diminished potential to generate ROS but acquire expression of arginase and inducible nitric oxide synthase, enzymes plicated in T cell non-responsiveness. Upregulation of these enzymes results in MDSC ability to inhibit lymphocyte response in absence of antigen presentation. The tumor microenvironment also promotes the differentiation of MDSC to tumor associated macrophages. Hypoxia is an exclusive feature to the tumor microenvironment and we investigated its involvement in the properties of MDSC at the tumor site. Exposure of spleen MDSC to hypoxia converts MDSC to non-specific suppressors and induces a preferential differentiation to macrophages. Stabilization of HIF-1!, a transcription factor activated by hypoxia, induces similar changes in MDCS as hypoxic exposure. Finally, ablation of HIF-1! prevents MDSC from acquiring factors that enable the suppression of T cells in absence of antigen. These findings help to expand our understanding of the biology of MDSC and suggest a regulatory pathway of myeloid cell function exclusive to the tumor microenvironment. They may also open new opportunities for therapeutic regulation as we now should take into consideration how systemic location affects the function of MDSC.

[ES] Las células de los mamíferos secretan una gran variedad de vesículas extracelulares (EV) que participan activamente en la comunicación celular. Entre ellas, los exosomas son un tipo de EV cuyo tamaño está comprendido entre los 20 y 150 nanómetros que juegan un papel importante en la comunicación celular. De este modo, se ha descrito el papel de los exosomas en distintos procesos como la regeneración de tejidos, la respuesta inmunitaria o en la progresión de diferentes tipos de cánceres. Por otro lado, se ha observado que la actividad de la vía de señalización de Notch juega un papel importante en procesos de diferenciación celular, la angiogénesis o la proliferación, entre otros. Además, se ha relacionado con la aparición y progresión de un gran número de patologías, como el cáncer. Trabajos recientes han advertido que la actividad de la vía de Notch puede regularse mediante un nuevo mecanismo de señalización mediado por exosomas. En este trabajo se profundizó en este nuevo mecanismo de señalización de la vía de Notch en dos contextos diferentes como son las terapias regenerativas y el cáncer. Un trabajo previo de nuestro laboratorio demostró que las células madre mesenquimales (MSC) que mantenían una expresión aumentada del factor inducible por hipoxia 1&#945; (HIF-1&#945;; HIF-MSC) aumentaban el potencial terapéutico de las MSC nativas en un modelo de infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM) en rata a través de un aumento de la angiogénesis y una reducción de la fibrosis. Varios trabajos han estudiado la relación entre la vía de señalización de Notch y HIF-1&#945;; así como la influencia de ambos en el proceso angiogénico. Por estos motivos, en este trabajo nos interesamos por evaluar la relación de ambas vías y su efecto sobre la angiogénesis a través de los exosomas liberados por las HIF-MSC y las MSC. Los resultados permitieron observar que la expresión de HIF-1&#945; indujo un aumento en la secreción y la transferencia de exosomas de MSC a cultivos primarios de células endoteliales. Además, se observó que los exosomas derivados de HIF-MSC tenían un mayor potencial angiogénico tanto in vitro como in vivo en parte debido a una mayor incorporación del ligando de la vía de Notch Jagged1. Se ha observado que los exosomas derivados de células tumorales contribuyen a la progresión tumoral a través de mecanismos como la activación de la transición epitelio mesénquima (EMT), el establecimiento de nichos pre-metastáticos o la inmunomodulación. Así, se sabe que la vía de señalización de Notch es capaz de activar la EMT durante la progresión de distintos tipos de cánceres. Así mismo, los cánceres de mama de peor prognosis han sido relacionados con una desregulación de la vía de señalización de Notch. Por estas razones, nos inquietó la posibilidad de que la señalización de la vía de Notch a través de exosomas estuviera influyendo en la progresión del cáncer de mama. De este modo, estudiamos la presencia de componentes de la vía de señalización de Notch en los exosomas procedentes de dos líneas tumorales de cáncer de mama, una más agresiva (MDA-MB-231) y otra menos agresiva (MCF-7). Así, se observó que varios componentes de Notch se sobreexpresaron en los exosomas procedentes de MDA-MB-231 en comparación con los procedentes de MCF-7. Fue de particular interés la detección del dominio intracelular con actividad transcripcional de Notch1 (N1ICD) sobreexpresado en los exosomas procedentes de MDA-MB-231. Debido a que previamente había sido demostrado que una sobreexpresión de N1ICD en MCF-7 aumentaba su tumorigenicidad a través de una inducción de la EMT, se evaluó el efecto de los componentes de Notch incorporados en los exosomas procedentes de ambas líneas tumorales sobre cultivos de MCF-7. Nuestros resultados sugieren que los componentes de Notch incorporados en los exosomas procedentes de MDA-MB-231 son funcionales y contribuyen a la induc / [CAT] Les cèl·lules dels mamífers secreten una gran varietat de vesícules extracel·lulars (EV) que participen activament en la comunicació celular. Entre elles, els exosomes són un tipus de EV amb una grandària compresa entre els 20 i 150 nanòmetres que juguen un paper important en la comunicació celular. D'aquesta manera, s'ha descrit el paper dels exosomes en diferents processos com la regeneració de teixits, la resposta immunitària o en la progressió de diferents tipus de càncers. D'altra banda, s'ha observat que l'activitat de la via de senyalització de Notch juga un paper molt important en processos de diferenciació cel·lular, la angiogénesis o la proliferació, entre altres. A més, s'ha relacionat amb l'aparició i progressió d'un gran nombre de patologies, com el càncer. Treballs recents han advertit que l'activitat de la via de Notch pot regular-se mitjançant un nou mecanisme de senyalització mediat per exosomes. En aquest treball es va aprofundir en aquest nou de mecanisme de senyalització de la via de Notch en dos contextos diferents com són les teràpies regeneratives i el càncer. Un treball publicat pel nostre equip de treball va demostrar que les cèl·lules mare mesenquimals (MSC) que mantenien una expressió augmentada del factor inducible per hipòxia 1&#945; (HIF-1&#945;; HIF-MSC) augmentaven el potencial terapèutic de les MSC natives en un model d'infart agut de miocardi (IAM) en rata a través d'un augment de la angiogénesis i una reducció de la fibrosi. Diversos treballs han estudiat la relació entre la via de senyalització de Notch i HIF-1&#945;; així com la influència de tots dos en el procés angiogénic. Per aquests motius, en aquest treball ens vam interessar en estudiar la relació de totes dues vies i el seu efecte sobre la angiogénesis a través dels exosomes alliberats per les HIF-MSC i les MSC. Els resultats van permetre observar que l'expressió de HIF-1&#945; va induir un augment en la secreció i la transferència d'exosomes de MSC a cultius primaris de cèl·lules endotelials. A més, es va observar que els exosomes derivats de HIF-MSC tenien un major potencial angiogénic tant in vitro com in vivo en part a causa d'una major incorporació del lligant de la via de Notch Jagged1. S'ha observat que els exosomes procedents de cèl·lules tumorals contribueixen a la progressió tumoral a través de mecanismes com l'activació de la transició epiteli mesènquima (EMT), l'establiment de nínxols pre-metastàtics o la inmunomodulació. En aquest sentit, se sap que la via de senyalització de Notch és capaç d'activar l'EMT durant la progressió de diferents tipus de càncers. Així mateix, els càncers de mama de pitjor prognosi han sigut reiteradament relacionats amb una desregulació de la via de senyalització de Notch. Per açò, ens va inquietar la possibilitat que la senyalització de la via de Notch a través d'exosomes estiguera influint en la progressió del càncer de mama. D'aquesta manera, estudiem la presència de components de la via de senyalització de Notch en els exosomes procedents de dues línies tumorals de càncer de mama, una més agressiva (MDA-MB-231) i una altra menys agressiva (MCF-7). Així, es va observar que diversos components de Notch es sobreexpresaben en els exosomes procedents de MDA-MB-231 en comparació amb els procedents de MCF-7. Va ser de particular interés la detecció del domini intracel·lular amb activitat transcripcional de Notch1 (N1ICD) sobreexpresat en els exosomes procedents de MDA-MB-231. Debut a que havia sigut demostrat que una sobreexpressió de N1ICD en MCF-7 augmentava la seua tumorigenicidad a través d'una inducció de l'EMT, es va evaluar l'efecte dels components de Notch incorporats en els exosomes procedents de les dues línies tumorals sobre cultius de MCF-7. Els nostres resultats suggereixen que els components de Notch incorporats en els exosomes procedents de MDA-MB-231 eren funcionals i contribuïen a la / [EN] Mammal cells secrete a great variety of extracellular vesicles (EV) that actively participate in intercellular communication. Among them, exosomes are a type of EV whose size is between 20 and 150 nanometers and play an important role in intercellular communication. In this way, the role of exosomes in different processes such as tissue regeneration, the immune response or in the progression of different types of cancers has been described. On the other hand, it has been observed that the Notch signaling pathway plays a very important role in processes such as cell differentiation, angiogenesis or proliferation, among others. In addition, it has been related to the appearance and progression of a large number of pathologies, such as cancer. Recent works have shown that the activity of the Notch pathway can be regulated by a new signaling mechanism mediated by exosomes. In this work, we deepened this new signaling mechanism of the Notch signaling pathway in two different contexts: the regenerative therapies and cancer. A work previously published by our laboratory showed that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) that maintained an increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1&#945; (HIF-1&#945;; HIF-MSC) increased the therapeutic potential of native MSC in a model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in rats through an increase in angiogenesis and a reduction in fibrosis. Several studies have studied the relationship between the Notch signaling pathway and HIF-1&#945; as well as the influence of both in the angiogenic process. For these reasons, in this work we were interested in evaluating the relationship of both pathways and their effect on angiogenesis through exosomes released by HIF-MSCs and MSCs. The results showed that the expression of HIF-1&#945; induced an increase in the secretion and the transfer of exosomes of MSC to primary cultures of endothelial cells. In addition, it was observed that exosomes derived from HIF-MSC had a greater angiogenic potential both in vitro and in vivo in part due to a greater incorporation of the Notch ligand Jagged1. In the last decade, it has been observed that exosomes from tumor cells contribute to tumor progression through mechanisms such as the activation of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), the establishment of pre-metastatic niches orimmunomodulation. In this sense, it is known that the Notch signaling pathway is capable of activating EMT during the progression of different types of cancers. Likewise, breast cancers of bad prognosis have been repeatedly related to a deregulation of the Notch signaling pathway. For these reasons, we were concerned about the possibility that the signaling of the Notch pathway through exosomes was influencing the progression of breast cancers. In this way, we studied the presence of Notch signaling pathway components in exosomes from the metastatic and more aggressive MDA-MB-231 and the non-metastatic and less aggressive MCF-7 cell lines. It was observed that several Notch components were overexpressed in exosomes from MDA-MB-231 compared to those from MCF-7. Of particular interest was the detection of the intracellular domain with transcriptional activity of Notch1 (N1ICD) overexpressed in MDA-MB-231 exosomes. It has been previously demonstrated that an overexpression of N1ICD in MCF-7 increases its tumorigenicity through an induction of EMT. Because of this, we evaluated the effect of Notch components incorporated in exosomes from both tumoral cell lines on MCF-7 cultures. Our results suggested that Notch components incorporated into MDA-MB-231 exosomes were functional and contributed to the induction of EMT when added to MCF-7 cultures in part due to N1ICD activity. / González-King Garibotti, H. (2019). Estudio de las Implicaciones de la Via de Señalización de Notch en Cardioregeneración y Cáncer [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/124343 / TESIS