Uma das causas mais freqüentes de insucesso terapêutico do câncer, está associada à Resistência a Múltiplas Drogas (MDR). A resistência a múltiplas drogas refere-se ao desenvolvimento de resistência simultânea a uma variedade de agentes citotóxicos que apresentam diferentes sítios de ação e estruturas químicas diversas. Os mecanismos MDR são representados por genes cujos produtos funcionam como bombas, reduzindo o acúmulo intracelular de drogas e a resposta ao tratamento. O linfoma é uma neoplasia comum na espécie, sendo muito responsiva à quimioterapia, embora a recidiva seja esperada e possa estar relacionada ao MDR. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a expressão dos genes MDR-1, MRP e LRP e de seus produtos, em cães com linfoma. Foram colhidas amostras de linfonodos periféricos de 15 cães com linfoma multicêntrico ao diagnóstico e na recidiva (durante a quimioterapia). A expressão dos genes e proteínas MDR foram determinados por RT-PCR e \"Dot Blotting\", respectivamente. As freqüências de expressão ao diagnóstico dos genes MDR, MRP e LRP foram 93,3% igualmente e as freqüências de seus produtos foram 85,8%; 71,5% e 85,8% respectivamente. Na recidiva, as freqüências de expressão dos genes MDR, MRP e LRP elevaram-se para 100% igualmente e as freqüências de suas proteínas foram 92,9% para P-gp e MRP e de 100% para LRP. Portanto, obteve-se uma alta freqüência na expressão do MDR-1/P-gp, MRP e LRP, em quase todos os cães, não só na recidiva, como também ao diagnóstico. É necessário verificar se estes mecanismos podem induzir o fenótipo MDR no linfoma canino multicêntrico. O estudo dos mecanismos MDR trará novas perspectivas para o tratamento de tumores como o linfoma canino. A modulação desses mecanismos por meio de drogas específicas ou por terapia gênica, pode contribuir para o sucesso do tratamento de neoplasias caninas ou humanas. / One of the most frequent causes of treatment failure in cancer is associated to Multiple Drug Resistance (MDR). MDR refers to simultaneous resistance to a variety of cytotoxic agents that have different targets and diversal chemical structures. MDR mechanisms are represented by genes wich encodes proteins that work like pumps, reducing intracellular drug acumulation and the response to treatment. Lymphoma is a common neoplasia in dogs wich is very responsive to chemotherapy, although relapses are expected, including those related to MDR. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible expression of MDR-1, MRP and LRP genes and their proteins, in dogs with lymphoma. Lymph node samples at diagnosis and at relapse (during chemotherapy) from 15 dogs with multicentric lymphoma were obtained. The expression of MDR genes and proteins were determined by RT-PCR and Dot Blotting. Expression of MDR, MRP and LRP gene were 93,3% at diagnosis and their products were 85,8%; 71,5% and 85,8% respectively. Expression of MDR, MRP and LRP gene increased to 100% at relapse and their proteins were 92,9% to P-gp and MRP and 100% to LRP. High frequency of MDR-1/P-gp, MRP and LRP expressions were found in almost all dogs, not only at relapse but also at diagnosis. It\'s necessary to analyse if these mechanisms can induce the MDR fenotype in canine multicentric lymphoma. The study of MDR mechanisms will conduct the treatment of tumors like canine lymphoma to new perspectives. The modulation of these mechanisms by certain drugs or gene therapy, may contribute to the success in treatment of canine or human neoplasias.

In this dissertation, an exosome capturing ciliary micropillar array microfluidics is introduced and applied to evaluate the response of resistant cancer cells under nanoparticle encapsulated chemotherapy. Cancer cells are able to develop different mechanisms to resist therapeutic treatment, frequently causing chemotherapy failure. Active drug expulsion is one of the usual resisting schemes to reduce intracellular drug accumulation to a non-effective level. Evidence has suggested a potential exosomal pathway is used by multi-drug resistant (MDR) cancer cells to expel drugs. Here I study the exosomes derived from MDR cancer cells treated by nanotherapeutics aiming to establish the correlation between nanotherapeutics and exosomal pathway for drug expulsion. The outcome would boost further understanding of cancer MDR, and in turn direct the development of pharmaceutical nanoparticles to overcome MDR cancer. To effectively isolate exosomes for drug expulsion evaluation, a ciliary micropillar structure is fabricated employing microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and metal assisted chemical etching (MACE) techniques. The ciliary micropillar is fabricated in two major steps: deep silicon etch (DSE) for pillars followed by a MACE process to etch nanowires on the pillars. The concept of using MACE as an alternative to DSE is also explored to reduce fabrication cost. With optimized parameters, it shows a comparable result to DSE. COMSOL simulation revealed that ciliated micropillars exhibited a unique advantage as a unit structure for capturing small particles in fluid flow, according to particle filtration theory. A nanowire layer with high permittivity allows fluid streamlines to pass through, and increases interaction with particle carrying fluid to increase the probability of particle interception. Nanowires on the pillar can trap specific sized particles due to their characteristic dimension. Thanks to the weaker stability of porous silicon nanowires, trapped particles can then be released by dissolving these nanowires without damage to the particles themselves. A microfluidic chip is fabricated with an optimized circular micropillar arrangement for resistance reduction, and its particle filtration performance is demonstrated by processing model cell culture medium. The device is applied to study MDR cells’ response to micelle encapsulated paclitaxel treatment. Cell culture medium from sensitive and MDR variant of MDA-MB-231 cells treated with pure and capsulated drugs are processed through the device for exosome isolation. Drug volume in collected exosomes is determined after measurement. By measuring drug efflux through exosomes, it is determined that MDA-MB-231MDR cells do use an exosomal pathway to expel drugs, but other mechanisms are also at play. Nanoparticle encapsulation results in higher drug concentration in exosomes partly because the origin of exosomes and nanoparticle intake through endocytosis share some similar route. / text

Uma das causas mais freqüentes de insucesso terapêutico do câncer, está associada à Resistência a Múltiplas Drogas (MDR). A resistência a múltiplas drogas refere-se ao desenvolvimento de resistência simultânea a uma variedade de agentes citotóxicos que apresentam diferentes sítios de ação e estruturas químicas diversas. Os mecanismos MDR são representados por genes cujos produtos funcionam como bombas, reduzindo o acúmulo intracelular de drogas e a resposta ao tratamento. O linfoma é uma neoplasia comum na espécie, sendo muito responsiva à quimioterapia, embora a recidiva seja esperada e possa estar relacionada ao MDR. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a expressão dos genes MDR-1, MRP e LRP e de seus produtos, em cães com linfoma. Foram colhidas amostras de linfonodos periféricos de 15 cães com linfoma multicêntrico ao diagnóstico e na recidiva (durante a quimioterapia). A expressão dos genes e proteínas MDR foram determinados por RT-PCR e \"Dot Blotting\", respectivamente. As freqüências de expressão ao diagnóstico dos genes MDR, MRP e LRP foram 93,3% igualmente e as freqüências de seus produtos foram 85,8%; 71,5% e 85,8% respectivamente. Na recidiva, as freqüências de expressão dos genes MDR, MRP e LRP elevaram-se para 100% igualmente e as freqüências de suas proteínas foram 92,9% para P-gp e MRP e de 100% para LRP. Portanto, obteve-se uma alta freqüência na expressão do MDR-1/P-gp, MRP e LRP, em quase todos os cães, não só na recidiva, como também ao diagnóstico. É necessário verificar se estes mecanismos podem induzir o fenótipo MDR no linfoma canino multicêntrico. O estudo dos mecanismos MDR trará novas perspectivas para o tratamento de tumores como o linfoma canino. A modulação desses mecanismos por meio de drogas específicas ou por terapia gênica, pode contribuir para o sucesso do tratamento de neoplasias caninas ou humanas. / One of the most frequent causes of treatment failure in cancer is associated to Multiple Drug Resistance (MDR). MDR refers to simultaneous resistance to a variety of cytotoxic agents that have different targets and diversal chemical structures. MDR mechanisms are represented by genes wich encodes proteins that work like pumps, reducing intracellular drug acumulation and the response to treatment. Lymphoma is a common neoplasia in dogs wich is very responsive to chemotherapy, although relapses are expected, including those related to MDR. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible expression of MDR-1, MRP and LRP genes and their proteins, in dogs with lymphoma. Lymph node samples at diagnosis and at relapse (during chemotherapy) from 15 dogs with multicentric lymphoma were obtained. The expression of MDR genes and proteins were determined by RT-PCR and Dot Blotting. Expression of MDR, MRP and LRP gene were 93,3% at diagnosis and their products were 85,8%; 71,5% and 85,8% respectively. Expression of MDR, MRP and LRP gene increased to 100% at relapse and their proteins were 92,9% to P-gp and MRP and 100% to LRP. High frequency of MDR-1/P-gp, MRP and LRP expressions were found in almost all dogs, not only at relapse but also at diagnosis. It\'s necessary to analyse if these mechanisms can induce the MDR fenotype in canine multicentric lymphoma. The study of MDR mechanisms will conduct the treatment of tumors like canine lymphoma to new perspectives. The modulation of these mechanisms by certain drugs or gene therapy, may contribute to the success in treatment of canine or human neoplasias.

Resistance to broad spectrum of chemotherapeutic agents in cancer cell lines and tumors has been called multiple drug resistance (MDR). In this study, the molecular mechanisms of resistance to two anticancer agents (paclitaxel and vincristine) in mammary carcinoma cell line MCF-7 were investigated. MCF-7 cells were selected in the presence of paclitaxel and vincristine by stepwise dose increments. The cell viability and growth profiles of resistant sublines were examined. As the resistance indices increased, the growth rates of sublines were found to decrease. Gene and protein expression levels of the basic drug resistance proteins P-gp and MRP1 were studied in sensitive and drug resistant MCF-7 cells. It was shown that P-gp overexpression is significantly contributing to the developed drug resistance phenotype. Mutation analysis of beta tubulin gene which encodes the target of paclitaxel and vincristine was performed. Single histidine to proline mutation was identified near GTP binding site of beta tubulin in vincristine resistant subline which was not reported before. Apoptosis related BCL-2 and BAX were examined at both gene and protein expression levels and they were not found to be significantly related to the developed resistance in the sublines. The reversal of drug resistance by various inhibitory agents of P-gp and MRP1 was investigated by using flow cytometry. Synthetic silicon compounds were found to be the most effective MDR reversal agents. The effects of various combinations of anticancer drugs and reversal agents on cell proliferation were examined by checkerboard microplate method. ALIS409-paclitaxel and paclitaxel-doxorubicin pairs seem to have highest antiproliferative effects on resistant sublines. The microarray expression profiling of sensitive and resistant MCF-7 cells was performed for a much detailed and comprehensive analysis of drug resistance. The results indicated that the upregulation of MDR1 gene is the dominating mechanism of paclitaxel and vincristine drug resistance. Additionally up regulation of the genes encoding the detoxifying enzymes (i.e. GSTP1) was observed. Significant down regulation of apoptotic genes (i.e. PDCD2/4/6/8) and alterations in expression levels of genes related to invasion and metastasis (MMPs, ADAMs, COL4A2, LAMA etc.) were detected. Upregulation of some oncogenes (i.e. ETS, RAS) and cell cycle regulatory genes (CDKN2A, CCNA2 etc.) was seen which may be in close relation to MDR in breast cancer. Further studies will demonstrate the relationship between the components contributing to drug resistance phenotype in breast cancer cells.

As nanopartículas são consideradas promissores vetores para a liberação eficaz e segura de ácidos nucléicos para tipos específicos de célula ou tecido, proporcionando uma alternativa aos vetores virais para terapia gênica. No entanto, com a maioria destes sistemas não torna possível a entrega de oligonucleotídeos nas células in vivo de forma especifica. O uso de uma nanoemulsão funcionalmente semelhante à lipoproteina de baixa densidade poderia resolver esse problema, pois esta particula é capaz de direcionar o transporte das moléculas para a internalização celular através de receptores de LDL. Aqui, descreve-se um sistema lipidico semelhante à lipoproteína de baixa densidade, LDE, capaz de direcionar e liberar RNA de interferência (RNAi) para as células tumorais in vitro e in vivo em um modelo celular que expressa resistência a múltiplas drogas (células de sarcoma uterino; MESSA/ Dx5). Estudou-se também as caracteristicas de captação do complexo LDE-RNAi e a regulação especifica do gene mdr-1. Os resultados sugerem que a LDE é estavel e liga-se com alta afinidade aos RNAis permitindo que eles entrem nas células tumorais, com localização citoplasmática. Em conclusão, a LDE, por direcionar o RNAi a receptores de LDL favorece o silenciamento do gene mdr-1 por RNAi nas células MES-SA/Dx5 aumentando sua sensibilidade a quimioterápicos / Nanoparticles are considered promising vectors for efficient and safe delivery of nucleic acids to specific types of cell or tissue, providing an alternative to viral vectors for gene therapy. However, most of these systems cannot target and deliver oligonucleotides to specific cells in vivo. The use of nanoemulsion functionally resemble low density emulsion could solve this problem, once particle is capable of direct the molecules transport to the cell through internalization in LDL receptors. Here, we describe a lipid system similar to low density lipoprotein, LDE, capable of targeting and release small interfering RNA (siRNA) to tumor cells in vitro and in vivo in a cell model that expresses multidrug resistance (sarcoma uterine cell line; MES-SA/Dx5). Were also studied the characteristics of uptake of the complex LDE-siRNA, as well as the downregulation of mdr-1 gene. The results suggest that LDE is stable and bind with high affinity to siRNAs allowing them to enter tumor cells, with cytoplasmic localization enhanced. In conclusion, LDE, binds to siRNA through LDL receptors, and promotes mdr-1 silenciament by RNAi in MES-sa/Dx5 cells, increasing their sensitivity to chemotherapeutics agents

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a utilização de uma nanoemulsão lipídica (LDE) como vetor de oligonucleotídeos antissenso (OAS). A LDE é uma nanoemulsão constituída por 48% de éster de colesterol, 47,8% de fosfolipídeos, 2,3% de triglicérides e 1,9% de colesterol não-esterificado. É capaz de adquirir apoE de HDL e, desta forma, a emulsão pode interagir com o receptor B/E. O comportamento metabólico da LDE se assemelha ao da LDL. OAS agem como inibidores da função de genes, ligando-se à fita oposta (complementar) do RNA mensageiro (mRNA) ou à dupla fita do DNA. Previnem que o mRNA codifique uma proteína funcional. Os mecanismos celulares de resistência a drogas representam diversas formas de proteção da célula e do organismo e estão presentes na maioria das células normais, exercendo funções fisiológicas. Infelizmente, muitos tumores utilizam esses mecanismos para sua própria proteção. A proteína codificada pelo gene MDR1 (ABCB1), a P-gp, é uma glicoproteína de membrana com peso molecular de 170Kda, que funciona como uma bomba orgânica catiônica. Neste trabalho foi observado que o OAS se ligam à LDE, sendo a constante de ligação de 4,2 X 10-3M-1. O complexo OAS/LDE foi capaz de se ligar especificamente ao receptor de LDL e através desta via ser internalizado, pelas células de sarcoma uterino resistentes a doxorrubicina. Os OAS apresentaram após 24 horas distribuição citoplasmática e nuclear e após 48 horas, somente distribuição citoplasmática. Utilizando-se dois diferentes OAS, verificou-se que ambos foram capaz de inibir (70%) a expressão do gene de resistência a múltiplas drogas após 48 horas de incubação, tornando as células mais susceptíveis à ação da doxorrubicina. Assim, o complexo OAS/LDE é um sistema potencialmente promissor para ser utilizado em terapia gênica. / The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a nanolipid emulsion (LDE) as a vector to carry antisense oligonucleotides (OAS). LDE is a nanoemulsion consisting of 48% cholesterol esters, 47,8% phospholipid, 2,3% triglycerides and 1,9% unesterified cholesterol. It is able to obtain apoE from HDL and interact with B/E receptor. The metabolic behavior of LDE is similar to LDL. OAS are able to inhibit specific gene expression since they bind to a complementary sequence in the mRNA or in the DNA. This binding impairs the synthesis of a functional protein. The cell resistance mechanisms are present in most of normal cells, been involved in physiological process. Tumors are able to use these mechanisms to their own protection. The protein P-gp (MDR1 gene) is a glycoprotein with 170Kda that works as an organic cationic pump. We have observed that LDE was able to bind to the OAS; the binding constant was 4,2 X 10-3M-1. The complex was shown to bind to LDL receptors and then been internalized into a human sarcoma cell line resistant to doxirrubicine. After 24 hours the complex have shown citoplasmatic and nuclear distribution, after 48 hours only citoplasmatic distribution was observed. Two OAS were used. Both OAS strongly inhibited (by 70%) the cell MDR-1 gene expression after 48 hours of incubation and cells turned out to be more susceptible to doxorrubicine action. Therefore, OAS/LDE is promising complex to be used in gene therapy studies.

As nanopartículas são consideradas promissores vetores para a liberação eficaz e segura de ácidos nucléicos para tipos específicos de célula ou tecido, proporcionando uma alternativa aos vetores virais para terapia gênica. No entanto, com a maioria destes sistemas não torna possível a entrega de oligonucleotídeos nas células in vivo de forma especifica. O uso de uma nanoemulsão funcionalmente semelhante à lipoproteina de baixa densidade poderia resolver esse problema, pois esta particula é capaz de direcionar o transporte das moléculas para a internalização celular através de receptores de LDL. Aqui, descreve-se um sistema lipidico semelhante à lipoproteína de baixa densidade, LDE, capaz de direcionar e liberar RNA de interferência (RNAi) para as células tumorais in vitro e in vivo em um modelo celular que expressa resistência a múltiplas drogas (células de sarcoma uterino; MESSA/ Dx5). Estudou-se também as caracteristicas de captação do complexo LDE-RNAi e a regulação especifica do gene mdr-1. Os resultados sugerem que a LDE é estavel e liga-se com alta afinidade aos RNAis permitindo que eles entrem nas células tumorais, com localização citoplasmática. Em conclusão, a LDE, por direcionar o RNAi a receptores de LDL favorece o silenciamento do gene mdr-1 por RNAi nas células MES-SA/Dx5 aumentando sua sensibilidade a quimioterápicos / Nanoparticles are considered promising vectors for efficient and safe delivery of nucleic acids to specific types of cell or tissue, providing an alternative to viral vectors for gene therapy. However, most of these systems cannot target and deliver oligonucleotides to specific cells in vivo. The use of nanoemulsion functionally resemble low density emulsion could solve this problem, once particle is capable of direct the molecules transport to the cell through internalization in LDL receptors. Here, we describe a lipid system similar to low density lipoprotein, LDE, capable of targeting and release small interfering RNA (siRNA) to tumor cells in vitro and in vivo in a cell model that expresses multidrug resistance (sarcoma uterine cell line; MES-SA/Dx5). Were also studied the characteristics of uptake of the complex LDE-siRNA, as well as the downregulation of mdr-1 gene. The results suggest that LDE is stable and bind with high affinity to siRNAs allowing them to enter tumor cells, with cytoplasmic localization enhanced. In conclusion, LDE, binds to siRNA through LDL receptors, and promotes mdr-1 silenciament by RNAi in MES-sa/Dx5 cells, increasing their sensitivity to chemotherapeutics agents

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a utilização de uma nanoemulsão lipídica (LDE) como vetor de oligonucleotídeos antissenso (OAS). A LDE é uma nanoemulsão constituída por 48% de éster de colesterol, 47,8% de fosfolipídeos, 2,3% de triglicérides e 1,9% de colesterol não-esterificado. É capaz de adquirir apoE de HDL e, desta forma, a emulsão pode interagir com o receptor B/E. O comportamento metabólico da LDE se assemelha ao da LDL. OAS agem como inibidores da função de genes, ligando-se à fita oposta (complementar) do RNA mensageiro (mRNA) ou à dupla fita do DNA. Previnem que o mRNA codifique uma proteína funcional. Os mecanismos celulares de resistência a drogas representam diversas formas de proteção da célula e do organismo e estão presentes na maioria das células normais, exercendo funções fisiológicas. Infelizmente, muitos tumores utilizam esses mecanismos para sua própria proteção. A proteína codificada pelo gene MDR1 (ABCB1), a P-gp, é uma glicoproteína de membrana com peso molecular de 170Kda, que funciona como uma bomba orgânica catiônica. Neste trabalho foi observado que o OAS se ligam à LDE, sendo a constante de ligação de 4,2 X 10-3M-1. O complexo OAS/LDE foi capaz de se ligar especificamente ao receptor de LDL e através desta via ser internalizado, pelas células de sarcoma uterino resistentes a doxorrubicina. Os OAS apresentaram após 24 horas distribuição citoplasmática e nuclear e após 48 horas, somente distribuição citoplasmática. Utilizando-se dois diferentes OAS, verificou-se que ambos foram capaz de inibir (70%) a expressão do gene de resistência a múltiplas drogas após 48 horas de incubação, tornando as células mais susceptíveis à ação da doxorrubicina. Assim, o complexo OAS/LDE é um sistema potencialmente promissor para ser utilizado em terapia gênica. / The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a nanolipid emulsion (LDE) as a vector to carry antisense oligonucleotides (OAS). LDE is a nanoemulsion consisting of 48% cholesterol esters, 47,8% phospholipid, 2,3% triglycerides and 1,9% unesterified cholesterol. It is able to obtain apoE from HDL and interact with B/E receptor. The metabolic behavior of LDE is similar to LDL. OAS are able to inhibit specific gene expression since they bind to a complementary sequence in the mRNA or in the DNA. This binding impairs the synthesis of a functional protein. The cell resistance mechanisms are present in most of normal cells, been involved in physiological process. Tumors are able to use these mechanisms to their own protection. The protein P-gp (MDR1 gene) is a glycoprotein with 170Kda that works as an organic cationic pump. We have observed that LDE was able to bind to the OAS; the binding constant was 4,2 X 10-3M-1. The complex was shown to bind to LDL receptors and then been internalized into a human sarcoma cell line resistant to doxirrubicine. After 24 hours the complex have shown citoplasmatic and nuclear distribution, after 48 hours only citoplasmatic distribution was observed. Two OAS were used. Both OAS strongly inhibited (by 70%) the cell MDR-1 gene expression after 48 hours of incubation and cells turned out to be more susceptible to doxorrubicine action. Therefore, OAS/LDE is promising complex to be used in gene therapy studies.

Notre projet vise à déterminer la structure 3D du transporteur BmrA de Bacillus subtilis. La protéine a été purifiée dans six détergents différents. L'utilisation de foscholine 12, a conduit à cristalliser OmpF, une porine de la membrane externe d'E. coli. Nous montrons que les conditions de cristallisation influencent directement l'empilement cristallin d'OmpF. Le protocole de purification de BmrA, optimisé en utilisant du triton X100 à l'extraction puis un mélange β-D-dodecyl maltoside-cholate pour les étapes chromatographiques nous a permis d'obtenir à 4°C des cristaux, pour lesquels nous avons vérifié qu'ils sont constitués de BmrA. Ces cristaux ont permis d'obtenir un jeu complet jusqu'à 7 Å. Ces données de diffraction constituent une avancée significative pour résoudre à court terme la structure 3D de BmrA. Nous avons développé une nouvelle méthode de dosage des détergents qui est basée sur la détermination par spectrométrie de masse de type MALDI du ratio d'isotopes deutérés/ protonés. La méthode a été validée avec la FC12, le DDM, le β-OG, le LMNG, le CHAPS, le cholate et des détergents calix[4]aréniques, en mesurant la concentration de ces détergents dans différentes conditions d'extraction/purification, de concentration, dialyse et gel filtration, de différentes protéines membranaires. Cette méthode nous a permis (i) d'estimer la taille de la ceinture de détergent associée à BmrA et d'autres protéines membranaires (ii) de moduler cette taille en fonction de mélange de détergents et (iii) d'apporter des informations sur le comportement des complexes protéine-détergent / Our project aims to determine the 3D structure of BmrA from Bacillus subtilis. The protein was purified in six different detergents. Using foscholine 12, led to crystallize OmpF, an outer membrane porin of E. coli. We show that the crystallization conditions directly influence the crystal packing of OmpF. The BmrA purification protocol optimized by using Triton X100 at the extraction and a mixture β-D-dodecyl-maltoside cholate for chromatographic steps allowed us to get to 4°C crystals, for which we verified they consist of BmrA. These crystals have yielded full data to 7 Å. These diffraction data are a significant advance in the short term to resolve the 3D structure of BmrA. We have developed a new detergents dosage assay which is based on the determination by MALDI-type mass ratio of deuterated isotopes / protonated. The method was validated with the FC12, the DDM, the β-OG, the LMNG, CHAPS, cholate detergents and calix [4] aréniques by measuring the concentration of these detergents in different conditions of extraction/ purification, concentration, dialysis and gel filtration, of different membrane proteins. This method allowed us (i) to estimate the size of the detergent belt associated to BmrA and other membrane proteins (ii) to modulate this size in terms of the detergent mixture and (iii) to provide information on the behavior of complex protein-detergent

En aquesta tesi s'han estudiat les propietats antitumorals d'una variant de la ribonucleasa pancreàtica humana anomenada PE5 que incorpora un senyal de localització nuclear. Aquest estudi mostra que PE5 indueix l'apoptosi de les cèl·lules tractades i que aquesta mort és independent de l'activitat de p53. A més, l'efecte citotòxic no es veu afectat per un fenotip de resistència a múltiples drogues. Les dades també mostren que l'activitat citotòxica de PE5 és selectiva per a cèl·lules tumorals in vitro i que la capacitat citotòxica de les dues ribonucleases és semblant. S'ha estudiat l'efecte d'aquestes dues ribonucleases sobre el cicle cel·lular, l'activació de diferents caspases i l'expressió de proteïnes relacionades amb l'apoptosi i el cicle cel·lular. Els resultats indiquen que PE5 i l'onconasa maten les cèl·lules a través de mecanismes diferents. A més, PE5 però no l'onconasa, redueix l'acumulació de glicoproteïna-P en dues línies cel·lulars resistents a múltiples drogues. / In this thesis the antitumor properties of PE5, a variant of human pancreatic ribonuclease carrying a nuclear localization signal, have been investigated. This study shows that the cytotoxicity of PE5 is produced through apoptosis and that this ribonuclease does not require the activity of p53 to trigger the cell death. In addition, the cytotoxic effect is not prevented by a multiple drug resistance phenotype. The data also show that in vitro PE5 is selective for tumor cells and that PE5 and onconase induce cell death to the same extent. Effects of both ribonucleases on the cell cycle, on the activation of different caspases and on the expression of different apoptosis- and cell cycle-related proteins have been investigated. The results show that PE5 and onconase kill the cells through mechanisms with significant differences. In addition, PE5 but not onconase, reduces the accumulation of P-glycoprotein in two different multidrug-resistant cell lines.