O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o papel do fator de crescimento derivado de plaquetas-BB (PDGF-BB) na concentração de 300ng/ml na taxa de proliferação e adesão de células derivadas da granulação óssea humana a fragmentos radiculares periodontalmente comprometidos. Na primeira etapa do estudo, foi estabelecida cultura primária de células da granulação óssea de dois pacientes adultos, sistemicamente saudáveis, não fumantes. Após a expansão celular, as células foram caracterizadas para determinação do fenótipo por meio de ensaios de viabilidade celular, MTT, ensaio de atividade de fosfatase alcalina, ensaio de mineralização e caracterização imunohistoquímica por meio de citometria de fluxo (segunda etapa). Na terceira etapa do estudo, os efeitos da adição de PDGF-BB recombinante humano na concentração de 300ng/ml na taxa de proliferação e adesão de células derivadas da granulação óssea a superfícies radiculares periodontalmente comprometidas foram investigados. A taxa de proliferação celular estimulada pelo PDGF-BB (grupo teste) ou pelo meio de cultura (grupo controle) foi investigada por meio de contagem de células viáveis nos frascos de cultura após 1, 3, 5 e 7 dias do cultivo celular. Foram obtidos 30 fragmentos dentários a partir de dentes extraídos por razões periodontais. Os fragmentos foram raspados com curetas Gracey e condicionados com solução em gel de EDTA a 24% durante 3 minutos, lavados com solução de soro fisiológico, secos e posicionados em placas de 24 poços. Foram incubadas sobre os fragmentos tratados 1x104 células GO por 24 horas, seguido por fixação e preparo para análise por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). O número de células aderidas sobre os fragmentos foi analisado nas fotomicrografias. O padrão de crescimento das células GO foi compatível com células ósseas, com modificação do padrão do crescimento com o aumento do número de passagens. Houve atividade de fosfatase alcalina em meio osteogênico e convencional, com pico máximo aos 7 dias e atividade de mineralização estimulada ou não por meio osteogênico, com pico máximo aos 21 dias. A análise por meio de citometria de fluxo demonstrou que as células GO não expressaram CD105 e CD166 na 14a passagem, indicando sua diferenciação celular avançada nesse período. A adição de rhPDGF-BB resultou em mudança na taxa de proliferação celular, observando-se pico máximo de crescimento aos 7 dias, com diferenças estatisticamente significantes (p < 0.005; ANOVA post hoc Tukey) em relação aos períodos de 1, 3 e 5 dias. O ensaio de MTT demonstrou maior viabilidade celular no período de 48 hs, comparativamente aos períodos de 24 e 72 horas, quando a densidade óptica celular diminuiu de forma significativa (p< 0.05; Friedmann pósteste Dunn). No ensaio de adesão celular, pode-se observar que a adição de rhPDGFBB aumentou significativamente o número de células aderidas aos fragmentos dentários (p< 0.05; teste t não pareado com correção Welch), com alteração da morfologia celular. Esses resultados sugerem que as células GO tem características compatíveis com linhagem de células osteoblásticas, de fenótipo mais diferenciado após a 12a passagem. A adição de rhPDGF-BB (300ng/ml) resulta em aumento da taxa de proliferação das células GO e do número de células aderidas a fragmentos radiculares, indicando que, nesta concentração, o fator de crescimento é citocompatível, favorecendo a proliferação e adesão celular. / The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of recombinant human platelet derived growth factor (rhPDGF-BB) at the concentration of 300ng/ml in the proliferation and adhesion of human bone granulation cells to periodontally diseased root fragments. At the first stage of the study, the granulation tissue existent in healing sockets (21 days after its creation) was collected from two systemically healthy nonsmoking adults to the establishment of primary culture. The in vitro properties of bone granulation (BG) cell lineage were characterized by cell viability, MTT, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization assays. The effects of culture medium (control) and rhPGDF-BB 300ng/ml (test) in the proliferation and adhesion of BG cells were investigated. The rate of BG cells proliferation was investigated by the number of viable cells present at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after platting. Thirty root fragments were obtained from teeth extracted for periodontal reasons. Root fragments were scaled and root planed, conditioned with EDTA 24% for 3 minutes, rinsed in saline solution, air-dryed and positioned in 24-well plates. Each fragment was seeded with 104 BG cells, fixated after 24 hours and prepared for analysis in SEM. The number of cells adhered to the fragments was analysed in photomicrographies. BG cells growth pattern was compatible with osteogenic cell lineage, showing modification with the increasing number of cell passage. GO cells expressed alkaline phosphatase activity in conventional and osteogenic culture medium, with maximum peak at 7 days, as well as mineralization activity stimulated or not by osteogenic or non-osteogenic culture medium, with maximum peak at 21 days. The analysis by flow cytometer showed that BG cells have not expressed CD105 and CD106 at the 14th passage, indicating its advanced cell differentiation. The addition of rhPDGF-BB resulted in modification of proliferation rate, with maximum peak observed at 7 days, significantly different from 1-, 3- and 5-day periods (p< 0.005; ANOVA post hoc Tukey). MTT assay showed greater cell viability after 48 hours than after 24 and 72 hours, when optical density has significantly diminished (p< 0.05; Friedmann post hoc Dunn). At cell adhesion assay, it could be observed that the adhesion of rhPDGF-BB has significantly increased the number of cells adhered to root fragments (p< 0.05; unpaired t test with Welchs correction), and alterations in cell morphology. These results suggest that BG cells present in vitro characteristics compatible with osteoblastic cell lineages, with a more differentiated phenotype after the 12th passage. The addition of rhPDGF-BB (300 ng/ml) results in increase of the rate of BG cell proliferation and in the number of cells adhered to root fragments, indicating that, at this concentration, the growth factor is compatible with BG cells and favors cells proliferation and adhesion.

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o papel do fator de crescimento derivado de plaquetas-BB (PDGF-BB) na concentração de 300ng/ml na taxa de proliferação e adesão de células derivadas da granulação óssea humana a fragmentos radiculares periodontalmente comprometidos. Na primeira etapa do estudo, foi estabelecida cultura primária de células da granulação óssea de dois pacientes adultos, sistemicamente saudáveis, não fumantes. Após a expansão celular, as células foram caracterizadas para determinação do fenótipo por meio de ensaios de viabilidade celular, MTT, ensaio de atividade de fosfatase alcalina, ensaio de mineralização e caracterização imunohistoquímica por meio de citometria de fluxo (segunda etapa). Na terceira etapa do estudo, os efeitos da adição de PDGF-BB recombinante humano na concentração de 300ng/ml na taxa de proliferação e adesão de células derivadas da granulação óssea a superfícies radiculares periodontalmente comprometidas foram investigados. A taxa de proliferação celular estimulada pelo PDGF-BB (grupo teste) ou pelo meio de cultura (grupo controle) foi investigada por meio de contagem de células viáveis nos frascos de cultura após 1, 3, 5 e 7 dias do cultivo celular. Foram obtidos 30 fragmentos dentários a partir de dentes extraídos por razões periodontais. Os fragmentos foram raspados com curetas Gracey e condicionados com solução em gel de EDTA a 24% durante 3 minutos, lavados com solução de soro fisiológico, secos e posicionados em placas de 24 poços. Foram incubadas sobre os fragmentos tratados 1x104 células GO por 24 horas, seguido por fixação e preparo para análise por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). O número de células aderidas sobre os fragmentos foi analisado nas fotomicrografias. O padrão de crescimento das células GO foi compatível com células ósseas, com modificação do padrão do crescimento com o aumento do número de passagens. Houve atividade de fosfatase alcalina em meio osteogênico e convencional, com pico máximo aos 7 dias e atividade de mineralização estimulada ou não por meio osteogênico, com pico máximo aos 21 dias. A análise por meio de citometria de fluxo demonstrou que as células GO não expressaram CD105 e CD166 na 14a passagem, indicando sua diferenciação celular avançada nesse período. A adição de rhPDGF-BB resultou em mudança na taxa de proliferação celular, observando-se pico máximo de crescimento aos 7 dias, com diferenças estatisticamente significantes (p < 0.005; ANOVA post hoc Tukey) em relação aos períodos de 1, 3 e 5 dias. O ensaio de MTT demonstrou maior viabilidade celular no período de 48 hs, comparativamente aos períodos de 24 e 72 horas, quando a densidade óptica celular diminuiu de forma significativa (p< 0.05; Friedmann pósteste Dunn). No ensaio de adesão celular, pode-se observar que a adição de rhPDGFBB aumentou significativamente o número de células aderidas aos fragmentos dentários (p< 0.05; teste t não pareado com correção Welch), com alteração da morfologia celular. Esses resultados sugerem que as células GO tem características compatíveis com linhagem de células osteoblásticas, de fenótipo mais diferenciado após a 12a passagem. A adição de rhPDGF-BB (300ng/ml) resulta em aumento da taxa de proliferação das células GO e do número de células aderidas a fragmentos radiculares, indicando que, nesta concentração, o fator de crescimento é citocompatível, favorecendo a proliferação e adesão celular. / The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of recombinant human platelet derived growth factor (rhPDGF-BB) at the concentration of 300ng/ml in the proliferation and adhesion of human bone granulation cells to periodontally diseased root fragments. At the first stage of the study, the granulation tissue existent in healing sockets (21 days after its creation) was collected from two systemically healthy nonsmoking adults to the establishment of primary culture. The in vitro properties of bone granulation (BG) cell lineage were characterized by cell viability, MTT, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization assays. The effects of culture medium (control) and rhPGDF-BB 300ng/ml (test) in the proliferation and adhesion of BG cells were investigated. The rate of BG cells proliferation was investigated by the number of viable cells present at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after platting. Thirty root fragments were obtained from teeth extracted for periodontal reasons. Root fragments were scaled and root planed, conditioned with EDTA 24% for 3 minutes, rinsed in saline solution, air-dryed and positioned in 24-well plates. Each fragment was seeded with 104 BG cells, fixated after 24 hours and prepared for analysis in SEM. The number of cells adhered to the fragments was analysed in photomicrographies. BG cells growth pattern was compatible with osteogenic cell lineage, showing modification with the increasing number of cell passage. GO cells expressed alkaline phosphatase activity in conventional and osteogenic culture medium, with maximum peak at 7 days, as well as mineralization activity stimulated or not by osteogenic or non-osteogenic culture medium, with maximum peak at 21 days. The analysis by flow cytometer showed that BG cells have not expressed CD105 and CD106 at the 14th passage, indicating its advanced cell differentiation. The addition of rhPDGF-BB resulted in modification of proliferation rate, with maximum peak observed at 7 days, significantly different from 1-, 3- and 5-day periods (p< 0.005; ANOVA post hoc Tukey). MTT assay showed greater cell viability after 48 hours than after 24 and 72 hours, when optical density has significantly diminished (p< 0.05; Friedmann post hoc Dunn). At cell adhesion assay, it could be observed that the adhesion of rhPDGF-BB has significantly increased the number of cells adhered to root fragments (p< 0.05; unpaired t test with Welchs correction), and alterations in cell morphology. These results suggest that BG cells present in vitro characteristics compatible with osteoblastic cell lineages, with a more differentiated phenotype after the 12th passage. The addition of rhPDGF-BB (300 ng/ml) results in increase of the rate of BG cell proliferation and in the number of cells adhered to root fragments, indicating that, at this concentration, the growth factor is compatible with BG cells and favors cells proliferation and adhesion.

No description available.

No description available.

This thesis deals with the determination of biological activity of adiponectin, a recombinant protein using cell culture. First it was important to acquire the working skills for the cell culture of cell line 3T3-L1. An optimal concentration of inactivated fetal bovine serum in cell culture media was determined. A stimulation of the cell proliferation by HB-EGF, PDGF-BB and bFGF growth factors was observed at various concentration levels. Afterwards the biological activity of adiponectin was determined as an inhibition of growth stimulation with 5 ng/ml PDGF-BB. This biological activity assay for adiponectin was also conducted with lyophilized adiponectin and a growth factor bFGF (0.1 ng/ml). The lyophilization did not affect the biological activity of adiponectin.

Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.

Recruitment of mural cells, i.e. pericytes and smooth muscle cells (SMC), is essential to improve the maturation of newly formed vessels. One of the major factors involved in this process is the endothelial cell-secreted Platelet-Derived Growth Factor BB (PDGF BB). Sonic hedgehog (Shh) has also been suggested to promote the formation of larger and more muscularized vessels, but the underlying mechanisms involved have not yet been elucidated. We first identified Shh as a target of PDGF BB and found that SMC respond to Shh not only by upregulating the Gli1-dependent canonical pathway, but also by activating ERK1/2 and PI3K-dependent non-canonical pathways. Moreover, we found that PDGF BB-induced SMC migration, involves Shh-dependent PI3K, ERK1/2 and Gli1 activation. In the mouse model of corneal angiogenesis, PDGF BB and Shh were expressed by endothelial cells and mural cells of VEGF-induced newly formed blood vessels, respectively. PDGF BB inhibition reduced Shh expression, confirming that Shh is a target of PDGF BB, as demonstrated by in vitro experiments. Finally, we found that inhibition of either PDGF BB or Shh signaling reduced NG2+ mural cell recruitment into neovessels and subsequently reduced the neo-vessel lifespan. In this work, we demonstrate, for the first time, that Shh is a key mediator of PDGF BB-induced mural cell migration and recruitment into neo-vessels and elucidates the molecular signaling pathway involved in this process. / Recruitment of mural cells, i.e. pericytes and smooth muscle cells (SMC), is essential to improve the maturation of newly formed vessels. One of the major factors involved in this process is the endothelial cell-secreted Platelet-Derived Growth Factor BB (PDGF BB). Sonic hedgehog (Shh) has also been suggested to promote the formation of larger and more muscularized vessels, but the underlying mechanisms involved have not yet been elucidated. We first identified Shh as a target of PDGF BB and found that SMC respond to Shh not only by upregulating the Gli1-dependent canonical pathway, but also by activating ERK1/2 and PI3K-dependent non-canonical pathways. Moreover, we found that PDGF BB-induced SMC migration, involves Shh-dependent PI3K, ERK1/2 and Gli1 activation. In the mouse model of corneal angiogenesis, PDGF BB and Shh were expressed by endothelial cells and mural cells of VEGF-induced newly formed blood vessels, respectively. PDGF BB inhibition reduced Shh expression, confirming that Shh is a target of PDGF BB, as demonstrated by in vitro experiments. Finally, we found that inhibition of either PDGF BB or Shh signaling reduced NG2+ mural cell recruitment into neovessels and subsequently reduced the neo-vessel lifespan. In this work, we demonstrate, for the first time, that Shh is a key mediator of PDGF BB-induced mural cell migration and recruitment into neo-vessels and elucidates the molecular signaling pathway involved in this process.

Hyaluronan is a ubiquitous glycosaminoglycan which is an important constituent of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In addition to organizing the extracellular matrix and regulating tissue homeostasis, hyaluronan, by binding to its main cell surface receptor CD44, is involved in intracellular signaling pathways regulating major cellular processes during development, wound healing, inflammation and cancer. Accumulation of hyaluronan in cancer promotes progression of the disease and correlates with poor prognosis. This thesis focuses on the regulation of hyaluronan synthesis and its signaling in normal and cancer cells. Cancer cells in solid tumors are surrounded by stroma, which has an essential role in the growth and metastasis of tumors. Prominent members of the tumor stroma are fibroblasts, which synthesize ECM components, such as hyaluronan, and secrete growth factors, and activate intracellular signaling pathways. We demonstrate a cross-talk between the receptors for platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and CD44 in dermal fibroblasts. We found that PDGF-BB can activate the Smad signaling pathway downstream of the TGFβ receptor I (TβRI), and that PDGF-BB-induced migration depends on TβRI. CD44 forms a ternary complex with the receptors for PDGF-BB and TGFβ, and negatively regulates their signaling. Furthermore, we demonstrate that TGFβ stimulation of mammary epithelial cells transcriptionally upregulates hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2), which is essential for TGFβ-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT); in this process, polarized epithelial cells adapt a mesenchymal phenotype which facilitates migration and invasion. HAS2 protein activity and stability is regulated by posttranslational modifications, including ubiquitination. We investigated the ubiquitination of HAS2 in aggressive breast cancer cells, whose metastasizing capability depends on HAS2-synthesized hyaluronan. We identified two deubiquitinating enzymes, USP4 and USP17, which target HAS2 and affect its activity and stability. In summary, these studies increase the knowledge about the regulation of hyaluronan production and its role in cancer progression.

All blood vessels in the microvasculature are embedded in loose connective tissue, which regulates the transport of fluid to and from tissues. The intersti-tial fluid pressure (IFP) is one of the forces that control this transport. A lowering of IFP in vivo results in an increased transport of fluid from the circulation into the underhydrated connective tissues, resulting in edema formation. During homeostasis, contractile connective tissue cells exert a tension on the connective tissue fibrous network by binding with β1 in-tegrins, thereby actively controlling IFP. During inflammation, the IFP is lowered but platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB induces an IFP nor-malization dependent on integrin αVβ3. We demonstrate that extracellular proteins from Streptococcus equi subspecies equi modulated cell-mediated and integrin αVβ3-directed collagen gel contraction in vitro. One of these proteins, the collagen- and fibronectin binding FNE, stimulated contraction by a process dependent on fibronectin synthesis. This study identified a pos-sible novel virulence mechanism for bacteria based on the ability of bacteria to modulate the edema response. Another protein, the collagen-binding pro-tein CNE, inhibited contraction and this led to the identification of sites in collagen monomers that potentially are involved in connecting αVβ3 to the collagen network. PDGF-BB and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) stimulate and inhibit collagen gel contraction in vitro and normalize and lower IFP, respec-tively. We showed that these agents affected both similar and different sets of actin-binding proteins. PDGF-BB stimulated actin cytoskeleton dynamics whereas PGE1 inhibited processes dependent on cytoskeletal motor and adhesive functions, suggesting that these different activities may partly ex-plain the contrasting effects of PGE1 and PDGF-BB on contraction and IFP. Mutation of the phosphatidylinositol 3’-kinase (PI3K), but not phospholipase C (PLC)γ activation site, rendered cells unable to respond to PDGF-BB in contraction and in activation of the actin binding and severing protein cofilin. Ability to activate cofilin after PDGF-BB stimulation correlated with ability to respond to PDGF-BB in contraction, suggesting a role for cofilin in this process downstream of PDGF receptor-activated PI3K. Many proteins can modulate contraction either by affecting the extracellular matrix and cell adhesions or by altering cytoskeletal dynamics. Knowledge on how these proteins might influence IFP is likely to be of clinical importance for treat-ment of inflammatory conditions including anaphylaxis, septic shock and also carcinoma growth.

In normal adult physiology, intestinal smooth muscle cells (ISMC) are characterized as contractile and non-proliferative. Inflammation induces permanent changes to the intestine including hypertrophy of the smooth muscle layer largely due to smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation. While the consequences of this hyperplasia are largely unknown, increased muscularis mass may present permanent challenges to organ motility. Similar SMC hyperplasia is observed in other inflammatory pathologies including atherosclerosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) where SMC de-differentiate into a ‘synthetic’ phenotype and the mitogens responsible for hyperplasia have been well studied. However, there are limited investigations of SMC mitogens in intestinal inflammation. The identification of these factors may be of critical importance in the case of intestinal strictures, whereby recurring inflammation can lead to bowel obstruction requiring surgical intervention. A novel, primary rat ISMC model was developed to identify the factors responsible for ISMC proliferation in vitro. Primary ISMC cultures are likely more representative of SMC in vivo than the commonly used late-passage cultures. As such, this primary ISMC model is valuable in the evaluation of mitogens involved in the onset of proliferation. This primary ISMC model was used to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of potential mitogens including basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB. This work identified IGF-1 and PDGF-BB as ISMC mitogens. However, multiple lines of evidence indicated that PDGF-BB was a more potent mitogen and the involvement of PDGF-BB was subsequently examined in vivo using the trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) model of rat intestinal inflammation. While control ISMC lacked expression of the PDGF-BB receptor (PDGF-Rβ), robust expression was observed within only 6 hr following the induction of TNBS inflammation. By Day 2, when ISMC proliferation in vivo is maximal, freshly isolated ISMC showed on-going PDGF-Rβ activation that was further increased by exogenous PDGF-BB. Taken together, the conclusions from this work in vitro identify PDGF-BB as a potent ISMC mitogen in vivo. Further, this work establishes PDGF-BB and its receptor as potential targets in the medical treatment of intestinal stricture formation. / Thesis (Ph.D, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-24 19:26:57.201