A disfunção mitocondrial pode ser um mecanismo chave associado à ocorrência de doenças metabólicas como o diabetes. Neste contexto, é importante obeservar os mecanismos envolvidos nesse processo. MicroRNAs (miRs) são conhecidos por regular a expressão de genes em vários processos fisiológicos, incluindo o metabolismo de glicose e ácidos graxos, biogênese mitocondrial, proliferação, diferenciação e morte celular no músculo esquelético. Usando análise \"in silico\" (Sfold2.2) identificamos 219 microRNAs que, potencialmente, se ligam à região 3 \'UTR do PGC-1?, um gene envolvido na biogênese mitocondrial e no metabolismo de glicose. Dos 219 candidatos, encontramos um alto valor de energia livre de hibridização entre o microRNA miR-696 e PGC-1? (-29,8 kcal / mol), sugerindo que o miR-696 poderia estar envolvido na regulação negativa do PGC-1? resultando em disfunção mitocondrial. Consistente com esta hipótese, observamos que a expressão do miR-696 apresentou-se aumentada nos músculos esqueléticos de dois modelos de camundongos com diabetes: camundongos diabéticos induzidos por STZ e camundongos alimentados com dieta hiperlipídica. Para compreender se o miR-696 regula a disfunção mitocondrial utilizamos células musculares C2C12 expostas a uma alta dose de ácido palmítico (700 µM) durante 24 horas, o que causou uma redução na expressão de genes mitocondriais, bem como no consumo de oxigênio. Vale destacar que a inibição do miR-696 através da transfecção de oligonucleotídeos antisenso (ASO) preveniu, parcialmente, a perda da função mitocondrial de células C2C12 tratadas com ácido palmítico. Curiosamente, não houve nenhuma alteração nos níveis de miR-696 em modelos envolvidos com a proteína AMPK, tal como em células C2C12 incubadas com uma droga ativadora de AMPK (AICAR) e no músculo esquelético de camundongos transgênicos superexpressando AMPK?2 com o domínio quinase inativo ou AMPK?3 com mutação de ativação crônica (R70Q). Em contraste, a expressão alterada de uma quinase relacionadas com a AMPK, SNF1-AMPK-related kinase (SNARK), recentemente demonstrada por ter sua expressão aumentada em virtude do envelhecimento, exerceu efeitos significativos sobre a expressão do miR- 696, como por exemplo sua redução dependente do knockdown de SNARK em células C2C12. Consistente com estes resultados, a superexpressão de SNARK em células C2C12 resultou no aumento da expressão do miR-696 e redução na expressão do PGC-1?, bem como no consumo de oxigénio. Nossos resultados demonstram que o estresse metabólico aumenta a expressão do miR-696 no músculo esquelético, que por sua vez inibe a sinalização da PGC-1? e a função mitocondrial. Ainda, apesar da AMPK não se apresentar como mediadora da expressão do miR-696, SNARK pode desempenhar um papel neste processo através do mecanismo de sinalização SNARKmiR-696-PGC-1?. / Mitochondrial dysfunction may be a key underlying mechanism for occurrence of metabolic disease and diabetes; thus elucidating how this process occurs is of great value. MicroRNAs (miRs) are known to regulate gene expression in several physiological processes including metabolism, mitochondrial biogenesis, proliferation, differentiation and cell death in multiple tissues including adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Using \"in silico\" analysis (Sfold2.2) we identified 219 unique microRNAs that potentially bind to the 3\'UTR region of PGC-1?, a gene involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and glucose metabolism. Out of the 219 candidates, there was a high value of hybridization free energy between the microRNA miR-696 and PGC-1? (- 29.8 kcal/mol), suggesting that miR-696 could be involved in the downregulation of PGC-1?, which in turn could cause mitochondrial dysfunction. Consistent with this hypothesis we found that miR-696 expression was increased in the skeletal muscles of two mouse models of diabetes that have impaired mitochondrial function: STZ-induced diabetic mice and chronic high fat fed mice. To understand if miR-696 regulates mitochondrial dysfunction we used C2C12 muscle cells exposed to a high dose of palmitic acid (700 µM) for 24 hours, which caused a decrease in mitochondrial gene expression and in oxygen consumption. Importantly, inhibition of miR-696 using an antisense oligo approach rescued the mitochondrial function by restoration of mitochondrial-related genes and increased oxygen consumption in the palmitic acid-treated C2C12 cells. Interestingly, there was no change in miR-696 levels in models involved with AMPactivated protein kinase such as C2C12 cells incubated with AICAR, skeletal muscle from AMPK?2 dominant-negative transgenic mice, and transgenic mice overexpressing the activating R70Q AMPK mutation. In contrast, altered expression of the AMPK-related kinase, SNF1- AMPK-related kinase (SNARK), recently shown to increase with aging, had significant effects on miR-696 expression. Knockdown of SNARK in C2C12 cells significantly decreased miR-696. Consistent with these findings, SNARK overexpression in C2C12 cells increased miR-696 concomitant with a decrease in PGC-1? expression and decreased oxygen consumption. Our findings demonstrate that metabolic stress increases miR-696 expression in skeletal muscle which in turn inhibits PGC-1? signaling and mitochondrial function. While AMPK does not mediate miR-696 expression, SNARK may play a role in this process through a SNARK-miR- 696-PGC-1? signaling mechanism.

A disfunção mitocondrial pode ser um mecanismo chave associado à ocorrência de doenças metabólicas como o diabetes. Neste contexto, é importante obeservar os mecanismos envolvidos nesse processo. MicroRNAs (miRs) são conhecidos por regular a expressão de genes em vários processos fisiológicos, incluindo o metabolismo de glicose e ácidos graxos, biogênese mitocondrial, proliferação, diferenciação e morte celular no músculo esquelético. Usando análise \"in silico\" (Sfold2.2) identificamos 219 microRNAs que, potencialmente, se ligam à região 3 \'UTR do PGC-1?, um gene envolvido na biogênese mitocondrial e no metabolismo de glicose. Dos 219 candidatos, encontramos um alto valor de energia livre de hibridização entre o microRNA miR-696 e PGC-1? (-29,8 kcal / mol), sugerindo que o miR-696 poderia estar envolvido na regulação negativa do PGC-1? resultando em disfunção mitocondrial. Consistente com esta hipótese, observamos que a expressão do miR-696 apresentou-se aumentada nos músculos esqueléticos de dois modelos de camundongos com diabetes: camundongos diabéticos induzidos por STZ e camundongos alimentados com dieta hiperlipídica. Para compreender se o miR-696 regula a disfunção mitocondrial utilizamos células musculares C2C12 expostas a uma alta dose de ácido palmítico (700 µM) durante 24 horas, o que causou uma redução na expressão de genes mitocondriais, bem como no consumo de oxigênio. Vale destacar que a inibição do miR-696 através da transfecção de oligonucleotídeos antisenso (ASO) preveniu, parcialmente, a perda da função mitocondrial de células C2C12 tratadas com ácido palmítico. Curiosamente, não houve nenhuma alteração nos níveis de miR-696 em modelos envolvidos com a proteína AMPK, tal como em células C2C12 incubadas com uma droga ativadora de AMPK (AICAR) e no músculo esquelético de camundongos transgênicos superexpressando AMPK?2 com o domínio quinase inativo ou AMPK?3 com mutação de ativação crônica (R70Q). Em contraste, a expressão alterada de uma quinase relacionadas com a AMPK, SNF1-AMPK-related kinase (SNARK), recentemente demonstrada por ter sua expressão aumentada em virtude do envelhecimento, exerceu efeitos significativos sobre a expressão do miR- 696, como por exemplo sua redução dependente do knockdown de SNARK em células C2C12. Consistente com estes resultados, a superexpressão de SNARK em células C2C12 resultou no aumento da expressão do miR-696 e redução na expressão do PGC-1?, bem como no consumo de oxigénio. Nossos resultados demonstram que o estresse metabólico aumenta a expressão do miR-696 no músculo esquelético, que por sua vez inibe a sinalização da PGC-1? e a função mitocondrial. Ainda, apesar da AMPK não se apresentar como mediadora da expressão do miR-696, SNARK pode desempenhar um papel neste processo através do mecanismo de sinalização SNARKmiR-696-PGC-1?. / Mitochondrial dysfunction may be a key underlying mechanism for occurrence of metabolic disease and diabetes; thus elucidating how this process occurs is of great value. MicroRNAs (miRs) are known to regulate gene expression in several physiological processes including metabolism, mitochondrial biogenesis, proliferation, differentiation and cell death in multiple tissues including adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Using \"in silico\" analysis (Sfold2.2) we identified 219 unique microRNAs that potentially bind to the 3\'UTR region of PGC-1?, a gene involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and glucose metabolism. Out of the 219 candidates, there was a high value of hybridization free energy between the microRNA miR-696 and PGC-1? (- 29.8 kcal/mol), suggesting that miR-696 could be involved in the downregulation of PGC-1?, which in turn could cause mitochondrial dysfunction. Consistent with this hypothesis we found that miR-696 expression was increased in the skeletal muscles of two mouse models of diabetes that have impaired mitochondrial function: STZ-induced diabetic mice and chronic high fat fed mice. To understand if miR-696 regulates mitochondrial dysfunction we used C2C12 muscle cells exposed to a high dose of palmitic acid (700 µM) for 24 hours, which caused a decrease in mitochondrial gene expression and in oxygen consumption. Importantly, inhibition of miR-696 using an antisense oligo approach rescued the mitochondrial function by restoration of mitochondrial-related genes and increased oxygen consumption in the palmitic acid-treated C2C12 cells. Interestingly, there was no change in miR-696 levels in models involved with AMPactivated protein kinase such as C2C12 cells incubated with AICAR, skeletal muscle from AMPK?2 dominant-negative transgenic mice, and transgenic mice overexpressing the activating R70Q AMPK mutation. In contrast, altered expression of the AMPK-related kinase, SNF1- AMPK-related kinase (SNARK), recently shown to increase with aging, had significant effects on miR-696 expression. Knockdown of SNARK in C2C12 cells significantly decreased miR-696. Consistent with these findings, SNARK overexpression in C2C12 cells increased miR-696 concomitant with a decrease in PGC-1? expression and decreased oxygen consumption. Our findings demonstrate that metabolic stress increases miR-696 expression in skeletal muscle which in turn inhibits PGC-1? signaling and mitochondrial function. While AMPK does not mediate miR-696 expression, SNARK may play a role in this process through a SNARK-miR- 696-PGC-1? signaling mechanism.

Maintaining energy organismal homeostasis under changing physiological and environmental conditions is vital, and requires constant adjustments of the energy metabolism. Central to meeting energy demands is the regulation of mitochondrial oxidative capacity. When demands increase, animals can increase mitochondrial content/enzymes, known as mitochondrial biogenesis. Central to mammalian mitochondrial biogenesis is the transcriptional master regulator PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ) coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and the network of DNA-binding proteins it coactivates (e.g. nuclear respiratory factor 1 and 2 [NRF-1, NRF-2], estrogen-related receptor α [ERRα], thyroid receptor α [TRα-1], retinoid X receptor α [RXRα]). However, the mechanisms by which mitochondrial content in lower vertebrates such as fish is controlled are less studied. In my study I investigate underlying mechanisms of the phenomenon that many fish species alter mitochondrial enzyme activities, such as cytochrome c oxidase (COX) in response to low temperatures. In particular, I investigated (i) if the phenomenon of mitochondrial biogenesis during cold-acclimation is related to fish phylogeny, (ii) what role PGC-1α and other transcription factors play in mitochondrial biogenesis in fish, and (iii) if mRNA decay rates are important in the transcriptional control of a multimeric protein like COX. This study shows that mitochondrial biogenesis does not follow a phylogenetic pattern: while distantly related species displayed the same response to low temperatures, closely related species showed opposite responses. In species exhibiting mitochondrial biogenesis, little evidence was found for PGC-1α as a master regulator, whereas NRF-1 is supported to be an important regulator in mitochondrial biogenesis in fish. Further, there was little support for other transcription factors (NRF-2, ERRα, TRα-1, RXRα) to be part of the regulatory network. Lastly, results on the post-transcriptional control mechanism of mRNA decay indicate that this mechanism is important in the regulation of COX under mitochondrial biogenesis: it accounts for up to 30% of the change in subunit transcript levels. In summary, there is no simple temperature-dependent mitochondrial response ubiquitous in fish. Further, the pathways controlling mitochondrial content in fish differ from mammals in the important master regulator PGC-1α, however, NRF-1 is important in regulating cold-induced mitochondrial biogenesis in fish. Lastly, COX subunit mRNA decay rates seem to have a part in controlling COX amounts during mitochondrial biogenesis. / Thesis (Ph.D, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-21 09:53:59.46

Right ventricular dysfunction is the most frequent cause of death in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Although abnormal energy substrate use has been implicated in the development of chronic left heart failure, data describing such metabolic remodeling in failing right ventricular tissue remain incomplete. In the present dissertation we sought to characterize metabolic gene expression changes and mitochondrial dysfunction in functional and dysfunctional RV hypertrophy. Two different rat models of RV hypertrophy were studied. The model of right ventricular failure (SU5416/hypoxia) exhibited a significantly decreased gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- coactivator-1α, peroxisome proliferator- activated receptor-α and estrogen-related receptor-α. The expression of multiple peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- coactivator-1α target genes required for fatty acid oxidation was similarly decreased. Decreased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- coactivator-1α expression was also associated with a net loss of mitochondrial protein and oxidative capacity. Reduced mitochondrial number was associated with a downregulation of transcription factor A, mitochondrial, and other genes required for mitochondrial biogenesis. Electron microscopy demonstrated that, in right ventricular failure tissue, mitochondria had abnormal shape and size. Lastly, respirometric analysis demonstrated that mitochondria isolated from right ventricular failure tissue had a significantly reduced ADP- stimulated (state 3) rate for complex I. Conversely, functional right ventricular hypertrophy in the pulmonary artery banding model showed normal expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- coactivator-1α, whereas the expression of fatty acid oxidation genes was either preserved or unregulated. Moreover, pulmonary artery banding-right ventricular tissue exhibited preserved transcription factor A mitochondrial expression and mitochondrial respiration despite elevated right ventricular pressure-overload. We conclude that right ventricular dysfunction, but not functional right ventricular hypertrophy in rats, demonstrates a gene expression profile compatible with a multilevel impairment of fatty acid metabolism and significant mitochondrial dysfunction, partially independent of chronic pressure-overload.

PGC-1 beta é um co-ativador de transcrição gênica responsável pela regulação do metabolismo celular, principalmente na biogênese e função mitocondrial, disponibilidade de substrato e síntese de lipídios. Nos últimos anos, outras isoformas de PGC-1 têm sido descritos como participantes na gênese e manutenção de tumores. Portanto, nosso objetivo foi determinar se o PGC-1beta está relacionado ao aumento da proliferação celular de células de melanoma. Inicialmente, foi demonstrado que os níveis de RNAm e proteína de PGC-1beta são muito mais elevados em linhagens de células de melanoma (Tm1 e Tm5) do que na linhagem parental de melanócitos não tumorais (Melan-a) como detectado por PCR quantitativa e western blotting. A fim de descobrir uma relação causal entre a expressão de PGC-1? e crescimento celular da linhagem Tm5, células de tal linhagem foram transfectadas com um oligonucleotídeo antisense (ASO) contra PGC-1beta. As células tratados com ASO apresentaram níveis mais baixos de RNAm e proteína PGC-1beta, além de redução em sua atividade avaliada pela expressão de genes PGC-1beta dependentes. Além disso, as células transfectadas apresentaram uma taxa de proliferação inferior em comparação com células de controle Tm5. Este fenômeno também foi observado in vivo. Quando injetadas em camundongos, as células Tm5 desenvolvem-se em um tumor que atinge 1,34 ± 0,20 cm3 após nove dias. Tumores tratados com ASO após o mesmo tempo apresentaram volume tumoral de 0,75 ± 0,05 cm3. Este crescimento não estava relacionada à necrose tumoral, mas sim com a proliferação reduzida de células. Finalmente, verificamos se o mesmo fenômeno seria observado em humanos. A expressão PGC-1beta foi muito maior em amostras de melanoma do que em nevos, alterações não-malignas da pele com alto conteúdo de melanina. Por conseguinte, conclui-se que a expressão PGC-1? está aumentada no melanoma, tanto murino e humano, e que o bloqueio da sua atividade leva à diminuição da proliferação celular e crescimento tumoral / PGC-1beta is a co-activator of gene transcription primarily responsible for the regulation of cellular metabolism, mainly in mitochondrial biogenesis and function and also substrate and lipid synthesis. In recent years, other isoforms of PGC-1 have been described as participating in the genesis and maintenance of tumors. Therefore, our objective was to determine whether PGC-1beta is related to increased proliferation of melanoma cells. Initially, it was demonstrated that mRNA and protein levels of PGC-1beta are much higher in melanoma cell lines (Tm1 and TM5) than in the non-tumoral parental lineage melanocytes (melan-a) as detected by quantitative PCR and Western blotting. In order to find a causal relationship between the expression of PGC-1beta and cell growth, Tm5 lineage cells were transfected with an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) against PGC-1beta. The cells treated with ASO had lower levels of PGC-1beta mRNA and protein, as well as reduction in its activity detected by quantitation of PGC-1beta dependent genes expression. Furthermore, transfected cells showed a lower rate of proliferation compared to Tm5control cells. This phenomenon was also observed in vivo. When injected into mice, Tm5 cells develop a tumor which reaches 1.34 ± 0.20 cm3 after nine days. Tumors treated with ASO, after the same time, presented tumor volume of 0.75 ± 0.05 cm 3. This growth was not related to tumor necrosis, but with reduced cell proliferation. Finally, we checked whether the same phenomenon would be observed in humans. The PGC-1beta expression was much higher in melanoma samples than in nevi, a non-malignant skin alteration filled with melanin. Therefore, we concluded that PGC-1beta expression in melanoma is increased, both in murine and human, and that blocking its activity leads to decreased cell proliferation and tumor growth

INTRODUCTION: Retinal Pigment Epithelia (RPE) degeneration is a key event in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). RPE dysfunction in AMD is thought to occur through the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative damage. The transcriptional co-activators, PGC-1α and PGC-1β, are important regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis and anti-oxidant capacity. Our group has previously shown that the PGC-1α protein promotes RPE oxidative metabolism and that overexpression of the PGC-1α gene protects cells from AMD-associated pro-oxidants. On the other hand, PGC-1β gene expression has been found to be upregulated in patients with neovascular AMD, and in-vitro overexpression of PGC-1β damages cells and induces pro-oxidant conditions. OBJECTIVE: Given the divergence of PGC-1α and PGC-1β functions in RPE and their clinical relevance in AMD pathogenesis, this project will seek to investigate the impact of the upregulation of PGC-1α and PGC-1β in RPE metabolism. PGC-1α will be upregulated through treatment with compound ZLN005. A new methodology for PGC-1β expression will be developed to closely modulate in-vitro PGC-1β induction. METHODS: In-vitro experiments were performed on the ARPE-19 cell line. Cells were treated with 10µM of ZLN005 for 24 hours. Oxidative stress was induced by exposure to H2O2 and NaIO3 under serum-free conditions. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were used to quantify cell death. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western Blot were performed to measure changes in gene and protein expression respectively. Superoxide production by the mitochondria was measured to evaluate ROS levels within the cell. Intravitreal injections of 20µM ZLN005 were performed on eight-week old male C57BL/6J mice. After 24 and 72 hours of treatment, the mice were euthanized and the enucleated eyes were dissected to obtain the RPE and neural retina layers. Total RNA was extracted from these layers and qPCR was performed to measure gene expression. A tetracycline-inducible PGC-1β plasmid was designed and transfected into ARPE-19 cells. The cells were exposed to 0.01-100µg/ml doxycycline for 48-hours and qPCR was used to measure gene expression. Transfected cells were treated with ZLN005 and cell death upon exposure to oxidative stress was quantified. RESULTS: Gene expression analysis on ARPE-19 cells treated with ZLN005 showed robust upregulation of PGC-1α, PGC-1β and their associated transcription factors and enzymes. Induction of PGC-1α at the protein level was also confirmed. ZLN005 efficiently protected ARPE-19 cells from H2O2 and NaIO3 cytotoxicity and its protection was negated in PGC-1α-silenced cells. Treatment with ZLN005 also decreased mitochondrial superoxide production. ZLN005 intravitreal injections were safely administered to the animals and did not cause cataracts or other damage to the ocular tissues. While statistical significance in gene expression changes was limited due to the small sample size, anti-oxidants GPX1 and TXN2, and electron transport chain gene, ATP50, were found to be potentially induced in the neuro-retina, while FOXO3 was found to be downregulated. Evaluation of our novel tetracycline-inducible PGC-1β adenoviral vector showed that upregulation of PGC-1β was efficiently controlled by the addition of doxycycline to transfected cells. Upon exposure to H2O2, transfected cells treated with doxycycline experienced greater cell death than transfected cells not exposed to doxycycline. ZLN005 treatment was able to decrease cell death in both conditions. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that ZLN005 efficiently protects RPE cells from oxidative damage through selective induction of PGC-1α. While still preliminary, the in-vivo study indicates that ZLN005 is safe to be injected into the eye and may be able to increase the expression of mito-protective and anti-oxidant genes in the neuronal retina. In addition, our design of the tetracycline inducible PGC-1β plasmid allows for tight control over PGC-1β expression through doxycycline addition. Upregulation of PGC-1β at levels similar to those observed in clinical conditions caused increased pro-oxidant induced cell death and treatment with ZLN005 was able to protect against cell death. / 2021-06-30T00:00:00Z

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a retinal eye disease that is the leading cause of blindness in those over 50 years of age throughout the developed world. Oxidative and metabolic dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) has been shown to play an important role in AMD. However, the mechanism of dysfunction in the RPE is poorly understood. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1α and β (PGC1A and PGC1B) are coactivators that interact with transcription factors to regulate mitochondria metabolism. In a previous study, it was demonstrated that one of the isoforms, PGC1A, protects RPE cells from oxidative stress through the upregulation of transcription factors that regulate important antioxidant enzymes. There is experimental and clinical evidence that demonstrates that PGC1B may play a deleterious role in the RPE cell. The objective of this study is to characterize the pathological effect of PGC1B on the RPE cell. PGC1B was overexpressed in the human retinal pigment epithelium cell line (ARPE-19) and expression of the PGC1 isoforms and their main gene targets was evaluated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Cell death was evaluated under basal and pro-oxidant conditions by quantification of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release from the RPE cell. The effect of PGC1B gain of function on the RPE pro-angiogenic function was evaluated using the choroid explant sprouting assay and by testing the proliferative, migratory, and tube formation potential of RPE-derived conditioned media on the rhesus monkey chorioretinal cell line (RF/6A). Quantitative PCR analysis showed that overexpression of PGC1B in ARPE-19 cells leads to increased mitochondrial metabolism and decreased antioxidant enzyme expression, causing oxidative stress. After treatment with H2O2, PGC1B overexpression caused ARPE-19 cells to become more susceptible to cytotoxicity. The ex vivo choroid sprouting assay demonstrated that PGC1B overexpression in RPE is pro-angiogenic. However, cell proliferation as measured by MTT and the cell migration assay provided conflicting results on the pro-angiogenic effect of PGC1B. Previous research has demonstrated that oxidative stress in the RPE cell plays a role in AMD progression. It has been demonstrated in this study that PGC1B expression leads to increased mitochondrial metabolism and repression of antioxidant enzymes needed to prevent oxidative stress and dysfunction in the RPE cell. While experiments to test the effect of PGC1B on angiogenesis provided conflicting results, a different endothelial cell model may be better suited in demonstrating the pro-angiogenic effect of PGC1B. The hope is that the information provided from this study may be used to further our understanding of AMD and lead to the development of therapeutic targets to combat the effects of AMD.

PGC-1 beta é um co-ativador de transcrição gênica responsável pela regulação do metabolismo celular, principalmente na biogênese e função mitocondrial, disponibilidade de substrato e síntese de lipídios. Nos últimos anos, outras isoformas de PGC-1 têm sido descritos como participantes na gênese e manutenção de tumores. Portanto, nosso objetivo foi determinar se o PGC-1beta está relacionado ao aumento da proliferação celular de células de melanoma. Inicialmente, foi demonstrado que os níveis de RNAm e proteína de PGC-1beta são muito mais elevados em linhagens de células de melanoma (Tm1 e Tm5) do que na linhagem parental de melanócitos não tumorais (Melan-a) como detectado por PCR quantitativa e western blotting. A fim de descobrir uma relação causal entre a expressão de PGC-1? e crescimento celular da linhagem Tm5, células de tal linhagem foram transfectadas com um oligonucleotídeo antisense (ASO) contra PGC-1beta. As células tratados com ASO apresentaram níveis mais baixos de RNAm e proteína PGC-1beta, além de redução em sua atividade avaliada pela expressão de genes PGC-1beta dependentes. Além disso, as células transfectadas apresentaram uma taxa de proliferação inferior em comparação com células de controle Tm5. Este fenômeno também foi observado in vivo. Quando injetadas em camundongos, as células Tm5 desenvolvem-se em um tumor que atinge 1,34 ± 0,20 cm3 após nove dias. Tumores tratados com ASO após o mesmo tempo apresentaram volume tumoral de 0,75 ± 0,05 cm3. Este crescimento não estava relacionada à necrose tumoral, mas sim com a proliferação reduzida de células. Finalmente, verificamos se o mesmo fenômeno seria observado em humanos. A expressão PGC-1beta foi muito maior em amostras de melanoma do que em nevos, alterações não-malignas da pele com alto conteúdo de melanina. Por conseguinte, conclui-se que a expressão PGC-1? está aumentada no melanoma, tanto murino e humano, e que o bloqueio da sua atividade leva à diminuição da proliferação celular e crescimento tumoral / PGC-1beta is a co-activator of gene transcription primarily responsible for the regulation of cellular metabolism, mainly in mitochondrial biogenesis and function and also substrate and lipid synthesis. In recent years, other isoforms of PGC-1 have been described as participating in the genesis and maintenance of tumors. Therefore, our objective was to determine whether PGC-1beta is related to increased proliferation of melanoma cells. Initially, it was demonstrated that mRNA and protein levels of PGC-1beta are much higher in melanoma cell lines (Tm1 and TM5) than in the non-tumoral parental lineage melanocytes (melan-a) as detected by quantitative PCR and Western blotting. In order to find a causal relationship between the expression of PGC-1beta and cell growth, Tm5 lineage cells were transfected with an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) against PGC-1beta. The cells treated with ASO had lower levels of PGC-1beta mRNA and protein, as well as reduction in its activity detected by quantitation of PGC-1beta dependent genes expression. Furthermore, transfected cells showed a lower rate of proliferation compared to Tm5control cells. This phenomenon was also observed in vivo. When injected into mice, Tm5 cells develop a tumor which reaches 1.34 ± 0.20 cm3 after nine days. Tumors treated with ASO, after the same time, presented tumor volume of 0.75 ± 0.05 cm 3. This growth was not related to tumor necrosis, but with reduced cell proliferation. Finally, we checked whether the same phenomenon would be observed in humans. The PGC-1beta expression was much higher in melanoma samples than in nevi, a non-malignant skin alteration filled with melanin. Therefore, we concluded that PGC-1beta expression in melanoma is increased, both in murine and human, and that blocking its activity leads to decreased cell proliferation and tumor growth

L'énergie indispensable au fonctionnement de la cellule est produite principalement par la mitochondrie grâce au mécanisme de phosphorylation oxydative impliquant des protéines codées par le génome nucléaire et celui de la mitochondrie. La coordination transcriptionnelle de ces génomes est nécessaire à la biogenèse de mitochondries fonctionnelles, et est assurée par divers facteurs de transcription, tels que les NRFs (Nuclear Respiratory Factors) et les ERRs (Estrogen-Related Receptors). Leur efficacité transcriptionnelle est contrôlée par les coactivateurs de la famille PGC-1 (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ Coactivator-1) – PGC-1α, PGC-1β et PRC (PGC-1-Related Coactivator) – dont l'expression dépend de signaux endogènes ou environnementaux. Afin de préciser le rôle de PRC dans le dialogue nucléo-mitochondrial, nous avons utilisé plusieurs modèles cellulaires de carcinomes folliculaires thyroïdiens humains (RO82 W-1, FTC-133 et XTC.UC1) présentant une richesse en mitochondries, une orientation métabolique et des niveaux d'expression de PRC et de PGC-1α différents. Ce travail a mis en évidence le rôle clef du complexe ERRα–PRC dans la biogenèse de mitochondries fonctionnelles. PRC semble par ailleurs coordonner les phases du cycle cellulaire selon l'efficacité du métabolisme énergétique mitochondrial et le statut redox de la cellule. Dans ces modèles, notre travail a mis en évidence un rôle du monoxyde d'azote et du calcium comme régulateurs de la biogenèse et de la fonction mitochondriales PRC-dépendantes. L'ensemble de ces données fait du coactivateur PRC et des voies qui régulent sa fonction des cibles thérapeutiques potentielles dans les tumeurs.

Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders worldwide, characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons mainly localized in the substantia nigra pars compacta. In recent years, the detailed analyses of both genetic and idiopathic forms of the disease have led to a better understanding of the molecular and cellular pathways involved in PD, pointing to the centrality of mitochondrial dysfunctions in the pathogenic process. Failure of mitochondrial quality control is now considered a hallmark of the disease. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 (PGC-1) family acts as a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. Therefore, keeping PGC-1 level in a proper range is fundamental to guarantee functional neurons. Here we review the major findings that tightly bond PD and PGC-1s, raising important points that might lead to future investigations.