Multifunctional enzymes have alternative functions or activities, known as “moonlighting” or “promiscuous”, which are often hidden behind a native enzyme activity and therefore only visible under special environmental conditions. In this thesis, the active-site of Pseudozyma (formerly Candida) antarctica lipase B was explored for a promiscuous conjugate addition activity. Pseudozyma antarctica lipase B is a lipase industrially used for hydrolysis or transacylation reactions. This enzyme contains a catalytic triad, Ser105-His224-Asp187, where a nucleophilic attack from Ser105 on carboxylic acid/ester substrates cause the formation of an acyl enzyme. For conjugate addition activity in Pseudozyma antarctica lipase B, replacement of Ser105 was assumed necessary to prevent competing hemiacetal formation. However, experiments revealed conjugate addition activity in both wild-type enzyme and the Ser105Ala variant. Enzyme-catalyzed conjugate additions were performed by adding sec-amine, thiols or 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds to various α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds in both water or organic solvent. The reactions followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics and the native ping pong bi bi reaction mechanism of Pseudozyma antarctica lipase B for hydrolysis/transacylation was rerouted to a novel ordered bi uni reaction mechanism for conjugate addition (Paper I, II, III). The lipase hydrolysis activity was suppressed more than 1000 times by the replacement of the nucleophilic Ser105 to Ala (Paper III).

Issue de l'Archaea extrêmophile Sulfolobus solfataricus, SsoPox est une enzyme à fort potentiel biotechnologique du fait de son extrême stabilité. Nous avons caractérisé son activité lactonase naturelle ainsi que son activité de promiscuité phosphotriestérase. Elle est capable d'hydrolyser les organophosphorés (OPs), des agents neurotoxiques utilisés en tant qu'insecticide et arme chimique de guerre dont les méthodes actuelles de décontamination restent insatisfaisantes. Non optimale, l'activité phosphotriestérase de SsoPox a été améliorée en redessiné in silico son site actif de afin qu'il ressemble à celui des PTEs, hydrolysant très efficacement les OPs. L'enzyme ainsi développée offre des perspectives d'utilisation pour la décontamination des pollutions aux OPs. L'activité lactonase de l'enzyme a également été améliorée envers certaines N-Acyl Homosérine Lactones (AHLs), des molécules impliquées dans la communication inter-bactérienne (quorum sensing). Or, le quorum sensing régule notamment la virulence bactérienne (e.g. Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Ainsi, l'utilisation de lactonases telles que SsoPox constituerait une alternative aux antibiotiques par interférence au quorum sensing (i.e. quorum quenching). L'ensemble de ces travaux a conduit au dépôt d'un brevet protégeant les séquences des variants améliorés ainsi que leurs domaines d'applications. Ils permirent également d'étudier des phénomènes clés dans l'évolution des enzymes tels que l'épistasie, la promiscuité et la flexibilisation. Ce projet, mêlant Sciences fondamentales et appliquées, pourrait, in fine, mener à la valorisation d'un projet de recherche académique. / Issued from the extremophilic Archaea Sulfolobus solfataricus, SsoPox exhibits an important biotechnological potential because of its extreme stability. Belonging to the phosphotriesterase-like lactonase family, its natural lactonase and promiscuous phosphotriesterase activities were characterized. The enzyme is able to hydrolyze organophosphates (OPs), i.e. nerve agents used as insecticides and chemical warfare agents for which current methods of decontamination are unsatisfactory. The phosphotriesterase activity of SsoPox is suboptimal unlike some mesophilic enzymes (PTEs). To develop a robust bio-decontaminant of OPs, we redesigned, in silico, SsoPox active site in the aim to mimic that of PTEs. Using a mutation database in an in vitro evolution protocol, we screened, selected and characterized efficient enzymes for OPs insecticides hydrolysis, offering prospects in OPs decontamination. SsoPox lactonase activity was also improved for some N-Acyl Homoserine Lactones (AHLs), molecules involved in the inter-bacterial communication (quorum sensing). Quorum sensing regulates several functions such as virulence of some pathogens (e.g. Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The use of lactonases such as SsoPox could constitute an alternative to antibiotics by quorum sensing (and thus virulence) inhibition (i.e. quorum quenching). These works were patented, protecting the sequences of improved variants and their fields of application. They also allowed to study key phenomena in enzyme evolution such as epistasis, promiscuity and flexibility. This project, combining basic and applied Sciences, could lead, in fine, to the promotion of an academic research project.

The extensive and sometimes incorrect and noncompliant use of various types of antimicrobial agents has accelerated the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In fact, AMR has become one of the greatest global threat to human health in this era. The broad-spectrum antibiotics aminoglycosides (AGs) display excellent potency against most Gram-negative bacteria, mycobacteria, and some Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus. The AG antibiotics amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, and tobramycin are still commonly prescribed in the U.S.A. for the treatment of serious infections. Unfortunately, bacteria evolve to acquire resistance to AGs via four different mechanisms: i) changing in membrane permeability to resist drugs from entering, ii) upregulating efflux pumps for active removal of intracellular AGs, iii) modifying the antimicrobial target(s) to prevent drugs binding to their targets, and iv) acquiring resistance enzymes to chemically inactivate the compounds. Amongst all, the acquisition of resistance enzymes, AG-modifying enzymes (AMEs), is the most common resistance mechanism identified. Depending on the chemistry each enzyme catalyzes, AMEs can be further divided into AG N-acetyltransferases (AACs), AG O-phosphotransferases (APHs), and AG O-nucleotidyltransferases. To overcome AME-related resistance, we need to better understand these resistance enzymes and further seek ways to either escape or inhibit their actions. In this dissertation, I summarized my efforts to characterize the AAC(6') domain and its mutant enzymes from a bifunctional AME, AAC(6')-Ie/APH(2")-Ia as well as another common AME, APH(3')-IIa. I also explained my attempt to inhibit the action of various AAC enzymes using metal salts. In an effort to explore the current resistance epidemic, I evaluated the resistance against carbapenem and AG antibiotics and the correlation between the resistance profiles and the AME genes in a collection of 122 Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates obtained from the University of Kentucky Hospital System. Besides tackling the resistance mechanisms in bacteria, I have also attempted to explore a new antifungal option by repurposing an existing antipsychotic drug, bromperidol, and a panel of its derivatives into a combination therapy with the azole antifungals against a variety of pathogenic yeasts and filamentous fungi.

Throughout the history of art, the pastel medium has been considered a medium of secondary interest. Despite its pulsating textures, vibrant colors, and unique receptivity to touch, this medium has been recognized above all for its swiftness in stroke and subsequent ability of the artist to record images of fleeting moments and ideas almost instantaneously. The focus on the advantageous rapidity of the pastel, however, hindered the pastel medium's potential as a mere preliminary technique to working with grander mediums, such as oil paint, thus failing to recognize the prominence of pastel in capturing character. This research endeavor focuses on a very specific era with comparably high usage of pastel-- late nineteenth-century Paris--and the distinctive characteristic that defines said era--the hyper-sexuality of the Parisian prostitute. The eminent presence of prostitution and the consequential iconography of female sexuality in late nineteenth-century Paris defined the world of French Bohemia and seeped into the artistic exchange of the era. Although holding a traditionally subsidiary position to other historically primary mediums, the pastel medium prevailed in communicating the sexuality, sensuality, and promiscuity of the sinful female in Paris at the close of the century. The pastel works of prominent artists in the nightlife milieu such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Edgar Degas which revolve around the theme of prostitution serve as key illustrations of the distinctive ability of the ephemeral medium to capture the mood and personality--and therefore the sensual quintessence--of its subject. Through contextual and visual analysis, this research endeavor thus ultimately aims to lift the traditionally secondary pastel medium to one of impressive proportions, emphasizing its unique advantages and raising its overall credence.

Klasické schéma vývoje hematopoetických buněk předpokládá časné oddělení lymfoidního a myeloidního prekurzoru. V poslední době jsou navrhovány složitější modely, které předpokládají větší flexibilitu hematopoezy a navrhují existenci progenitorů s lymfoidním i myeloidním potenciálem. Akutní hybridní leukémie jsou malignity, které podle různých kritérií nelze jednoznačně zařadit k lymfoidní nebo k myeloidní linii a jejichž chování spíše dává za pravdu novým modelům hematopoezy. Předkládaná práce se zabývala především výzkumem dětských leukémií s přesmykem z lymfoidní do myeloidní linie během indukční léčby. Jedná se o rozsáhlý projekt, v jehož rámci si diplomová práce si kladla za úkol určit liniové zařazení leukemických blastů pomocí detekce přestaveb genů pro imunoglobuliny a T-buněčné receptory (TCR). Potvrdili jsme, že myeloidní buňky derivované v průběhu léčby pochází u všech pacientů z původního lymfoidního klonu. Dále jsme u těchto případů zkoumali expresi vytipovaných genů ve srovnání s běžnými druhy leukémií. Třetí částí práce byl výzkum prognostického významu přítomnosti přestaveb TCR (a tedy příslušnosti k lymfoidní linii) u leukémií z T-lymfoidní řady.

SH3-Domänen sind Proteinmodule, die über die Erkennung prolinreicher Peptidsequenzen Protein-Protein-Interaktionen in einer Vielzahl von zellulären Prozessen vermitteln. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde die Erkennung von Peptidliganden durch ausgewählte SH3–Domänen hinsichtlich Selektivität versus Promiskuität untersucht. Diese Arbeiten dienten als Vorversuche für einen kompletten proteomischen Ansatz aller SH3-Domänen aus S. cerevisiae. Für die vier ausgewählten SH3-Domänen, nämlich Myo5, Abp1, Yhr016 und Rvs167, wurden die Ligandenpräferenzen durch Interaktionsanalysen mit einem vollständigen Satz prolinreichen Peptidliganden, abgeleitet aus dem Hefeproteom ermittelt. Hierzu wurde ein Peptid–Array Ansatz gewählt. Mit der SPOT-Technologie wurden 2953 15mere Peptide als Array auf einem Celluloseträger Schritt für Schritt synthetisiert. Hierfür wurde zuerst die Art des Celluloseträgers festgelegt und anschließend überprüft, ob sich ein Array mehrmals in Interaktionsexperimenten verwenden lässt. Es zeigte sich, dass eine Regeneration der Arrays nicht möglich war, so dass für jedes Interaktionsexperiment ein neues Peptidarray synthetisiert werden musste. Die Interaktionsstudien bestätigten die Bindung prolinreicher Sequenzmotive als eine universelle Eigenschaft der vier SH3-Domänen, wobei die einzelnen SH3–Domänen-Peptid-Interaktionen von zusätzlichen, spezifitätsdetermierenden Resten im Liganden abhängig waren. Darüber hinaus zeigten die Experimente deutliche Unterschiede hinsichtlich Selektivität und Promiskuität im Erkennungsverhalten der vier Domänen. Die Domänen konnten nach steigender Selektivität an Hand der Bestimmung von Grenzwerten und Integralen geordnet werden, nämlich Myo5 < Abp1 < Yhr016 < Rvs167. Ein gemeinsamer Ligand für alle vier Domänen konnte nicht identifiziert werden. Dagegen konnten gemeinsame Liganden für die Domänenpaare Myo5/Abp1 und Yhr016/Rvs167 bestimmt werden. Die Bindungspräferenzen zweier ausgewählter Liganden, dem Myo5/Abp1 Liganden ERPKRRAPPPAPKKP und dem Yhr016/Rvs167 Liganden VQQDSLPKLPFRSWG, wurden mit Hilfe von Substitutions- und Längenanalysen detailliert charakterisiert. Es zeigte sich deutlich, dass die selektiveren SH3-Domänen Yhr016 und Rvs167 einen klar definierten und kurzen Konsensus im Liganden binden, hingegen die mehr promiskuitiven Domänen Myo5 und Abp1 ein stärker variables und längeres Motiv im Liganden erkennen. Die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeit zeigten, dass die hier gewählte Methode geeignet ist, die proteomische Charakterisierung aller dreißig Hefe SH3-Domänen in Angriff zu nehmen. / SH3-Domains are protein modules, which recognize polyproline sequences. The Domains are involved in a variety of cellular processes. The recognition rules between peptide ligands and selected SH3-Domains were analysed in respect of selectivity versus promiscuity. This dissertation is a preliminary test for subsequent scanning the whole number of yeast SH3-Domains. The SH3-Domains Myo5, Abp1, Yhr016 and Rvs167 were selected and chosen for interaction with all yeast polyproline ligands. A peptide array was chosen and built up with SPOT-Synthesis. 2953 15-mere peptides were spotted as an array on a cellulose membrane and inspected for regeneration method. The regeneration failed and therefore four arrays were synthesised. The scanning experiments revealed an interaction between Ligand and Domain with a common polyproline core. However, these experiments demonstrated as well that specific residues were needed for operative ligand domain interaction. In addition, these four SH3-Domains exhibited clear differences in selectivity and promiscuity of recognition profiles. The integrals and the results after the setting of the threshold showed a distinct increase in selectivity. The arrangement was based on the increasing selectivity: 1. Myo5 2. Abp1 3. but cases of consistency were found between Abp1- and Myo5-SH3, as well as ligands between Yhr16- and Rvs167-SH3. The Myo5-/Abp1-Ligand ERPKRRAPPPAPKKP and the Yhr016-/Rvs167 ligand VQQDSLPKLPFRSWG were selected for characterisation of the peptide domain interaction through the analysis of substitution and length. The data showed that more selective Domains like Yhr016 and Rvs167 had a well-defined and short consensus, whereas more promiscuous Domains like Yhr016 and Rvs167 showed a mutable and longer consensus. In conclusion, the data showed that the SPOT-Synthesis is a suitable technique for a proteomic characterisation of the whole 30 yeast SH3-Domains.

Combined thermodynamic/kinetic events amount to a kinetically controlled Dynamic Combinatorial Resolution (DCR) process, where the lability of themolecules/aggregates are used to generate dynamics, and the species experiencing the lowest activation energy is selected via kinetic process. Bothinter- and intramolecular processes can be performed using this concept,resulting in complete resolution and associated amplification of the selected species. When intermolecular processes are resolved using this method, an additional advantage is that only a catalytic amount of selector is required tocontrol the system.In this thesis, the Henry and Strecker reactions were developed as efficient C–C bond-forming routes to single and multi-level dynamic covalent systems.These methods efficiently provided a vast variety of substrates from smallnumbers of starting compounds. These dynamic systems, generated underthermodynamic control at mild conditions, were coupled in one-pot processes with kinetically controlled lipase-mediated transacylation. The enzym emediated resolution of the dynamic nitroaldol system led to enantiomericallypure β-nitroacetates in high yield. Furthermore, combination of multi-leveldynamic Strecker systems and lipase-mediated acylation resulted in theresolution of specific α-aminonitriles from the pool.In addition, the asymmetric synthesis of discrete β-nitroalkanol derivatives wassimply achieved, resulting in high yields and high enantiomeric purities through the direct one-pot procedure. Moreover, racemase type activity oflipase enzyme through N-substituted α-aminonitrile structure has been discovered. By use of control experiments together with molecular modeling,the mechanism of the racemization process has been established. Asymmetric synthesis of N-methyl α-aminonitriles was also performed through the dualfunction of lipase, resulting in high yield and good enantio selectivity. / <p>QC 20100818</p>

本論文藉由艾德蒙．懷特<已婚男人>愛滋書寫裡、對男同志性愛/死亡在愛滋年代的辨證關係，探討愛滋文學所能扮演的文化功能。第二章、利用傅柯式圓形監獄概念衍生下主體自我內化規訓，討論男同志性愛原先具有的顛覆本質，如何隨著80年代、HIV病毒出現，在生物醫學論述下對男同志進行”再次病理化”的辨證關係。 第三章參考喬瑟夫．凱迪在1993年發表的文章、 分類愛滋書寫為深刻書寫和反深刻書寫，討論<已婚男人>裡愛滋深刻書寫裡、藉由呈現詭異疾病身體來製造驚嚇感、引發讀者對於愛滋議題另一層次的反思。第四章、則是探討<已婚男人>呈現無病徵的衣櫃身體、其造成主體／客體在視覺上/心理上、介於有病/無病的模糊詭譎狀態，可以被視為愛滋文學、一種提供讀者在愛滋年代裡、在絕望中仍可懷抱希望的正面力量。透過以上探討、艾德蒙．懷特＜已婚男人＞豎立愛滋書寫之中、呈現男同志文化與愛滋病複雜關係的傑出作品。 / This study discusses Edmund White’s AIDS writing in his The Married Man, a fiction that depicts the issue of gay sex and death in the age of the Epidemic. In chapter two, I intend to discuss about how biomedical discourse of HIV/AIDS fosters a Focauldian apparatus of panoptical surveillance and self-discipline in relation to gay sex. With the advent of HIV virus, the once subversive lifestyle of gay sex becomes more problematic. In chapter three, I attempt to employ Joseph Cady’s definition of AIDS writings as either immersive or counter-immersive, and argue that Edmund White’s The Married Man should be viewed as an immersive AIDS writing wherein the ugliness of the grotesque body is used as a literary weapon to engender its readers a sense of shock. In chapter four, I contend Austin’s HIV asymptomatic/closet body in The Married Man should be viewed as an ambiguous symbol by which a dialect between hope (future) and despair (no future) is discussed. To conclude, Edmund White’s The Married Man, a subversive text as it is, thus stands as a masterpiece of AIDS writing not only explicitly depicts the history of HIV/AIDS of the 1990s but that promises its gay readers a potentiality of hope for the misty future.

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2017-05-04T19:26:38Z No. of bitstreams: 1 lucasfagundesesteves.pdf: 10750065 bytes, checksum: 8871e6f0092a5a329a1cc8099f9a0382 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2017-05-17T13:33:34Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 lucasfagundesesteves.pdf: 10750065 bytes, checksum: 8871e6f0092a5a329a1cc8099f9a0382 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-17T13:33:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 lucasfagundesesteves.pdf: 10750065 bytes, checksum: 8871e6f0092a5a329a1cc8099f9a0382 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-29 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Esta tese propõe uma investigação teórica do mecanismo de quebra hidrolítica de um modelo para diésteres de fosfato, o íon BDNPP [bis(2,4-dinitrofenil)fosfato], catalisada por um complexo dinuclear de cobre(II) (R1). Esse complexo metálico foi originalmente planejado para mimetizar a estrutura e as propriedades catalíticas do sítio ativo das catecóis oxidases (COs), revelando um caso interessante de promiscuidade catalítica em sistemas biomiméticos. As possibilidades de mecanismo foram cuidadosamente avaliadas através de cálculos de Teoria do Funcional da Densidade (DFT) em fase gás e em fase aquosa com cálculos no ponto dentro do modelo contínuo polarizável (PCM). Dois mecanismos principais foram encontrados. O Mecanismo 1 (Concertado) corresponde a uma reação do tipo SN2 que envolve o ataque da ponte µOH, situada entre os íons Cu(II), ao centro fosfórico da molécula de BDNPP, enquanto que o Mecanismo 2 (Associativo) ocorre através de sucessivas transferências de próton entre o átomo de oxigênio desta mesma ponte com o átomo de oxigênio terminal do grupo fosfato, passando pela formação de um intermediário pentacoordenado estável. O Mecanismo 1 envolve dois possíveis caminhos reacionais para a liberação do íon DNPP [(2,4-dinitrofenil)fosfato] gerado após a quebra hidrolítica. O primeiro caminho reacional (p1) envolve uma transferência de próton – que ocorre entre o átomo de oxigênio que compunha a ponte µ-OH e o átomo de oxigênio terminal do grupo fosfato – imediatamente após a quebra hidrolítica, seguido pela entrada de duas moléculas de água, sendo a etapa de transferência de próton determinante da velocidade. O segundo caminho reacional (p2) envolve a entrada de duas moléculas de água imediatamente após a quebra hidrolítica sem que haja a reação de transferência de próton, sendo a etapa de quebra hidrolítica a etapa determinante da velocidade. Dentre as propostas de mecanismo estudadas o caminho reacional p2 dentro do Mecanismo 1 corresponde ao mais provável, uma vez que possui a menor barreira de reação (ΔG‡ = 23,7 kcal mol-1, em solução aquosa). A constante de velocidade observada experimentalmente, Kobs, vale 1,7 × 10-5 s-1, indicando que o valor calculado teoricamente (K1 = 2.6 × 10-5 s-1) está em excelente acordo com o valor experimental. O efeito isotópico cinético (KIE) foi avaliado para o caminho reacional p2 dentro do Mecanismo 1 com o intuito de entender as alterações estruturais envolvidas na formação do TS1-i (Estado de transição para o Mecanismo 1), caracterizando perfeitamente o mecanismo descrito. O efeito explícito da inclusão de moléculas do solvente foi avaliado de maneira preliminar para apenas uma estrutura do ciclo catalítico para a quebra hidrolítica de ésteres de fosfato, através da utilização do método de Monte Carlo. Os resultados permitem uma análise detalhada da organização das moléculas de solvente ao redor do complexo, podendo servir de ponto de partida para uma análise mais elaborada dos mecanismos reacionais utilizando modelos explícitos para o solvente. O mecanismo de oxidação de catecóis – representado pelo substrato modelo, o 3,5-di-tercbutilcatecol (DTBC) – no sítio ativo do complexo R1 foi avaliado através de cálculos quanto-mecânicos. Embora não tenham sido obtidos resultados conclusivos acerca da cinética da reação, os aspectos estruturais das principais espécies envolvidas no ciclo catalítico foram analisados. / In this thesis the theoretical investigation of the hydrolytic cleavage mechanism of a phosphate diester, BDNPP [bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl)phosphate] in the active site of the dinuclear copper complex, labelled as R1, has been proposed. The metal complex was originally designed to mimic the active site structure as well the catalytic properties of catechol oxidase, revealing an interesting case of catalytic promiscuity in biomimetic systems. The mechanistic possibilities have been carefully evaluated through Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations in gas phase and in aqueous solution using continuum solvation models with single point calculations within the Polarizable continuum model (PCM). Two reaction mechanisms have been proposed. The Mechanism 1 (Concerted) is a SN2 type mechanism which involves the direct attack of the µ-OH bridge between the two copper(II) ions towards the phosphorus center whereas, the Mechanism 2 (Associative) occurs through two successive proton transferences between the oxygen atom of the bridging hydroxo ligand and another oxygen atom of the phosphate model forming a stable pentacoordinate intermediate. There are two reactions paths for Mechanism 1 to release the DNPP (2,4-dinitrophenylphosphate) ion generated after the hydrolytic cleavage. The first reaction path (p1) involves a proton transfer immediately after the hydrolytic cleavage, being the proton transfer the rate-determining step, followed by the entry of two water molecules. The second reaction path (p2) comprises the entry of two water molecules just after the hydrolytic cleavage without any proton transfer, being the hydrolytic cleavage the rate limiting step. The most probable catalytic path occurs via Mechanism 1, following the second reaction path (p2) once it involves the lowest free energies activation barrier (ΔG‡ = 23.7 kcal mol-1, in aqueous solution). The experimental rate constant, Kobs is 1.7 × 10-5 s-1, indicating that the calculated value, (K1 = 2.6 × 10-5 s-1) is in a very good accordance with the experimental value. Kinetic Isotope Effect (KIE) analysis for the second reaction path (p2) within the Mechanism 1 has also been considered in order to understand the changes taking place in TS1-i (transition state of Mechanism 1) and perfectly characterize the mechanism here described. The solvent effect using explicit water molecules were evaluated in a preliminary fashion for one structure within the catalytic cycle of hydrolytic cleavage of phosphate ester, using the Monte Carlo method. The obtained results allows a detailed analysis of the water molecules organization around the complex, serving as a starting point for an more elaborated study of the reaction mechanisms by using explicit solvent models. The oxidation of catechols – represented herein by the model substrate, 3,5-di-tercbuthylcatechol (DTBC) – in the active site of the R1 complex were evaluated by using quantum-mechanical calculations. The results are not conclusive for the kinetic, but the structural aspects for the main species in the catalytic cycle were studied.

MCur / Department of Advanced Nursing Science / Background: Adolescent sexual health is fundamental to the physical and emotional health, and well-being of individuals, couples, and families, as well as the social and economic development of communities and countries. The purpose and the aim of this study was to explore and describe the community’s perceptions of adolescent sexual health in Mutale Municipality, Vhembe District of Limpopo Province. Methodology: The research design of this study was qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The population comprised of every adult community member or resident of Tshiungani Village. Both genders were included in the sample. Parents and guardians of adolescents made up the sample. Data were collected by means of in-depth face-to-face interviews. Data were analysed qualitatively using Teschs’ qualitative analysis. Findings: The study involved six themes, six categories and nineteen sub-themes. The community expressed concerns related to degradation of cultural norms and values, change in family structure, effects of media, politics, religion and poverty as affecting adolescent sexual health. Conclusion: The study explored and described the perceptions of community members regarding adolescent sexual health although the findings could not be generalized as it represents only part of the population. Recommendations: The study recommended intense sexual health education and promotion at early primary phase, career guidance to enhance and promote selfesteem, parental and community involvement in assisting and engaging adolescents with life skills within communities.