Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul / Resveratrol (RES) is an anti-aging molecule that provides both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, it is unclear whether the basal oxidative state of the cell has any influence on the effects of this compound. In humans, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is present in the enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2), localized in codon 16 (rs4880), which can either be an alanine (A) or valine (V). This SNP causes an imbalance in the cellular levels of SOD2, where AA- and VV-genotypes result in higher or lower enzy-matic activity, respectively. Furthermore, the VV-genotype has been associated with high levels of inflammatory cytokines. Here, we examined the effects of a range of RES concentra-tions on the in vitro activation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) carry-ing different Ala16Val-SOD2 genotypes. Cell proliferation (at 24 and 72 h) was analyzed using an MTT assay and several oxidative biomarkers and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFT-γ and IL-10) were also quantified. In addition, the effects of RES on the expression of the SIRT 1 gene were evaluated by qRT-PCR. We show that after 24 h exposure to RES, A-genotype PBMCs displayed a decrease in cell proliferation, whilst VV-cells contrasted this; although after 72 h, cell proliferation was similar in homozygous cells when compared to con-trol groups. At 10 μM RES, there was a significant decrease in the production of inflammato-ry cytokines in A-allele cells; however, VV-cells generally displayed a subtle decrease in the-se, except for TNF-α, which was not affected. In all SOD2 genotypes cells exposed to RES resulted in an upregulation of SIRT 1 levels. Together, these results suggest that the effect of RES on human PBMC activation is not universal and is dependent on the Ala16Val-SOD2 SNP. / O resveratrol (RES) é uma molécula com propriedades na saúde humana incluindo ações anti-inflamatórias e antioxidantes, e no retardo do envelhecimento celular. Entretanto, não está claro se o estado oxidativo basal da célula tem alguma influência sobre os efeitos desta molécula. Em seres humanos, um polimorfismo de um único nucleotídeo (SNP) está presente na enzima superóxido dismutase dependente de manganês (SOD2), localizada no códon 16 (rs4880), que pode ser tanto uma alanina (A) ou valina (V). Este SNP provoca um desequilíbrio nos níveis celulares de SOD2, onde os genótipos AA e VV resultam em maior ou menor atividade enzimática, respectivamente. Além disso, o genótipo VV tem sido associ-ado com elevados níveis de citocinas inflamatórias. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar a influência do polimorfismo Ala16Val-SOD2 no efeito anti-inflamatório in vitro do RES em células monucleares do sangue periférico (CMSPs), através da análise da viabilidade, proliferação celular, parâmetros oxidativos, inflamatórios e na mo-dulação da expressão do mrNA e proteína da enzima Sirtuína 1 que está relacionado com o retardo da senescência celular. A proliferação celular (em 24 e 72 horas), foi analisada utili-zando ensaio de MTT, e alguns biomarcadores oxidativos e citocinas (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFT-γ e IL-10) também foram quantificados. Além disso, os efeitos do RES sobre a expressão do gene da SIRT1 foram avaliados por qRT-PCR. Nós observamos que, após 24 horas de ex-posição ao RES, as CMSP-AA apresentaram uma redução na proliferação celular, enquanto as CMSP-VV apresentaram o contrário disto, embora, depois de 72 horas, a proliferação celu-lar foi semelhante em células homozigóticas quando comparado ao grupo controle. Na con-centração de 10 μM de RES, houve uma diminuição significativa na produção de citocinas inflamatórias em CMSP-AA. No entanto, as CMSP-VV geralmente apresentam uma redução sutil destas citocinas, exceto para TNF-α, que não foi afetado. Em todos os genótipos SOD2, as células expostas ao RES resultaram em uma regulação positiva dos níveis de SIRT1. Em conjunto, estes resultados sugerem que o efeito do RES na ativação de CMSPs não é universal e é dependente do polimorfismo Ala16Val-SOD2.

Orientadores: Jacqueline Mendonça Lopes de Faria, José Butori Lopes de Faria / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-26T10:54:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Duarte_DiegoAndreazzi_D.pdf: 28811769 bytes, checksum: 726e2f631efd3a14fedaf1f8148784aa (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Resumo: A retinopatia diabética (RD) é uma doença devastadora que está entre as maiores causas de cegueira entre pessoas na idade adulta em todo o mundo. Considerada multifatorial e progressiva, a RD afeta células neurais e gliais, e também elementos vasculares da retina. Sabe-se que diversas vias estão envolvidas na patogênese da RD, no entanto, os mecanismos que levam a exacerbação da inflamação e morte de células gliais/neurais o que caracteriza a neurodegeneração da retina, ainda permanecem desconhecidos. Diante disso, a redução desses fatores tem sido extensivamente estudada como alvo no combate a RD. As Sirtuínas, histonas desacetilases dependentes de nicotinamida adenina dinucleotídeo (NAD+), atuam em resposta a vários estresses e atualmente tem sido relacionadas às importantes funções moleculares na regulação de várias doenças. Considerado um redox sensível, a SIRT1 pode estar reduzida em condição de doença, o que agravar ainda mais a situação patológica. No entanto, não se sabe ao certo o mecanismo de modulação e/ou atuação da SIRT1 frete às doenças neurodegenerativas, tais como a RD. No Artigo I, foram avaliados os possíveis efeitos protetores do cacau rico em polifenóis na retina diabética. As células Müller da retina (rMC-1) foram expostos por 24h à glicose normal (NG), alta glicose (HG) ou peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) e submetidas ao tratamento com cacau na presença ou não de um inibidor da SIRT1 ou siRNA. O estudo animal foi desenvolvido em ratos experimentalmente diabéticos induzidos por estreptozotocina e randomizado para receber tratamentos com cacau com baixa, intermediária, ou elevada dose de polifenol (0,12 mg; 2,9 mg; 22,9 mg/kg/dia) por gavagem durante 16 semanas. As células expostas a H2O2 ou HG apresentaram aumento de proteína acídica fibrilar glial (GFAP) e acetil-RelA/p65 e diminuição da atividade/expressão da SIRT1. Estes efeitos foram anulados pelo cacau, que diminuiu a produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio e reduziu a ativação da poli(ADP-ribose) polimerase-1 (PARP-1); melhorou os níveis intracelulares de NAD+ e consequentemente aumentou da atividade da SIRT1. As retinas dos ratos diabéticos exibiram os primeiros marcadores de retinopatia acompanhada pela eletrorretinografia prejudicada. A presença de diabetes levou a ativação da PARP-1 e diminuição dos níveis de NAD+, resultando em comprometimento da SIRT1. O aumento na acetilação do RelA/p65 levou na hiperexpressão do GFAP. A administração oral de cacau polifenol restaurou as alterações acima referidas. Este estudo revelou que o cacau enriquecido com polifenóis teve efeito protetor da retina diabética restabelecendo a via da SIRT-1. No Artigo II, foi investigado o possível efeito terapêutico de células derivadas de animais saudáveis (Dock7 m +/+ Leprdb db/m) e diabéticos (BKS.Cg-Dock7 m +/+ Leprdb/J, db/db) na retinopatia diabética (RD). Os camundongos db/db (espontaneamente diabéticos) com 8 semanas de idade foram randomizados para receber uma única injeção intravenosa de PBS ou células early outgrowth (EOCs) de doadores db/m ou db/db. Quatro semanas mais tarde, os animais foram sacrificados e os olhos enucleados. Para estudo in vitro, o meio condicionado das EOCs (EOC-CM) foi gerado a partir do cultivo de EOCs de animais db/m e db/db. As células rMC-1 foram expostas por 24h a NG ou HG e submetidas ao tratamento com db/m ou db/db EOC-CM, em presença ou não de um inibidor farmacológico (EX527) ou gênico (siRNA) da SIRT1. Nos ratos diabéticos, houve um aumento de marcadores de RD e do dano oxidativo, acompanhado por uma diminuição da proteína SIRT1 e seguido pelo aumento da acetilação da lisina-310 do complexo p65-NFkB. A terapia celular com EOCs reduziu significativamente todas as alterações mencionadas acima. As rMC-1 expostas a HG apresentaram aumento da expressão de GFAP, fator de crescimento do endotélio vascular e Nox4, acompanhado pelo aumento dos níveis de espécies reativas de oxigênio e acetil-lisina-310-p65-NFkB. Além disso, a expressão/atividade da SIRT1 foram reduzidas em ambiente diabético. O tratamento com EOC-CM impediu todas estas alterações. Este estudo demonstra que a capacidade parácrina das EOCs, na secreção de fatores, é eficaz no restabelecimento da via de SIRT1 retina, e assim, proteger a retina dos insultos diabéticos. Em resumo, a presente tese fornece evidências que tanto a administração oral do cacau enriquecido com polifenóis quanto à terapia celular com EOCs, conferem neuroproteção da retina aos insultos do diabetes. Portanto, intervenções que modulem a atividade das sirtuínas são promissoras no tratamento farmacológico da retinopatia diabética / Abstract: The diabetic retinopathy (RD) is a devastating disease and the principal cause of blindness among people in adulthood worldwide. The RD is considered a multifactorial and progressive disease, affecting neuronal and glial cells, and also vascular elements of the retina. It is known that several pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of RD, however, the mechanisms that lead to exacerbation of inflammation and death of glial/neuronal cell, characterizing retinal neurodegeneration, remain unknown. Therefore, the reduction of these factors have been extensively studied as a therapeutic target against RD. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a family of histone deacetylase enzyme, acts in response to various stresses and, currently, has been related to important molecular functions in the regulation of various diseases. Considered a redox-sensitive, SIRT1 may be reduced under disease condition, whereby aggravate the pathological situation. However, is not known the mechanism of modulation/activity of SIRT1 in neurodegenerative diseases, such as RD. In the article I, were studies the possible protective effects of cocoa in the diabetic retina were assessed. rMCs exposed to NG, HG or H2O2 were submitted to cocoa treatment in the presence or absence of SIRT-1 inhibitor and siRNA. The experimental animal study was conducted in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and randomized to receive low, intermediate, or high polyphenol cocoa treatments via daily gavage for 16 weeks (i.e., 0.12 mg/kg/day, 2.9 mg/kg/day, or 22.9 mg/kg/day of polyphenols). The rMCs exposed to HG or H2O2 exhibited increased GFAP and acetyl-RelA/p65 and decreased SIRT1 activity/expression. These effects were cancelled out by cocoa, which decreased ROS production and PARP-1 activity, augmented the intracellular pool of NAD+, and improved SIRT1 activity. The rat diabetic retinas displayed the early markers of retinopathy accompanied by markedly impaired electroretinogram. The presence of diabetes activated PARP-1 and lowered NAD+ levels, resulting in SIRT1 impairment. This augmented acetyl RelA/p65 had the effect of upregulated GFAP. Oral administration of polyphenol cocoa restored the above alterations in a dose-dependent manner. This study reveals that cocoa enriched with polyphenol improves the retinal SIRT-1 pathway, thereby protecting the retina from diabetic milieu insult. In the article II, were investigated the possible therapeutic effect of cells derived from control (db/m) and spontaneously diabetic (db/db) mice on diabetic retinopathy. The db/db mice with 8 weeks of age were randomized to receive a unique intravenous injection of PBS or 0,5x105 db/m EOCs or 0,5x105 db/db EOCs. Four weeks later, the animals were euthanized and the eyes enucleated. For in vitro study, EOC-CM was generated from db/m and db/db EOCs cultures. rMCs were exposed for 24h to NG or HG combined or not with db/m or db/db EOC-CMs. In diabetic rats, there was an increase of DR and oxidative damage markers, accompanied by decrease in SIRT1 protein followed by lysine-310-p65-NF?B acetylation. The treatment with cells from db/m significantly reduced all the above-mentioned, but interestingly the treatment with cells from db/db mice fully restored the above alterations to normal levels. rMCs exposed to HG displayed GFAP and VEGF expression up regulated, accompanied by increase in Nox4 expression and ROS levels, and acetyl-lysine-310-p65-NF?B. SIRT1 protein expression and activity were markedly reduced in diabetic milieu conditions. The treatment with both EOC-CMs prevented all these abnormalities, but db/db EOC-CM fully restored to NG conditions. This study demonstrates that endocrine capacity of EOCs is effective in improving retinal SIRT1 pathway thus protecting the retina from diabetic milieu insult. In summary, compelling novel evidence is provided herein that either through oral administration of polyphenol enriched cocoa or cell therapy with EOCs, conferred retinal neuroprotection against diabetic insults in animal models. The identification of SIRT-1 as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy may provide new perspective in the pharmacological treatment of this diabetic complication / Doutorado / Clinica Medica / Doutor em Clínica Médica

Werner syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive disorder associated with premature aging and cancer predisposition. WS cells show increased genomic instability and are hypersensitive to DNA-damaging agents. WS is caused by mutations of the WRN gene. WRN protein is a member of RecQ DNA helicase family. In addition to a conserved 3’–5’ helicase activity, the WRN protein contains unique 3’–5’ exonuclease activity. WRN recognizes specific DNA structures as substrates that are intermediates of DNA metabolism. WRN physically and functionally interacts with many other proteins that function in telomere maintenance, DNA replication, and DNA repair. The function of WRN is regulated by post–translational modifications that include phosphorylation, acetylation, and sumoylation. SIRT1 is a NAD-dependent histone deacetylase (HDAC) that deacetylates histones and a numbers of cellular proteins. SIRT1 regulates the functions of many proteins, which are important for apoptosis, cell proliferation, cellular metabolism, and DNA repair. SIRT1 is also regulated by other proteins or molecules from different levels to activate or inhibit its deacetylase activity. In this study, we found that SIRT1 interacts with and deacetylates WRN. We further identified the major acetylation sites at six lysine residues of the WRN protein and made a WRN acetylation mutant for functional analysis. We found that WRN acetylation increases its protein stability. Deacetylation of WRN by SIRT1 reverses this effect. CREB-binding protein (CBP) dramatically increased the half-life of wild-type WRN, while this increase was abrogated with the WRN acetylation mutant. We further found that WRN stability is regulated by the ubiquitination pathway, and that WRN acetylation by CBP dramatically reduces its ubiquitination level. We also found that acetylation of WRN decreases its helicase and exonuclease activities, and that SIRT1 reverses this effect. Acetylation of WRN alters its nuclear distribution. Down-regulation of SIRT1 increases WRN acetylation level and prevents WRN protein translocating back to nucleolus after DNA damage. Importantly, we found that WRN protein is strongly acetylated and stabilized in response to mitomycin C (MMC) treatment. H1299 cells that were stably expressing WRN acetylation mutant display significantly higher sensitivity to MMC than the cells expressing wild-type WRN. Taken together, these data demonstrated that acetylation pathway plays an important role in regulating WRN function in response to DNA damage. A model has been proposed based on our discoveries.

Le stress oxydant (SO) est un mécanisme commun à l’ischémie cérébrale et au traumatisme crânien qui entraîne notamment l’hyperactivation délétère de la poly(ADP-ribose)polymérase (PARP), une enzyme NAD+-dépendante. Cette dernière est impliquée dans le déficit neurologique et la lésion cérébrale consécutifs à ces pathologies. In vitro, l’hyperactivation de la PARP diminue le taux cérébral de NAD+, son substrat, et l’activité de la sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), une enzyme également NAD+-dépendante. L’activation de la SIRT1 est bénéfique au cours d’un SO in vitro. Si les effets bénéfiques de l’inhibition de la PARP ont été démontrés in vivo au cours d’un SO cérébral, l’implication de la SIRT1 ainsi que son rôle dans les effets de l’inhibition de la PARP n’ont pas été explorés. Dans la première partie de ce travail, nous avons mis en évidence qu’un modèle de SO cérébral induit in vivo chez le rat par une injection intrastriatale de malonate entraîne un SO prolongé, un déficit neurologique et une activation de la PARP associée à une diminution du NAD+. Dans la deuxième partie de ce travail, nous avons montré que le 3-aminobenzamide (3AB), un inhibiteur de la PARP, ne permet pas de s’opposer à la chute du NAD+ dans ce modèle, ce qui suggère que le NAD+ pourrait être consommé par d’autres enzymes NAD+-dépendantes, dont la SIRT1. L’inhibition de la PARP par le 3AB a permis d’augmenter le rapport activité/expression nucléaire de la SIRT1 et a entraîné sa translocation cytoplasmique au cours du SO. Un prétraitement par le SRT1720, un activateur spécifique de la SIRT1, diminue le déficit neurologique et la lésion striatale 6 heures après le SO cérébral, ce qui suggère que l’activation de la SIRT1 est bénéfique dans les conséquences d’un SO cérébral in vivo. L’association de l’inhibiteur de la PARP avec l’activateur de la SIRT1 (3AB+SRT1720) n’a pas potentialisé les effets protecteurs de chaque monothérapie. L’EX527, un inhibiteur de la SIRT1, ne modifie pas le déficit et la lésion. En revanche, l’association de l’inhibiteur de la PARP avec l’inhibiteur de la SIRT1 (3AB+EX527) supprime la récupération neurologique ainsi que la réduction de la lésion, induites par l’inhibition de la PARP seule (3AB). Ces données suggèrent que l’activation de la SIRT1 est impliquée dans les effets bénéfiques de l’inhibition de la PARP in vivo au cours d’un SO cérébral. En conclusion, l’ensemble de ce travail a permis une meilleure caractérisation de la PARP et de la SIRT1 au cours d’un SO cérébral in vivo. La SIRT1 pourrait constituer une cible pharmacologique pour le traitement des pathologies cérébrales au cours desquelles un SO est présent. De plus, nous avons montré que les effets bénéfiques de l’inhibition de la PARP sur les conséquences fonctionnelles et histologiques induites par le SO cérébral sont liés à l’activation de la SIRT1. / Oxidative stress (OS) is involved in cerebral ischemia and traumatic brain injury and results in deleterious activation of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP), an NAD+-dependant enzyme. PARP is implicated in neurological deficit and brain injury post-ischemia and post-trauma. In vitro, PARP overactivation reduced both brain NAD+ levels, its substrate, and activity of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an other NAD+-dependant enzyme. SIRT1 activation is beneficial during in vitro OS. Even if the beneficial effects of PARP inhibition have been demonstrated, SIRT1 involvement during in vivo cerebral OS and its role in the beneficial effects of PARP inhibition have not been studied.In the first part, we demonstrated that in vivo cerebral OS induced by intrastriatal injection of malonate in rat promoted prolonged OS, neurological deficit, PARP activation and NAD+ decrease. In the second part, we showed that 3-aminobenzamide (3AB), a PARP inhibitor, did not reduce NAD+ loss, suggesting that NAD+ could be consumed by other NAD+-dependant enzymes, including SIRT1. The PARP inhibitor increased the nuclear SIRT1 activity/expression ratio and induced its cytoplasmic translocation during OS. SRT1720, a specific SIRT1 activator, reduced both neurological deficit and striatal lesion 6 hours after cerebral OS, suggesting that SIRT1 activation is beneficial on in vivo OS consequences. The combination of the PARP inhibitor with the SIRT1 activator (3AB + SRT1720) did not potentiate the neuroprotective effects of each strategy. EX527, a SIRT1 inhibitor, did not affect OS-induced deficit and lesion. However, association of the PARP inhibitor with the SIRT1 inhibitor (3AB + EX527) suppressed the neurological recovery and the reduction of lesion induced by 3AB alone. Our data suggested that SIRT1 activation is involved in the neuroprotective effects of PARP inhibition during in vivo cerebral OS. In conclusion, our work led to a better characterization of PARP and SIRT1 during in vivo cerebral OS. SIRT1 is a potential pharmacological target for the treatment of brain pathologies in which OS is present. In addition, SIRT1 activation is involved in the beneficial effects of PARP inhibition on functional and histological cerebral OS consequences

Au cours des maladies cardiovasculaires (MCV), il peut se produire divers problèmes de santé, telle que l’insuffisance cardiaque ou encore l’HTA. Ces phénomènes se caractérisent, entre autres, par une augmentation de synthèse d’endotheline-1 (ET-1), un neuropeptide synthétisé par les cellules endothéliales ayant un effet vasoconstricteur sur les cellules musculaires lisses vasculaires (CMLV). Ainsi, la surexpression de ce vasopeptide, mène à terme, au maintien de l’HTA aggravée des sujets, précédée ou concomitante à l’athérosclérose ou à la resténose, cliniquement illustrées par une prolifération et une migration anormale des CMLV de la media vers l’intima des vaisseaux sanguins. Parallèlement, il a été observé que la protéine sirtuine-1 (Sirt-1), membre de la famille des protéines histones déacétylases (HDAC), présente des propriétés anti-athérosclérotiques par sa capacité d’atténuer la prolifération et la migration des CMLV. Des travaux récents ont aussi montré qu’au cours de l’HTA la protéine Sirt-1 est faiblement exprimée dans les CMLV. Son implication dans le développement des pathologies vasculaires semble apparente, mais des études demeurent nécessaires pour décrire son rôle exact dans la pathogenèse des MCV. Dans cette optique, l’objectif de cette étude a été d’observer la variation d’expression de Sirt-1 dans les CMLV, isolées de l’aorte ascendante de rat, en réponse à l’ET-1. On a remarqué qu’une heure de stimulation des CMLV avec l’ET-1 induit une diminution de l’expression de Sirt-1 via l’activation des récepteurs ETA. Ces résultats suggèrent que la capacité d’ET-1 à atténuer l’expression de Sirt-1 serait un éventuel mécanisme d’action avec des effets favorisant les MCV. / Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are associated with several vascular dysfunctions such as heart failure and hypertension. These phenomena cause increased synthesis of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a neuropeptide, synthesized by endothelial cells which has vasoconstrictor action on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Overexpression of this vasopeptide leads eventually to hypertension (HTA). This usually happen after atherosclerosis or restenosis, leading to proliferation and migration of VSMC from media to intima. It was shown that during atherosclerosis, the protein sirtuin-1 (Sirt-1), a member of protein histone deacetylases (HDAC), has an anti-atherosclerotic effect due to its ability to diminish proliferation and migration of VSMC. It has also been observed that during hypertension, Sirt-1 was poorly expressed in VSMC. Its role in vascular pathophysiology remains sparsely studied, therefore it’s essential to explore it. In the present study we investigated the expression of Sirt-1 in VSMC isolated from the ascending aorta of rats, in response to ET-1 stimulation. We observed that Sirt-1 expression decreases after 1 hour of stimulation by ET-1 via ETA receptors. In summary, these results suggest that the ability of ET-1 to attenuate Sirt-1 expression in VSMC, may be a potential mechanism for promoting CVD.

Sirt3, une des sept sirtuines chez les mammifères, est une déacétylase mitochondriale NAD+-dépendante qui joue un rôle dans le contrôle des facteurs clés de plusieurs voies métaboliques. Sirt3 déacétyle et active un grand nombre d'enzymes mitochondriales impliquées dans l'activité de la chaîne respiratoire, la production d'ATP, le cycle de Krebs, ainsi que le cycle de l'urée. Parallèlement à son rôle dans le métabolisme énergétique, l'activité mitochondriale intervient également dans l'induction de l'apoptose ainsi que dans la régulation de la prolifération et la différenciation cellulaires. En particulier les travaux du laboratoire ont montré qu'il existe une véritable régulation de la différenciation myogénique par l'activité mitochondriale. Comme Sirt3 régule l'activité mitochondriale, nous nous sommes intéressés à étudier l'implication de cette sirtuine dans la différenciation des myoblastes. Dans une première partie, nous avons évalué l'expression endogène de Sirt3 au cours de la différenciation des myoblastes murins C2C12, puis étudié l'effet de son inhibition sur le processus de différenciation et sur l'activité mitochondriale. Nous avons montré que l'expression de Sirt3 endogène augmente après induction de la différenciation des C2C12. Une inhibition stable de l'expression de Sirt3 par interférence (Short hairpin Sirt3, shSirt3) entraîne : 1) un blocage de la différenciation terminale des C2C12 reflété par une chute significative de l'index de fusion ainsi que de l'expression des marqueurs myogéniques MyoD, Myogénine et troponine T ; 2) une diminution de l'activité mitochondriale reflétée par une altération de l'expression de PGC-1alpha, VDAC et citrate synthase, et une diminution des activités enzymatiques des complexes de la chaîne respiratoire et de la respiration maximale des myoblastes ; 3) une augmentation de la production de DROs. Ces résultats suggèrent un rôle important de Sirt3 dans la différenciation des myoblastes, en relation avec son influence sur l'activité mitochondriale.Dans une seconde partie, nous avons évalué l'importance de Sirt3 in vivo sur le développement et le métabolisme du tissu musculaire en étudiant le phénotype de souris surexprimant l'isoforme courte (MCK-SIRT3M3) ou l'isoforme longue (MCK-SIRT3M1) de Sirt3 spécifiquement dans le muscle squelettique. Nos premiers résultats obtenus à l'âge de 3 mois montrent que la capacité oxydative des souris MCK-SIRT3M1 est plus faible et celle des souris MCK-SIRT3M3 plus élevée par rapport aux souris sauvages. Les souris MCK-SIRT3M3 présentent une atrophie musculaire dès l'âge de trois mois alors que la capacité musculaire et l'activité mitochondriale dans les muscles de ces souris ne sont pas modifiées. Avec l'âge, le phénotype des souris surexprimant l'isoforme M3 dans le muscle est plus marqué : l'atrophie s'accentue, le nombre de mitochondries augmente, et l'expression de la myosine de type 1 augmente alors que l'expression des myosines de type II diminue. Ces données indiquent que l'isoforme courte de Sirt 3 aurait une influence dans le développement et le métabolisme du muscle squelettique de souris. / Sirt3, one of the seven mammalian sirtuins, is a mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacetylase, and has been shown to control multiple key metabolic pathways. Sirt3 deacetylates and activates a large number of mitochondrial enzymes implicated in the activity of respiratory chain and ATP production, TCA and Urea cycles. We have previously shown that mitochondrial activity is importantly involved in the regulation of myoblast differentiation. Since Sirt3 modulates mitochondrial activity, we have investigated its influence on myoblast differentiation. First, we have evaluated endogen Sirt3 expression during C2C12 myoblast differentiation and then we examined the effect of its inhibition on the differentiation processes and on mitochondrial activity. We have shown that Sirt3 protein expression increased after the induction of myoblast differentiation. A stable inhibition of Sirt3 expression, using short hairpin Sirt3 (shSirt3) in C2C12 myoblasts resulted in: 1) abrogation of terminal differentiation reflected by a sharp decrease of the fusion index and a significant decrease of Myogenin, MyoD and Troponin T protein expression; 2) a decrease in mitochondrial activity reflected by alterations in PGC1-alpha, VDAC and citrate synthase expression, and a decrease in respiratory chain complexes activity and myoblast maximal respiration, 3) an increase in ROS production. These data suggest that Sirt3 plays an important role in the regulation of myoblast differentiation through its influence on mitochondrial activity.In a second part, to investigate the role of Sirt3, in vivo, in myogenesis and in mitochondrial activity, we have studied the effect of Sirt3 isoforms (short and long, MCK-SIRT3M3 and MCK-SIRT3M1 respectively) overexpression exclusively in skeletal muscle tissue of transgenic mice. We show that basal metabolism is lower MCK-SIRT3M1 mice and higher in MCK-SIRT3M3 compared to WT mice at 3 months of age. In 3 month-old MCK-SIRT3M3 mice, skeletal muscle is atrophied while muscle capacity and mitochondrial activity are not altered. Skeletal muscle phenotype evolves with age, in MCK-SIRT3M3 mice : increase in muscle atrophy, mitochondrial content. These data suggest that Sirt3 short isoform plays an important role in skeletal muscle development and metabolism in mice.

L'acétylation des protéines constitue l’une des plus importantes modifications post-traductionnelles (PTMs). Elle intervient dans de multiples processus bologiques et physiopathologiques tels que, l’activité transcriptionnelle, l'apoptose, la régulation des voies métaboliques, les cancers, les maladies inflammatoires et cardiovasculaires. Face à l’importance de l’acétylation des protéines, il apparaît donc indispensable de bien comprendre les mécanismes qui y sont associés, et donc, de pouvoir identifier et quantifier les protéines acétylées à partir du protéome complet d’échantillons complexes tels que des extraits cellulaires ou tissulaires. La spectrométrie de masse est une technique de choix pour de telles études, car elle permet d’identifier les protéines et les sites d’acétylation, mais aussi de les quantifier en l’associant à des techniques de quantification (label free, SILAC, iTRAQ/TMT, AQUA). Malheureusement, ces méthodes ne ciblent pas particulièrement les acétylations et requièrent l’utilisation de techniques d’enrichissement ou de fractionnement qui ne sont dédiées qu’à certains types d’acetylation : les N-ter et K-acetylation. Aucun enrichissement n’est disponible pour les O- acétylations et ces méthodes d’enrichissement ne sont pas toujours compatibles avec les techniques de quantification citées ci-dessus. Pour améliorer la détection et la quantification des acétylations, nous proposons la méthode RAQIAT (Relatif Absolute Quantification Isobaric Affinity Tag) qui se résume en trois grandes étapes: i) Le blocage des fonctions amines libres à l'aide de la di-méthylation réductrice, ceci empêchera ces dernières de réagir avec le réactif RAQIAT, ii) La désacétylation des lysines acétylées pour permettre une quantification sélective des acétylations, iii) Le marquage des amines primaires précédemment désacétylées dans l’étape 2 par le réactif RAQIAT pour permettre leurs identifications et quantifications. Ce manuscrit a porté en partie sur les deux premières étapes de la méthode RAQIAT.Dans la première étape, les échantillons de protéines de levure ont été digérés puis di-méthylés et fractionnés par OFFGEL en 24 fractions. Ensuite, chacune de ces 24 fractions OFFGEL a été soumise à un fractionnement nano-RPLC et analysée par MALDI TOF/TOF (4800 MALDI-TOF/TOF, Sciex). En parallèle, la même expérience a été réalisée, cette fois-ci sans di-méthylation. L'analyse des données a été réalisée en utilisant le logiciel Mascot comme moteur de recherche.L’efficacité de la réaction de di-méthylation démontrée, nous avons montré que sans réaliser la di-méthylation réductrice 164 sites acétylés ont pu été identifiés alors que 385 sites acétylés distincts ont été identifiés avec la di-méthylation réductrice. De plus, l'amélioration de la détection de l'acétylation en utilisant la méthode de di-méthylation a été observée pour chacune des différents types acétylations: N-ter, K- et O-acétylation.Dans la deuxième étape, nous avons présenté des résultats préliminaires de déacétylation par la sirtuine 1 en présence du peptide de la p53 (Ac-Arg-His-Lys-Lys-(Ac)-AMC) connu comme étant un substrat de cette enzyme. Nous avons observé la formation d’un peptide non acétylé, suggérant une déacétylation de ce peptide acétylé de p53. Cependant, la formation de cet ion étant très faible et l’ion acétylé étant fortement préservé, nous en avons conclu que l’efficacité de la déacétylation du peptide de p53 n’était pas suffisante pour l’intégrer à la méthode RAQIAT. / Protein acetylation is one of the most widespread post-translational modifications which is involved in many cellular physiologies and pathologies such as cancers. Regarding the important biological effect of protein acetylation and a non-negligible number of proteins bearing this PTM, several methods emerged last decade to investigate such PTM. But the detection of acetylations and their quantification are still limited and enrichment method allowing a better detection of acetylation target mostly one kind of acetylation (K-acetylation). To improve the detection of the three kind of acetylation (N-ter, K, and O-) and their quantification, we propose the RAQIAT method (Relative Absolute Quantification Isobaric Affinity Tag), based on protein digestion followed by 3 steps : i) a protection of free primary amines at N-ter, lysine (i.e. primary amine not bearing PTM) based on a reductive di-methylation strategy ii) a deacetylation of acetylated residues to obtain free primary amine corresponding to peptides previously acetylated iii) a RAQIAT labeling on the free primary amine obtained in the previous step to allow the enrichment of peptides previously acetylated and their quantifications. Herein, we present the investigation of the two first steps of RAQIAT method.In the first step, we evidenced that the reductive di-methylation strategy improved the detection of the three kind of acetylation: N-ter, K- and O- acetylations. Yeast protein samples were digested with trypsin prior di-methylation of resulting peptide mixture. Then, di-methylated peptide mixtures were fractionated by OFFGEL and reverse phase liquid chromatography followed by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry analysis. Data analysis was performed by using Mascot as search engines.Our results showed that OFFGEL fractionation is a useful step to increase detection of acetylations. Moreover, we showed that our di-methylation treatment improved significantly detection of acetylation. Indeed, after di-methylation treatment, 385 unique acetylated sites were identified while 164 unique acetylated peptides were detected without di-methylation treatment. The improvement of acetylation detection using our di-methylation strategy is observed for each of acetylations: N-ter, K- and O-acetylations. Thus, this new proteomic method is promising to enhance N-ter, K- and O-acetylation detection.In the second step, we presented preliminary results of deacetylation by sirtuin 1 in the presence of p53 peptide (Ac-Arg-His-Lys-Lys- (Ac) –AMC. However, the low deacetylation efficiency of the p53 peptide observed, conclude that is not suitable to applicate into RAQIAT Method

Yes / The NAD(+)-dependent deacetylase SIRT1 is involved in diverse cellular processes, and has also been linked with multiple disease states. Among these, SIRT1 expression negatively correlates with cancer survival in both laboratory and clinical studies. Active regulator of SIRT1 (AROS) was the first reported post-transcriptional regulator of SIRT1 activity, enhancing SIRT1-mediated deacetylation and downregulation of the SIRT1 target p53. However, little is known regarding the role of AROS in regulation of SIRT1 during disease. Here, we report the cellular and molecular effects of RNAi-mediated AROS suppression, comparing this with the role of SIRT1 in a panel of human cell lines of both cancerous and non-cancerous origins. Unexpectedly, AROS is found to vary in its modulation of p53 acetylation according to cell context. AROS suppresses p53 acetylation only following the application of cell damaging stress, whereas SIRT1 suppresses p53 under all conditions analysed. This supplements the original characterization of AROS but indicates that SIRT1 activity can persist following suppression of AROS. We also demonstrate that knockdown of AROS induces apoptosis in three cancer cell lines, independent of p53 activation. Importantly, AROS is not required for the viability of three non-cancer cell lines indicating a putative role for AROS in specifically promoting cancer cell survival.

INTRODUÇÃO: Fatores associados à etiopatogenia das complicações diabéticas, incluindo hiperglicemia e estresse oxidativo, podem causar alterações epigenéticas que modificam a expressão de genes em células-alvo, sem alterar sua sequência de DNA. São considerados mecanismos epigenéticos: (1) as modificações pós-traducionais das histonas; (2) a metilação do DNA e (3) a ação dos micro-RNAs (miRNAs); todos já foram reconhecidos na patogênese da \"memória metabólica\", situação na qual a hiperglicemia continua a exercer efeitos deletérios prolongados mesmo depois de ser normalizada. A sirtuína-1 é uma enzima que causa modificações pós-traducionais das histonas por sua atividade de histona desacetilase, silenciando a transcrição gênica. O silenciamento gênico também pode ocorrer pela ação da DNA metiltransferase 1 (DNMT1), enzima que adiciona um grupamento metil (CH3) na posição 5 de resíduos de citosina localizadas em ilhas CpG presentes nas regiões promotoras dos genes. Os miRNAs constituem uma classe de pequenos RNAs não codificadores com cerca de 19 a 25 nucleotídeos que controlam a expressão gênica por meio da repressão da tradução ou da degradação do RNA mensageiro-alvo. As hipóteses do presente estudo são (1) que exista um perfil sérico de miRNAs associado à presença ou ausência de complicações crônicas e (2) que existam variantes em genes relacionados à desacetilação das histonas e à metilação de citosinas que poderiam predispor ao aparecimento das complicações diabéticas, o que se constituiria na \"genética da epigenética\". OBJETIVOS: (1) caracterizar e comparar o perfil de miRNAs sérico de pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1) sem nenhuma complicação microvascular versus aqueles com três complicações microvasculares: retinopatia diabética (RD), doença renal diabética (DRD) e neuropatia diabética, para identificar vias epigeneticamente moduladas nesses dois grupos de pacientes e (2) avaliar a frequência de polimorfismos de um único nucleotídeo nos genes que codificam as enzimas DNMT1 e sirtuína-1 e suas associações com cada uma das complicações microvasculares em pacientes com DM1. MÉTODOS: O perfil sérico de 381 miRNAs foi avaliado com o uso do estojo comercial Taqman® Human MicroRNA Array A em 10 pacientes bem caracterizados clínica e laboratorialmente divididos em dois grupos: Pacientes com DM1 sem complicações [sem DRD (Clearance de creatinina > 90 ml/min/1,73 m2 e excreção urinária de albumina < 20 mg/g de creatinina), sem polineuropatia sensitivo-motora distal (ausência de sintomas sugestivos de neuropatia, sensibilidade térmica e dolorosa e reflexo aquileu normais), sem neuropatia autonômica cardiovascular (NAC) e sem RD] e Pacientes com DM1 com complicações [DRD (Clearance de creatinina < 60 ml/min/1,73 m2 e excreção urinária de albumina > 200 mg/g de creatinina), com polineuropatia sensitiva-motora distal, com NAC instalada e RD moderada ou grave]. Os cinco miRNAs mais diferencialmente expressos foram validados em uma casuística bem caracterizada de 20 pacientes com DM1 sem nenhuma complicação e 27 com todas as complicações microvasculares, com o emprego do estojo comercial TaqMan(TM) Advanced miRNA cDNA Synthesis. A avaliação da frequência de polimorfismos de um único nucleotídeo nos genes que codificam as enzimas DNMT1 (rs8112895, rs7254567, rs11085721, rs17291414, rs10854076) e sirtuína-1 (rs10997870; rs12766485) foi realizada após a genotipagem por reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real, em uma casuística composta por 466 pacientes com DM1. RESULTADOS: Do total de 377 miRNAs-alvo avaliados no soro dos pacientes com DM1, um total de 21 miRNAs estava superexpresso no grupo com complicações. Dos 5 miRNAs para os quais foi realizada a validação na casuística de 47 pacientes com DM1, dois foram confirmados como superexpressos na população com complicações (hsa-miR-518d-3p e hsa-miR-618). O polimorfismo rs11085721 no gene que codifica a DNMT1 associou-se à presença de NAC no sexo feminino, sendo o alelo raro C considerado de risco e conferindo um odds ratio (intervalo de confiança de 95%) de 2,44 (1,26-5,28). Nenhum polimorfismo da sirtuína-1 associou-se às complicações microvasculares avaliadas. CONCLUSÃO: o perfil de miRNAs séricos difere entre pacientes com DM1 com e sem complicações. O achado de uma variante em um gene que codifica a enzima de uma via epigenética conferir suscetibilidade a uma complicação crônica sugere que também exista a \"genética da epigenética\" modulando o desenvolvimento das complicações / INTRODUCTION: Factors associated with the etiopathogenesis of diabetic complications, including hyperglycemia and oxidative stress, may cause epigenetic changes that modify the expression of genes in target cells without altering their DNA sequence. The following mechanisms are considered epigenetics: (1) post-translational modifications of histones; (2) methylation of DNA and (3) action of micro-RNAs (miRNAs); all have already been recognized in the pathogenesis of \"metabolic memory\", a situation in which hyperglycemia exerts prolonged deleterious effects even after its normalization. Sirtuin-1 is an enzyme that causes post-translational modifications of histones by their histone deacetylase activity, silencing gene transcription. Gene silencing may also occur through the action of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), an enzyme that adds a methyl group (CH3) at position 5 of cytosine residues located in CpG islands from gene-promoter regions. miRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs with about 19 to 25 nucleotides that control gene expression by promoting translation repression or degradation of target messenger RNAs. The hypotheses of the present study are (1) there is a serum profile of miRNAs associated with the presence or absence of chronic complications and (2) there are variants in genes related to histone deacetylation and cytosine methylation that could predispose to diabetes complications, which would constitute the \"genetics of epigenetics\". OBJECTIVES: (1) to characterize and compare the serum miRNA profile of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) without any microvascular complications versus those with three microvascular complications: diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and diabetic neuropathy to identify signaling pathways epigenetically modulated in these two groups of patients and (2) to assess the frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the genes encoding DNMT1 and sirtuin-1 and their associations with each of the microvascular complications in T1D patients. METHODS: The serum profile of 381 miRNAs was evaluated using the Taqman® Human MicroRNA Array A kit in 10 clinical and laboratory well-characterized patients divided into two groups: Patients without microvascular complications: without DKD (creatinine clearance> 90 ml/min/1.73 m2 and urinary albumin excretion < 20 mg / g creatinine), without distal sensory-motor polyneuropathy (absence of symptoms suggestive of neuropathy and normal thermal and pain sensitivity and Achilles reflex), without cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) and without DR; and T1D patients with complications: with DKD (creatinine clearance < 60 ml / min / 1.73 m2 and urinary albumin excretion> 200 mg / g creatinine), with distal sensory-motor polyneuropathy, with CAN and with DR moderate or severe. The five most differentially expressed miRNAs were validated in a well-characterized case series of 20 patients with no complications and 27 patients with all microvascular complications using the TaqMan (TM) Advanced miRNA cDNA Synthesis kit. The evaluation of the frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding the DNMT1 (rs8112895, rs7254567, rs11085721, rs1729414, rs10854076) and sirtuin-1 (rs10997870; rs12766485) was performed by genotyping using real-time polymerase chain reaction in a sample of 466 T1D patients. RESULTS: Of the total of 377 target miRNAs evaluated in the serum of T1D patients, 21 miRNAs were overexpressed in the group with complications. Of the 5 miRNAs for which validation was performed in 47 patients, two were confirmed as overexpressed in the group with complications (hsa-miR-518d-3p and hsa-miR-618). The polymorphism rs11085721 in the gene encoding DNMT1 was associated with the presence of CAN in female patients, with the minor allele C being considered of risk and conferring an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 2.44 (1.26 - 5.28). Polymorphisms in the gene encoding Sirtuin-1 did not associate with microvascular complications. CONCLUSION: the serum miRNA profile differs between patients with and without microvascular complications. A variant in a gene encoding a enzyme of an epigenetic pathway conferring susceptibility to a chronic complication suggests that there is also the \"genetics of epigenetics\" modulating the development of complications

INTRODUÇÃO: Fatores associados à etiopatogenia das complicações diabéticas, incluindo hiperglicemia e estresse oxidativo, podem causar alterações epigenéticas que modificam a expressão de genes em células-alvo, sem alterar sua sequência de DNA. São considerados mecanismos epigenéticos: (1) as modificações pós-traducionais das histonas; (2) a metilação do DNA e (3) a ação dos micro-RNAs (miRNAs); todos já foram reconhecidos na patogênese da \"memória metabólica\", situação na qual a hiperglicemia continua a exercer efeitos deletérios prolongados mesmo depois de ser normalizada. A sirtuína-1 é uma enzima que causa modificações pós-traducionais das histonas por sua atividade de histona desacetilase, silenciando a transcrição gênica. O silenciamento gênico também pode ocorrer pela ação da DNA metiltransferase 1 (DNMT1), enzima que adiciona um grupamento metil (CH3) na posição 5 de resíduos de citosina localizadas em ilhas CpG presentes nas regiões promotoras dos genes. Os miRNAs constituem uma classe de pequenos RNAs não codificadores com cerca de 19 a 25 nucleotídeos que controlam a expressão gênica por meio da repressão da tradução ou da degradação do RNA mensageiro-alvo. As hipóteses do presente estudo são (1) que exista um perfil sérico de miRNAs associado à presença ou ausência de complicações crônicas e (2) que existam variantes em genes relacionados à desacetilação das histonas e à metilação de citosinas que poderiam predispor ao aparecimento das complicações diabéticas, o que se constituiria na \"genética da epigenética\". OBJETIVOS: (1) caracterizar e comparar o perfil de miRNAs sérico de pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1) sem nenhuma complicação microvascular versus aqueles com três complicações microvasculares: retinopatia diabética (RD), doença renal diabética (DRD) e neuropatia diabética, para identificar vias epigeneticamente moduladas nesses dois grupos de pacientes e (2) avaliar a frequência de polimorfismos de um único nucleotídeo nos genes que codificam as enzimas DNMT1 e sirtuína-1 e suas associações com cada uma das complicações microvasculares em pacientes com DM1. MÉTODOS: O perfil sérico de 381 miRNAs foi avaliado com o uso do estojo comercial Taqman® Human MicroRNA Array A em 10 pacientes bem caracterizados clínica e laboratorialmente divididos em dois grupos: Pacientes com DM1 sem complicações [sem DRD (Clearance de creatinina > 90 ml/min/1,73 m2 e excreção urinária de albumina < 20 mg/g de creatinina), sem polineuropatia sensitivo-motora distal (ausência de sintomas sugestivos de neuropatia, sensibilidade térmica e dolorosa e reflexo aquileu normais), sem neuropatia autonômica cardiovascular (NAC) e sem RD] e Pacientes com DM1 com complicações [DRD (Clearance de creatinina < 60 ml/min/1,73 m2 e excreção urinária de albumina > 200 mg/g de creatinina), com polineuropatia sensitiva-motora distal, com NAC instalada e RD moderada ou grave]. Os cinco miRNAs mais diferencialmente expressos foram validados em uma casuística bem caracterizada de 20 pacientes com DM1 sem nenhuma complicação e 27 com todas as complicações microvasculares, com o emprego do estojo comercial TaqMan(TM) Advanced miRNA cDNA Synthesis. A avaliação da frequência de polimorfismos de um único nucleotídeo nos genes que codificam as enzimas DNMT1 (rs8112895, rs7254567, rs11085721, rs17291414, rs10854076) e sirtuína-1 (rs10997870; rs12766485) foi realizada após a genotipagem por reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real, em uma casuística composta por 466 pacientes com DM1. RESULTADOS: Do total de 377 miRNAs-alvo avaliados no soro dos pacientes com DM1, um total de 21 miRNAs estava superexpresso no grupo com complicações. Dos 5 miRNAs para os quais foi realizada a validação na casuística de 47 pacientes com DM1, dois foram confirmados como superexpressos na população com complicações (hsa-miR-518d-3p e hsa-miR-618). O polimorfismo rs11085721 no gene que codifica a DNMT1 associou-se à presença de NAC no sexo feminino, sendo o alelo raro C considerado de risco e conferindo um odds ratio (intervalo de confiança de 95%) de 2,44 (1,26-5,28). Nenhum polimorfismo da sirtuína-1 associou-se às complicações microvasculares avaliadas. CONCLUSÃO: o perfil de miRNAs séricos difere entre pacientes com DM1 com e sem complicações. O achado de uma variante em um gene que codifica a enzima de uma via epigenética conferir suscetibilidade a uma complicação crônica sugere que também exista a \"genética da epigenética\" modulando o desenvolvimento das complicações / INTRODUCTION: Factors associated with the etiopathogenesis of diabetic complications, including hyperglycemia and oxidative stress, may cause epigenetic changes that modify the expression of genes in target cells without altering their DNA sequence. The following mechanisms are considered epigenetics: (1) post-translational modifications of histones; (2) methylation of DNA and (3) action of micro-RNAs (miRNAs); all have already been recognized in the pathogenesis of \"metabolic memory\", a situation in which hyperglycemia exerts prolonged deleterious effects even after its normalization. Sirtuin-1 is an enzyme that causes post-translational modifications of histones by their histone deacetylase activity, silencing gene transcription. Gene silencing may also occur through the action of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), an enzyme that adds a methyl group (CH3) at position 5 of cytosine residues located in CpG islands from gene-promoter regions. miRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs with about 19 to 25 nucleotides that control gene expression by promoting translation repression or degradation of target messenger RNAs. The hypotheses of the present study are (1) there is a serum profile of miRNAs associated with the presence or absence of chronic complications and (2) there are variants in genes related to histone deacetylation and cytosine methylation that could predispose to diabetes complications, which would constitute the \"genetics of epigenetics\". OBJECTIVES: (1) to characterize and compare the serum miRNA profile of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) without any microvascular complications versus those with three microvascular complications: diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and diabetic neuropathy to identify signaling pathways epigenetically modulated in these two groups of patients and (2) to assess the frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the genes encoding DNMT1 and sirtuin-1 and their associations with each of the microvascular complications in T1D patients. METHODS: The serum profile of 381 miRNAs was evaluated using the Taqman® Human MicroRNA Array A kit in 10 clinical and laboratory well-characterized patients divided into two groups: Patients without microvascular complications: without DKD (creatinine clearance> 90 ml/min/1.73 m2 and urinary albumin excretion < 20 mg / g creatinine), without distal sensory-motor polyneuropathy (absence of symptoms suggestive of neuropathy and normal thermal and pain sensitivity and Achilles reflex), without cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) and without DR; and T1D patients with complications: with DKD (creatinine clearance < 60 ml / min / 1.73 m2 and urinary albumin excretion> 200 mg / g creatinine), with distal sensory-motor polyneuropathy, with CAN and with DR moderate or severe. The five most differentially expressed miRNAs were validated in a well-characterized case series of 20 patients with no complications and 27 patients with all microvascular complications using the TaqMan (TM) Advanced miRNA cDNA Synthesis kit. The evaluation of the frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding the DNMT1 (rs8112895, rs7254567, rs11085721, rs1729414, rs10854076) and sirtuin-1 (rs10997870; rs12766485) was performed by genotyping using real-time polymerase chain reaction in a sample of 466 T1D patients. RESULTS: Of the total of 377 target miRNAs evaluated in the serum of T1D patients, 21 miRNAs were overexpressed in the group with complications. Of the 5 miRNAs for which validation was performed in 47 patients, two were confirmed as overexpressed in the group with complications (hsa-miR-518d-3p and hsa-miR-618). The polymorphism rs11085721 in the gene encoding DNMT1 was associated with the presence of CAN in female patients, with the minor allele C being considered of risk and conferring an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 2.44 (1.26 - 5.28). Polymorphisms in the gene encoding Sirtuin-1 did not associate with microvascular complications. CONCLUSION: the serum miRNA profile differs between patients with and without microvascular complications. A variant in a gene encoding a enzyme of an epigenetic pathway conferring susceptibility to a chronic complication suggests that there is also the \"genetics of epigenetics\" modulating the development of complications