Thesis (Ph. D.)--Rutgers University, 2008. / "Graduate Program in Biochemistry." Includes bibliographical references (p. 191-203).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Cornell University, May, 2009. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 152-178).

Orientador: Ricardo Della Coletta / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-18T17:48:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Bersaneti_JoseliAssem_D.pdf: 811147 bytes, checksum: f8bb5e097207f57ec74bd4e214234d0b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011 / Resumo: O aumento gengival induzido por ciclosporina A (CsA) é causado por um acúmulo excessivo de matriz extracelular, resultado da ação do fator de crescimento transformante-beta 1 (TGF-ß1) sobre a atividade dos fibroblastos gengivais. O presente estudo investigou in vitro os efeitos da superexpressão de Smad7, um inibidor da sinalização de TGF-ß1, nos eventos biológicos associados ao acúmulo de matriz extracelular induzido por CsA. Para verificar os efeitos inibitórios de Smad7, nós superexpressamos Smad7 em fibroblastos de gengiva normal (GN) de uma maneira estável. Células superexpressando Smad7 e células controle foram incubadas com CsA e a síntese de colágeno tipo I, produção e atividade de metaloproteinase de matriz 2 (MMP-2) e proliferação celular foram analisadas por ELISA, zimografia, curva de crescimento, método de incorporação de bromodeoxiuridina (BrdU) e análise do ciclo celular. Os efeitos de CsA na viabilidade celular e apoptose dos fibroblastos de GN também foram avaliados. Análises de western blot e imunofluorescência para fosforo-Smad2 foram realizados para verificar a ativação da cascata de sinalização de TGF-ß1. Apesar do tratamento com CsA estimular a produção de TGF-ß1 tanto nas células controle quanto nos fibroblastos superexpressando Smad7, a via de sinalização de TGF-ß1 foi marcantemente inibida nas células superexpressando Smad7, como revelado pelos níveis reduzidos de fosforilação de Smad2. Nas células superexpressando Smad7, os efeitos de CsA na proliferação, síntese de colageno tipo I e produção e atividade de MMP-2 foram significativamente bloqueados. A superexpressão de Smad7 bloqueou a proliferação dos fibroblastos gengivais induzida por CsA via regulação de p27. CsA e a superexpressão de Smad7 não induziram morte celular. Os resultados deste estudo confirmaram que a expressão de TGF-ß1 é correlacionada com os eventos moleculares associados ao aumento gengival induzido por CsA, e sugerem que a superexpressão de Smad7 é efetiva no bloqueio de tais eventos, incluindo proliferação, síntese de colágeno tipo I e atividade de MMP-2 / Abstract: Cyclosporin A (CsA)-induced gingival overgrowth is attributed to an exaggerated accumulation of extracellular matrix, which is mainly due to an increased expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-ß1). Herein the in vitro investigation of effects of overexpression of Smad7, a TGF-ß1 signaling inhibitor, in the events associated with CsA-induced extracellular matrix accumulation was performed. To assess the inhibitory effects of Smad7, we stably overexpressed Smad7 in fibroblasts from normal gingiva (NG). Smad7 overexpressing cells and controls were incubated with CsA and type I collagen synthesis, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) production and activity, and cellular proliferation were evaluated by ELISA, zymography, growth curve, BrdUincorporation assay and cell cycle analysis. CsA effects on cell viability and apoptosis of NG fibroblasts were also evaluated. Western blot and immunofluorescence for phospho-Smad2 were performed to measure the activation of TGF-ß1 signaling. Although the treatment with CsA stimulated TGF-ß1 production in both control and Smad7 overexpressing fibroblasts, its signaling was marked inhibited in Smad7 overexpressing cells as revealed by low levels of Smad2 phosphorylation. In Smad7 overexpressed cells, the effects of CsA on proliferation, synthesis of type I collagen and MMP-2 production and activity were significantly blocked. Smad7 overexpression blocked CsA-induced fibroblast proliferation via p27 regulation. Neither CsA nor Smad7 overexpression induced cell death. The data presented here confirm that TGF-ß1 expression is related to the molecular events associated with CsA-induced gingival overgrowth, and suggest that Smad7 overexpression is effective in the blockage of those events, including proliferation, type I collagen synthesis and MMP-2 activity / Doutorado / Estomatologia / Doutor em Estomatopatologia

O endotélio reveste a parede vascular e possui função essencial na manutenção da homeostase. A célula endotelial é capaz de perceber estímulos extracelulares, como fatores químicos e mecânicos, transmitir a informação para dentro da célula e regular sua função e fenótipo. Neste sentido, investigamos os mecanismos moleculares associados as células endoteliais em dois contextos importantes de intervenções vasculares 1) nos stents farmacológicos, onde a rapamicina exerce funções antiproliferativas e pró-trombogênicas, e 2) na revascularização cardíaca por ponte de safena, onde o alto estiramento mecânico exerce grande impacto no remodelamento vascular e no fenótipo da célula endotelial. A rapamicina pertence à classe de drogas limus, bastante utilizadas nos stents farmacológicos usados no procedimento de desobstrução vascular. Além de sua função antiproliferativa, exploramos os efeitos deletérios associados a pró-trombogênese. Os dados demonstraram que a rapamicina ativa o receptor de TGF independentemente de seu ligante TGFbeta, promovendo aumento na expressão da PAI-1 (pró-trombogênica), alteração no fenótipo endotelial (Transição endotélio-mesenquimal - EndMT) e na formação de fibras de estresse. Os efeitos observados são dependentes da ativação de Smad2 e independentes da via clássica antiproliferativa por mTOR. Experimentos in vivo mostraram que o tratamento com inibidor do receptor de TGF diminui os efeitos pró-trombogênicos e a expressão de PAI-1 induzidos pela rapamicina em artérias carótidas de camundongos. A ponte de safena é um procedimento bastante utilizado na cirurgia de revascularização cardíaca e a arterialização do segmento venoso submetido ao estresse hemodinâmico arterial resulta em remodelamento vascular, que influencia o sucesso do procedimento. Nossos dados demonstram que a célula endotelial humana de veia safena humana (hSVEC), susceptível as modificações do tipo EndMT induzido quimicamente (estímulo pró-fibrótico e pró-inflamatório), não expressou o mesmo comportamento em resposta ao aumento de estiramento mecânico que ocorre durante a arterialização venosa. Entretanto, detectamos uma pronunciada redução dos filamentos de actina, modulação no padrão de ativação da cofilina e na proporção de actina glomerular (G-actina) entre citoplasma e núcleo, com redução da biodisponibilidade de NO. De modo interessante, demonstramos que a redução no filamento de actina é específica para a célula endotelial venosa, não sendo observado em células endoteliais de origem arterial de aorta e coronária. Em conjunto, os dados mostram que 1) efeitos pró-trombogênicos associados a rapamicina são mediados por ativação do receptor de TGF independente do seu ligante e da atividade antiproliferativa da droga e 2) a adaptação da célula endotelial venosa ao estiramento mecânico envolve modulação da síntese/degradação de filamentos de actina e redução na biodisponibilidade de NO. Estes novos elementos sobre o mecanismo de transdução de estímulos químicos e físicos pelo endotélio poderão ser explorados terapeuticamente para modular a plasticidade endotelial em disfunções cardiovasculares / Endothelium is the inner layer in vascular wall and displays an essential role in the maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis. Endothelial cell senses the extracellular stimuli, such as chemical and mechanical factors, transduce and process these signals to regulate cell function and phenotype. Here, we investigated molecular underpinning of the endothelial cells under two important scenarios: 1) in drug-eluting stents, where rapamycin exerts antiproliferative and undesirable prothrombogenic functions, and 2) in vein graft bypass surgery, where increased stretch modulates vascular remodeling and endothelial cell phenotype. Rapamycin belongs to the class of limus drugs and is widely used in drug eluting stents (DES) to vascular restenosis. In addition to its antiproliferative function, we explore the deleterious effects associated with prothrombogenesis. Our data demonstrated that rapamycin activates TGF receptor independent of its ligand TGFbeta, in concert with promotion of PAI-1 expression (prothrombogenic), changes in endothelial phenotype (Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition - EndMT) and stress fibers induction. These effects are Smad2 dependent and independent of the classical antiproliferative mTOR pathway of rapamycin. Our in vivo experiments showed that TGF receptor inhibitor treatment decreases prothrombogenic effects and PAI-1 expression induced by rapamycin in mice carotid arteries. Saphenous vein is widely used in coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and the vein arterialization remodeling in response to the increased stress influences graft patency. Our data demonstrated that human saphenous vein endothelial cell (hSVEC) is susceptible to chemically induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) by pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory stimuli. On the other hand, physical stimulus associated with high stretch failed to induce EndMT. However, we detected a pronounced decrease of actin filaments, modulation of the cofilin activation, changes in the proportion of glomerular actin (G-actin) between cytoplasm and nucleus, and reduction of NO bioavailability. Interestingly, the reduction of actin fibers by high stretch is specific to venous endothelial cell since arterial endothelial cells from aorta, and coronary artery failed to display the response. Altogether, our data show that 1) the thrombogenic effects of rapamycin are mediated by TGF receptor activation independent of its ligand and independent of the antiproliferative pathway of the drug, and 2) the adaptation of venous endothelial cell to mechanical stretch involves synthesis/degradation of actin filaments and reduced NO bioavailability. These new elements on signal transduction of endothelial cells in response to chemical and physical stimuli may be therapeutically explored to modulate endothelial plasticity in cardiovascular disorders

Tang, Yongjiang. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 159-202). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

O endotélio reveste a parede vascular e possui função essencial na manutenção da homeostase. A célula endotelial é capaz de perceber estímulos extracelulares, como fatores químicos e mecânicos, transmitir a informação para dentro da célula e regular sua função e fenótipo. Neste sentido, investigamos os mecanismos moleculares associados as células endoteliais em dois contextos importantes de intervenções vasculares 1) nos stents farmacológicos, onde a rapamicina exerce funções antiproliferativas e pró-trombogênicas, e 2) na revascularização cardíaca por ponte de safena, onde o alto estiramento mecânico exerce grande impacto no remodelamento vascular e no fenótipo da célula endotelial. A rapamicina pertence à classe de drogas limus, bastante utilizadas nos stents farmacológicos usados no procedimento de desobstrução vascular. Além de sua função antiproliferativa, exploramos os efeitos deletérios associados a pró-trombogênese. Os dados demonstraram que a rapamicina ativa o receptor de TGF independentemente de seu ligante TGFbeta, promovendo aumento na expressão da PAI-1 (pró-trombogênica), alteração no fenótipo endotelial (Transição endotélio-mesenquimal - EndMT) e na formação de fibras de estresse. Os efeitos observados são dependentes da ativação de Smad2 e independentes da via clássica antiproliferativa por mTOR. Experimentos in vivo mostraram que o tratamento com inibidor do receptor de TGF diminui os efeitos pró-trombogênicos e a expressão de PAI-1 induzidos pela rapamicina em artérias carótidas de camundongos. A ponte de safena é um procedimento bastante utilizado na cirurgia de revascularização cardíaca e a arterialização do segmento venoso submetido ao estresse hemodinâmico arterial resulta em remodelamento vascular, que influencia o sucesso do procedimento. Nossos dados demonstram que a célula endotelial humana de veia safena humana (hSVEC), susceptível as modificações do tipo EndMT induzido quimicamente (estímulo pró-fibrótico e pró-inflamatório), não expressou o mesmo comportamento em resposta ao aumento de estiramento mecânico que ocorre durante a arterialização venosa. Entretanto, detectamos uma pronunciada redução dos filamentos de actina, modulação no padrão de ativação da cofilina e na proporção de actina glomerular (G-actina) entre citoplasma e núcleo, com redução da biodisponibilidade de NO. De modo interessante, demonstramos que a redução no filamento de actina é específica para a célula endotelial venosa, não sendo observado em células endoteliais de origem arterial de aorta e coronária. Em conjunto, os dados mostram que 1) efeitos pró-trombogênicos associados a rapamicina são mediados por ativação do receptor de TGF independente do seu ligante e da atividade antiproliferativa da droga e 2) a adaptação da célula endotelial venosa ao estiramento mecânico envolve modulação da síntese/degradação de filamentos de actina e redução na biodisponibilidade de NO. Estes novos elementos sobre o mecanismo de transdução de estímulos químicos e físicos pelo endotélio poderão ser explorados terapeuticamente para modular a plasticidade endotelial em disfunções cardiovasculares / Endothelium is the inner layer in vascular wall and displays an essential role in the maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis. Endothelial cell senses the extracellular stimuli, such as chemical and mechanical factors, transduce and process these signals to regulate cell function and phenotype. Here, we investigated molecular underpinning of the endothelial cells under two important scenarios: 1) in drug-eluting stents, where rapamycin exerts antiproliferative and undesirable prothrombogenic functions, and 2) in vein graft bypass surgery, where increased stretch modulates vascular remodeling and endothelial cell phenotype. Rapamycin belongs to the class of limus drugs and is widely used in drug eluting stents (DES) to vascular restenosis. In addition to its antiproliferative function, we explore the deleterious effects associated with prothrombogenesis. Our data demonstrated that rapamycin activates TGF receptor independent of its ligand TGFbeta, in concert with promotion of PAI-1 expression (prothrombogenic), changes in endothelial phenotype (Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition - EndMT) and stress fibers induction. These effects are Smad2 dependent and independent of the classical antiproliferative mTOR pathway of rapamycin. Our in vivo experiments showed that TGF receptor inhibitor treatment decreases prothrombogenic effects and PAI-1 expression induced by rapamycin in mice carotid arteries. Saphenous vein is widely used in coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and the vein arterialization remodeling in response to the increased stress influences graft patency. Our data demonstrated that human saphenous vein endothelial cell (hSVEC) is susceptible to chemically induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) by pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory stimuli. On the other hand, physical stimulus associated with high stretch failed to induce EndMT. However, we detected a pronounced decrease of actin filaments, modulation of the cofilin activation, changes in the proportion of glomerular actin (G-actin) between cytoplasm and nucleus, and reduction of NO bioavailability. Interestingly, the reduction of actin fibers by high stretch is specific to venous endothelial cell since arterial endothelial cells from aorta, and coronary artery failed to display the response. Altogether, our data show that 1) the thrombogenic effects of rapamycin are mediated by TGF receptor activation independent of its ligand and independent of the antiproliferative pathway of the drug, and 2) the adaptation of venous endothelial cell to mechanical stretch involves synthesis/degradation of actin filaments and reduced NO bioavailability. These new elements on signal transduction of endothelial cells in response to chemical and physical stimuli may be therapeutically explored to modulate endothelial plasticity in cardiovascular disorders

No description available.

Signal transduction by transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) cytokines is mediated by an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that depends on the Smad proteins to transduce an extracellular stimulus into the nucleus. In the unstimulated state, Smads spontaneously shuttle across the nuclear envelope and distribute throughout the cell. Upon TGF-β or bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) stimulation, the receptor-activated Smads are phosphorylated, assemble into complexes with Smad4, and become mostly localized in the nucleus. Such signal-induced nuclear translocation of activated Smads is essential for TGF-β–dependent gene regulation that is critical for embryonic development and homeostasis. The molecular machinery responsible for this process, especially how the activated Smads are imported as complexes, is not entirely clear. Thus, I became interested in investigating the molecular requirements for nuclear targeting of Smads upon stimulation. Recently, whole-genome RNAi screening offers a complementary cell-based approach to functionally identify molecules that mediate nuclear accumulation of Smads in response to TGF-β. In the first part of this dissertation, I performed a genome-wide RNAi screen that uncovered the importin moleskin (Msk) required in nuclear import of Dpp-activated MAD. Both genetic and biochemical studies further confirmed this finding. I also investigated Smad interactions with the Msk mammalian orthologues, Importin7 and 8 and validated that Smads are bona fide cargos of Imp7/8. Besides the importin Msk, the screen also uncovered a subset of nucleoporins as required factors in signal-induced nuclear accumulation of MAD. Thus in the second part of this thesis, I focused on how the NPC mediates this Msk-dependent nuclear import of activated MAD. Most of these nucleoporins, including Sec13, Nup75, Nup93 and Nup205, were thought to be structural nucleoporins without known cargo-specific functions. We, however, demonstrated that this subset of nucleoporins was specifically used in the Msk-dependent nuclear import of activated MAD but not the constitutive import of cargos containing a classic nuclear localization signal (cNLS). I also uncovered novel pathway-specific functions of Sec13 and Nup93. Regulation of TGF-β signaling can be achieved not only by modulating Smad nuclear translocation but also by modifying Smad phosphorylation status. Previously we identified a kinase, Misshapen (Msn), that caused the linker phosphorylation of MAD, resulting in negative regulation of Dpp signaling (Drosophila BMP). In the third part of this thesis, I investigated the biological relevance of Msn kinase to Dpp signaling in Drosophila wings. Both over-expression and RNAi studies suggest that Msn is a negative regulator of the Dpp/MAD pathway in vivo. As a whole, my findings delineated two critical requirements for MAD nuclear import: the importin Msk and a unique subset of nucleoporins. For the first time, structural Nups are implicated in the direct involvement of cargo import, providing a unique trans-NPC mechanism.

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2016-07-18T17:29:53Z No. of bitstreams: 1 fabianaaparecidamayrinkdeoliveira.pdf: 602450 bytes, checksum: 44abccc7edd994e7c93876d1aac063dd (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2016-07-22T15:11:02Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 fabianaaparecidamayrinkdeoliveira.pdf: 602450 bytes, checksum: 44abccc7edd994e7c93876d1aac063dd (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-22T15:11:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 fabianaaparecidamayrinkdeoliveira.pdf: 602450 bytes, checksum: 44abccc7edd994e7c93876d1aac063dd (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-02-24 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais / Justificativa e Objetivo: Independente da etiologia, a doença renal crônica (DRC) envolve fibrose generalizada e progressiva do tecido, atrofia tubular e a perda da função renal. Atualmente, as terapias eficazes para esta condição são escassas. Neste estudo, foram investigados os efeitos da terapia laser de baixa intensidade (LLLT) sobre a fibrose intersticial, que ocorre após obstrução ureteral unilateral (OUU) em ratos, um modelo experimental de doença renal crônica. Materiais e Métodos: Foram utilizados 32 ratos Wistar, 8 em cada grupo, machos, com 250 a 300g de peso aproximadamente e 8 semanas de idade. O rim obstruído de metade dos ratos, submetidos à OUU receberam dose única intra-operatória do LLLT (AlGaAs laser, 780 nm, 22,5 J / cm ², 30 mW, 30 segundos em cada um dos nove pontos). Após 14 dias, a fibrose renal foi avaliada pela coloração por picrosírius e medição da área transversal sob luz polarizada. Análise imunohistoquímica quantificou células do tecido renal que expressam marcadores de fibroblastos (FSP-1) e miofibroblastos (α-SMA). RT-PCR foi realizado para determinar a expressão de mRNA de genes chaves relacionados com a fibrose: TGF-β1, Smad3 e colágeno I (Col I). Resultados: No grupo OUU e tratado pelo LLLT os animais apresentaram menos fibrose renal do que os animais obstruídos (OUU). α-SMA, TGF-β1 e Smad3 foram aumentados no interstício renal de ratos OUU. LLLT reduziu a expressão de todas essas moléculas. LLLT não parece ter um efeito significativo no Col I ou FSP-1, que também foram induzidos por OUU. Conclusão: Pela primeira vez, nós mostramos que LLLT tem um efeito protetor em relação à fibrose intersticial renal. Entende-se que, atenuando a inflamação, a laserterapia pode impedir a ativação tubular e transdiferenciação, que são os dois processos principais que formam a fibrose renal no modelo OUU. / Background and Objective: Regardless of the etiology, chronic kidney disease (CKD) involves progressive widespread tissue fibrosis, tubular atrophy and loss of kidney function. At present, effective therapies to this condition are lacking. We investigated the effects of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on the interstitial fibrosis that occurs after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in rats, an experimental model of CKD. Study Design/Materials and Methods: We used 32 Wistar rats, 8 in each group, males, 250 to 300g weight and 8 weeks old. The occluded kidney of half of the Wistar rats that underwent UUO received a single intraoperative dose of LLLT (AlGaAs laser, 780 nm, 22.5 J/cm², 30 mW, 30 seconds on each of nine points). After 14 days, renal fibrosis was assessed by Sirius red staining and measurement of the cross-sectional area under polarized light. Immunohistochemical analyses quantitated the renal tissue cells that expressed fibroblast (FSP-1) and myofibroblast (α-SMA) markers. RT-PCR was performed to determine the mRNA expression of key fibrosis-related genes, namely TGF-β1, Smad3 and collagen I (Col I). Results: The UUO-LLLT animals had less severe renal fibrosis than OUU animals. α- SMA, TGF-β1 and Smad3 were increased in the renal interstitium of UUO rats. LLLT reduced the expression of all of these molecules. LLLT did not appear to have a significant effect on Col I or FSP-1, which were also induced by UUO. Conclusion: For the first time, we showed LLLT had a protective effect regarding renal interstitial fibrosis. It is conceivable that by attenuating inflammation, LLLT can prevent tubular activation and transdifferentiation, which are the two processes that mainly drive the renal fibrosis of the UUO model.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a large family of multi-functional secreted signalling molecules. Previously BMP2/4 were shown to inhibit skin pigmentation by downregulating tyrosinase expression and activity in epidermal melanocytes. However, a possible role for other BMP family members and their antagonists in melanogenesis has not yet been explored. In this study we show that BMP4 and BMP6, from two different BMP subclasses, and their antagonists noggin and sclerostin were variably expressed in melanocytes and keratinocytes in human skin. We further examined their involvement in melanogenesis and melanin transfer using fully matched primary cultures of adult human melanocytes and keratinocytes. BMP6 markedly stimulated melanogenesis by upregulating tyrosinase expression and activity, and also stimulated the formation of filopodia and Myosin-X expression in melanocytes, which was associated with increased melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes. BMP4, by contrast, inhibited melanin synthesis and transfer to below baseline levels. These findings were confirmed using siRNA knockdown of BMP receptors BMPR1A/1B or of Myosin-X, as well as by incubating cells with the antagonists noggin and sclerostin. While BMP6 was found to use the p38MAPK pathway to regulate melanogenesis in human melanocytes independently of the Smad pathway, p38MAPK, PI3-K and Smad pathways were all involved in BMP6-mediated melanin transfer. This suggests that pigment formation may be regulated independently of pigment transfer. These data reveal a complex involvement of regulation of different members of the BMP family, their antagonists and inhibitory Smads, in melanocytes behaviour.