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La paroi vasculaire est composée de cellules endothéliales, de cellules musculaires lisses vasculaires et de fibroblastes qui sont entourés d’un réseau structuré et complexe de protéines, la matrice extracellulaire. Les interactions réciproques entre la matrice et les cellules sont nécessaires à la croissance, au développement et au remodelage. Or, différents contextes pathologiques entraînent la perturbation de ces interactions et sont la cause de différentes maladies. Au cours du vieillissement, la matrice extracellulaire des grosses artères élastiques est modifiée. Ainsi, les lamelles élastiques de la paroi vasculaire se fragmentent ou sont dégradées, en plus de calcifier. De même, l’accumulation de protéines plus rigides, comme le collagène, entraîne le développement de la fibrose. Ces modulations vont mener à l’augmentation de la rigidité artérielle et au développement de l’hypertension systolique isolée. En utilisant un modèle animal de calcification basé sur l’inhibition d’une protéine anti-calcifiante, la matrix Gla protein, avec la warfarine, nous avons étudié la séquence des événements impliqués dans le développement de l’hypertension systolique isolée. Nous avons observé l’activation précoce et transitoire de MMP-9, puis du TGF-ß, précédant la modulation phénotypique des cellules musculaires lisses vasculaires, la calcification et les changements hémodynamiques. L’inhibition des métalloprotéinases et du TGF-ß a permis de prévenir la calcification vasculaire. Nous avons également étudié le rôle joué par une enzyme de la matrice extracellulaire, la transglutaminase 2, dans le développement de la calcification associée à l’hypertension systolique isolée. À l’aide d’un nouvel inhibiteur de cette enzyme, qui a permis de prévenir la calcification, nous avons établi que la transglutaminase était un élément clé dans le processus pathologique. Ces travaux ont permis de démontré l’intérêt de nouvelles avenues thérapeutiques ciblant directement la matrice extracellulaire, particulièrement la MMP-9, le TGF-ß et la transglutaminase 2, dans la pathologie de l’hypertension systolique isolée. / Within the vascular wall, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts are surrounded by a complex and structured network of secreted macromolecules and proteins, the extracellular matrix. Reciprocal interactions between matrix and cells are essential to growth, development and remodeling. However, in pathological situations, the alteration of these interactions can lead to the development of different disease states. With aging, the extracellular matrix of large elastic arteries undergoes several modifications. The elastic lamellae are fragmented or degraded and calcify, whereas more rigid proteins, such as collagen, accumulate and cause fibrosis. These alterations are associated with the stiffening of arteries, which results in the development of isolated systolic hypertension. In order to study the sequence of events occuring in the development of this pathology, we used an animal model of calcification based on the inhibition of a matrix Gla protein, which physiologically prevents calcification, with warfarin. We observed an acute and transient activation of MMP-9 and TGF-ß, which preceded the phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells, calcification and changes to hemodynamic parameters. Moreover, the inhibition of MMPs and TGF-ß prevented vascular calcification. We also studied the role of an extracellular matrix enzyme, transglutaminase 2, in the development of vascular calcification associated with isolated systolic hypertension. Using a novel inhibitor of this enzyme, we established a key role for transglutaminase 2 in this pathological process. This thesis demonstrates the relevance of directly targeting the extracellular matrix, particularly MMP-9, TGF-ß and transglutaminase 2, as a novel therapeutic avenue in the treatment of isolated systolic hypertension.

Thèse numérisée par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-03T15:38:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PedroPAS_TESE_1-70.pdf: 4719637 bytes, checksum: 8f16cb0e2326a80cfc947b1ea2b89641 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-02-28 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior / Myofibroblasts are cells that exhibit a hybrid phenotype, sharing the morphological characteristics of fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, which is acquired during a process called differentiation. These cells then start to express -SMA, a marker that can be used for their identification. Studies suggest that myofibroblasts are related to the aggressiveness of different tumors and that TGF-1 and IFN- play a role in myofibroblast differentiation, stimulating or inhibiting this differentiation, respectively. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of myofibroblasts in epithelial odontogenic tumors, correlating the presence of these cells with the aggressiveness of the tumor. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of TGF-1 and IFN- in myofibroblast differentiation, as well as the expression of MMP-13, which is activated by myofibroblasts, and of EMMPRIN (extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer) as a precursor of this MMP. The sample consisted of 20 solid ameloblastomas, 10 unicystic ameloblastomas, 20 odontogenic keratocysts, and 20 adenomatoid odontogenic tumors. For evaluation of myofibroblasts, anti- -SMA-immunoreactive cells were quantified in connective tissue close to the epithelium. Immunoexpression of TGF-1, IFN-, MMP-13 and EMMPRIN was evaluated in the epithelial and connective tissue components, attributing scores of 0 to 4. The results showed a higher concentration of myofibroblasts in solid ameloblastomas (mean of 30.55), followed by odontogenic keratocysts (22.50), unicystic ameloblastomas (20.80), and adenomatoid odontogenic tumors (19.15) (p=0.001). No significant correlation between TGF-1 and IFN- was observed during the process of myofibroblast differentiation. There was also no correlation between the quantity of myofibroblasts and MMP-13 expression. Significant correlations were found between MMP-13 and TGF-1 (r=0.087; p=0.011), between MMP- 13 and IFN- (r=0.348; p=0.003), as well as between EMMPRIN and MMP-13 (r=0.474; p<0.001) and between EMMPRIN and IFN- (r=0.393; p=0.001). The higher quantity of myofibroblasts observed in solid ameloblastomas, odontogenic keratocysts and unicystic ameloblastomas suggests that these cells are one of the factors responsible for the more aggressive biological behavior of these tumors, although the myofibroblast population was not correlated with TGF-1, IFN-, MMP-13 or EMMPRIN. The correlation between MMP- 13 and TGF-1 suggests that the latter induces the expression of this metalloproteinase. The present results also support the well-established role of EMMPRIN as an inducer of MMP-13. Furthermore, the relationship between EMMPRIN and IFN- and between MMP-13 and IFN- suggests synergism in the antifibrotic effect of these markers / Os miofibroblastos s?o c?lulas que apresentam um fen?tipo h?brido exibindo caracter?sticas morfol?gicas de fibroblastos e de c?lulas musculares lisas, sendo a aquisi??o de tal fen?tipo denominada diferencia??o, passando ent?o a expressar a -SMA, a qual ? importante na identifica??o dessas c?lulas. Estudos t?m sugerido que os miofibroblastos apresentam rela??o com a agressividade de diversas les?es e que o seu processo de diferencia??o estaria relacionado ? express?o do TGF- 1 e do IFN- atuando, respectivamente, no est?mulo e na inibi??o dessa diferencia??o. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar o papel dos miofibroblastos em les?es odontog?nicas epiteliais, relacionando-os ? agressividade das les?es e analisar por meio da imuno-histoqu?mica, a express?o do TGF- 1 e IFN- no processo de diferencia??o, al?m da an?lise da MMP-13 que ? ativada por miofibroblastos e do indutor de metaloproteinases de matriz (EMMPRIN) como precursor desta MMP. A amostra foi constitu?da por 20 ameloblastomas s?lidos, 10 ameloblastomas unic?sticos, 20 ceratocistos odontog?nicos e 20 tumores odontog?nicos adenomat?ides. Para a avalia??o dos miofibroblastos, foram quantificadas as c?lulas imunorreativas ao anticorpo - SMA presentes no tecido conjuntivo, pr?ximo ao tecido epitelial. As express?es de TGF- 1, IFN- , MMP-13 e EMMPRIN, foram avaliadas no componente epitelial e no conjuntivo, estabelecendo-se o percentual de imunorreatividade e atribuindo-se escores de 0 a 4. A an?lise dos miofibroblastos evidenciou maior concentra??o nos ameloblastomas s?lidos (m?dia de 30,55), seguido pelos ceratocistos odontog?nicos (22,50), ameloblastomas unic?sticos (20,80) e tumores odontog?nicos adenomat?ides (19,15) com valor de p= 0,001. N?o foi encontrada correla??o significativa entre TGF- 1 e IFN- no processo de diferencia??o dos miofibroblastos, bem como na rela??o entre a quantidade de miofibroblastos e a express?o da MMP-13. Constatou-se, correla??o estat?stica entre MMP-13 e TGF- 1 (r= 0,087; p= 0,011) al?m de significante correla??o entre MMP-13 e IFN- (r=0,348; p=0,003). Entre EMMPRIN e MMP-13 verificou-se signific?ncia (r= 0,474; p<0,001) assim como entre EMMPRIN e IFN- (r=0,393; p=0,001). A maior quantidade de miofibroblastos evidenciada nos ameloblastomas s?lidos, ceratocistos odontog?nicos e ameloblastomas unic?sticos sugere que estas c?lulas podem ser um dos fatores respons?veis para um comportamento biol?gico mais agressivo destas les?es, embora a popula??o de miofibroblastos n?o tenha apresentado correla??o com TGF- - 1, IFN- ,MMP-13 e EMMPRIN. Quanto a correla??o evidenciada entre MMP-13 e TGF- 1, isto pode sugerir um papel indutor do TGF- 1 para a express?o da MMP-13, assim como os resultados deste estudo refor?am a rela??o bem estabelecida do EMMPRIN como indutor da MMP-13. Constatou-se tamb?m rela??o entre EMMPRIN e IFN- assim como entre MMP-13 e IFN- sugerindo, dessa forma, um sinergismo na a??o anti-fibr?tica desses marcadores

Submitted by Verônica Esteves (vevenesteves@gmail.com) on 2018-01-11T14:41:24Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Tese Orlando Siqueira.pdf: 2924925 bytes, checksum: c32bce21e6c777f33da53c373787cb05 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Verônica Esteves (vevenesteves@gmail.com) on 2018-01-11T14:41:40Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Tese Orlando Siqueira.pdf: 2924925 bytes, checksum: c32bce21e6c777f33da53c373787cb05 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-01-11T14:41:40Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Tese Orlando Siqueira.pdf: 2924925 bytes, checksum: c32bce21e6c777f33da53c373787cb05 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017 / Universidade Federal Fluminense. Hospital Universitário Antônio Pdro / Introdução: A anastomose término-terminal no tratamento da lesão das vias biliares durante a colecistectomia laparoscópica tem sido associada à formação de estenose. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar experimentalmente o efeito do tratamento oral com tamoxifeno (tmx) sobre a fibrose, o colágeno e o transforming growth factor TGF-β1, - β2 e - β3 na anastomose da via biliar principal de porcos. Métodos: Vinte e seis porcos foram divididos em três grupos [sham (n = 8), controle (n = 9) e tmx (n = 9)]. Os ductos biliares foram seccionados e anastomosados nos grupos controle e tmx. Tmx (40 mg / dia) foi administrado oralmente ao grupo tmx, e os animais foram eutanasiados após 60 dias. A fibrose foi analisada pela coloração com tricromo de Masson. Picrosirius red foi utilizado para quantificar o teor total de colágeno e a proporção de colágeno tipo I / III. A expressão de mRNA do TGF-β1, -β2 e - β3 foi quantificada usando a reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real (qRT-PCR). Resultados: Os grupos de controle e estudo apresentaram fibrose maior do que o grupo sham, e o grupo de estudo apresentou fibrose menor do que o grupo controle (p = 0,011). Os grupos controle e tmx apresentaram maior teor total de colágeno do que o grupo sham (p = 0,003) e não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos controle e tmx. A proporção de colágeno tipo I / III foi maior no grupo controle do que nos grupos sham e tmx (p = 0,015) e não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos sham e tmx. Não houve diferenças significativas na expressão de mRNA de TGF-β1, -β2 e -β3 entre os grupos (p> 0,05). Conclusões: Tmx diminuiu a fibrose e impediu a alteração na proporção de colágeno tipo I / III causada pelo procedimento. / Introduction: End-to-end anastomosis in the treatment of bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been associated with the formation of stenosis. The aim of this study was to experimentally investigate the effect of oral treatment with tamoxifen (tmx) on fibrosis, collagen and transforming growth factor TGF-β1, - β2 and – β3 on anastomosis of the common bile duct in pigs. Methods: Twenty-six pigs were divided into three groups (sham (n = 8), control (n = 9) and tmx (n = 9)). The bile ducts were sectioned and anastomosed in the control and tmx groups. Tmx (40 mg / day) was administered orally to the tmx group, and the animals were euthanized after 60 days. Fibrosis was analyzed by Masson's trichrome staining. Picrosirius red was used to quantify the total collagen content and the proportion of collagen type I / III. Expression of TGF-β1, -β2 and -β3 mRNA was quantified using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: The control and study groups presented higher fibrosis than the sham group, and the study group had lower fibrosis than the control group (p = 0.011). The control and tmx groups presented higher total collagen content than the sham group (p = 0.003) and there was no significant difference between the control and tmx groups. The proportion of type I / III collagen was higher in the control group than in the sham and tmx groups (p = 0.015) and there was no significant difference between the sham and tmx groups. There were no significant differences in TGF-β1, -β2 and -β3 mRNA expression between the groups (p> 0.05). Conclusions: Tmx decreased fibrosis and prevented the change in the proportion of collagen type I / III caused by the procedure.

Introdução: Os lasers fracionados não ablativos são efetivamente utilizados no rejuvenescimento da pele. As novas tecnologias a laser permitem uma remodelação dérmica seletiva, sem ablação da epiderme. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do laser Erbium Glass (Sellas Evo) fracionado não ablativo 1550nm no rejuvenescimento facial através do estudo da quantificação histomorfométrica de fibras colágenas e elásticas, a expressão da molécula de adesão intercelular 1 (ICAM-1) por imuno-histoquímica , a análise das fases do ciclo celular, o potencial elétrico da membrana mitocondrial, a expressão de interleucina-1 (IL-1), o marcador celular endotelial CD34, o receptor do fator transformador de crescimento beta (TGF-beta), atividade da caspase-3 por citometria de fluxo e as alterações ultraestruturais na pele por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, 4 meses após o tratamento com laser. Materiais e Métodos: Quinze indivíduos (média de 56,4 anos, fototipo II-IV), com fotoenvelhecimento cutâneo na face fizeram 3 tratamentos com laser Erbium Glass fracionado não ablativo 1550nm usando uma fluência de 70 mJ e uma densidade de 100 cm2. Foram avaliados biópsias na região pré-auricular em 15 pacientes no início e 4 semanas após o tratamento final. Os níveis de expressão dos receptores e a atividade do potencial elétrico mitocondrial foram analisados na suspensão de células da derme obtida a partir da digestão por colagenase. A avaliação clínica e fotográfica foi analisada quatro semanas após o final do tratamento. Resultados: Após 4 meses do início do tratamento foi observada melhora clínica moderada, com uma média de satisfação de 8,8, as fibras de colágeno aumentaram em 6,68%, as fibras elásticas mostraram uma diminuição de 12,85%, o ICAM-1 aumentou 4,47% significativamente na área dos vasos. Houve aumento significativo dos níveis de expressão do receptor de IL-1 e TGF-beta após o tratamento com laser Erbium Glass. As respostas proliferativas e a ausência de apoptose dependente da caspase-3 foram observadas nas suspensões de células após o tratamento. Conclusão: Rejuvenescimento facial com laser Erbium Glass fracionado não ablativo 1550nm demonstrou melhora visível no fotoenvelhecimento, assim como, aumento significativo da expressão de IL-1 e receptores de TGF-beta, que estão envolvidos na remodelação e indução da proliferação de componentes da matriz extracelular da pele. O grau de satisfação foi alto especialmente em relação à textura, rugas e discromias / Background: Non-ablative fractional lasers have been effectively used in skin rejuvenation. The new laser technologies allow selective dermal remodeling without ablation of the epidermal surface. Objectives: to evaluate the efficacy of the 1550nm Erbium Glass Laser (Sellas Evo) for facial rejuvenation through study of the histomorphometric quantification of colagen and elastic fibers; the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) by immnohistochemistry; and analysis of the cell cycle phases, the electrical potential of the mitochondrial membrane and the expression of interleukin 1 (IL-1), the endothelial cell marker CD34 and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) receptors, caspase-3 activity by flow cytometry and the ultrastructural changes in the skin by scanning electron microscopy 4 months after the laser treatment. Materials and methods: fifteen subjects (mean age 56,4 skin typoes II-IV) with photodamage on the face and wrinkles had 3 treatments with the 1550 nm Erbium Glass Laser using a fluence of 70 mJ and a density of 100 cm2. Pre-auricular biopsies from 15 subjects were evaluated at baseline and 4 weeks after the final treatment. Receptor expression levels and the presence of potentially functional mitochondria were analyzed in a cell suspension obtained from collagenase digestion of the skin. Data from the photo assessments and the subjects\' self-assessed improvements were analyzed 4 weeks after the final treatment.Results: Four months after the last treatmenbt application, clinical improvement was observed, with an average satgisfation score of 8.8, corresponding to moderate improvement. After 4 months of treatment, collagen fibers had increased up to 6.68%, while the average proportion of collagen fibers in the dermis, the elastic fibers, showed a 12.85% decrease of ICAM-1 and a mean increase in vessel area of 4.47%.Significantly enhanced IL-1 and TGF-beta receptor expression levels were identified after Erbium Glass Laser treatment. Proliferative responses and non-apoptosis-dependent caspase-3 activity were both observed in the cell suspensions after dermal treatment. Conclusion: Non-ablative rejuvenation with the 1550 mn Erbium Glass Laser was of the IL-1 and TGF-beta receptors, that are involved in remodeling and induced proliferation components in the extracellular matrix of skin fibers. The subjects were highly satisfied, especially regarding texture, rhytids and dyschromia

Les métastases sont la principale cause de décès chez les patients atteints d’un cancer. Lors du développement métastatique, les cellules tumorales disséminées (CTD) doivent franchir certaines étapes clés avant de coloniser des organes distants de la tumeur primaire. Notre hypothèse est que la TNC pourrait jouer différents rôles dans la migration des cellules cancéreuses et par conséquent dans le développement métastatique. Considérant l’actine comme un réservoir de facteurs de croissance, la TNC pourrait induire la TEM ainsi que la survie et l’extravasation des cellules tumorales. Cependant, des cellules cancéreuses individualisées localement pourraient répondre à la TNC en initiant des changements rapides menant à un phénotype migratoire de type amiboïde. L’objectif de cette thèse a été d’étudier comment la TNC stimule le développement métastatique dans le cancer du sein au niveau cellulaire et moléculaire en utilisant des modèles tumoraux et cellulaires. / A high TNC expression correlates with lung metastagenicity and was shown to promote experimental lung metastasis, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. The results of my thesis have provided insight into the roles of TNC in metastasis suggesting that TNC contributes to extravasation by impacting on survival, endothelialization, EMT and migration. Moreover, I have identified TGF-β signaling and integrin α9β1 as important pathway and molecule, respectively to be employed by TNC. Whether both molecule/pathway play a similar role in the investigated models of breast cancer, osteosarcoma and glioblastoma remains to be seen.

Les glandes salivaires sont des glandes mixtes : la salive (produit exocrine) estimpliquée dans le maintien de l’homéostasie buccale alors que les secrétions endocrines (ex :facteurs de croissance) ont un rôle physiologique (gamétogénèse, ostéogenèse,hypertension…) Chez les mammifères, elles affichent un dimorphisme sexuel qui laisseentrevoir une sensibilité éventuelle à des xeno-hormones.Ce mémoire présente l’action de la génistéine (phyto-oestrogène) et/ou de la vinclozoline(anti-androgène) sur la glande submandibulaire (SM) de rat lors d’une exposition précoce viala mère (gestation-lactation) et lors d’une exposition pendant la période de croissance (dusevrage à l’âge adulte). Les glandes SM, prélevées au stade immature et jeune adulte, ont faitl’objet d’une analyse histologique et d’une étude de marqueurs moléculaire des fonctionsendocrines et exocrines associées aux processus gustatifs. L’exposition précoce ralenti ledéveloppement de la glande SM et augmente sélectivement la préférence au sucré des malesimmatures mais pas des adultes ; l’analyse moléculaire révèle une action sélective sur lesfonctions exocrines corrélée à celle sur les préférences, ainsi qu’une action sur les fonctionsendocrines (facteurs de croissances) qui s’inverse avec l’âge. L’exposition à partir du sevrageperturbe seulement les mâles qui présentent des altérations des structures sécrétrices coupléesà des modifications d’expression des récepteurs hormonaux et facteurs de croissance, maisaussi au taux sérique de l’EGF.Cette étude identifie la glande submandibulaire comme cible de perturbateurs endocriniens etpose la question des conséquences physiologiques à terme / The salivary glands are mixed glands: saliva (exocrine product) is involved inmaintaining oral homeostasis whereas endocrine secretions (eg growth factors) have aphysiological role (gametogenesis, osteogenesis, hypertension ..). In mammals, they displaysexual dimorphism suggesting a possible susceptibility to xeno-hormones.This manuscript presents the action of genistein (phytoestrogen) and/or vinclozolin (antiandrogenic)on the submandibular gland (SM) rats when performing an early exposure via themother (pregnancy, lactation) or an exposure during the growth period (from weaning toadulthood). The SM glands, collected at immature and young adult ages, have been analyzedaccording histological aspect and expression of molecular markers of endocrine and exocrinefunctions associated with gustatory process. The early exposure disrupted the development ofthe SM gland and selectively increases the sweet preference in immature males but not inadults; molecular analysis reveals a selective action on exocrine functions related to the sweetpreferences and also an action on endocrine functions (growth factors) which reverses withage. Exposure from weaning disrupts only the male salivary glands with alterations insecretory structures coupled with changes in expression of both, sex-hormone receptors andgrowth factors, but also in serum EGF.This study identifies the submandibular gland as a target for endocrine disruptors and raisesthe question of the further physiological consequences

A identidade na segmentação do corpo de diversos organismos, durante o desenvolvimento, é devida, em grande parte, à ação das proteínas homeóticas. Em especial, dois grupos de proteínas, Trithorax (trxG) e Polycomb (PcG) têm um papel fundamental na manutenção, respectivamente, da ativação e da repressão da transcrição gênica, associando-se à cromatina. A importância das PcG nos estimulou a buscar a caracterização das proteínas humanas ortólogas ao \"Enhancer of Polycomb\" (Epc) de Drosophila, até então não descritas no genoma humano. Para tanto, buscamos: - obter a sequência completa e mapear o cDNA do novo gene humano homólogo ao \"Enhancer of Polycomb\" de Drosophila; - analisar sua expressão em tecidos fetais, adultos e tumorais e fazer estudos buscando sua caracterização funcional. Encontramos, mapeamos e obtivemos a seqüência completa de dois genes humanos, ortólogos de Epc1 (10p11-22) e de Epc2 (2q21-23) de camundongo, publicando estes dados em 2001 (Camargo et al., 2001). Ambos os genes são bastante conservados entre várias espécies, sendo que o cDNA de hEPC2 humano, por exemplo, é 94% idêntico ao Epc2 de camundongo e possui 96% de identidade ao nível de proteína, sugerindo que a função do gene deve ter sido mantida durante a evolução. No entanto, as seqüências protéicas de hEPC1 e hEPC2 humanos possuem apenas 68% de identidade entre si. Portanto, é provável que após a duplicação dos parálogos, estes tenham divergido funcionalmente. A expressão de ambos os genes foi avaliada utilizando \"dot-blots\" contendo 76 mRNAs de amostras de tecidos fetais, adultos e tumorais, mostrando-se fraca e ubíqua. Análises in silico sugeriram a existência de 4 isoformas de splicing para hEPC2, as quais foram validadas por RT-PCR ou \"Northern blots\". Uma das isoformas (de 2.7 Kpb) se mostrou mais abundante em todas as linhagens tumorais estudadas através de análises de \"Northern blot\", principalmente nas linhagens de linfoma de Burkitt\'s Raji e na linhagem de leucemia pró-mielocítica HL-60. Esta isoforma é gerada através de um sítio alternativo de poli-adenilação, que reduz sua porção 3\'UTR, retirando 4 dos 5 \"elementos ricos em adenilatos e uridilatos\" (AREs), envolvidos com a degradação de mRNAs lábeis que codificam proteínas regulatórias. Estes resultados se encontram em um manuscrito recentemente submetido à publicação (anexo à tese). Interação entre hEPC2 e SMADs e sua modulação por TGF-&#946;. Durante a montagem da seqüência completa de hEPC2, verificamos que duas ESTs patenteadas mostravam alta identidade com o gene. Estas seqüências foram descritas como sendo parte de uma nova proteína de interação com as proteínas da família SMAD, envolvidas com transdução de sinais desencadeados por TGF-&#946;. Esta citocina por sua vez, regula a proliferação, diferenciação e morte celular. Partimos para a avaliação da possível interação entre hEPC2 e as SMADs, em colaboração com o grupo do Dr. Aristidis Moustakas, do Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research de Uppsala, Suécia. Os resultados de co-imunoprecipitação sugeriram que as SMADs 2, 3, 4, 7 e 8 interagem com hEPC2, sendo que a interação entre as SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4 e hEPC2 nas células tratadas com TGF-&#946;1, mostraram uma redução na co-imunoprecipitação. Este resultado sugere que TGF-&#946;1 modula negativamente a interação entre essas proteínas. Da mesma maneira, foi observada uma redução na interação de hEPC2 com SMAD8 após o tratamento com BMP-7. Esse resultado é ainda mais destacado para as SMADs 2 e 3. Estes dados foram observados para ambas as construções de hEPC2, o que sugere fortemente a veracidade da interação entre estas proteínas. A localização celular de hEPC2, e também sua co-localização com SMAD2 foram investigadas através de imunofluorescência indireta e confirmaram a predição do programa PSORTII, de que hEPC2 se localiza no núcleo. No entanto, não foi possível observar a co-localização entre hEPC2 e SMAD2. É possível que hEPC2 não se ligue diretamente ao DNA, necessitando se associar como parceiro de um fator de transcrição. Esta foi uma das hipóteses para a atuação de hEPC2, como um co-fator que se associe com uma das SMADs e se ligue a um elemento específico de ligação a SMAD (SBE). Para investigar essa hipótese um ensaio de gene repórter foi feito utilizando uma construção de um repórter contendo 12 repetições da seqüência CAGA (seqüência específica de ligação das SMADs 2,3 e 4) fusionado com o gene da luciferase. No entanto, este ensaio não demonstrou que a transcrição de SMAD2 é dependente de hEPC2 e o experimento deverá ser repetido. Para confirmar a interação entre hEPC2 e as SMADs, será feito um experimento de \"pull-down\". Para tal o cDNA de hEPC2 foi clonado no vetor pET-32A de expressão indutível em bactérias. A proteína recombinante já foi produzida, tendo sido induzida e posteriormente purificada em condições desnaturantes. Apesar de dezenas de genes PcG terem sido caracterizados em Drosophila, poucos destes genes foram estudados em mamíferos. Portanto, a descrição do gene hEPC2 e seus transcritos alternativos, contribui para o conhecimento de PcG humanos, indicando a associação de maior expressão de uma de suas isoformas em linhagens celulares tumorais. Em relação à interação de hEPC2 com as SMADs, é interessante observar que nenhuma outra proteína foi descrita por possuir a particularidade de interagir com as SMADs de diferentes categorias. Talvez este seja um dado importante, que indique o papel singular de hEPC2 na sinalização de TGF-&#946;1. / The identity of body segmentation in several organisms during development is, to a large extent, due to the action of the homeotic proteins. In particular, two groups of proteins, the Trithorax (trxG) and Polycomb (PcG), have a major role in maintenance of respectively, transcription activation and repression, when associated to the chromatin. The importance of PcGs has motivated us to pursue the isolation and characterization of two new human proteins that are orthologs of the \"Enhancer of Polycomb\" (Epc) of Drosophila. To achieve this goal we undertook the task of the cloning and mapping of complete cDNA sequence of the novel genes hEPC1 and hEPC2, analyzing its expression in fetal, adult and tumoral tissues and functionally characterizing the hEPC2 protein. In 2001, we published the mapping and cloning of the complete cDNA sequences of both genes, as being orthologs of the mouse Epc1 (10p11-22) and Epc2 (2q21-23), together with the strategy used to obtain the full-length cDNAs (Camargo et al., 2001). Both genes are shown to be highly conserved among several species. Thus, the human hEPC2 cDNA is 94% identical to the mouse Epc2 and displays 96% identity at the protein level, suggesting maintenance of its function during the evolution. However, the protein sequences of the human hEPC1 and hEPC2 display only 68% identity. Therefore, it is likely that they have undergone a functional divergence after their duplication. The expression of both genes was evaluated using \"dot-blots\" containing 76 mRNAs samples from fetal, adult and tumoral tissues and is shown to be weak and ubiquitous. \"In silico\" analysis suggested the existence of 4 hEPC2 splicing isoforms that were validated by RT-PCR and/or Northern-blots. One of the isoforms (of 2.7 Kbp) is shown to be more abundant in all of the tumoral cell lines evaluated using Northern-blot analysis, mainly in the Burkit\'s Raji lymphoma and in the promyelocytic leukemia HL-60. This isoform results from the use of an alternative polyadenylation site that reduces the 3\'UTR, abolishing 4 of 5 \"adenylates and urilates rich elements\" (AREs), involved in the degradation of labile mRNAs that codify to regulatory proteins. These results have been recently submitted to publication (manuscript attached to this thesis). Interaction between the hEPC2/SMADs and its modulation by TGF-&#946;. During the assembly of the hEPC2 full-length cDNA sequence, we found two patented ESTs that tagged a portion of the gene. These sequences were described as partial sequences of a \"new SMAD interacting protein\", involved in signal transduction of TGF-&#946;, a cytokine that regulates cell proliferation, differentiation and death. To evaluate this putative interaction between hEPC2 and the SMADs proteins, we begun a collaboration with the TGF-&#946; signalling group of the Dr. Aristidis Moustakas, from the Uppsala Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Sweden. The results of co-imunoprecipitation assays suggested that SMADs 2, 3, 4, 7 e 8 interact with hEPC2. Moreover, the interaction among SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4 and hEPC2 in cells treated with TGF-&#946;1 showed decreased co-imunoprecipitation. This result suggests that TGF-&#946;1 negatively modulates the interaction of these proteins. Likewise, we observed a reduction in hEPC2 interaction with SMAD8 upon BMP-7 treatment. This effect was even more dramatic for SMADs 2 and 3. These data were observed for both hEPC2 plasmid constructs, which strongly suggest the veracity of these proteins interaction. The cell localization of the hEPC2 protein, as well as its co-localization with the SMAD2, were investigated through indirect immunofluorescence assay, confirming the predicted localization of hEPC2 in the cell nucleus using the PSORTII program. However, we were not able to confirm the co-localization of hEPC2 and SMAD2. It is possible that hEPC2 does not bind directly to the DNA, requiring an association with a partner such as a transcription factor. This raises the hypothesis of hEPC2 having a role as a co-factor associated to one of the SMADs and binding to a \"SMAD binding element\" (SBE). To investigate this hypothesis, gene reporter assays were undertaken using a reporter construct containing 12 CAGA sequence repetitions (specific binding sequence of the SMADs 2, 3 and 4) fused to the luciferase gene. However, this assay could not demonstrate that the transcription of the SMAD is dependent on hEPC2. This experiment must be repeated. To confirm the interaction of hEPC2 and SMADs, a pull-down assay will be performed. To this end, the coding region of hEPC2 was cloned into the pET-32A bacterial inducible expression vector. The recombinant protein was already produced, having been induced and purified under denaturing conditions. Despite the dozens of PcG genes that were described in Drosophila, only a few of these genes have been characterized in mammals. Therefore, the description of the hEPC2 and its alternative transcripts is a contribution to better knowledge of the human PcGs. Regarding the hEPC2 and SMADs interaction, it\'s it is noteworthy that this is the first protein described to interact with SMADs of distinct categories. This may be an important indication of a unique role for hEPC2 in the TGF-&#946;1 signaling pathway.