Native states of globular proteins typically show stabilization in the range of 5 to 15 kcal/mol with respect to their unfolded states. There has been a considerable progress in the area of protein stability and folding in recent years, but increasing protein stability through rationally designed mutations has remained a challenging task. Current ability to predict protein structure from the amino acid sequence is also limited due to the lack of quantitative understanding of various factors that defines the single lowest energy fold or native state. The most important factors, which are considered primarily responsible for the structure and stability of the biological active form of proteins, are hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions such as salt bridges as well as packing interactions. Several studies have been carried out to decipher the importance of each these factors in protein stability and structure via rationally designed mutant proteins. The limited success of previous studies emphasizes the need for comprehensive studies on various aspect of protein stability. An integrated approach involving thermodynamic and structural analysis of a protein is very useful in understanding this particular phenomenon. This approach is very useful in relating the thermodynamic stability with the structure of a protein. A survey of the current literature on thermodynamic stability of protein indicates that the majority of the model proteins which have been used for understanding the determinants of protein stability are small, monomeric, single domain globular proteins like RNase A, Lysozyme and Myoglobin. On the other hand large proteins often show complex unfolding transition profiles that are rarely reversible. The major part of this thesis is focused on studying potential stabilizing/destabilizing interactions in small and large globular proteins. These interactions have been identified and characterized by exploring the effects of various rationally designed mutations on protein stability. Spectroscopic, molecular biological and calorimetric techniques were employed to understand the relationships between protein sequence, structure and stability. The experimental systems used are Leucine binding proteins, Leucine isoleucine valine binding protein (LIVBP), Maltose binding protein (MBP), Ribose binding protein (RBP) and Thioredoxin (Trx). The last section of the thesis discusses thermodynamic properties of molten globule states of the periplasmic protein LBP, LIVBP, MBP and RBP. The amino acid Pro is unique among all the twenty naturally occurring amino acids. In the case of proline, the Cδ of the side chain is covalently linked with the main chain nitrogen atom in a five membered ring. Therefore, Pro lacks amide hydrogen and it is not able to form a main chain hydrogen bond with a carbonyl oxygen. Hence Pro is typically not found in the hydrogen bonded, interior region of α-helix. There have been several studies which showed that introduction of the Pro residue into the interior of an α-helix is destabilizing. Although, it is not common to find Pro residue in the interiors of an α-helix, it has been reported that it occurs with appreciable frequency (14%). The thermodynamic effects of replacements of Pro residue in helix interiors of MBP were investigated in Chapter 2 of this thesis. Unlike many other small proteins, MBP contains 21 Pro residues distributed throughout the structure. It contains three residues in the interiors of α-helices, at positions 48, 133 and 159. These Pro residues were replaced with an alanine and serine amino acids using site directed mutagenesis. Stabilities of all the mutant and wild type proteins have been studied via isothermal chemical denaturation at pH 7.4 and thermal denaturation as a function of pH ranging from pH 6.5 to 10.4. It has been observed that replacement of a proline residue in the middle of an α-helix does not always stabilize a protein. It can be stabilizing if the carbonyl oxygen of residue (i-3) or (i-4) is well positioned to form a hydrogen bond with the ith (mutated) residue and the position of mutation is not buried or conserved in the protein. Partially exposed position have the ability to form main chain hydrogen bonds and Ala seems to be a better choice to substitute Pro than Ser. Unlike other amino acids, the pyrolidine ring of Pro residue imposes rigid constraints on the rotation about the N---Cα bond in the peptide backbone. This causes conformational restriction of the φ dihedral angle of Pro to -63±15º in polypeptides. Therefore, introduction of a rigid Pro residue into an appropriate position in a protein sequence is expected to decrease the conformational entropy of the denatured state and consequently lead to protein stabilization. In Chapter 3 of this thesis, the thermodynamic effects of Pro introduction on protein stability has been investigated in LIVBP, MBP, RBP and Trx. Thirteen single and two double mutants have been generated in the above four proteins. Three of the MBP mutants were characterized by X-ray crystallography to confirm that no structural changes had occurred upon mutation. In the remaining cases, CD spectroscopy was used to show the absence of structural changes. Stability of all the mutant and wild type proteins was studied via isothermal chemical denaturation at neutral pH and thermal denaturation as a function of pH. The mutants did not show enhanced stability with respect to chemical denaturation at room temperature. However, six of the thirteen single mutants showed a small but significant increase in the free energy of thermal unfolding in the range of 0.3-2.4 kcal/mol, two mutants showed no change and five were destabilized. In five of the six cases, the stabilization was because of a reduced entropy of unfolding. Two double mutants were constructed. In both cases, the effects of the single mutations on the free energy of thermal unfolding were non-additive. In addition to the hydrogen bond, hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, other interactions like cation-π and aromatic-aromatic interactions etc. are also considered to make important contributions to protein stability. The relevance of cation-π interaction in biological systems has been recognized in recent years. It has been reported that positively charged amino acids (Lys, Arg and His) are often located within 6 Å of the ring centroids of aromatic amino acids (Phe, Tyr and Trp). The importance of cation-π interaction in protein stability has been suggested by previous theoretical and experimental studies. We have attempted to determine the magnitude of cation-π interactions of Lys with aromatic amino acids in four different proteins (LIVBP, MBP, RBP and Trx) in Chapter 4 of the thesis. Cation-π pairs have been identified by using the program CaPTURE. We have found thirteen cation-π pairs in five different proteins (PDB ID’s 2liv, 1omp, 1anf, 1urp and 2trx). Five cation-π pairs were selected for the study. In each pair, Lys was replaced with Gln and Met. In a separate series of experiments, the aromatic amino acid in each cation-π pair was replaced by Leu. Stabilities of wild type (WT) and mutant proteins were characterized by similar methods, to those discussed in previous chapters. Gln and Aromatic → Leu mutants were consistently less stable than the corresponding Met mutants reflecting the non-isosteric nature of these substitutions. The strength of the cation-π interaction was assessed by the value of the change in the free energy of unfolding (ΔΔG0=ΔG0 (Met) - ΔG0(WT)). This ranged from +1.1 to –1.9 kcal/mol (average value – 0.4 kcal/mol) at 298 K and +0.7 to –2.6 kcal/mol (average value –1.1 kcal/mol) at the Tm of each WT. It therefore appears that the strength of cation-π interactions increases with temperature. In addition, the experimentally measured values are appreciably smaller in magnitude than the calculated values with an average difference |ΔG0expt -ΔG0calc|avg of 2.9 kcal/mol. At room temperature, the data indicate that cation-π interactions are at best weakly stabilizing and in some cases are clearly destabilizing. However at elevated temperatures, close to typical Tm’s, cation-π interactions are generally stabilizing. In Chapter 5, we have attempted to characterize molten globule states for the periplasmic proteins LBP, LIVBP, MBP and RBP. It was observed that all these proteins form molten globule states at acidic pH (3 - 3.4). All these molten globule states showed cooperative thermal transitions and bound with their ligand comparable to (LBP and LIVBP) or with lower (MBP and RBP) affinity than the corresponding native states. Trp, ANS fluorescence and near-UV CD spectra for ligand bound and free forms of molten globule states were found to be very similar. This shows that molten globule states of these proteins have the ability to bind to their corresponding ligand without conversion to the native state. All four molten globule states showed destabilization relative to the native state. ΔCp values indicate that these molten globule states contain approximately 29-67% of tertiary structure relative to the native state. All four proteins lack prosthetic groups and disulfide bonds. Therefore, it is likely that molten globule states of these proteins are stabilized via hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions.

Chapter 1gives a general introduction to the CXXC motif found in natural proteins. It then reviews the studies where disulphides were engineered in various proteins. The various strategies developed to engineer metal binding activity and redox activity are described. The objectives behind engineering the CXXC motif into a protein, such as imparting it novel metal-binding and redox activities, are discussed next. Alternative strategies which achieve the same objectives are described as well. This chapter then introduces the model proteins used in the course of this thesis: maltose-binding protein (MBP) and E. coli. Thioredoxin (Trx). This chapter also briefly discusses the role of signal peptide in protein export. Chapter 2describes the experimental studies and their results in which we introduced the widely occurring cysteine motif CXXC into the maltose binding protein (one-at-a-time, in five alpha-helices, at the N-termini) to test three hypotheses: 1) Does a disulphide bond form at the N-terminus? 2) Does the protein acquire any oxido-reductase activity? 3) Does it acquire new metal-binding properties? The results confirmed: 1) Each cysteine pair forms a stable intrahelical disulphide bond under non-reducing conditions. 2) The five mutant proteins acquire considerable oxidoreductase activity, tested by the insulin aggregation assay. 3) The mutants acquire novel metal-binding properties for Ni2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+ upon reduction. Further, introducing the CXXC motif neither destabilizes the protein nor affects its global structure. Our results demonstrated that introduction of CXXC motifs can be used to probe alpha-helix start sites and to introduce oxidoreductase and metal binding functionality into proteins. Chapter 3describes further experimentson a few of the metal ion binding mutants discussed in the previous chapter. We explore the effect and usefulness of reducing agents (DTT and TCEP) on the binding of metal salts to the CXXC mutants. We also studied the explore of metal salts on the thermal stability of the mutants and show that metal ions bind to the CXXC motif even when the protein is in the unfolded state. The chapter describes the use of an immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) based method for the purification of MBP mutants.Yields ranging from 60-85% were obtained for thethree MBP mutants. The cysteines were located at different positions in thesethree MBP mutants (MBP 42-45 Cys, MBP 128-131 Cys, and MBP 359-359 Cys mutants). The yields for wild-type MBP, a single cysteine mutant (MBP S211C), a double cysteine mutant (MBP 230, 30) were all below 15%. Chapter 3 also reports a new crystal structure of the MBP356-359 mutant in ligand bound form:it crystallizes as an intermolecular dimer, bonded by two disulfides formed by the cysteines of the CXXC motif. Chapter 4describes the effects of inserting signal peptide sequences on protein folding and expression. We fused the malE and pelB signal sequences at the N-terminus of the model protein thioredoxin and observed that the wild-type and pelB fusion constructs are soluble when expressed, but the malE construct was targeted to inclusion bodies. Nonetheless, it could be refolded in vitro to yield a monomeric product with a secondary structure identical to the wild-type thioredoxin. This chapter also details the thermodynamic stability, aggregation propensity and activity of the purified recombinant proteins in comparison with the wild-type thioredoxin. The presence of the signal sequences reduces the thermodynamic stability and activity of the recombinants and increases their aggregation propensity, with malE having much larger effects than pelB. These studies show that besides acting as address labels, different signal sequences affect protein stability and aggregation differently. Chapter 5describes three different strategies to label a protein at different sites with cysteine-specific fluorophores using MBP as the model. The first strategy exploits the differential accessibility of residues within MBP in its maltose-bound and maltose-free states. The second strategy involves insertion of a 14-amino-acid loop called V3 from the HIV gp120 protein into MBP; anti-V3 antibodies shield the cysteine residue present inside the inserted loop, while we label another cysteine present outside the loop. In the third strategy, we introduce a third cysteine residue onto the background of the MBP mutant already containing a disulphide bridge at the N-terminus of one of its helices (discussed in Chapter 2). We label the third, free cysteine while the cysteines involved in the disulphide bridge remain protected. We observed successful differential labelling using the first strategy and also observed FRET between the fluorophore labels. Similarly, after trying the second strategy we could individually label all the mutants except one. The third strategy based on the triple-cysteine mutant was not successful because the fluorophore we chose (DBM) did not show site specificity and instead labelled all three cysteines. In addition, the triple-cysteine mutant did not even show disulphide-bridge formation.We showed that indeed the V3 loop inserted in MBP binds anti-V3 antibodies and we could individually label all the mutants expect D41C. The third strategy was not successful because unfortunately in the triple cysteine mutant, the fluorophore we chose (DBM) did not show site specificity and labeled all three cysteines. In addition, the disulfide bridge was not found to be present in the triple cysteine mutant. Chapter 6discusses the synthesis, characterization and binding of various maltolipids, (and their corresponding maltose-free controls) to MBP. The maltolipids were synthesised with varying linker lengths and anchor- & head-groups and then used to prepare liposomes and micelles. Although both liposomal and micellar forms could bind to MBP, only the micelles were screened subsequently for their ability to bind to MBP. The binding was assessed using various techniques such as fluorescence spectroscopy, gel filtration and thermal stability assay. We screened the maltolipids and determined how their anchor group, linker length and charge on the head group influences the binding of MBP to micelles formed by these maltolipids.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / The diphenyl ditelluride (PhTe)2 is one of the most toxic organic compounds of tellurium which can make their use unsafe. The mechanism(s) involved in (PhTe)2 toxicity is(are) elusive, but thiol oxidation of critical proteins are important targets. Consequently, the possible remedy of its toxicity by thiol-containing compounds is of experimental and clinical interest. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of in vivo exposure to (PhTe)2 from oxidative stress biomarkers and behavioral parameters in adult mice and the possible protective effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC). They evaluated parameters of oxidative stress and behavior in mice. In order to alleviate the toxicity, NAC was administered before (3 days) and simultaneously (PhTe)2 (7 days). Mice were separated into six groups receiving daily injections of (1) Potassium phosphate buffer (TFK) (2.5 ml/kg, intraperitonealy (i.p.)) plus canola oil (10 ml/kg, subcutaneously (s.c.)), (2) NAC (100 mg/kg, i.p.) plus canola oil s.c., (3) TFK i.p. plus (PhTe)2 (10 μmol/kg, s.c.), (4) TFK i.p. plus (PhTe)2 (50 μmol/kg, s.c.), (5) NAC plus (PhTe)2 (10 μmol/kg, s.c.), and (6) NAC plus (PhTe)2 (50 μmol/kg, s.c.). Treatment with (PhtE) started on day 2 of treatment with NAC. The results demonstrate that (PhTe)2 induced behavioral changes in locomotor activity at a concentration of 50 μmol/kg and NAC did not change the effect of (PhTe)2. Motor coordination and lift the bar were compromised and both showed severe motor abnormalities in test animals independent of concentration of (PhTe)2 . The (PhTe)2 also inhibited important selenoenzymes, thioredoxin reductase (at concentrations of 10 μmol/kg and 50 μmol/kg) and glutathione peroxidase (at concentration of 10 μmol/kg) but produced little or no effect on the antioxidant activity of catalase and glutathione reductase. Contrary to expectation, the co-administration of NAC did not protect against deleterious effects (PhTe)2. It was possible to establish high sensitivity of brain tissue compared to the damage (PhTe)2. Other low molecular weight thiols must be investigated to determine whether they may or may not be effective against ditellurides. / O ditelureto de difenila (PhTe)2 é um dos compostos orgânicos de telúrio mais tóxicos, o que pode tornar seu emprego pouco seguro. O mecanismo envolvido na toxicidade do (PhTe)2 ainda é incerto, mas a oxidação de tióis em proteínas são alvos importantes. A partir disso, compostos contendo tiol possívelmente poderiam solucionar ou minimizar a sua toxicidade. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a toxicidade da exposição in vivo ao (PhTe)2 a partir de biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo e parâmetros comportamentais em camundongos adultos e o possível efeito protetor da N-acetilcisteína (NAC). Foram avaliados parâmetros de estresse oxidativo e comportamentais em camundongos. A fim de mitigar a toxicidade, foi administrado NAC antes (3 dias) e, simultaneamente ao (PhTe)2 (7 dias). Os camundongos foram separados em seis grupos que receberam injeções diárias de (1) Tampão fosfato de potássio (TFK) (2.5 ml/kg, intraperitonealmente (i.p.)) mais óleo de canola (10 ml/kg, subcutaneamente (s.c.)), (2) NAC (100 mg/kg, i.p.) mais óleo de canola s.c., (3) TFK i.p. mais (PhTe)2 (10 μmol/kg, s.c.), (4) TFK i.p. mais (PhTe)2 (50 μmol/kg, s.c.), (5) NAC mais (PhTe)2 (10 μmol/kg, s.c.), e (6) NAC mais (PhTe)2 (50 μmol/kg, s.c.). O tratamento com (PhTe)2 começou no quarto dia de tratamento com NAC. Os resultados demonstram que (PhTe)2 induziu alterações comportamentais na atividade locomotora na concentração de 50 μmol/kg e a NAC não modificou o efeito do (PhTe)2. A coordenação motora e a força de sustentação na barra foram comprometidas e ambas revelaram alterações motoras graves nos animais testados independente da concentração de (PhTe)2. O (PhTe)2 também inibiu selenoenzimas importantes, tiorredoxina redutase (nas concentrações de 10 μmol/kg e 50 μmol/kg) e glutationa peroxidase (na concentração de 10 μmol/kg), mas produziu mínimo ou nenhum efeito sobre a atividade antioxidante da catalase e glutationa redutase. Contrariamente ao esperado, a co-administração com NAC não protegeu contra os efeitos deletérios do (PhTe)2. Foi possível estabelecer grande sensibilidade do tecido cerebral frente aos danos causados pelo (PhTe)2. Outros tióis de baixo peso molecular devem ser investigados para determinar se eles podem ou não ser eficazes contra diteluretos.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-17T18:39:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 4644.pdf: 10384990 bytes, checksum: c8ab8c109d1671b477c700f556bd68bc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-08-26 / Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais / The thioredoxin peroxidase (Tpx) is a group of antioxidant proteins that has been widely studied due to its role in the decomposition of different peroxides such as H2O2, peroxynitrite and organic peroxides. The ability of peroxide decomposition by Tpx is related to the presence of a conserved cysteine called peroxidatic cysteine (CysP). Most Tpx has a second cysteine (resolving cysteine - CysR) which forms a disulfide with CysP after peroxide decomposition. In addition to the peroxidase activity, some Tpx have molecular chaperone activity and are also involved in signaling of cell growth induced by hydroperoxides. It has been demonstrated that the Tpx cytosolic isoform of Schizosaccharomyces pombe is able to interact directly with MAPK (Sty1) via mixed disulfide, which is stabilized when the CysR is replaced by a serine residue. Saccharomyces cerevisiae have a nuclear isoform of Tpx (nTPx) and review of the literature shows the importance of this protein in maintaining the telomere silencing and decomposition of organic peroxides in the nucleus. Scale proteomic studies using mass spectrometry and two-hybrid indicate the nTPx association with MAP kinases. However, despite its location and participation in biological processes of relevance, works related to nTPx are scarce. Scale proteomics studies reported the physical interaction between nTPx and Mec3, Gts1, Pc1 and Dog2. These proteins are related to cell signaling or maintenance of telomeric silencing. However, no specific studies were performed to confirm these interactions and if they are established by mixed disulfides. This study aimed to evaluate the interactions previously described in the literature between nTPx and Mec3, Pcl1, Dog2 and Gts1 through the expression and purification of these proteins and in vitro evaluation of interactions as well as in vivo tests using two-hybrid. Several efforts were made with different approaches, nevertheless it was impossible overexpression of Mec3, Pcl1, Dog2, indicating a toxic effect of these proteins on the strains used. Furthermore, we found great success in overexpression of nTPx and nTpxC112S (8 mg and 10 mg per liter of cell culture) in Eschericchia coli strain BL21 (DE3) C43. This is the first time that these proteins were expressed in native form. It was also possible to overexpress the Gts1 protein in the same strain. These results could lead for new approaches in future studies in order to determine these threedimensional structures, by methods such as X-ray crystallography or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Finally, the results obtainedusing the technique of two-hybrid yeast confirmed the interaction in vivo among nTPx and Mec3, Gts1, Dog2. However, opposing the results described in the literature, no interaction was detected between nTPx and PCL1, emphasizing the necessity of specific experiments in addition to the large-scale ones. / As tiorredoxinas peroxidases (TPx), constituem um grupo de proteínas antioxidantes que vêm sendo bastante estudadas pela sua atuação na decomposição de diversos tipos peróxidos, como o H2O2, peroxinitritos e peróxidos orgânicos. A capacidade de decomposição de peróxidos pelas TPx está relacionada a presença de uma cisteína conservada denominada de cisteína peroxidásica (CysP). A maioria das TPx possuem uma segunda cisteína (cisteína de resolução - CysR) a qual forma um dissulfeto com CysP após a decomposição de um peróxido. Adicionalmente, à atividade peroxidásica, algumas TPx possuem atividade de chaperona molecular e também estão envolvidas em processos de sinalização de crescimento celular induzidos por hidroperóxidos. Já foi demonstrado que a isoforma citosólica de TPx de Schizosaccharomyces pombe é capaz de interagir diretamente com uma MAPK (Sty1) através da formação de um dissulfeto misto entre as proteínas, que é estabilizado quando a CysR é substituída por um resíduo de serina. Entretanto, nenhuma interação deste tipo foi descrita para outros organismos. Em Saccharomyces cerevisiae ocorre uma isoforma de TPx no núcleo (nTPx) e a revisão da literatura demonstra a relevância desta proteína na manutenção do silenciamento dos telômeros e decomposição de peróxidos orgânicos no núcleo. Estudos em escala proteômica utilizando espectrometria de massa e duplo híbrido indicam a associação de nTPx com MAP quinases, entretanto, apesar de sua localização e participação em processos biológicos de relevância, trabalhos relacionados com nTPx são escassos. Estudos em escala proteômica relataram a interação física entre nTPx e as proteínas Mec3, Gts1, Pcl1 e Dog2 relacionadas a sinalização celular ou manutenção do silenciamento telomérico. No entanto, não foram efetuados estudos pontuais visando confirmar estas interações como também averiguar a possibilidade das interações entre nTPx e as proteínas supracitadas serem estabelecidas através de dissulfetos mistos. Este trabalho teve por objetivo a avaliação de interações previamente descritas na literatura entre nTPx e Mec3, Pcl1 e Dog2 por meio da expressão e purificação destas proteínas e avaliação in vitro de interações como também in vivo através de ensaios de duplo híbrido. Diversos esforços com diferentes abordagens foram efetuados, entretanto não foi possível a superexpressão de Mec3, Pcl1, Dog2, indicando um efeito tóxico destas proteínas sobre as linhagens utilizadas. Por outro lado, obtivemos grande sucesso na superexpressão de nTPx e nTpxC112S (8 mg e 10 mg por litro de cultura de células) em linhagens de Eschericchia coli BL21 (DE3) C43, o que representa a primeira vez que estas proteínas foram expressas sem trucamentos. Também foi possível expressar na mesma linhagem a proteína Gts1. Estes resultados abrem a possibilidade de estudos posteriores visando a determinação de suas estruturas tridimensionais, por metodologias como cristalografia de raios-X ou ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN). Por fim, os resultados de interação in vivo utilizando a técnica de duplo híbrido em levedura, confirmaram a interação entre nTPx e Mec3, Gts1 e Dog2. Entretanto ao contrario dos resultados descritos na literatura, não foi detectada interação entre nTPx e Pcl1, reforçando que experimentos pontuais são necessários em adição aos experimentos de larga escala.

INTRODUÇÃO: evidências sugerem a participação de fatores genéticos na susceptibilidade para o desenvolvimento das complicações renais em pacientes portadores de diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1). Vários genes relacionados às vias bioquímicas induzidas pela hiperglicemia têm sido investigados e o estresse oxidativo foi reconhecido como o principal mecanismo patogênico responsável pelo dano celular causado pela hiperglicemia no DM. Assim, genes que codificam enzimas que participam de vias antioxidantes endógenas são candidatos a conferirem susceptibilidade, ou proteção, contra as complicações renais. Os sistemas da glutationa, glutarredoxina, tiorredoxina e a enzima transcetolase são importantes mecanismos de defesa celular contra o estresse oxidativo. OBJETIVOS: avaliar a associação entre os seguintes polimorfismos de um único nucleotídeo (SNP) e a doença renal em pacientes diabéticos tipo 1: -2030 T/G (rs34071297) e +718C/T (rs713041) no gene que codifica a glutationa peroxidase 4 (GPX4); -3310 G/C (rs10427424) no gene que codifica a glutationa sintetase (GSS); -247 A/G (rs2978668) no gene que codifica a glutationa redutase (GSR); -2763 A/G (rs6556885) no gene que codifica a glutarredoxina (GLRX); -224 T/A (rs2301242) no gene que codifica a tiorredoxina (TXN); +402 T/C (rs7211) no gene que codifica a proteína de interação com a tiorredoxina (TXNIP); -192 G/A (rs3788319) no gene que codifica a tiorredoxina redutase 2 (TXNRD2) e -3787 T/G (rs7637934) e -1410 T/C (rs11130365) no gene que codifica a transcetolase (TKT). CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: 443 pacientes (192 do sexo masculino e 251 do sexo feminino) com DM1 com mais de 10 anos de diagnóstico foram classificados conforme a presença ou ausência das seguintes complicações: (1) nefropatia diabética franca (ND), definida por macroalbuminúria a proteinúria persistente; (2) nefropatia diabética estabelecida (NDE), definida por macroalbuminúria a proteinúria persistente ou RFGe < 60 mL/min/1,73 m2 ou pacientes em terapia de substituição renal e (3) ritmo de filtração glomerular estimado (RFGe) ou < que 60 mL/min/1,73 m2. O teste de Pearson 2 foi usado para comparar as frequências dos genótipos e a magnitude de associação foi estimada pelo cálculo do odds ratios (OR). A OR ajustada foi estimada por regressão logística para possíveis fatores de confusão (sexo, idade ao diagnóstico, tempo de diabetes, HbA1c, concentrações plasmáticas de colesterol e triglicérides e presença de hipertensão arterial). Pacientes controle não diabéticos também foram incluídos para avaliar se os SNPs não confeririam susceptibilidade para o DM1. RESULTADOS: A presença de pelo menos um alelo T do polimorfismo +718C/T no gene GPX4 conferiu proteção para a presença de ND estabelecida (OR=0,41; IC 95% 0,19-0,83, p= 0,0146) e ND franca (OR=0,37; IC 95% 0,15- 0,85; p= 0,021) na população masculina mesmo após ajuste para os fatores de confusão e a presença de dois alelos polimórficos A no polimorfismo -224 T/A no gene TXN conferiu risco para a presença de ND franca na população feminina após ajuste para os fatores de confusão (OR= 4,06; IC 95% 1,59-10,6, p= 0,0035). O genótipo TT para o SNP +402 T/C do gene da TXNIP foi mais frequente nos pacientes portadores de DM1 em relação aos controles não diabéticos. O genótipo CC do SNP TXNIP +402 T/C conferiu proteção para a presença de ND estabelecida em homens mesmo após ajuste para os fatores de confusão (OR=0,45; IC 95% 0,22-0,91; p= 0,02). CONCLUSÕES: Os SNPs +718C/T (rs713041) no gene GPX4, -224 T/A (rs2301242) no gene TXN e +402 T/C (rs7211) no gene TXNIP, modulam o risco para o comprometimento renal na população de portadores de DM1 estudada / INTRODUCTION: there is evidence suggesting that genetic factors are involved in the susceptibility to the development of renal complications in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). Several genes related to the mechanisms of hyperglycemia-induced cell damage have been investigated. Oxidative stress is recognized as a major pathogenic factor of cellular damage caused by hyperglycemia. Thus, genes that encode enzymes involved in endogenous antioxidant pathways may be candidates for conferring risk or protection against renal complications. The glutathione, glutaredoxin, and thioredoxin systems and transketolase enzyme are important mechanisms of cellular defense against oxidative stress. OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the association between the following single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and renal disease in type 1 diabetic patients: -2030 T/G (rs34071297) and +718C/T (rs713041) in the gene encoding glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4); -3310 G/C (rs10427424) in the gene encoding glutathione synthetase (GSS); -247 A/G (rs2978668) in the gene encoding glutathione reductase (GSR); -2763 A/G (rs6556885) in the gene encoding glutaredoxin (GLRX); -224 T/A (rs2301242) in the gene encoding thioredoxin (TXN); +402 T/C (rs7211) in gene encoding thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP); -192 G/A (rs3788319) in the gene encoding thioredoxin reductase 2 (TXNRD2); - 3787 T/G (rs7637934) and -1410 T/C (rs11130365) in the gene encoding transketolase (TKT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 443 patients (192 males and 251 females) with type 1 diabetes duration > 10 years were grouped according to presence or absence of the following complications: (1) overt diabetic nephropathy (DN) defined by persistent macroalbuminuria to proteinuria; (2) established diabetic nephropathy (EDN), defined by persistent macroalbuminuria or proteinuria or estimated glomerular filtration rate (RFGe) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or patients under renal replacement therapy and (3) RFGe or < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Pearsons 2 test was performed to compare the genotype frequencies and magnitude of association was estimated using odds ratios (OR). Adjusted OR was estimated by logistic regression for possible confounders (sex, age at diagnosis, diabetes duration, HbA1C, cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and the presence of hypertension). Nondiabetic subjects were also included. RESULTS: The presence of at least one T polymorphic allele of the SNP GPX4 +718 C/T was protective against EDN (OR = 0.41, CI 95% 0.19- 0.83, p= 0.0146) and against overt DN (OR=0.37; IC 95% 0.15-0.85; p= 0.021) in the male population even after adjustment for possible confounders. The presence of two polymorphic alleles of the SNP TXN -224 T/A conferred independent risk for the presence of overt DN in the female population after adjustment for possible confounders (OR = 4.06, CI 95% 1.59- 10.6, p= 0.0035). The TT genotype for the SNP TXNIP +402 T/C was more frequent in patients with type 1 diabetes compared to nondiabetic controls. The genotype CC of the SNP TXNIP +402 T/C was protective against EDN in male population even after adjustment for possible confounders (OR=0.45; IC 95% 0.22-0.91; p= 0.02) CONCLUSIONS: The SNPs GPX4 +718C/T (rs713041), TXN -224 T/A (rs2301242) and TXNIP +402T/C (rs7211) modulate the risk for renal disease in the studied population of type 1 diabetes patients

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:16:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Lorena Cardoso Cintra.pdf: 4143916 bytes, checksum: 422ca8b39c01e66c797228b6083cedf8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-08-27 / The termodimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the etiological agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, a human systemic mycosis of high prevalence in Latin America. P. brasiliensis is exposed to oxidative stress (OS) caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the defense cells of the human host. When the invasion by pathogens occurs, the host defense system generates ROS to fight the invader. Inside the human host, P. brasiliensis is phagocytosed by macrophages, facing an extremely hostile environment due to nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide. The Trx1 is an intracellular redox protein, which participates in the maintenance of cell redox homeostasis, both in terms of OS as reducer. It is ubiquitous and is characterized by typical CXXC active site, responsible for oxidation, reduction, or isomerization of proteins disulfide bonds. In a previous work, it was isolated, characterized and cloned into expression vector pGEX-4T-3 cDNA coding for TRX1 of P. brasiliensis (accession number AY376435). The recombinant protein (recPbTRX1) was produced and partially purified and the yeast cells of P. brasiliensis showed increased expression of the gene coding for PbTRX1 in response to OS. This study aimed the heterologous expression of cDNA of a thioredoxin of the fungus P. brasiliensis in Pichia pastoris, in order to obtain it in larger amounts for their subsequent biochemical characterization and application in biotechnological processes. The P. brasiliensis thioredoxin 1 (trx1) cDNA was obtained via PCR using the plasmid pGEX-Trx1 as template and cloned into expression vector pHIL-D2 and pPIC9 (for intracellular and extracellular expression). The insertion of the interested gene in the correct orientation was verified by sequencing and the homology was observed with Trx1 P. brasiliensis. These vectors were used to transform the P. pastoris yeast strain SMD1168 with his4- genotype. The presence of the cassette s expression was confirmed in the yeast s genome. No transformants able to secrete the protein from the building with the vector pPIC9 were detected and the intracellular production was carried from the pHIL-D2 vector. / O fungo termodimórfico Paracoccidioides brasiliensis é agente etiológico da paracoccidioidomicose, uma micose sistêmica humana, com alta prevalência na América Latina. P. brasiliensis está sujeito a estresse oxidativo (EO) causado pelas espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs), produzidas pelas células de defesa do hospedeiro humano. O sistema de defesa do hospedeiro quando da invasão por patógenos gera EROs para combater este invasor. P. brasiliensis ao penetrar no hospedeiro humano é fagocitado pelos macrófagos, enfrentando um ambiente extremamente hostil devido ao oxido nítrico e peróxido de hidrogênio. A Trx1 é uma proteína redox, intracelular, que participa da manutenção da homeostase redox da célula, tanto em condições de EO quanto redutor. É ubiquitária e caracterizada pelo sítio ativo típico CXXC, responsável pela oxidação, redução, ou isomerização das pontes dissulfeto de proteínas. Em trabalho realizado anteriormente, foi isolado, caracterizado e clonado em vetor de expressão pGEX4T-3 o cDNA codificante para Trx1 de P. brasiliensis (número de acesso AY376435). A proteína recombinante (recPbTRX1) foi produzida e parcialmente purificada e as células leveduriformes de P. brasiliensis apresentaram expressão aumentada do gene codificante para Pbtrx1 em condições de EO. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo a expressão heteróloga de uma tiorredoxina do fungo P. brasiliensis em Pichia pastoris, visando sua obtenção em maior quantidade para sua a posterior caracterização bioquímica e aplicação em processos biotecnológicos. O cDNA do gene da tiorredoxina 1 (trx1) de P. brasiliensis foi obtido via PCR utilizando como molde o plasmídeo pGEX-Trx1 e clonado no vetor de expressão pHIL-D2 e pPIC9 (para expressão intracelular e extracelular). A inserção do gene de interesse na orientação correta foi verificada por seqüenciamento, apresentando homologia com a Trx1 de P. brasiliensis. Estes vetores foram utilizados para transformar a linhagem SMD1168 da levedura P. pastoris com genótipo his4-. A presença do cassete de expressão foi confirmada no genoma da levedura. Não foram detectados transformantes capazes de secretar a proteína a partir da construção com o vetor pPIC9 e a produção intracelular foi realizada a partir do vetor pHIL-D2.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:16:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 fernanda.pdf: 2058487 bytes, checksum: 8d18627071331444bbad758cdb3863e5 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-08-31 / The temperature-dependent dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the etiological agent of Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a human systemic mycosis highly prevalent in countries of Latin America. P. brasiliensis is subjected to different insults from human host, such as oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species produced by the host during the infection. Thioredoxin (TRX) is an intracellular redox protein that is required to maintain redox homeostasis in response to both reductive and oxidative stress conditions in several organisms. We report here the characterization of a 811 bp cDNA Pbtrx1, encoding a PbTRX1 of 116 amino acids, with a predicted molecular mass of 12 kDa and pI 5.2. This putative protein presented one highly conserved active site motif (WCGPC) between TRXs from several organisms. The phylogenetic analysis performed with PbTRX1 and TRXs from other organisms, putted P. brasiliensis in the fungi clade. We also performed the prediction of the secondary structure of PbTRX1 that shows a pattern characteristic of the open twisted alpha/beta, similar to TRX secondary structures described in other fungus. In order to obtain the recombinant PbTRX1, the expression construct pGEX-4T-3-trx1 was introduced into Escherichia coli cells and the expression and purification of the recombinant protein was obtained. The recPbTRX1 and PbTRX1 from yeast cells extract were found to catalyze the reduction of insulin. However the PbTRX1 from yeast cells extract treated with H2O2 showed highly insulin reduction activity than the yeast cells no treated. PbTRX1 was detected by Western blotting in the extracts from yeast cells growth and from mycelium to yeast transition. The yeast cells growth was significantly inhibited by H2O2; however the mycelium to yeast transition was little affected by this oxidant. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was employed to analysis the expression of Pbtrx1 gene in response to H2O2. The level of Pbtrx1 transcripts was higher in yeast cells treated with H2O2 than in yeast cells no treated. To realize how P. brasiliensis deals with oxidative stress is essential to understand the mechanisms involved in its survival in the host. It may be possible that PbTRX1 enhances survival of P. brasiliensis in the host, protecting the fungus against the reactive oxygen species and allowing, in this way, the progress of the infection. / O fungo termodimórfico, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, é o agente etiológico da paracoccidioidomicose (PCM), uma micose sistêmica humana, com alta prevalência na América Latina. No hospedeiro humano, o fungo P. brasiliensis está sujeito a vários insultos, tais como o estresse oxidativo causado pelas espécies reativas de oxigênio, que são produzidas pelas células de defesa do hospedeiro durante a infecção. A tiorredoxina (TRX) é proteina redox intracelular que participa da manutenção da homeostase redox da célula, tanto em condições de estresse oxidativo quanto redutor. Neste trabalho apresentamos a caracterização de um cDNA de 811 pb, designado como Pbtrx1, que codifica para uma proteína, PbTRX1, de 116 resíduos de aminoácidos com massa molecular predita de 12 kDa e pI de 5,2. PbTRX1 apresentou um motivo de sítio ativo conservado (WCGPC) entre as TRXs de vários organismos. Análise filogenética com PbTRX1 e TRXs de outros organismos colocou P. brasiliensis no clado de fungos. Foi também realizada a predição da estrutura secundária da PbTRX1, que apresentou um padrão característico formado por cadeias-&#946; que estão envolvidas por &#945;-hélices. Para obter a proteína recombinante, recPbTRX1, foi realizada a construção do pGEX-4T-3-trx1 e este foi introduzido nas células de Escherichia coli. Assim, a expressão e purificação da proteína recombinante foi obtida. A proteína recPbTRX1 e a PbTRX1, presente no extrato protéico de células leveduriformes, apresentaram atividade redutora de insulina. Entretanto, a PbTRX1 presente no extrato protéico de células leveduriformes tratadas com H2O2, mostrou maior atividade redutora de insulina quando comparada com extrato de células leveduriformes não tratadas. A PbTRX1 foi detectada, por Western blotting, em extratos de células leveduriformes em crescimento e durante a transição de micélio para levedura. O crescimento das células leveduriformes foi inibido por H2O2, entretanto a transição de micélio para levedura foi pouco afetada por este oxidante. A técnica de RT-PCR semi-quantitativo foi empregada para análise da expressão do Pbtrx1 em resposta ao H2O2. O nível de transcritos de Pbtrx1 foi maior nas células leveduriformes tratadas com H2O2 do que nas células não tratadas. Para compreender como P. brasiliensis lida com estresse oxidativo é essencial entender os mecanismos envolvidos em sua sobrevivência no hospedeiro. É possível que PbTRX1 aumente a sobrevivência de P. brasiliensis no hospedeiro, protegendo o fungo contra espécies reativas de oxigênio e, desta maneira, permitindo o progresso da infecção.

Les bactéries acidophiles du genre Acidithiobacillus joue un rôle important dans les activités industrielles de récupération des métaux au sein des sites miniers. Dans cette thèse, la séquence du génome de la bactérie psychro-tolerante Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans CF27 a été re-séquencée. L’analyse comparative du génome de CF27 et des autres bactéries du genre Acidithiobacillus a permis de montrer: (i) une synthénie conservée entre 2 clusters de tRNAs trouvés dans les génomes de At. ferrivorans CF27 et At. ferrooxidans ATCC 23270, et qui ont contribué à la redondance génique des tRNAs chez ces 2 organismes. Notre analyse in silico à grande échelle de ces clusters de tRNAs au sein des génomes procaryotes a montré que les clusters de tRNAs sont présents dans très peu de phyla bactériens; (ii) la présence d’une importante proportion de gènes spécifiques chez CF27 et SS3, ce qui indique la très grande variabilité du contenu génique dans les génomes d’Acidithiobacillus et ainsi la nature unique de chaque groupe d’espèces. L’expression de ces gènes spécifiques a été confirmée chez CF27 cultivés en présence de Fer et soufre; et (iii) une composition taxonomique chimérique des génomes de la classe des Acidithiobacillia, confirmant ainsi que ce groupe appartient à une classe taxonomique particulière. Ces résultats apporte de nouvelles connaissances sur l’adaptation de CF27 à son environnement, ainsi que la nature chimérique des génomes de la classe taxonomique Acidithiobacillia. J’ai participé au projet ‘Thioredoxine réductase (TR)’ dont l’objectif est de définir la fonction biochimique, la structure moléculaire, ainsi que l’histoire évolutive de TRi, une réductase atypique. / The acidophilic Acidithiobacillus bacteria play an important role in industrial biomining operations for metal recovery. In this thesis, the genome sequence of a psychrotolerant Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans CF27 were first refined. The comparative genome analysis between CF27 and the closely related Acidithiobacillus genomes revealed: (i) a syntenic conservation of two tRNA array units which are only present in At. ferrivorans CF27 and At. ferrooxidans ATCC 23270 genomes and mainly contribute to the tRNA gene redundancy in both organisms. Moreover, our large-scale genome survey of the tRNA array units in prokaryotic organisms showed that tRNA arrays appear in few phyla; (ii) a high proportion of species-specific genes in CF27 and SS3 strains indicated the high variability of gene content in Acidithiobacillus genomes and therefore the unique nature of each group of species. Given that mRNA expression of some CF27 specific genes were confirmed in Fe(II)-grown cells and sulfur attached cells in CF27, these results highlighted the functional importance of specific genes for CF27 lifestyle; and (iii) the mosaic taxonomic composition of members of the Acidithiobacillia class, and thus confirmed that this group belongs to a particular taxonomic class, distinct to other proteobacterial groups. Taken together, our results provide insights into At. ferrivorans lifestyle as well as the chimeric genome nature of the Acidithiobacillus organisms. In addition, I also participated to the ‘Thioredoxin reductase’ project which aims to define the biochemical function, molecular structure and evolution of TRi, an atypical thioredoxin reductase.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Lead is a heavy metal that accumulates primarily in kidney, where exerts its nephrotoxic effects. Several studies suggest that the oxidative stress is an important molecular mechanism for the toxic effects of lead in kidney and in other organs. Cytosolic thioredoxin reductase (TrxR1) is a selenoflavoprotein involved in many processes modulating intracellular reactive oxygen species levels. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of acute and chronic exposure to lead acetate on renal TrxR1 activity and on other oxidative stress parameters (d-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity, glutathione Stransferase, non-protein thiol groups, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzymes in kidneys), as well as on plasmatic indicators of renal function (creatinine, uric acid and phosphate) in rats. In acute exposure, rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of 25 or 50 mg/kg lead acetate and were killed 6, 24 or 48 h later. In chronic exposure, rats received a daily intraperitoneal injection of lead acetate (5 or 25 mg/kg) during 30 days and were killed at 31st day. In our study, acute exposure to 25 mg/kg lead acetate increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and TrxR-1 activity (after 6, 24, and 48 h), while exposure to 50 mg/kg lead acetate increased catalase (CAT) activity (after 48h) and inhibited d-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) activity (after 6, 24, and 48 hs) in kidneys (P < 0.05). Chronic exposure to 5 mg/kg lead acetate inhibited δ-ALA-D and increased glutathione S-transferase (GST), non protein sulfhydryl groups (NPSH), CAT, TrxR-1, and uric acid plasma levels, while exposure to 25 mg/kg lead acetate reduced body weight and δ -ALA-D, but increased GST, NPSH, and uric acid plasma levels (P < 0.05). No changes were observed in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, glutathione peroxidase, creatinine or inorganic phosphate levels after either acute or chronic exposure. In conclusion, lead exposure caused a marked increase in the TrxR1 activity in the kidney of rats and this change may be an early indicator of acute exposure to low lead doses. However, further studies are needed to clarify the biological meaning of this induction as well as the mechanism involved in such effect. / O chumbo é um metal pesado que acumula-se preferencialmente nos rins, onde exerce seus efeitos nefrotóxicos. Muitos estudos sugerem que o estresse oxidativo seja um importante mecanismo molecular para os efeitos tóxicos do chumbo no rim e em outros órgãos. A tioredoxina redutase citosólica (TrxR1) é uma selenoflavoproteína envolvida em muitos processos reguladores dos níveis intracelulares de espécies reativas de oxigênio. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar os efeitos da exposição aguda e crônica ao acetato de chumbo sobre a atividade da TrxR1 renal e sobre outros parâmetros de estresse oxidativo (atividade da δ-aminolevulinato desidratase, glutationa S-transferase, grupos tiólicos nãoprotéicos, peroxidação lipídica e enzimas antioxidantes nos rins), bem como sobre os indicadores plasmáticos da função renal (creatinina, ácido úrico e fosfato) em ratos. Na exposição aguda, os ratos receberam uma única injeção intraperitoneal de 25 ou 50 mg/kg de acetato de chumbo e foram mortos 6, 24 ou 48 horas mais tarde. Na exposição crônica, os ratos receberam uma injeção intraperitoneal diária de acetato de chumbo (5 ou 25 mg/kg) durante 30 dias e foram mortos no 31° dia. Em nosso estudo, a exposição aguda a 25 mg/kg de acetato de chumbo aumentou a atividade da superóxido dismutase (SOD) e da TrxR1 (após 6, 24 e 48 h), enquanto que a exposição a 50 mg/kg de acetato de chumbo aumentou a atividade da catalase (CAT) (após 48 h) e inibiu a atividade da δ-aminolevulinato desidratase (δ-ALA-D) (após 6, 24, 48 h) nos rins (p<0,05). A exposição crônica a 5 mg/kg de acetato de chumbo inibiu a δ-ALA-D e aumentou a glutationa S-transferase (GST), níveis de grupos tiólicos não-protéicos (SHNP), CAT, TrxR1 e níveis plasmáticos de ácido úrico (p<0,05), enquanto que a exposição a 25 mg/kg de acetato de chumbo reduziu o peso corporal e a δ-ALA-D, mas aumentou a GST, SHNP e os níveis plasmáticos de ácido de ácido úrico (p<0,05). Não houve alterações nos níveis de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS), na atividade da glutationa peroxidase (GPx) e nos níveis plasmáticos de creatinina e fosfato inorgânico tanto após a exposição aguda como após a exposição crônica. Conclui-se que a exposição ao chumbo causou um aumento significativo na atividade da TrxR1 renal de ratos e esta alteração pode ser um indicador primário da exposição aguda a baixas doses de chumbo. Entretanto, será necessária a realização de mais estudos para elucidar o significado biológico desta indução, bem como o mecanismo envolvido em tal efeito.

The redox state in the cell plays a major role in determining vital functions and its major imbalance can lead to severe cell injury or death. Redox active proteins and cytokines involved in this process includes thioredoxin (Trx), protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamilies. Trx is a multipotent protein and key regulator of cellular redox balance operating in synergy with Trx reductase and NADPH (the Trx system). Trx has gene regulatory activity of several transcription factors. It also controls in a fascinating way redox-sensitive “on-off” decisions for apoptotic or hypertrophic pathways. Trx protects against H2O2 and TNFmediated cytotoxicity, a pathway in which TNF receptor-binding generates ROS. TNF is an autocrine growth factor and survival factor in vitro and in vivo for B-type of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells. The overall aim of this study was to investigate the importance of redox active proteins and cytokines in inflammation and cancer. We focused on: i) the role of Trx, TrxR, and selenium in carcinogenesis and in resistant cancer cells. ii) the importance of Trx in cancer cells and the redox regulation of TNF and its receptors TNFR1 and TNFR2. iii) the potential role of Trx as a key regulator in cellular redox balance, in the pathogenesis of cardiac dysfunction; its relationship to stress response parameters. iv) whether unmutated CLL (UCLL) responses to PKC and ROS pathways were different from mutated CLL (M-CLL) responses. Our results demonstrate pronounced selective selenium-mediated apoptosis in therapy resistant cells and suggest that redox regulation through the Trx system is an important target for cancer therapy. Trx was strikingly elevated in heart failure cases compared with controls signifying an adaptive stress response that is higher the more severe the disease. TNF autocrine release was redox modulated and the TNF receptors interacted at the cell surface membrane with the redox-active PDI, which excerted a stringent redox-control of the TNFR signaling. The proliferative response as well as increase of autocrine TNF and Trx were higher in U-CLL than in M-CLL. The overall conclusion of the four papers included in this thesis is that redox-active proteins and cytokines plays an important role in control and regulation of cancer and inflammation. Furthermore, redox regulation via thioredoxin by selenium, may offer novel treatment possibilities for resistant tumors disease.