Submitted by KETELIN JULIANE DAL PRÁ null (k.dalpra@hotmail.com) on 2017-01-20T02:22:12Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação de Mestrado Ketelin J. Dal Prá - FOA UNESP.pdf: 1380407 bytes, checksum: aa6eb3e50dc3c4e8a803bd7b396157fa (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by LUIZA DE MENEZES ROMANETTO (luizamenezes@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2017-01-24T12:22:26Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 dalpra_kj_me_araca.pdf: 1380407 bytes, checksum: aa6eb3e50dc3c4e8a803bd7b396157fa (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-01-24T12:22:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dalpra_kj_me_araca.pdf: 1380407 bytes, checksum: aa6eb3e50dc3c4e8a803bd7b396157fa (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-12-16 / O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar em glândulas submandibulares de ratos tratados com aguardente de cana, a morfologia, atividade funcional das fosfatases e níveis de mucina. 24 ratos machos e adultos foram divididos em 4 grupos (n=6) de acordo com o tipo de bebida fornecida, aguardente de cana (39º GL) ou água, e ao tempo de tratamento de 75 ou 105 dias. Após os períodos de tratamento, os animais foram submetidos à cirurgia para remoção das glândulas submandibulares, seguido da eutanásia. As glândulas submandibulares do lado direito foram processadas para análise histomorfométrica (Image J) dos ductos estriados, ductos granulosos e ácinos. As glândulas do lado esquerdo foram pesadas e armazenadas a -80 °C, para avaliação da atividade funcional da fosfatase ácida total (FAT), fosfatase ácida resistente ao tartarato (FART), fosfatase alcalina (FAL) e determinação dos níveis de mucina. Para isso foram feitos ensaios bioquímicos por métodos espectrofotométricos. Os dados quantitativos foram submetidos à análise estatística (p<0,05). Os pesos absolutos e relativos das glândulas submandibulares apresentam-se reduzidos em relação aos controles (p<0,05). Na análise histomorfométrica, observamos que houve relevante redução da área dos ácinos (p<0,05) e redução não significativa dos ductos estriados (p>0,05). Nos ductos granulosos ocorreu aumento não significativo da área (p>0,05). As atividades de FAT e FART se apresentaram expressivamente diminuídas nos grupos experimentais (p<0,05), enquanto a atividade funcional de FAL diminuiu de forma moderada (p>0,05). Houve redução significativa dos níveis de mucina pelo efeito do alcoolismo crônico (p<0,05). A partir desses dados foi possível concluir que o alcoolismo crônico, por uso de aguardente de cana afeta a funcionalidade bioquímica e a morfologia da glândula submandibular. / The present study aimed to investigate submandibular glands of rats treated with cane brandy, morphology, functional activity of phosphatases and levels of mucin. 24 male and adult rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 6) according to the type of beverage provided, cane brandy (39° GL) or water, and treatment time of 75 or 105 days. After the treatment periods, the animals were submitted to surgery to remove the submandibular glands, followed by euthanasia. The submandibular glands on the right side were processed for histomorphometric analysis (Image J) of the striated ducts, granular ducts and acini. The left glands were weighed and stored at -80 °C for evaluation of the functional activity of total acid phosphatase (TAP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and determination of mucin levels. For this, biochemical tests were carried out by spectrophotometric methods. Quantitative data were submitted to statistical analysis (p <0.05). The absolute and relative weights of the submandibular glands are reduced in relation to the controls (p <0.05). In the histomorphometric analysis, we observed that there was a significant reduction of the acini area (p <0.05) and a non-significant reduction of the striated ducts (p> 0.05). In the granular ducts a not significant increase of the area occurred (p> 0.05). The TAP and TRAP activities were significantly decreased in the experimental groups (p <0.05), while the ALP functional activity decreased moderately (p> 0.05). There was a significant reduction of mucin levels by the effect of chronic alcoholism (p <0.05). From these data it was possible to conclude that chronic alcoholism due to the use of cane brandy affects the biochemical functionality and morphology of the submandibular gland.

Orientador: João Martins Pizauro Junior / Banca: Maria Inês Tiraboschi Ferro / Banca: Pietro Ciancaglini / Resumo: Espécies de Burkholderia filogenéticamente distantes do complexo B. cepacia, são versáteis solubilizadores de minerais insolúveis, através da produção de ácidos, viabilizando nutrientes para as plantas. Descrevemos a purificação e caracterização da fosfatase ácida ligada à membrana, produzida pela bactéria do gênero Burkholderia, isolada de solo agrícola em Ponta grossa-PR-BRASIL, e identificada através da análise do 16s rDNA. A expressão da enzima se mostrou estritamente dependente ao fósforo (expressão ótima a 5 mM). A enzima ligada à membrana foi purificada por ultracentrifugação a 100.000g por 1 hora a 4°C e testada com atividade enzimática para p-nitrofenilfosfato (PNFF) e Pirofosfato. O pH ótimo da enzima foi 6 e não foi afetado pela concentração de PNFF. Em pH 6 a hidrolise do PNFF seguiu os seguintes parâmetros cinéticos com n=1.5, Vm= 103.8 U.mg-1 e K0,5=0,06 mM em uma faixa de 0,003 e 10 mM de PNFF. Estudos do pH sobre os parâmetros cinéticos demonstraram 26 pontos de variação na faixa de 3,5 a 6 e em seguida diminui até pH 8 enquanto K0,5 não mostrou variação nesta faixa. O H para hidrólise do PNFF foi de 5,74 kcal.mol-1. A atividade PNFFase foi inibida pelo arsenato e Cálcio, mas não por levamisol, EDTA, zinco e cobalto. A hidrolise do pirofosfato na presença de 2 mM de MgCl2 seguiu os parâmetros cinéticos de "Michaelis-Menten" com Km= 0.142 mM e Vm= 237 U.mg-1.Os resultados sugerem que a produção da fosfatase ácida ligada à membrana pode ser um mecanismo de solubilização de fosfato mineral por essa bactéria. / Abstract: Burkholderia species phylogenetically greatly distant from the B. cepacia complex species are versatile organisms that solubilize insoluble minerals through the production of acids, increasing the availability of nutrients to plants. Here we describe the purification and characterization a membrane-bound acid phosphatase produced by bulkholderia isolated from an agricultural soil in Ponta grossa-PR-BRASIL and identified through analysis of the 16S rDNA gene. The expression of this enzyme was demonstrated to be strictly regulated by phosphorus (optimal expression at 5 mM). The membrane bound enzyme was purified by centrifugation at 100.000g for 1 h at 4ºC and the enzyme was assayed for p-Nitrophenyl phosphatase (PNPPase) and pyrophosphatase activities. The optimal pH (6.0) was not affect by p-Nitrophenyl phosphate concentration. At pH 6.0 the hydrolysis of PNPP following a cooperative kinetics with n= 1.5, Vm= 103.8 U.mg-1 and K0.5= 0.60 mM in the range between 0.003 and 10 mM. Studies of pH effects on kinetics parameters revealed a 26-folds variation in the range of pH 3.5 to 6 following decreases until pH 8.0, wile K0,5 and cooperativity did not varied considerably in this range. The H for hydrolysis of PNPP was 5,74 kcal.mol-1. PNPPase activity was inhibited by arsenate, phosphate and calcium, but not for levamisole, EDTA, zinc, magnesium and cobalt. The hydrolysis of pyrophosphate in presence of 2 mM MgCl2 follows "Michaelis-Menten" kinetics with Km= 0.142 mM and Vm= 237 U.mg-1. Our results suggesting that the production of membranebound acid phosphatase might be one mechanism of mineral phosphate solubilization by this genus of Bacterium. / Mestre

Orientadores: Sebastião Roberto Taboga, Fernanda Cristina Alcantara dos Santos / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-13T09:12:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Fochi_RicardoAlexandre_M.pdf: 6294791 bytes, checksum: 5a053efb4a1014d267ce5deceabfb000 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 / Resumo: A próstata não é um órgão exclusivo do sistema reprodutor masculino, estando presente em fêmeas de diversas espécies de roedores e também na espécie humana. A próstata feminina tem sido considerada homóloga à próstata ventral masculina, sendo composta por um pequeno conjunto de glândulas e ductos entremeados a um estroma fibromuscular. Em fêmeas adultas de gerbilos da Mongólia (Meriones unguiculatus) a próstata apresenta uma localização parauretral, mostrando íntimo contato com a parede da uretra proximal e mediana. Em machos, a atuação dos reguladores hormonais, principalmente andrógenos e estrógenos, que influenciam a fisiologia prostática são bastante conhecidos. Em fêmeas, no entanto, os fatores que influenciam a atividade prostática são pouco conhecidos, embora já se saiba que as alterações hormonais comuns à senescência estejam associadas à instalação de lesões prostáticas. É sabido também que as oscilações hormonais que ocorrem durante o ciclo reprodutivo das fêmeas influenciam a morfofisiologia de vários órgãos do sistema reprodutor. Embora se saiba que a próstata feminina seja um órgão funcional e sensível à ação de hormônios esteróides, não é conhecido, até o momento, se as oscilações hormonais que ocorrem durante o ciclo reprodutivo podem alterar a biologia desta glândula. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os aspectos morfofuncionais da próstata feminina durante o ciclo estral de gerbilos da Mongólia, o qual é constituído por quatro fases distintas, a saber: proestro, estro, diestro I e diestro II. Para isso, foram empregadas análises morfológicas, morfométricoesterológicas, sorológicas, imunocitoquímicas e enzimáticas. Os resultados obtidos com este estudo demonstraram que as oscilações hormonais que ocorrem durante o ciclo estral alteram a estrutura e funcionalidade da próstata feminina do gerbilo. Estas alterações compreendem um crescente desenvolvimento prostático e aumento da atividade secretória, em relação à secreção do antígeno prostático específico (PSA) e às glicoproteínas PAS positivas, durante as fases de proestro e estro, e uma gradual diminuição da atividade secretória e do desenvolvimento glandular nas fases de diestro I e II. O mesmo ocorreu com a atividade fosfatásica ácida prostática presente em todo o ciclo, a qual mostrou uma menor freqüência de ácinos com ausência de marcação na fase estro e uma maior freqüência nasfases subseqüentes (diestro I e II). Acredita-se, com base nos dados coletados, que estas oscilações cíclicas na morfofisiologia prostática sejam determinadas pelos picos hormonais de estrógeno no diestro II e pelos altos níveis de progesterona no estro, os quais interagem com os níveis constantes de andrógenos durante todo o ciclo estral. / Abstract: The prostate is not an exclusive organ of the male reproduction system, found in females of several rodents' species and also in humans. The female prostate has been considered homologue to the male ventral prostate and it is formed by a small cluster of glands and ducts inserted into a fiber muscular stroma. In adult female Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), the prostate presents a paraurethral location, showing close contact with the wall of urethra in its proximal and median regions. In males, the hormone action, mainly androgens and estrogens that influence the prostate physiology are well known. In females, however, the factors that influence the prostate activity are little know, although it is known that the hormonal changes, common to senescence, are associated with the genesis of prostate lesions. It is also known that hormonal oscillations that occur during the female's reproductive cycle influence the morphophysiology of several organs of the reproductive system. Although the female prostate is a functional organ and sensitive to the action of steroid hormones, it is not known, until now, if hormonal oscillations that occur during the reproductive cycle can alter the biology of this gland. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the morphofunctional aspects of the female prostate during the Mongolian gerbil estrous cycle, which consists of four distinct phases, considering proestrus, estrus, diestrus I and diestrus II. For this, were employed morphological, morphometricstereological, serological, and enzyme immunocytochemistry analysis. The data showed that hormonal oscillations during the estrous cycle alter the structure and function of the gerbil female prostate. These changes include an increased prostate development and an increased secretory activity, in relation to the secretion of prostate specific antigen (PSA) and PAS positive glycoproteins, during the estrus and proestrus stages, and a gradual reduction in secretory activity and of the glandular development in the diestrus I and II stages. The same occurred with prostatic acid phosphatase activity, present throughout the cycle, which showed a lower frequency of acini with lack of marking in estrus phase and a higher frequency in subsequent phases (diestrus I and II). It is believed, based on collected data, that these morphophysiological cyclical changes in prostate are determined by hormonal peak of estrogen in diestrus II and the high levels of progesterone in estrus, which interact with the constant levels of androgens throughout the estrous cycle. / Mestrado / Biologia Celular / Mestre em Biologia Celular e Estrutural

Abstract Histidine acid phosphatases are characterized by the presence of a conserved RHGXRXP motif. One medically important acid phosphatase is the Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP). PAP has been associated with prostate cancer for a long time and has been used as a marker to stage prostate carcinoma. Yet, there is no clear understanding on the functioning of the enzyme in vivo. This thesis work focuses on the characterization of putative ligands and elucidation of the reaction mechanism of PAP using computational methods. The ligand-enzyme complexes were generated by docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The complexes showed that the conserved arginines of RHGXRXP motif are important for binding the highly negatively charged phosphate group. The complexes also highlighted that the active site aspartate (Asp258) should be neutral in the complex and is involved as a general acid-base in the reaction. The studies support that PAP could dephosphorylate the growth factor receptors EGFR and ErbB-2. The studies also found that the majority of tyrosine phosphorylated peptides from these growth factor receptors could bind to PAP. The affinities were assessed based on theoretical calculations and were further confirmed by experimental measurements in the feasible cases. To clearly understand the mechanism of PAP, quantum mechanical methods were employed. The enzymatic reaction involves two steps. In the first step, the phosphate moiety is transferred from the ligand to the conserved histidine. The calculations on the first step of the reaction involved generating the transition state (TS) structures and estimating the respective barriers. The calculations clearly support that Asp258 becomes neutral by picking up the proton from the monoanionic ligand entering the binding site. The proton from neutral Asp258 is later transferred to the leaving group via a water bridge, restoring the negative state of Asp258. The second step involves the hydrolysis of phosphohistidine enzyme intermediate. Using hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations, it was found that the Asp258 accepts a proton from the nucleophilic water only after the TS is crossed. This proton is possibly then transferred to the free phosphate while it leaves the binding site, restoring the enzyme to its free state. The study highlights the importance of active site arginines in the binding as well as the stabilization of TS. Further, the analysis of TS structures in both the steps showed an associative mechanism, based on the distance of the nucleophilic and the leaving atoms to the phosphate atom. These distances are much smaller than what has been found in other well studied nonmetallo-phopshatases. Thus, the study finds a novel mechanism of enzymic phosphotransfer in PAP mediated catalysis.

Introdução e Objetivos. Fosfatases são enzimas promissoras para aplicação na degradação de organofosforados. Por exemplo, a enzima paraoxonase 1 (PON1), associada à lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL), hidrolisa lactonas, ésteres aromáticos e compostos organofosforados (OP) neurotóxicos. \"Módulos de ligação a carboidrato\" (CBM) têm diversas aplicações biotecnológicas. Nosso objetivo é a obtenção de proteínas quiméricas contendo fosfatases ligadas a um módulo de ligação de celulose, o que possibilitaria a imobilização dessas enzimas em suportes de celulose. Resultados. Como prova de conceito, uma proteína quimérica contendo uma \"fosfatase ácida\" (appA) de E.coli e CBM familia 2 (CBM2) de uma celulase de Xanthomonas axonopodis pv citri foi montada e produzida em E. coli como uma proteína recombinante solúvel. appA-CBM2 purificada demonstrou ser totalmente funcional exibindo atividade de ligação à celulose microcristalina (Avicel PH101) e atividade de fosfatase sobre p-nitrofenil fosfato. A ligação à Avicel evidenciou um comportamento de saturação descrito por uma \"constante de ligação\" (Kb) de 26 mg e um \"máximo de ligação\" (Bmax) de 4,45 U/&#181;g. Além disso, a ligação de appA-CBM2 em Avicel foi maior em pH 2,5 e diminuiu acima de pH 6,5, como observado anteriormente para CBM2. Finalmente, o efeito de concentração de p-nitrofenil fosfato na atividade catalítica de appA-CBM2 e appA foi idêntico, exibindo um Km de 2,8 mM. Portanto, esses dados mostram que o conceito de uma proteína que combina as propriedades da fosfatase e do domínio de ligação à celulose é possível e funcional. De forma similar, os segmentos de DNA que codificam para o CBM2 e para a PON1 de Homo sapiens, foram fusionados resultando em um segmento que codifica para uma proteína quimérica (PON1-CBM2). PON1 nativa e PON1-CBM2 foram produzidas na forma solúvel e ativa em E.coli cepa Arctic. Embora não tenha sido viável sua purificação, estas enzimas foram caracterizadas. PON1-CBM2 liga-se em Avicel PH101 com um comportamento de saturação, descrito por uma constante de ligação (Kb) de 27 mg, valor idêntico àquele observado para appA-CBM2, o que sugere que o domínio CBM2 é igualmente funcional nestas duas enzimas quiméricas. PON1-CBM2 também exibe atividade paraoxonásica com Km similar àquele observado para PON1 nativa (1,3 mM), sugerindo que o \"domínio\" PON1 encontra-se totalmente funcional na enzima quimérica. Conclusão. Uma estratégia para a construção e expressão heteróloga em E. coli de PON1 e das enzimas quiméricas appA-CBM2 e PON1-CBM2 foi desenvolvida. As enzimas quiméricas mostraram-se totalmente funcionais e conservaram as propriedades de seus \"domínios\" constituintes. / Introduction and Aims. Phosphatases are promising enzymes for application in the degradation of organophosphates, whereas carbohydrate binding module has significant and demonstrated biotechnological applications. The high-density lipoprotein-associated enzyme paraoxonase 1 (PON1) hydrolyzes lactones, aromatic esters, and neurotoxic organophosphorus (OP) compounds. Our aim is to obtain chimeric proteins containing a phosphatase domain linked to a carbohydrate binding module (CBM), which could be immobilized on a cellulose supports. Results. As a proof of concept, a chimeric protein combining an acid phosphatase (appA) from E.coli and a CBM family 2 (CBM2) from Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri was assembled and produced in E.coli as a recombinant soluble protein. Purified appA-CBM2 was fully functional, was bound to microcrystalline cellulose and exhibited phosphatase activity upon p-nitrophenyl phosphate. The binding to microcrystalline cellulose Avicel PH101 exhibited saturation with a binding constant (Kb) of 26 and a maximum binding (Bmax) of 4,45 U/&#181;g. In addition, the binding was higher at pH 2.5 and decreased above pH 6.5, as previously observed for CBM2. Finally, effect of p-nitrophenyl phosphate concentration on appA-CBM2 and native appA activities were identical, exhibiting a Km of 2.8 mM. Taken together, these data show that the conceptual design of a protein combining the properties and biotechnological advantages of phosphatases and cellulose binding domains is possible and functional. Similarly, DNA segments coding for CBM2 and for PON1 from Homo sapiens combined resulting in a segment coding for a chimeric protein (PON1-CBM2). Native PON1 and PON1-CBM2 were produced as recombinant protein in E. coli Arctic. Although purification was not accomplished, these enzymes were characterized. PON1-CBM2 binds to microcrystalline cellulose, exhibiting a saturation behavior described by a Kb of 27 mg. PON1 and PON1- CBM2 have the same Km for paraoxon (1.3 mM), indicating that the phosphatase domain was fully functional. Conclusion. An effective strategy for heterologous expression of the native PON1 and chimeric appA-CBM2 and PON1-CBM2 in E. coli was attained. The chimeric enzymes were fully functional and maintained the properties of their original domains

Mammalian estrogens and estrogen-like compounds known as xeno-estrogens are being found in and excreted into the environment in ever increasing amounts. The xeno-estrogen DDE has been found at high concentrations of 1-5 mg/kg of soil (Aislabie et. al, 1997). These estrogens and xeno-estrogens are having a devastating effect on animal-life, yet little is known or understood on the effects of estrogens on plant-life. Thus it is important to determine what effects (if any) estrogens may have on plants. Other research has shown that estrogen has an effect on plants grown in vitro (Janeczko and Skoczowski, 2005). This research aims to help increase the amount of information on what effects estrogens may have on plants. In this study, the effects of mammalian estrogens (17-β-estradiol, estrone and estriol) on the growth and tuberization of potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L. cv 'Iwa') grown in liquid tissue culture medium are presented. It was found that at even 0.1 mg/L of estrogen, root growth of the plants was diminished and at 10 mg/L of estrogen, plant deformity was apparent and callus growth induced. Acid phosphatase activity of the plants was increased with the addition of 0.1 mg/L and 1 mg/L of estrogen but then decreased with the addition of 10 mg/L of estrogen. Tuber production was slightly reduced in plants treated with estrogen compared to the control.

A fertilização promove incrementos de 30 a 50 % na produtividade de eucaliptos, com especial resposta ao P. O manejo adequado da fertilização fosfatada contribui para a otimização dos custos no primeiro ano. Existem no mercado diversas opções de fornecimento de P às plantas. Em geral, as fontes fosfatadas distinguem-se pela concentração, forma e solubilidade do P. O alto teor de oxihidróxidos de Fe e Al nos solos tropicais diminuem a eficiência desse nutriente devido ao processo de adsorção. Novas tecnologias de fertilizantes fosfatados estão sendo desenvolvidas visando aumentar esta eficiência de utilização, as quais necessitam de validação e comprovação dos seus efeitos em condições reais de crescimento do povoamento. Uma alternativa para aumentar a eficiência do P é a complexação deste com substâncias húmicas (complexo P-metal- SH), pois podem diminuir os processos de adsorção e possibilitar o maior aproveitamento do nutriente. O uso de técnicas de fracionamento do P no solo são amplamente utilizadas para identificar os reservatórios de P no solo e, consequentemente, sua disponibilidade à planta. A dinâmica das frações de P no solo é influenciada diretamente pela planta e pela microbiota do solo por meio de adaptações físicas e químicas do sistema radicular e ou remobilização interna de ácidos orgânicos. Objetivando compreender a dinâmica do P na interface planta- solo em um plantio de Eucalyptus grandis, foram propostos dois estudos: i) caracterização dos reservatórios de P a longo prazo e as adaptações desenvolvidas pelas plantas para aumentar a absorção de P, ii) identificação dos reservatórios de P inorgânico (Pi) lábil e a remobilização dos ácidos orgânicos nos tecidos vegetais ao longo de um ano. Constatou-se que o uso de fontes minerais de P alteram as frações lábeis e moderadamente lábeis do P no solo, não influenciando a fração não-lábil. As frações orgânicas lábeis e moderadamente lábeis contribuem consideravelmente para a nutrição da planta, em especial quando não há fertilização com P. O uso do complexo P-metal-SH incrementou a fração orgânica moderadamente lábil nos primeiros 12 meses com posterior redução. Houve equilíbrio entre as frações de P no solo e após o esgotamento das frações lábeis, as frações não lábeis foram reduzidas. O P-residual diminuiu em todos os tratamentos, em especial, no tratamento Controle. A produção de raízes finas na camada de 0-100 cm ultrapassou 6 Mg ha-1, sem diferenças entre os tratamentos. Todavia, notou-se claramente o efeito da aplicação localizada do fertilizante na densidade do sistema radicular, que apresentou maiores concentrações na linha de plantio. O comprimento específico das raízes finas na camada superficial apresentou distribuição oposta à atividade da fosfatase ácida e da ectomicorrização nos tratamentos Controle e fosfato reativo (FNR), exceto para o P solúvel convencional (PSC) que apresentou distribuição homogênea ao redor da árvore. O uso do P solúvel convencional estimulou a simbiose com micorrizas, e estas contribuíram para os processos de mineralização das frações orgânicas de P no solo por meio da exsudação de fosfatase ácida. Analisando a dinâmica das frações inorgânicas lábeis em curto período, nos primeiros 120 dias pós-plantio foi observado equilíbrio dinâmico entre as frações de Pi lábil no solo, exceto para o Controle que apresentou reduções constantes em todas as frações. Em períodos de excedente hídrico, as plantas absorveram altas quantidades de P, acumulando altos teores de ácidos orgânicos no tronco e, em períodos de estresse hídrico, houve remobilização dos ácidos orgânicos do tronco para as folhas, a fim de manter os processos metabólicos. / Fertilization promotes 30 to 50% increments in forest productivity, with a special response to P input. The adequate management of phosphate fertilization contributes to cost optimization in the first year. There are several options on the market for supplying P to plants. In general, phosphate sources are distinguished by the concentration, form and solubility of P. The high content of Fe and Al oxyhydroxides in tropical soils reduces the efficiency of this nutrient due to adsorption processes. New phosphate fertilizer technologies are being developed aiming to increase this efficiency of use, which need validation and proof of their effects under real conditions of population growth. An alternative to increase the efficiency of the P is the complexation of this with humics substances (AH- CA-P complex), since they can decrease the adsorption processes and allow the greater use of the nutrient. The use of P fractionation techniques in soil are widely used to identify P reservoirs in the soil and consequently their availability to the plant. The dynamics of P fractions in soil are directly influenced by the plant and soil microbiota through physical and chemical adaptations of the root system and / or internal remobilization of organic acids. Two experiments were carried out: i) long-term characterization of P reservoirs and adaptations developed by plants to increase P uptake; and ii) identification of labile Pi reservoirs and remobilization of organic acids in plant tissues over a year. It was found that the mineral source use of P changes the labile and moderately labile fractions of P in the soil, not influencing the non-labile fraction. The labile and moderately labile organic fractions contribute considerably to plant nutrition, especially when not fertilized with P. The use of the P- metal-SH complex increased the moderately labile organic fraction in the first 12 months with subsequent reduction. We observed the equilibrium between the fractions of P in the soil and after the exhaustion of the labile fractions, the non-labile fractions were reduced. The P-residual decreased for all treatments, especially for the control treatment. The yield of fine roots in the 0- 100 cm layer exceeded 6 Mg ha-1, with no differences between treatments. However, the effect of the localized application of the fertilizer on the density of the root system, which presented higher concentrations in the planting line, was clearly noticed. The specific length of the roots in the superficial deep presented opposite distribution to the activity of the acid phosphatase and ectomycorrhizal colonization for all the treatments, except for the PSC that presented homogenous distribution around the tree. The use of conventional soluble phosphorus stimulated the symbiosis with mycorrhizae, and this contributed to the processes of mineralization of the organic fractions of P in the soil through the exudation of acid phosphatase. Analyzing the dynamics ofthe inorganic fractions in a short period, in the first 120 days post-planting, equilibrium was observed between the fractions of labile Pi in the soil, except for the control treatment that showed constant reductions in all fractions. In periods of water supply, the plants absorbed high amounts of P, accumulating high levels of organic acids in the stem and during periods of water stress, it was observed the remobilization of the AOs from the stem to the leaves, to maintain the metabolic processes.

A fertilização promove incrementos de 30 a 50 % na produtividade de eucaliptos, com especial resposta ao P. O manejo adequado da fertilização fosfatada contribui para a otimização dos custos no primeiro ano. Existem no mercado diversas opções de fornecimento de P às plantas. Em geral, as fontes fosfatadas distinguem-se pela concentração, forma e solubilidade do P. O alto teor de oxihidróxidos de Fe e Al nos solos tropicais diminuem a eficiência desse nutriente devido ao processo de adsorção. Novas tecnologias de fertilizantes fosfatados estão sendo desenvolvidas visando aumentar esta eficiência de utilização, as quais necessitam de validação e comprovação dos seus efeitos em condições reais de crescimento do povoamento. Uma alternativa para aumentar a eficiência do P é a complexação deste com substâncias húmicas (complexo P-metal- SH), pois podem diminuir os processos de adsorção e possibilitar o maior aproveitamento do nutriente. O uso de técnicas de fracionamento do P no solo são amplamente utilizadas para identificar os reservatórios de P no solo e, consequentemente, sua disponibilidade à planta. A dinâmica das frações de P no solo é influenciada diretamente pela planta e pela microbiota do solo por meio de adaptações físicas e químicas do sistema radicular e ou remobilização interna de ácidos orgânicos. Objetivando compreender a dinâmica do P na interface planta- solo em um plantio de Eucalyptus grandis, foram propostos dois estudos: i) caracterização dos reservatórios de P a longo prazo e as adaptações desenvolvidas pelas plantas para aumentar a absorção de P, ii) identificação dos reservatórios de P inorgânico (Pi) lábil e a remobilização dos ácidos orgânicos nos tecidos vegetais ao longo de um ano. Constatou-se que o uso de fontes minerais de P alteram as frações lábeis e moderadamente lábeis do P no solo, não influenciando a fração não-lábil. As frações orgânicas lábeis e moderadamente lábeis contribuem consideravelmente para a nutrição da planta, em especial quando não há fertilização com P. O uso do complexo P-metal-SH incrementou a fração orgânica moderadamente lábil nos primeiros 12 meses com posterior redução. Houve equilíbrio entre as frações de P no solo e após o esgotamento das frações lábeis, as frações não lábeis foram reduzidas. O P-residual diminuiu em todos os tratamentos, em especial, no tratamento Controle. A produção de raízes finas na camada de 0-100 cm ultrapassou 6 Mg ha-1, sem diferenças entre os tratamentos. Todavia, notou-se claramente o efeito da aplicação localizada do fertilizante na densidade do sistema radicular, que apresentou maiores concentrações na linha de plantio. O comprimento específico das raízes finas na camada superficial apresentou distribuição oposta à atividade da fosfatase ácida e da ectomicorrização nos tratamentos Controle e fosfato reativo (FNR), exceto para o P solúvel convencional (PSC) que apresentou distribuição homogênea ao redor da árvore. O uso do P solúvel convencional estimulou a simbiose com micorrizas, e estas contribuíram para os processos de mineralização das frações orgânicas de P no solo por meio da exsudação de fosfatase ácida. Analisando a dinâmica das frações inorgânicas lábeis em curto período, nos primeiros 120 dias pós-plantio foi observado equilíbrio dinâmico entre as frações de Pi lábil no solo, exceto para o Controle que apresentou reduções constantes em todas as frações. Em períodos de excedente hídrico, as plantas absorveram altas quantidades de P, acumulando altos teores de ácidos orgânicos no tronco e, em períodos de estresse hídrico, houve remobilização dos ácidos orgânicos do tronco para as folhas, a fim de manter os processos metabólicos. / Fertilization promotes 30 to 50% increments in forest productivity, with a special response to P input. The adequate management of phosphate fertilization contributes to cost optimization in the first year. There are several options on the market for supplying P to plants. In general, phosphate sources are distinguished by the concentration, form and solubility of P. The high content of Fe and Al oxyhydroxides in tropical soils reduces the efficiency of this nutrient due to adsorption processes. New phosphate fertilizer technologies are being developed aiming to increase this efficiency of use, which need validation and proof of their effects under real conditions of population growth. An alternative to increase the efficiency of the P is the complexation of this with humics substances (AH- CA-P complex), since they can decrease the adsorption processes and allow the greater use of the nutrient. The use of P fractionation techniques in soil are widely used to identify P reservoirs in the soil and consequently their availability to the plant. The dynamics of P fractions in soil are directly influenced by the plant and soil microbiota through physical and chemical adaptations of the root system and / or internal remobilization of organic acids. Two experiments were carried out: i) long-term characterization of P reservoirs and adaptations developed by plants to increase P uptake; and ii) identification of labile Pi reservoirs and remobilization of organic acids in plant tissues over a year. It was found that the mineral source use of P changes the labile and moderately labile fractions of P in the soil, not influencing the non-labile fraction. The labile and moderately labile organic fractions contribute considerably to plant nutrition, especially when not fertilized with P. The use of the P- metal-SH complex increased the moderately labile organic fraction in the first 12 months with subsequent reduction. We observed the equilibrium between the fractions of P in the soil and after the exhaustion of the labile fractions, the non-labile fractions were reduced. The P-residual decreased for all treatments, especially for the control treatment. The yield of fine roots in the 0- 100 cm layer exceeded 6 Mg ha-1, with no differences between treatments. However, the effect of the localized application of the fertilizer on the density of the root system, which presented higher concentrations in the planting line, was clearly noticed. The specific length of the roots in the superficial deep presented opposite distribution to the activity of the acid phosphatase and ectomycorrhizal colonization for all the treatments, except for the PSC that presented homogenous distribution around the tree. The use of conventional soluble phosphorus stimulated the symbiosis with mycorrhizae, and this contributed to the processes of mineralization of the organic fractions of P in the soil through the exudation of acid phosphatase. Analyzing the dynamics ofthe inorganic fractions in a short period, in the first 120 days post-planting, equilibrium was observed between the fractions of labile Pi in the soil, except for the control treatment that showed constant reductions in all fractions. In periods of water supply, the plants absorbed high amounts of P, accumulating high levels of organic acids in the stem and during periods of water stress, it was observed the remobilization of the AOs from the stem to the leaves, to maintain the metabolic processes.

Orientador: Ana Cláudia de Melo Stevanato Nakamune / Banca: José Mauro Granjeiro / Banca: Célio Percinoto / Resumo: A saliva é coletada através de métodos simples e não invasivos, além de ser facilmente armazenada. A coleta não-traumática é atrativa especialmente para crianças e quando repetidas coletas são requeridas. A desvantagem da saliva como uma ferramenta de diagnóstico é a variabilidade, que ocorre em decorrência dos fatores fisiológicos e do modo de coleta. Numa primeira etapa o trabalho teve por objetivo estudar as atividades das enzimas fosfatase alcalina (FAlc), fosfatase ácida total (FAT) e fosfatase ácida resistente ao tartarato (TRAP) na saliva total não estimulada de crianças, investigando as influências de fatores como sexo, faixa etária e horário de coleta, bem como a correlação das enzimas com a taxa de fluxo salivar. Nesta etapa, 120 crianças saudáveis de ambos os sexos, nas faixas etárias de 1-5 e 6-12 anos de idade tiveram as amostras de saliva coletada entre 8:00-10:00 horas ou entre 14:00-16:00 horas. A segunda parte do trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a correlação das atividades enzimáticas da FAT, TRAP, proteína tirosina fosfatase de baixa massa molecular relativa (PTP-BMr) e FAlc na saliva e no soro de crianças, além de analisar a influência do sexo e da faixa etária na atividade das enzimas, no soro e na saliva total. Para tanto 32 crianças de ambos os sexos, nas faixas etárias de 1-5 anos e 6-12 anos de idade tiveram as amostras de saliva e sangue coletadas entre 8:00-10:00 horas. Os resultados da primeira etapa sugerem que as atividades da FAT, TRAP e FAlc são influenciadas, de formas distintas, pelos fatores sexo, faixa etária e horário de coleta e que não existe correlação entre as atividades das enzimas e a taxa de fluxo salivar. / Abstract: Saliva can be collected by simple, non-invasive methods and is easily stored. The non-traumatic collection is specially appealing for children and when repeated collections are required. The main disadvantage of the saliva as a diagnosis tool is the variability that happens due to the physiologic factors and dependence on mode of the collection. In a first stage the work had for objective to study the activities of the enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total acid phosphatase (TAP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) in the whole unstimulated saliva of children, investigating the influences of factors as sex, age group and time of collection, as well as the correlation of the enzymes with the salivary flow rate. In this stage, 120 healthy children of both sexes, in the age groups of 1-5 and 6-12 years of age had the saliva samples collected between 8:00-10:00 hours or between 14:00-16:00 hours. In a second stage, the work had for objective to evaluate the correlation of the enzymatic activities of TAP, TRAP, low molecular weight protein tyrosine phosphatase (LMW-PTP) and ALP in the saliva and in the children's serum, besides analyzing the influence of the sex and of the age group in the activity of the enzymes, in the serum and in the whole unstimulated saliva. For so much 32 children of both sexes, in the 1-5 year-old age groups and 6-12 years of age had the saliva samples and blood collected between 8:00-10:00 hours. The results of the first stage suggest that the activities of TAP, TRAP and ALP are influenced, in different ways, for the factors sex, age group and time of collection and that correlation doesn't exist between the activities of the enzymes and the salivary flow rate. / Mestre

Metalloproteins account for at least half of all known proteins. Metal ions often facilitate chemical that are energetically and/or kinetically challenging. Metal ion-dependent proteins are responsible for a myriad of essential biological functions, including respiration, biosynthesis of essential amino acids, nitrogen fixation, oxygen transport, photosynthesis and metabolisms (e.g. glycolysis and citric acid cycle). Not surprisingly, a growing number of disorders (e.g. various cancers, phenylketonuria, Wilson’s disease) are associated with mutations in metalloenzymes. A general introduction of the importance of metals in biology is presented in chapter 1. This thesis is aimed at obtaining a greater understanding of the structure and function of three metalloenzymes, ketol acid reductoisomerase (KARI), purple acid phosphatase (PAP) and metallo β lactamase (MβL). Chapter 2 examines the structure and dynamics of plant KARI. KARI is an enzyme in the branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) biosynthesis pathway. KARI is a binuclear Mg2+ enzyme that catalyses the conversion of 2-acetolactate (AL) into (2R)-2,3-dihydroxy-3-isovalerate or 2-aceto-2-hydroxybutyrate into (2R, 3R)-2,3-dihydroxy-3-methylvalerate in the presence of NADPH. To date, the only reported structures for a plant KARI are those of the spinach enzyme-Mn2+-(phospho) ADP ribose-(2R,3R)-2,3-dihydroxy-3-methylvalerate complex and the spinach KARI-Mg2+-NADPH-N-hydroxy-N-isopropyloxamate complex, where N-hydroxy-N-isopropyloxamate (IpOHA) is a predicted transition-state analog. These studies demonstrate that the enzyme is consisted of two domains, N- domain and C- domain, with the active site at the interface of these domains. In this chapter, the structures of the rice KARI-Mg2+ and rice KARI-Mg2+-NADPH complexes were determined to 1.55 and 2.8 Å resolutions, respectively. Comparisons of all the available plant KARI structures have revealed several major differences. Firstly, the N-domain is rotated up to 15o relative to the C-domain, expanding the active site by up to 4 Å. Secondly, an α-helix in the C-domain that includes residues V510-T519 and forms part of the active site moves by ~ 3.9 Å upon binding of NADPH. Thirdly, the 15 C-terminal amino acid residues in the rice KARI-Mg2+ complex are disordered. In the rice KARI-Mg2+-NADPH complex and spinach KARI structures, many of the 15 residues bind to NADPH and the N-domain and cover the active site. Fourthly, the location of the metal ions within the active site can vary by up to 2.7 Å. The new structures have thus, led to the proposal of an induced-fit mechanism. In this proposed induced-fit mechanism, (i) substrate enters the active site, (ii) active site is closed during catalysis, and (iii) the opening of active site facilitates product release. PAP is also a binuclear metalloenzyme and is capable of utilizing a heterovalent active site to hydrolyse a broad range of phosphomonoester substrates. Chapter 3 examines the catalytic mechanism of PAP based on several new crystal structures. The red kidney bean PAP structure in complex in sulphate was determined to 2.4 Å. This sulphate-bound structure provides insight into the pre-catalytic phase of its reaction cycle. This stucture demonstrates the significance of an extensive hydrogen-bonding network in the second coordination in initial substrate binding and orientation prior to hydrolysis. Most importantly, the two metal ions, Fe3+ and Zn2+, are five-coordinate in this structure, with only one nucleophilic μ-hydroxide present in the metal-bridging position. In combination with kinetic, crystallographic and spectroscopic data, all PAP structures form the proposal of a comprehensive eight-step model for the catalytic mechanism of purple acid phosphatases in general. To date, no reliable method for producing recombinant PAP at levels suitable for structural biology have been reported. Natural sources are the only way so far to obtaining PAP in a large quantity. Attempts to produce active and recombinant PAP from Mycobacterium marinum using bacterial are found in chapter 4. In brief, in combination with Nus fusion tag, Rosetta (DE3) strain and lower temperature (e.g. 25oC), expression of soluble and mycobacterial PAP becomes possible. However, this soluble protein is non-functional and thus, switching into other expression system (e.g.algal sytem) is the only approach to obtain soluble and functional protein. In algal expression system, human PAP was attempted. Preliminary results indicate that some PAP activity was observed when expressed in algal system. Chapter 5 focuses on the investigation of metallo β lactamase (MβL) from Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp-MβL). This enzyme requires one or two Zn2+ ions for catalysis. Kinetic properties of Kp-MβL for the hydrolysis of various β-lactam substrates (e.g. benzyl-penicillin, cefoxitin, imipenem and meropenem) were investigated and the role of the metal ions in catalysis was also examined. Kinetic data demonstrate that Klebsiella pneumoniae MβL can degrade a broad spectrum of β-lactam antibiotics, with a high preference for cephems and carbapenems. Kinetic data from pH dependence studies has revealed that catalysis of benzyl-penicillin and meropenem is preferred at acidic pH. The kcat vs pH profile demonstrates that catalysis is enhanced by protonation, thus it is likely that the relevant group is responsible for the donation of a proton to the product or leaving group. In this case, a doubly Lewis activated, bridging hydroxide molecule has been speculated. A single protonation event (pKa ~7) is also observed in kcat/Km vs pH profile. Since benzyl-penicillin does not have an acidic moiety in this pH range, this event is likely to be associated with the free enzyme. His 79 and 139 have been speculated to enhance substrate binding. In contrast, catalysis of both cefoxitin and imipenem is favoured at alkaline pH, leading to the proposal that a terminally bound water is likely to form a nucleophile. A bell-shaped pH profile for kcat/Km is observed for cefoxitin and imipenem substrates. pKa of ~ 9-9.5 is likely to be associated with Lys161, which enhances substrate binding. In Chapter 6, a novel MβL from Serratia proteamaculans (Spr-MβL) is investigated. This chapter includes expression, purification and preliminary characterization of this MβL using steady-state kinetics. Expression of this enzyme in Rosetta (DE3) plysS E. coli strain yields only a small amount of soluble enzyme (1 mg/ 6 L culture). To improve the amount of soluble protein, Spr-MβL was subjected to several rounds of in vitro evolution. About two-fold gain in solubility was achieved by this method along with a five-fold increase in β-lactamase activity. Further rounds of directed evolution are now planned. The kinetic behaviour for Spr-MβL-catalysed the hydrolysis of three β-lactam substrates, penicillin, cefoxitin and imipenem were also studied. Kinetic data suggest that a water molecule bridging the two Zn2+ ions is the likely nucleophile in the reaction with penicillin while the reaction-initiating nucleophile is likely to be a terminally bound hydroxide in the reaction with cephalothin and imipenem (Chapter 6). In summary, this project has led to a better understanding of the structures of KARI and PAP prior to catalysis. This project has also aided in the understanding of catalytic mechanism of MβLs and the role the metal ions play. The knowledge gained will facilitate the development of new chemotherapeutics and herbicides.