The Sarco-endoplasmic Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2a) plays a crucial role in sequestering cytosolic calcium into the sarco-endoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER) and is an important regulator of muscle contraction and relaxation. Recent findings suggest that a novel CAMKIIα splice variant, αKAP, that plays the role of a CAMKII anchoring protein in the myocardium, also directly interacts with SERCA2a. We examined the effects of αKAP on SERCA2a activity using transfection of HEK-293T cells as well as lentiviral infection of primary neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes (NMCM). Our data showed that αKAP reduced Ca2+ ATPase activity, and downregulated SERCA2a expression in both HEK-293T cells coexpressing αKAP and SERCA2a, as well as NMCM overexpressing αKAP. Interestingly in a rat model of myocardial infarction, αKAP expression was found to be elevated, alongside elevated CaMKIIδ, and depressed SERCA2a expression. These data suggest that αKAP may be a unique regulator of SERCA2a activity and cardiac function.

The Sarco-endoplasmic Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2a) plays a crucial role in sequestering cytosolic calcium into the sarco-endoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER) and is an important regulator of muscle contraction and relaxation. Recent findings suggest that a novel CAMKIIα splice variant, αKAP, that plays the role of a CAMKII anchoring protein in the myocardium, also directly interacts with SERCA2a. We examined the effects of αKAP on SERCA2a activity using transfection of HEK-293T cells as well as lentiviral infection of primary neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes (NMCM). Our data showed that αKAP reduced Ca2+ ATPase activity, and downregulated SERCA2a expression in both HEK-293T cells coexpressing αKAP and SERCA2a, as well as NMCM overexpressing αKAP. Interestingly in a rat model of myocardial infarction, αKAP expression was found to be elevated, alongside elevated CaMKIIδ, and depressed SERCA2a expression. These data suggest that αKAP may be a unique regulator of SERCA2a activity and cardiac function.

Formation of lipid-laden macrophage foam cells and inflammation are the central components in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. ABCA1 is well established as an anti-atherogenic factor that facilitates cellular cholesterol and phospholipid efflux, promotes reverse cholesterol transport, and suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Through these functions, ABCA1 is capable of reducing the lipid burden in atherosclerotic plaque. PKA signaling is an integral factor in promoting many anti-atherogenic functions of ABCA1; however, mechanistic aspects of PKA signaling associated with ABCA1 remain poorly defined. Thus, the first part of this study investigates the involvement of spatially regulated PKA signaling in ABCA1 activities through the use of st-Ht31, a PKA de-anchoring peptide. It appears that de-anchoring PKA robustly increases ABCA1-mediated microparticle release, one of the cholesterol efflux pathways of ABCA1, and reverses macrophage foam cell formation. These results highlight the significance of subcellular compartmentalization of PKA signaling in ABCA1 functions and present PKA de-anchoring as a potential therapeutic strategy for atherosclerotic lesion regression. The second part of this study provides evidence that ABCA1 activates PKA and promotes the secretion of anti-inflammatory IL-10, a cytokine crucial for inflammation resolution. Furthermore, we provide evidence that this elevated PKA activity is the underlying mechanism in which macrophage ABCA1 promotes M2-like inflammatory response. Our results also suggest that ABCA1 activates PKA by regulating cholesterol, which poises macrophages towards an anti-inflammatory or M2-activated phenotype. Collectively, we demonstrate that PKA signaling plays a crucial multifactorial role in anti-atherogenic functions of ABCA1.

Formation of lipid-laden macrophage foam cells and inflammation are the central components in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. ABCA1 is well established as an anti-atherogenic factor that facilitates cellular cholesterol and phospholipid efflux, promotes reverse cholesterol transport, and suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Through these functions, ABCA1 is capable of reducing the lipid burden in atherosclerotic plaque. PKA signaling is an integral factor in promoting many anti-atherogenic functions of ABCA1; however, mechanistic aspects of PKA signaling associated with ABCA1 remain poorly defined. Thus, the first part of this study investigates the involvement of spatially regulated PKA signaling in ABCA1 activities through the use of st-Ht31, a PKA de-anchoring peptide. It appears that de-anchoring PKA robustly increases ABCA1-mediated microparticle release, one of the cholesterol efflux pathways of ABCA1, and reverses macrophage foam cell formation. These results highlight the significance of subcellular compartmentalization of PKA signaling in ABCA1 functions and present PKA de-anchoring as a potential therapeutic strategy for atherosclerotic lesion regression. The second part of this study provides evidence that ABCA1 activates PKA and promotes the secretion of anti-inflammatory IL-10, a cytokine crucial for inflammation resolution. Furthermore, we provide evidence that this elevated PKA activity is the underlying mechanism in which macrophage ABCA1 promotes M2-like inflammatory response. Our results also suggest that ABCA1 activates PKA by regulating cholesterol, which poises macrophages towards an anti-inflammatory or M2-activated phenotype. Collectively, we demonstrate that PKA signaling plays a crucial multifactorial role in anti-atherogenic functions of ABCA1.

I. DESCRIPTION DE PROJET DE RECHERCHE Le canal sodium épithélial bloquable par l’amiloride (ENaC) est une protéine intégrale de la membrane apicale des épithéliums impliqués dans l’absorption du sodium. Deux fonctions majeures sont directement liées au fonctionnement d’ENaC. D’une part, la régulation de la balance sodée par le rein et donc de la pression artérielle et d’autre part, la clairance du fluide alvéolaire pulmonaire. Le transport vectoriel de sel et d’eau à travers ces épithéliums à jonctions serrées repose sur un transport actif de sodium entraînant un flux osmotique d’eau. Ce transport de sodium s’effectue en deux étapes: l’entrée apicale, par diffusion, facilitée via ENaC, et la sortie basolatérale, active, par les pompes Na+/K+ ATPases. Ces dernières années, un intérêt grandissant est porté sur les acides gras polyinsaturés à longues chaînes de type oméga 3 (PUFAs) et leurs implications dans divers processus physiologiques. Entre autres effets, les PUFAs modulent différents types de canaux ioniques (canaux Na+ dépendant du voltage, Ca++ L-type, K+). Les études in vivo impliquant un effet à long terme des PUFAs décrivent des mécanismes inhibiteurs. Cependant, lors d’une étude précédente, axée sur la composition lipidique des membranes de cellules rénales en culture et l’influence de l’ajout d’acides gras saturés et insaturés sur le transport du sodium, nous avons constaté que les acides gras polyinsaturés à longues chaînes de type oméga 3 augmentaient la réabsorption du sodium. Ces résultats pourraient être intéressants, car les canaux sodiques de l’épithélium alvéolaire sont en contact direct avec le surfactant, dont la composition lipidique varie en fonction de l’apport alimentaire en PUFAs. Chez les prématurés humains, le syndrome de détresse respiratoire est une des causes les plus fréquentes de mortalité. Dans un certain nombre de cas, on peut restaurer une fonction pulmonaire satisfaisante par l’administration de surfactant. Dans ce travail, nous avons opté pour une approche fondamentale des mécanismes de régulation du canal sodium épithélial par l’acide eicosapentanoïque (EPA, C 20:5, n-3). Des études électrophysiologiques, biochimiques et d’imagerie cellulaire ont été réalisées sur la lignée cellulaire A6 de rein d’amphibien, qui sert d’épithélium modèle pour l’étude d’ENaC depuis plus de 25 ans. Cette lignée exprime des canaux sodiques très sélectifs et possède des propriétés électrophysiologiques facilitant l’étude de leur régulation. Ce travail nous a permis de mettre en évidence de nouveaux mécanismes fondamentaux dont la pertinence physiologique et /ou clinique ne pourra être établie qu’en transposant cette étude sur un modèle in vivo, comme nous le proposons dans les perspectives. Dans le présent travail, nous avons étudié : 1. La distribution fonctionnelle d’ENaC dans la membrane apicale des cellules A6. 2. Les effets des acides gras polyinsaturés oméga-3 (n-3 PUFAs) sur le transport du sodium et les voies de signalisation impliquées dans ces effets. Nous montrons que les canaux sodiques épithéliaux sont distribués de manière hétérogène dans la membrane apicale des cellules A6, les canaux actifs se localisant au niveau de microdomaines membranaires (Am. J. Renal Physiol. 2003). Nous montrons aussi que l’acide eicosapentanoïque (EPA, C20 :5) augmente la perméabilité au sodium de la membrane apicale des cellules A6. Cette stimulation est transitoire et réversible, et implique l’activation de la protéine kinase A (PKA) en aval d’une augmenation d’adénosine monophosphate cyclique (AMPc) (Am. J. Renal Physiol. 2004). L’EPA ne provoque ni la stimulation de l’adénylate cyclase, ni l’augmentation d’AMPc total, mais inhibe l’activité phosphodiestérasique membranaire. En l’absence d’une augmentation mesurable d’AMPc, nous avons testé l’hypothèse d’une compartimentalisation de la PKA à la membrane apicale, où une faible augmentation d’AMPc pourrait être suffisante pour son activation. Nous montrons qu’une telle compartimentalisation est rendue possible grâce à une A-Kinase Anchoring Protein (AKAP) qui ancre la PKA à la membrane apicale. L’inhibition de la liaison AKAP-PKA empêche la stimulation du courant sodium par l’EPA. La distribution d’ENaC dans les microdomaines membranaires insolubles aux détergents pourrait favoriser l’ancrage de l’AKAP et des protéines régulatrices à proximité du canal ( J. Biol. Chem, 2007). Ce travail montre pour la première fois, un ancrage membranaire de la PKA par une AKAP dans les cellules A6 et met ainsi en évidence un nouveau mécanisme de régulation des canaux sodium épithéliaux.

Sistemas do tipo cell surface display vêm sendo desenvolvidos para expressão de proteínas heterólogas ancoradas à superfície celular de microrganismos. Várias aplicações foram reportadas destes sistemas, incluindo o emprego como biocatalizador celular, desenvolvimento de vacinas e biosorventes celulares. Neste trabalho foi desenvolvido um sistema que permite ancoragem da proteína glicoamilase de Aspergillus awamori à superfície da parede celular da levedura Saccharomyces cerevisiae. O gene codificador da glicoamilase com sua seqüência sinal foi fusionado ao fragmento do gene codificador da região C-terminal da proteína Flo1p (Flo428), que foi utilizada como âncora (fragmento CG*FC). As células de levedura foram transformadas com o fragmento híbrido CG*FC e os transformantes foram capazes de degradar amido e liberar glicose. A atividade da glicoamilase não foi detectada no meio de cultura, porém está presente no sedimento celular. Estes resultados demonstram que a glicoamilase foi ancorada à parede celular da nova linhagem recombinante de levedura. / Cell surface display systems have being developed for expression of heterologous proteins anchored to the cell surface of microorganisms. Several applications of these systems have been reported, including employment as whole-cell biocatalysts, development of vaccines and cellular biosorvents. In this work it was developed a system that allows the anchoring of the Aspergillus awamori glucoamylase protein to the cell wall surface of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The gene encoding glucoamylase with its secretion signal was fused to the gene fragment encoding the C-terminal region of Flo1 protein, used as an anchor (CG*FC fragment). Yeast cells were transformed with hybrid CG*FC fragment and transformants were able to degrade starch and release glucose. Glucoamylase activity was not detected in the culture medium, but only in sedimented cells. These results demonstrate that glucoamylase was anchored to the cell wall of the new yeast recombinant strain.

Protein interactions are the basis of synaptic function, and studying these interactions on a molecular level is crucial for understanding basic brain function, as well as mechanisms underlying neurological disorders. In this thesis, kinetic and mechanistic characterization of synaptic protein interactions was performed by using surface plasmon resonance biosensor technology. Fragment library screening against the reverse transcriptase of HIV was included, as it served as an outlook for future drug discovery against ligand-gated ion channels. The protein-protein interaction studies of postsynaptic Ca2+ -binding proteins revealed caldendrin as a novel binding partner of AKAP79. Caldendrin and calmodulin bind and compete at similar binding sites but their interactions display different mechanisms and kinetics. In contrast to calmodulin, caldendrin binds to AKAP79 both in the presence and absence of Ca2+ suggesting distinct in vivo functional properties of caldendrin and calmodulin. Homo-oligomeric β3 GABAA receptors, although not yet identified in vivo, are candidates for a histamine-gated ion channel in the brain. To aid the identification of the receptor, 51 histaminergic ligands were screened and a unique pharmacology was determined. A further requirement for identifying β3 receptors in the brain, is the availability of specific high-affinity ligands. The developed biosensor assay displayed sufficient sensitivity and throughput for screening for such ligands, as well as for being employed for fragment-based drug discovery. AMPA receptors are excitatory ligand-gated ion channels, involved in synaptic plasticity, and modulated by auxiliary proteins. Previous results have indicated that Noelin1, a secreted glycoprotein, interacts with the AMPA receptor. By using biochemical methods, it was shown that Noelin1 interacts directly with the receptor. The kinetics of the interaction were estimated by biosensor analysis, thereby confirming the interaction and suggesting low nanomolar affinity. The results provide a basis for functional characterization of a novel AMPA receptor protein interaction. The results demonstrate how secrets of synaptic protein interactions and function were revealed by using a molecular based approach. Improving the understanding of such interactions is valuable for basic neuroscience. At the same time, the technical advancements that were achieved to study interactions of ligand-gated ion channels by surface plasmon resonance technology, provide an important tool for discovery of novel therapeutics against these important drug targets.

Sistemas do tipo cell surface display vêm sendo desenvolvidos para expressão de proteínas heterólogas ancoradas à superfície celular de microrganismos. Várias aplicações foram reportadas destes sistemas, incluindo o emprego como biocatalizador celular, desenvolvimento de vacinas e biosorventes celulares. Neste trabalho foi desenvolvido um sistema que permite ancoragem da proteína glicoamilase de Aspergillus awamori à superfície da parede celular da levedura Saccharomyces cerevisiae. O gene codificador da glicoamilase com sua seqüência sinal foi fusionado ao fragmento do gene codificador da região C-terminal da proteína Flo1p (Flo428), que foi utilizada como âncora (fragmento CG*FC). As células de levedura foram transformadas com o fragmento híbrido CG*FC e os transformantes foram capazes de degradar amido e liberar glicose. A atividade da glicoamilase não foi detectada no meio de cultura, porém está presente no sedimento celular. Estes resultados demonstram que a glicoamilase foi ancorada à parede celular da nova linhagem recombinante de levedura. / Cell surface display systems have being developed for expression of heterologous proteins anchored to the cell surface of microorganisms. Several applications of these systems have been reported, including employment as whole-cell biocatalysts, development of vaccines and cellular biosorvents. In this work it was developed a system that allows the anchoring of the Aspergillus awamori glucoamylase protein to the cell wall surface of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The gene encoding glucoamylase with its secretion signal was fused to the gene fragment encoding the C-terminal region of Flo1 protein, used as an anchor (CG*FC fragment). Yeast cells were transformed with hybrid CG*FC fragment and transformants were able to degrade starch and release glucose. Glucoamylase activity was not detected in the culture medium, but only in sedimented cells. These results demonstrate that glucoamylase was anchored to the cell wall of the new yeast recombinant strain.

I. DESCRIPTION DE PROJET DE RECHERCHE<p><p>Le canal sodium épithélial bloquable par l’amiloride (ENaC) est une protéine intégrale de la membrane apicale des épithéliums impliqués dans l’absorption du sodium. Deux fonctions majeures sont directement liées au fonctionnement d’ENaC. D’une part, la régulation de la balance sodée par le rein et donc de la pression artérielle et d’autre part, la clairance du fluide alvéolaire pulmonaire.<p>Le transport vectoriel de sel et d’eau à travers ces épithéliums à jonctions serrées repose sur un transport actif de sodium entraînant un flux osmotique d’eau. Ce transport de sodium s’effectue en deux étapes: l’entrée apicale, par diffusion, facilitée via ENaC, et la sortie basolatérale, active, par les pompes Na+/K+ ATPases.<p><p>Ces dernières années, un intérêt grandissant est porté sur les acides gras polyinsaturés à longues chaînes de type oméga 3 (PUFAs) et leurs implications dans divers processus physiologiques. Entre autres effets, les PUFAs modulent différents types de canaux ioniques (canaux Na+ dépendant du voltage, Ca++ L-type, K+).<p>Les études in vivo impliquant un effet à long terme des PUFAs décrivent des mécanismes inhibiteurs. Cependant, lors d’une étude précédente, axée sur la composition lipidique des membranes de cellules rénales en culture et l’influence de l’ajout d’acides gras saturés et insaturés sur le transport du sodium, nous avons constaté que les acides gras polyinsaturés à longues chaînes de type oméga 3 augmentaient la réabsorption du sodium. Ces résultats pourraient être intéressants, car les canaux sodiques de l’épithélium alvéolaire sont en contact direct avec le surfactant, dont la composition lipidique varie en fonction de l’apport alimentaire en PUFAs. Chez les prématurés humains, le syndrome de détresse respiratoire est une des causes les plus fréquentes de mortalité. Dans un certain nombre de cas, on peut restaurer une fonction pulmonaire satisfaisante par l’administration de surfactant.<p><p>Dans ce travail, nous avons opté pour une approche fondamentale des mécanismes de régulation du canal sodium épithélial par l’acide eicosapentanoïque (EPA, C 20:5, n-3). Des études électrophysiologiques, biochimiques et d’imagerie cellulaire ont été réalisées sur la lignée cellulaire A6 de rein d’amphibien, qui sert d’épithélium modèle pour l’étude d’ENaC depuis plus de 25 ans. Cette lignée exprime des canaux sodiques très sélectifs et possède des propriétés électrophysiologiques facilitant l’étude de leur régulation.<p><p>Ce travail nous a permis de mettre en évidence de nouveaux mécanismes fondamentaux dont la pertinence physiologique et /ou clinique ne pourra être établie qu’en transposant cette étude sur un modèle in vivo, comme nous le proposons dans les perspectives.<p><p>Dans le présent travail, nous avons étudié :<p><p>1.\ / Doctorat en Sciences biomédicales et pharmaceutiques / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is perhaps the largest protein complex in the eukaryotic cell, and controls the movement of molecules across the nuclear envelope. The NPC is composed of up to 30 proteins termed nucleoporins (Nups), each grouped in different sub-complexes. The transmembrane ring sub-complex is composed of Nups responsible for anchoring the NPC to the nuclear envelope. Bioinformatic analysis has traced all major sub-complexes of the NPC back to the last eukaryotic common ancestor, meaning that the nuclear pore structure and function is conserved amongst all eukaryotes. In this study Arabidopsis T-DNA knockout lines for these genes were investigated to characterise gene function. Differences in plant growth and development were observed for the ndc1 knockout line compared to wild-type but gp210 plants showed no phenotypic differences. The double knockout line gp210 ndc1 was generated through crosses to observe plant response to the knockout of two anchoring-Nup genes. No synergistic affect from this double knockout was observed, suggesting that more, as yet unidentified Nups function the transmembrane ring in plants. The sensitivity to nuclear export inhibitor leptomycin B (LMB) was tested also for knockout lines, although growth sensitivity to the drug was not observed. Nucleocytoplasmic transport of knockout lines was measured in cells transformed by particle bombardment. To express fluorescent protein constructs actively transported through the NPC, localisation of protein determined the nucleocytoplasmic transport of the cell. The ndc1single knockout and the double knockout gp210 ndc1 exhibited decreased nuclear export. Further experiments in determining NDC1 localisation and identification of other Nups in the transmembrane ring sub-complex would bring a more comprehensive understanding to the plant NPC.