Os tumores de glândula salivar compreendem em torno de 2 a 6,5% dos tumores de cabeça e pescoço. Entre os tumores de glândula salivar, o adenoma pleomórfico é benigno e o mais comum. O carcinoma adenoide cístico e adenocarcinoma polimorfo de baixo grau encontram-se entre os mais frequentes malignos. Jab1 é uma de muitas proteínas que afetam diversos estágios da tumorigênese sendo importante na regulação variadas vias de sinalização e/ou proteínas como p27 e AP-1, a última composta por c-jun e c-fos, que são principalmente relacionadas com o ciclo celular e proliferação celular. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a expressão imuno-histoquímica das proteínas Jab1, p27, c-jun e c-fos no adenoma pleomórfico, adenocarcinoma polimorfo de baixo grau e carcinoma adenoide cístico das glândulas salivares. Foi realizada análise imuno-histoquímica semi-quantitativa das células marcadas nos tumores de glândula salivar e glândula salivar normal de acordo com o escore 0 (células sem expressão), 1(> 0 <= 5% de células marcadas), 2 (> 5 <= 50%) and 3 (> 50%). Para Jab1, c-jun e c-fos foi considerado apenas marcação nuclear e para p27, nuclear e citoplasmática, separadamente. Os resultados foram analisados utilizando-se os testes de Kruskal-Wallis, de Mann-Whitney, do Qui-quadrado e o teste de correlação de Spearman, cujo nível de significância foi de p<0,05 e processados com o auxílio do software GraphPad Prisma 5.0. A análise estatística revelou que a expressão de Jab1 foi significante no adenoma pleomórfico e no carcinoma adenoide cístico em relação aos ductos e no adenocarcinoma polimorfo de baixo grau em relação ao carcinoma adenoide cístico (p=0,0136, 0,0001 e 0,0344, respectivamente); a expressão de p27 nuclear foi significante no adenoma pleomórfico e no adenocarcinoma polimorfo de baixo grau quando comparados ao carcinoma adenoide cístico (p=0,0074 e 0,0004, respectivamente) e a expressão citoplasmática em todos os grupos quando comparados aos ácinos; c-fos, a expressão foi significativa nos ductos ao compará-los ao adenoma pleomórfico, adenocarcinoma polimorfo de baixo grau e carcinoma adenoide cístico (p=0,0002, 0,0048 e 0,0352, respectivamente). O teste de correlação de Spearman de Jab1, p27, c-jun e c-fos em cada lesão separadamente revelou que no adenoma pleomórfico houve correlação significativa entre Jab1 e p27 (r=0,371; p=0,020) e entre c-jun e c-fos (r=0,452; p=0,004). No adenocarcinoma polimorfo de baixo grau, houve correlação entre Jab1 e p27 (r=0,494; p=0,044) e no carcinoma adenoide cístico, entre p27 e c-fos (r=0,513; p=0,035). Foi concluído que a tumorigênese do adenoma pleomórfico, adenocarcinoma polimorfo de baixo grau e carcinoma adenoide cístico parece estar associada à expressão de Jab1 e p27. / Salivary gland tumors comprise about 2 to 6.5% of the head and neck tumors. Among the salivary gland tumors, pleomorphic adenoma is the most common and benign tumor. Adenoid cystic carcinoma and polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma are the most frequent malignant tumors. Jab1 is one of many proteins which affects many stages of the tumorigenesis and regulates positively and negatively several pathways and/or proteins such as p27 and AP-1, the latter composed by c-jun and c-fos, which are mostly related to cell cycle and cell proliferation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunoexpression of the proteins Jab1, p27, c-jun and c-fos in pleomorphic adenoma, polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands. The semi-quantitative immunohistochemical analysis was performed in salivary gland tumors and in normal salivary gland according to the score 0 (no stained cells), 1 (> 0 <= 5% of stained cells), 2 (> 5 <= 50%) and 3 (> 50%). Nuclear immunostaining alone was considered for Jab1, c-jun and c-fos proteins and cytoplasmic and nuclear staining for p27. Results were analyzed in GraphPad Prisma 5.0 software using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests and Spearman correlation test in which significancy level was p<0,05. Statistical analysis revealed that Jab1 expression was significant in pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma in relation to ducts and in polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma in relation to adenoid cystic carcinoma (p=0,0136, 0,0001 e 0,0344, respectively); the p27 nuclear expression was significant in pleomorphic adenoma and in polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma when compared to adenoid cystic carcinoma (p=0,0074 e 0,0004, respectively) and cytoplasmic immunostaining was significant in all groups when compared to acini; c-fos expression was significant in ducts if compared to pleomorphic adenoma, polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma (p=0,0002, 0,0048 e 0,0352, respectively). Spearman correlation test to Jab1, p27, c-jun and c-fos in each lesion separately revealed significant correlation between Jab1 and p27 (r=0,371; p=0,020) and c-jun and c-fos (r=0,452; p=0,004) in pleomorphic adenoma. There was correlation between Jab1 and p27 (r=0,494; p=0,044) in polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma and between p27 and c-fos (r=0,513; p=0,035) in adenoid cystic carcinoma. In conclusion, tumorigenesis in pleomorphic adenoma, polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma seems to be associated to expression of Jab1 and p27.

Os tumores de glândula salivar compreendem em torno de 2 a 6,5% dos tumores de cabeça e pescoço. Entre os tumores de glândula salivar, o adenoma pleomórfico é benigno e o mais comum. O carcinoma adenoide cístico e adenocarcinoma polimorfo de baixo grau encontram-se entre os mais frequentes malignos. Jab1 é uma de muitas proteínas que afetam diversos estágios da tumorigênese sendo importante na regulação variadas vias de sinalização e/ou proteínas como p27 e AP-1, a última composta por c-jun e c-fos, que são principalmente relacionadas com o ciclo celular e proliferação celular. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a expressão imuno-histoquímica das proteínas Jab1, p27, c-jun e c-fos no adenoma pleomórfico, adenocarcinoma polimorfo de baixo grau e carcinoma adenoide cístico das glândulas salivares. Foi realizada análise imuno-histoquímica semi-quantitativa das células marcadas nos tumores de glândula salivar e glândula salivar normal de acordo com o escore 0 (células sem expressão), 1(> 0 <= 5% de células marcadas), 2 (> 5 <= 50%) and 3 (> 50%). Para Jab1, c-jun e c-fos foi considerado apenas marcação nuclear e para p27, nuclear e citoplasmática, separadamente. Os resultados foram analisados utilizando-se os testes de Kruskal-Wallis, de Mann-Whitney, do Qui-quadrado e o teste de correlação de Spearman, cujo nível de significância foi de p<0,05 e processados com o auxílio do software GraphPad Prisma 5.0. A análise estatística revelou que a expressão de Jab1 foi significante no adenoma pleomórfico e no carcinoma adenoide cístico em relação aos ductos e no adenocarcinoma polimorfo de baixo grau em relação ao carcinoma adenoide cístico (p=0,0136, 0,0001 e 0,0344, respectivamente); a expressão de p27 nuclear foi significante no adenoma pleomórfico e no adenocarcinoma polimorfo de baixo grau quando comparados ao carcinoma adenoide cístico (p=0,0074 e 0,0004, respectivamente) e a expressão citoplasmática em todos os grupos quando comparados aos ácinos; c-fos, a expressão foi significativa nos ductos ao compará-los ao adenoma pleomórfico, adenocarcinoma polimorfo de baixo grau e carcinoma adenoide cístico (p=0,0002, 0,0048 e 0,0352, respectivamente). O teste de correlação de Spearman de Jab1, p27, c-jun e c-fos em cada lesão separadamente revelou que no adenoma pleomórfico houve correlação significativa entre Jab1 e p27 (r=0,371; p=0,020) e entre c-jun e c-fos (r=0,452; p=0,004). No adenocarcinoma polimorfo de baixo grau, houve correlação entre Jab1 e p27 (r=0,494; p=0,044) e no carcinoma adenoide cístico, entre p27 e c-fos (r=0,513; p=0,035). Foi concluído que a tumorigênese do adenoma pleomórfico, adenocarcinoma polimorfo de baixo grau e carcinoma adenoide cístico parece estar associada à expressão de Jab1 e p27. / Salivary gland tumors comprise about 2 to 6.5% of the head and neck tumors. Among the salivary gland tumors, pleomorphic adenoma is the most common and benign tumor. Adenoid cystic carcinoma and polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma are the most frequent malignant tumors. Jab1 is one of many proteins which affects many stages of the tumorigenesis and regulates positively and negatively several pathways and/or proteins such as p27 and AP-1, the latter composed by c-jun and c-fos, which are mostly related to cell cycle and cell proliferation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunoexpression of the proteins Jab1, p27, c-jun and c-fos in pleomorphic adenoma, polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands. The semi-quantitative immunohistochemical analysis was performed in salivary gland tumors and in normal salivary gland according to the score 0 (no stained cells), 1 (> 0 <= 5% of stained cells), 2 (> 5 <= 50%) and 3 (> 50%). Nuclear immunostaining alone was considered for Jab1, c-jun and c-fos proteins and cytoplasmic and nuclear staining for p27. Results were analyzed in GraphPad Prisma 5.0 software using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests and Spearman correlation test in which significancy level was p<0,05. Statistical analysis revealed that Jab1 expression was significant in pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma in relation to ducts and in polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma in relation to adenoid cystic carcinoma (p=0,0136, 0,0001 e 0,0344, respectively); the p27 nuclear expression was significant in pleomorphic adenoma and in polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma when compared to adenoid cystic carcinoma (p=0,0074 e 0,0004, respectively) and cytoplasmic immunostaining was significant in all groups when compared to acini; c-fos expression was significant in ducts if compared to pleomorphic adenoma, polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma (p=0,0002, 0,0048 e 0,0352, respectively). Spearman correlation test to Jab1, p27, c-jun and c-fos in each lesion separately revealed significant correlation between Jab1 and p27 (r=0,371; p=0,020) and c-jun and c-fos (r=0,452; p=0,004) in pleomorphic adenoma. There was correlation between Jab1 and p27 (r=0,494; p=0,044) in polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma and between p27 and c-fos (r=0,513; p=0,035) in adenoid cystic carcinoma. In conclusion, tumorigenesis in pleomorphic adenoma, polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma seems to be associated to expression of Jab1 and p27.

Les microtubules sont des éléments dynamiques du cytosquelette qui contrôlent à la fois l’organisation du cytoplasme, la polarité, la migration et la division cellulaire. Notre laboratoire a précédemment montré que la kinase de stress JNK (c-Jun NH2-terminal Kinase) régule la dynamique des microtubules dans les cellules épithéliales de mammifères, en augmentant les vitesses de polymérisation, ainsi que les fréquences de sauvetage (transition vers une phase de repolymérisation). Alors que certaines protéines neuronales capables de réguler la dynamique des microtubules ont été identifiées comme des substrats de JNK, leurs équivalents dans les cellules épithéliales sont largement méconnus. Dans le but de comprendre comment JNK module la dynamique des microtubules dans les cellules épithéliales de mammifère, nous avons étudié deux substrats potentiels de JNK : la -tubuline et le facteur de sauvetage CLIP-170. Nous avons bien mis en évidence in vitro, une phosphorylation de la -tubuline par JNK sur une thréonine non-consensus, mais cette phosphorylation n’a pas été retrouvée dans les cellules HeLa, suggérant que la -tubuline n’est pas un substrat naturel de JNK in vivo. Nous avons mis en évidence par ailleurs que CLIP-170 est un nouveau substrat de JNK. Dans les cellules épithéliales, JNK activée phosphoryle trois résidus (Thr25, Thr45 et Ser147) situés dans la partie N-terminale de CLIP-170 de part et d’autre du premier domaine CAP-Gly qui est nécessaire pour l’interaction avec les microtubules. Ces acides aminés présentent des différences aussi bien dans leur phosphorylation basale que dans leurs cinétiques de phosphorylation par JNK sous divers stress. De plus, nous avons trouvé que dans différentes cellules épithéliales, la phosphorylation de ces sites est conservée. In vitro, ces résidus sont directement phosphorylés par JNK, préférentiellement quand le domaine N-terminal de CLIP-170 lie la tubuline. De plus, l’expression de mutants de CLIP-170 phospho-mimétiques et non-phosphorylables a montré que la phosphorylation de chaque site augmente la fréquence des sauvetages microtubulaires. Cette modulation n’est pas corrélée à une augmentation de la capacité de CLIP-170 à former des comètes aux extrémités plus en croissance ou à être retenue aux croissements microtubulaires, qui sont des sites de sauvetage potentiels.Ce travail a permis de décrire les premières phosphorylations de CLIP-170 qui stimulent sa fonction de sauvetage in vivo. Il souligne par ailleurs la complexité des mécanismes de sauvetage, qui demeurent un aspect encore énigmatique de l’instabilité dynamique des microtubules. L’activité de JNK sur CLIP-170 ne permet d’expliquer qu’une partie des effets de la kinase sur la dynamique des microtubules, aussi la recherche d’autres protéines cibles de JNK pouvant réguler notamment leur vitesse de polymérisation, reste à entreprendre. / Microtubules are dynamic cytoskeleton elements, which control cytoplasm organization, cell polarity, migration and division. Our laboratory has previously shown that the stress kinase JNK (c-Jun NH2-terminal Kinase) regulates microtubule dynamics in mammalian epithelial cells, by increasing their growth rates, and their rescue frequencies (transition towards phases of repolymerization). While several neuronal proteins regulating microtubule dynamics have been identified as JNK substrates, their counterparts in epithelial cells are largely unknown. With the aim to understand how JNK modulates microtubule dynamics in mammalian epithelial cells, we studied two putative substrates of JNK: -tubulin and the rescue factor CLIP-170. Regarding -tubulin, using an in vitro kinase assay, we found that a non-consensus threonine is actually phosphorylated by JNK, but we were not able to find this phosphorylation in HeLa cells, suggesting that -tubulin is not a natural JNK substrate. In parallel, we found that CLIP-170 is a new substrate of JNK in epithelial cells. Activated JNK phosphorylates three residues (Thr25, Thr45 and Ser147) located in the N-terminal part of CLIP-170, on each side of the first CAP-Gly domain, which is required for CLIP-170 interaction with microtubules. These residues exhibit differences in their level of basal phosphorylation and their kinetics of phosphorylation by JNK under various stresses. Moreover, we found that in different epithelial cells, the phosphorylation of these sites is conserved. Using an in vitro kinase assay, we found that all these residues are directly phosphorylated by JNK, preferentially when the N-terminal domain of CLIP-170 binds tubulin. Furthermore, using phospho-mimetic and non-phosphorylatable CLIP-170 mutants in epithelial cells, we revealed that the phosphorylation of each site increases microtubule rescues. Such modulation operates without increasing CLIP-170 capability to form comets at the microtubule growing plus ends or to accumulate at microtubule crossings, which are potential rescue sites.This work described the first phosphorylations that enhance CLIP-170 rescue factor function in vivo. It also points out to which extent rescue mechanisms are complex and remain an elusive aspect of dynamic instability. JNK-mediated phosphorylation of CLIP-170 only partly explains the kinase effects on microtubule dynamics. Therefore, identifying other JNK targets that may regulate microtubule polymerization rate, remains to be addressed.

Homocysteine (Hcy) has been identified as a primary risk factor for atherosclerosis as it induces endothelial cell (EC) activation/dysfunction and thus potentially initiating atherosclerotic plaque formation. There is accumulating evidence indicating a key role for oxidative stress in mediating Hcy atherogenic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chronic treatment with Hcy on EC activation and to explore the role of oxidative stress in these effects. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were cultured and treated chronically with DL-Hcy for 5-9 days. An in vitro flow system was also used to characterize the different types of interactions between DL-Hcy-treated HUVEC and neutrophils under physiological flow conditions. EC activation was studied by characterizing the activation of the JNK pathway and the up-regulation of different cell adhesion molecules (CAM) and cytokines, using different techniques including western blot, immunohistochemical staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction. The role of oxidative stress was investigated by measuring the production of ROS and evaluating the efficiency of antioxidants. Furthermore, the role of nitric oxide and nitric oxide synthase in modulating Hcy effects was investigated. Chronic treatment with DL-Hcy did not kill the EC however, it inhibited cell proliferation. Furthermore, this treatment induced EC activation/dysfunction which was characterized by sustained activation of the JNK pathway, which in turn mediated up-regulation of E-selectin, ICAM-1 and to lesser extent P-selectin. Furthermore, DL-Hcy induced production of IL-8 protein. These CAM and chemokines collectively mediated different interactions between DL-Hcy-treated HUVEC and neutrophils under flow conditions including tethering, rolling, adherence and transmigration. DL-Hcy was also shown to induce significant ROS generation which mediated activation of the JNK pathway. Antioxidants restored DL-Hcy-induced interactions under flow to the basal level. DL-Hcy was shown to induce eNOS uncoupling which mediated, at least in part, the DL-Hcy-induced ROS production. Furthermore, short term treatment with NO inhibited DL-Hcy-induced HUVEC:neutrophil interactions in a cGMP-independent manner. In summary, this research showed that DL-Hcy has several proatherogenic effects, mediated at least in part by the JNK pathway, and induces EC activation/dysfunction priming for atherosclerosis initiation. The data supports that oxidative stress mediates the majority of Hcy atherosclerotic effects. Antioxidants tested, JNK inhibitors and NO showed promising results in reversing all DL-Hcy effects and restoring EC normal status.

To explore the potential mechanisms of tendon degeneration, we investigated the role of c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) activation and the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) in tendon matrix degradation under oxidative stress. JNK and MMP1 activity in samples from normal and ruptured human supraspinatus tendons were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Real-time quantitative PCR was utilized to evaluate MMP1 mRNA expression and western blotting for MMP1 and JNK protein detection. JNK activation and increased MMP1 activity were found in the torn human supraspinatus tendon tissue, as well as in human tendon cells under in vitro oxidative stress. Inhibition of JNK prevented MMP1 over-expression in oxidative stressed human tendon cells. Results from the current study indicated that stress activated JNK plays an important role in tendon matrix degradation, possibly through upregulating of MMP1.

Successful axon regeneration appears to depend on the development of an injury response. Dorsal root ganglion neurons exemplify the necessity of this injury response in a unique way. Peripheral nerve transection leads to development of an injury response and successful regeneration whereas central root transection does neither. The injury response may involve extracellular and intracellular pathways. To investigate the extraneuronal influences, we performed nerve transection of either the central or peripheral axon branches and studied the expression of GAP-43, a key growth associated protein, and the transcription factors ATF3, c-Jun, and STAT3. Our results show that the responses to peripheral versus central nerve transection are fundamentally different. Peripheral but not central nerve transection increases GAP-43, ATF3, and c-Jun expression. STAT3, however, is upregulated as a result of central but not peripheral nerve transection. To investigate potential intracellular signalling pathways, we applied FGF-2, an extracellular mitogen, or an analog of cAMP, an intracellular second messenger to the cut end of the peripheral axon. Our results indicate that FGF-2 and cAMP act as activators of GAP-43 expression. On the other hand, FGF-2 and cAMP act to downregulate the expression of ATF3. FGF-2 upregulates c-Jun and the activated form of STAT3. Paradoxically, the regulation of GAP-43 expression by cAMP or by FGF-2 in vivo shows opposing results from the previously reported in vitro studies. Our present results suggest that the peripheral nerve injury response may be governed by at least three different signalling pathways.

Successful axon regeneration appears to depend on the development of an injury response. Dorsal root ganglion neurons exemplify the necessity of this injury response in a unique way. Peripheral nerve transection leads to development of an injury response and successful regeneration whereas central root transection does neither. The injury response may involve extracellular and intracellular pathways. To investigate the extraneuronal influences, we performed nerve transection of either the central or peripheral axon branches and studied the expression of GAP-43, a key growth associated protein, and the transcription factors ATF3, c-Jun, and STAT3. Our results show that the responses to peripheral versus central nerve transection are fundamentally different. Peripheral but not central nerve transection increases GAP-43, ATF3, and c-Jun expression. STAT3, however, is upregulated as a result of central but not peripheral nerve transection. To investigate potential intracellular signalling pathways, we applied FGF-2, an extracellular mitogen, or an analog of cAMP, an intracellular second messenger to the cut end of the peripheral axon. Our results indicate that FGF-2 and cAMP act as activators of GAP-43 expression. On the other hand, FGF-2 and cAMP act to downregulate the expression of ATF3. FGF-2 upregulates c-Jun and the activated form of STAT3. Paradoxically, the regulation of GAP-43 expression by cAMP or by FGF-2 in vivo shows opposing results from the previously reported in vitro studies. Our present results suggest that the peripheral nerve injury response may be governed by at least three different signalling pathways.

No description available.

The survival of several neuron populations during development, including sympathetic neurons, is strictly regulated by neurotrophins such as nerve growth factor (NGF) released from innervation targets. NGF activates its receptor, TrkA, at axon terminals, to generate signals that are transmitted retrogradely to cell bodies to induce signaling cascades regulating survival. A general view of this process is that NGF generates retrograde survival signals that, when delivered to cell bodies, induce downstream survival signaling that prevents apoptosis. A retrograde survival signal proposed to be necessary for sympathetic neuron survival consists of endosomes containing NGF and phosphorylated TrkA. For this signal, phosphorylated TrkA arriving at cell bodies is required to initiate survival signaling. Studies have tested the necessity of TrkA phosphorylation in the cell bodies for survival: results from different studies contradict each other. Moreover, the Trk inhibitor, K252a, used in these studies, has reported non-specific effects. Using an alternate Trk inhibitor, Gö6976, data presented in this thesis demonstrates that NGF can promote survival by retrograde signaling that does not require TrkA phosphorylation in the cell bodies. These retrograde signals may be composed of signaling molecules activated downstream of TrkA in axons since pro-survival molecules downstream of TrkA, Akt and CREB, were found activated in the cell bodies/proximal axons. Data presented in this thesis also reveals a fundamentally different mechanism for how NGF promotes sympathetic neuron survival: a retrograde apoptotic signal that is suppressed by NGF. NGF withdrawal from axons induced the “axon apoptotic signal” that was retrogradely transmitted to cell bodies to activate a key pro-apoptotic molecule, c-jun. The axon apoptotic signal, which was blocked by the kinase inhibitors rottlerin and chelerythrine, was necessary for apoptosis in response to NGF deprivation. Evidence GSK3 is involved in generation or transmission of the axon apoptotic signal was provided by experiments with GSK3 inhibitors and siRNA. The axon apoptotic signal discovery refutes the previous view that NGF acting on axon terminals supports survival exclusively by generating retrograde survival signals. The axon apoptotic signal has broad implications for understanding nervous system development and other conditions where neuronal apoptosis occurs, such as neurotrauma and neurodegenerative diseases.

Resumo não disponível