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Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Epigenetic programming is the main mechanism regulating cell function and gene expression, through the activation or repression of transcriptional activity. In addition, epigenetics is closely related to reproductive events such as cell reprogramming and embryo development. In the first study, the effects of the germinal vesicle (GV) oocyte extract alone, or in combination with the deacetylase inhibitor Scriptaid, on porcine somatic cell reprogramming were evaluated. The formation of stem cell-like colonies were observed approximately two weeks after treatment with oocyte extract or oocyte extract plus Scriptaid. The colony number, at the time of appearance and after 48 hours, was similar between treatments. Partial activation of pluripotent, chromatin modifying and DNA methylating genes such as Ezh2 and Dnmt1, was observed three days after the oocyte extract treatment. However, the mRNA expression levels of the previous genes were similar to the control 15 days after treatment. This data suggest that GV oocyte extract is able to induce limited reprogramming in porcine fibroblasts, seen here by the partial activation of these genes. In the second study, brahmarelated gene-1 (BRG1), a cofactor and activator of chromatin modifications, and lysine demethylase 1A (Kdm1A), a repressor of gene expression, were characterized during porcine embryo development. Kdm1A is involved in the demethylation of both mono- and dimethylations, H3K4me and H3K4me2, respectively, on lysine 4 of histone 3. Firstly, we observed that proteins for both factors (BRG1 and Kdm1A) were absent in the nuclei of metaphase II oocytes, however, the proportion of nuclear localization increased on day 3-4 of embryo development. This time point coincides with the embryonic genome activation (EGA) in swine. Furthermore, using a well-established model of embryo developmental competence, based on time of first cleavage, it was verified that these factors were regulated during embryo development and are correlated with mRNA expression of other demethylases and H3K4me and H3K4me2 levels during EGA. It was also observed that BRG1 and Kdm1A levels are correlated with embryo cell numbers during EGA. These data suggest that BRG1 and Kdm1A participate in the regulation of H3K4 methylation during embryonic genome activation, and consequently, embryo development in swine. / A epigenética tem se destacado como a principal moduladora das funções celulares e reguladora da expressão gênica, seja pela ativação ou repressão da atividade transcricional. Além disso, a epigenética está relacionada diretamente a processos reprodutivos como a reprogramação celular e o desenvolvimento embrionário. Em um primeiro estudo, foi avaliado o efeito do extrato de oócitos em vesícula germinativa (VG), isoladamente, ou em associação com o inibidor de deacetilase, Scriptaid, sobre o potencial de reprogramação celular em células somáticas suínas. Foi observada a formação de colônias semelhantes à células-tronco pluripotentes aproximadamente duas semanas após o tratamento com o extrato de oócitos ou extrato de oócitos associado ao Scriptaid. O número de colônias, no dia de aparecimento e 48 horas após esse período, foi semelhante entre as células tratadas somente com o extrato de oócitos ou em associação com Scriptaid. Foi observada ainda a ativação parcial de genes de pluripotência celular e de genes reguladores de modificações de cromatina e de metilação de DNA, como o Ezh2 e o Dnmt1, três dias após o tratamento com extrato de oócitos. No entanto, 15 dias após o tratamento, esses níveis retornaram aos níveis do controle. Esses dados sugerem que o extrato de oócitos em estádio de VG é capaz de induzir uma reprogramação parcial nos fibroblastos suínos, caracterizada pela indução parcial de pluripotência e modulação de modificadores epigenéticos. Em um segundo estudo, foram caracterizados o co-fator ativador e remodelador de cromatina (BRG1), e a lisina demetilase 1 A (KDM1A), durante o desenvolvimento embrionário de suínos. A KDM1A atua na desmetilação da mono e dimetilação da lisina 4 da histona 3 (H3K4m3 e H3K4me2, respectivamente). Primeiramente, foi verificado que as proteínas desses fatores não estão presentes no núcleo de oócitos no estádio de metáfase II, porém estão presentes no núcleo da maioria dos embriões durante os dias 3-4 do desenvolvimento embrionário, o que coincide com o momento da ativação do genoma embrionário (EGA), na espécie suína. Além disso, utilizando um modelo de alta e baixa competência para o desenvolvimento, foi verificado que a expressão de RNAm desses fatores são regulados durante o desenvolvimento embrionário e estão correlacionados com a expressão de RNAm de outras enzimas demetilases de lisinas e com níveis de metilação da H3K4me e H3K4me2 durante a EGA. Observou-se ainda que os níveis proteicos dos fatores BRG1 e KDM1A parecem ter relação com o numero de células por embrião durante a EGA. Esses dados sugerem que esses fatores podem apresentar um envolvimento na regulação da H3K4 durante a ativação do genoma e consequente no desenvolvimento embrionário.

Here we describe some of the crucial steps to generate induced pluripotent stemcells (iPSCs) usingmRNA transfection. Our approach uses a V. virus-derived capping enzyme instead of a cap-analog, ensuring 100% proper cap orientation for in vitro transcribedmRNA. V. virus\'' 2′-O-Methyltransferase enzymecreates a cap1 structure found in higher eukaryotes and has higher translation efficiency compared to other methods. Use of the polymeric transfection reagent polyethylenimine proved superior to other transfection methods. The mRNA created via this method did not trigger an intracellular immune response via human IFN-gamma (hIFN-γ) or alpha (hIFN-α) release, thus circumventing the use of suppressors. Resulting mRNA and protein were expressed at high levels for over 48 h, thus obviating daily transfections. Using this method, we demonstrated swift activation of pluripotency associated genes in human fibroblasts. Low oxygen conditions further facilitated colony formation. Differentiation into different germ layers was confirmed via teratoma assay. Reprogramming with non-synthetic mRNA holds great promise for safe generation of iPSCs of human origin. Using the protocols described herein we hope to make this method more accessible to other groups as a fast, inexpensive, and non-viral reprogramming approach.

A Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne (DMD) é uma patologia neuromuscular causada pela mutação ou deleção do gene da distrofina, localizado no cromossomo X, levando a degeneração muscular ao longo da vida do paciente. A doença também tem sido associada a déficit cognitivo e falta de habilidade comportamental. Pesquisas com células neurais de pacientes com DMD poderiam ajudar a elucidar os sintomas neurológicos associados. Neste trabalho, através de células-tronco pluripotentes induzidas (iPSC) derivadas da polpa de dente decíduo esfoliado (SHED) de pacientes com DMD modelamos a DMD produzindo células neurais vivas in vitro. A expressão da distrofina foi verificada durante e após a diferenciação neuronal e nos ensaios de imunofluorescência, mostrando que essa proteína está presente em células do SNC. Na análise gênica através do qPCR, a Dp71 e a Dp140, isoformas da distrofina, apresentavam uma expressão menor do que os controles. Além disso, as análises das sinapses baseada na colocalização de marcadores pré e pós-sinápticos (Sinapsina1 e Homer 1) revelaram que os neurônios dos pacientes com DMD tinham menor quantidade de sinapses que os controles, reforçando o papel da distrofina no SNC. Logo, a expressão de genes relacionados a plasticidade sináptica revelou 10 genes alterados nos neurônios dos pacientes DMD, sugerindo que a mutação no gene da distrofina possivelmente altera a plasticidade sináptica e pode estar envolvida na habilidade cognitiva destes pacientes. Desta forma, com base nos nossos achados, a modelagem neuronal de DMD é factível e pode auxiliar a elucidar os mecanismos da fisiopatologia da doença / The Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a neuromuscular disorder caused by a mutation or deletion of the dystrophin gene located on the X chromosome, leading to muscle degeneration throughout the patient\'s life. The disease has also been associated with cognitive impairment and lack of behavioral skill. Research on neural cells from patients with DMD could help to elucidate the neurological symptoms associated. In this work, through induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) derived from dental pulp exfoliated (SHED) of patients with DMD model the DMD producing living neural cells in vitro. The dystrophin expression was observed during and after neuronal differentiation and immunofluorescence assays, showing that this protein is present in CNS cells. In gene analysis by qPCR, the Dp71 and Dp140, isoforms of dystrophin, had a lower expression than controls. Furthermore, based on analysis of synapses colocalization pre and postsynaptic markers (Synapsin1 and Homer 1) showed that neurons of DMD patients had lower number of synapses controls, supporting a role for dystrophin in the CNS. Finally, the expression of synaptic plasticity related genes wasfound in 10 genes altered in neurons of DMD patients, suggesting that the mutation of the dystrophin gene possibly alters synaptic plasticity and may be involved in cognitive ability of these patients. Finally, based on our findings, neuronal modeling DMD is feasible and may help elucidate the mechanisms of pathophysiology of the disease

A Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne (DMD) é uma patologia neuromuscular causada pela mutação ou deleção do gene da distrofina, localizado no cromossomo X, levando a degeneração muscular ao longo da vida do paciente. A doença também tem sido associada a déficit cognitivo e falta de habilidade comportamental. Pesquisas com células neurais de pacientes com DMD poderiam ajudar a elucidar os sintomas neurológicos associados. Neste trabalho, através de células-tronco pluripotentes induzidas (iPSC) derivadas da polpa de dente decíduo esfoliado (SHED) de pacientes com DMD modelamos a DMD produzindo células neurais vivas in vitro. A expressão da distrofina foi verificada durante e após a diferenciação neuronal e nos ensaios de imunofluorescência, mostrando que essa proteína está presente em células do SNC. Na análise gênica através do qPCR, a Dp71 e a Dp140, isoformas da distrofina, apresentavam uma expressão menor do que os controles. Além disso, as análises das sinapses baseada na colocalização de marcadores pré e pós-sinápticos (Sinapsina1 e Homer 1) revelaram que os neurônios dos pacientes com DMD tinham menor quantidade de sinapses que os controles, reforçando o papel da distrofina no SNC. Logo, a expressão de genes relacionados a plasticidade sináptica revelou 10 genes alterados nos neurônios dos pacientes DMD, sugerindo que a mutação no gene da distrofina possivelmente altera a plasticidade sináptica e pode estar envolvida na habilidade cognitiva destes pacientes. Desta forma, com base nos nossos achados, a modelagem neuronal de DMD é factível e pode auxiliar a elucidar os mecanismos da fisiopatologia da doença / The Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a neuromuscular disorder caused by a mutation or deletion of the dystrophin gene located on the X chromosome, leading to muscle degeneration throughout the patient\'s life. The disease has also been associated with cognitive impairment and lack of behavioral skill. Research on neural cells from patients with DMD could help to elucidate the neurological symptoms associated. In this work, through induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) derived from dental pulp exfoliated (SHED) of patients with DMD model the DMD producing living neural cells in vitro. The dystrophin expression was observed during and after neuronal differentiation and immunofluorescence assays, showing that this protein is present in CNS cells. In gene analysis by qPCR, the Dp71 and Dp140, isoforms of dystrophin, had a lower expression than controls. Furthermore, based on analysis of synapses colocalization pre and postsynaptic markers (Synapsin1 and Homer 1) showed that neurons of DMD patients had lower number of synapses controls, supporting a role for dystrophin in the CNS. Finally, the expression of synaptic plasticity related genes wasfound in 10 genes altered in neurons of DMD patients, suggesting that the mutation of the dystrophin gene possibly alters synaptic plasticity and may be involved in cognitive ability of these patients. Finally, based on our findings, neuronal modeling DMD is feasible and may help elucidate the mechanisms of pathophysiology of the disease

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2017-08-24T17:29:48Z No. of bitstreams: 1 leandrovespolicampos.pdf: 1925979 bytes, checksum: a437d2a7a7488eca8d27ad667669795d (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2017-08-25T11:53:35Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 leandrovespolicampos.pdf: 1925979 bytes, checksum: a437d2a7a7488eca8d27ad667669795d (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-08-25T11:53:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 leandrovespolicampos.pdf: 1925979 bytes, checksum: a437d2a7a7488eca8d27ad667669795d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-06-26 / FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais / O Hypericum perforatum (HP) é uma espécie utilizada classicamente como um fitoterápico antidepressivo e ansiolítico. Seus diferentes compostos (hipericina e hiperforina) proporcionam muitos outros efeitos, tais como: antinociceptivo e anticonvulsivante. O objetivo desta tese foi investigar a passagem do extrato hidro-alcoólico de H. perforatum pelas barreiras placentária e hematoencefálica fetal e seus prováveis efeitos antinociceptivo, anticonvulsivante, ansiolítico e antidepressivo sobre os descendentes ao atingirem a idade adulta. Para isto, ratas Wistar receberam doses de 36, 72 e 144 mg/kg de HP ao longo de toda a gestação, por via oral. A fluorescência observada demonstrou a presença do extrato de HP em todos os tecidos analisados tanto das ratas gestantes, quanto dos fetos. Testes para avaliação da atividade antinociceptiva e anticonvulsivante do extrato de HP foram realizados em ratas F1 adultas, as quais apresentaram aumento de ambas as respostas. Testes para avaliação das atividades ansiolítica e antidepressiva do extrato de HP foram realizados com ratos F1 adultos, resultando também em aumento desses efeitos. Estes resultados sugerem que a administração de HP durante a gestação provocou mudanças no neurodesenvolvimento de regiões cerebrais relacionadas com o controle da dor, convulsão, ansiedade e depressão em seus descendentes. / Hypericum perforatum (HP) is a classically used species as an antidepressant and anxiolytic herbal remedy. Its different compounds (hypericin and hyperforin) provide many other effects, such as: antinociceptive and anticonvulsive. The objective of this thesis was to investigate the passage of the hydroalcoholic extract of H. perforatum through placental and fetal blood-brain barrier and the probable antinociceptive, anticonvulsive, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects on offspring as they reach adulthood. Wistar rats received oral doses of 36, 72 and 144 mg/kg of HP throughout gestation. The observed fluorescence indicated the presence of the extract in all tissues analyzed from both pregnant rats and fetuses. Tests for evaluation of antinociceptive and anticonvulsant activity of HP extract were performed on adult F1 rats, which showed an increase in both responses. Tests for evaluation of anxiolytic and antidepressant activities of HP extract were performed on adult F1 rats, also resulting in an increase in these effects. These results suggest that the administration of HP during gestation caused changes in the neurodevelopment of brain regions related to the control of pain, seizure, anxiety and depression in their offspring.

Die Reprogrammierung somatischer Zellen hat sich kürlich als leistungsfähige Technik für die Herstellung von induzierten pluripotenten Stammzellen (iPS Zellen) aus terminal differenzierten Zellen bewährt. Trotz der großen Hoffnung, die sie speziell im Bezug auf patientenspezifische Stammzelltherapie darstellt, gibt es viele Hindernisse auf dem Weg zur Anwendung in der Humanmedizin, die sich von niedrigen Effizienzen bei der technischen Umsetzung bis hin zur unerwünschten Integration von Onkogenen in das menschliche Genom erstrecken. Aus diesem Grund ist es unabdingbar, unser Verständnis der zugrundeliegenden Prozesse und Mechanismen zu vertiefen. Durch neue Datengewinnungsmethoden und stetig wachsende biologische Komplexität hat sich der Denkansatz der Systembiologie in den letzten Jahrzehnten stark etabliert und erfährt eine fortwährende Entwicklung seiner Anwendbarkeit auf komplexe biologische und biochemische Zusammenhänge. Verschiedene mathematische Modellierungsmethoden werden auf den Reprogrammierungsprozess angewendet um Engpässe und mögliche Effizienz-Optimierungen zu erforschen. Es werden topologische Merkmale eines Pluripotenznetzwerkes untersucht, um Unterschiede zu zufällig generierten Netzen und so topologische Einschränkungen des biologisch relevanten Netzwerkes zu finden. Die Optimierung eines Booleschen Modells aus einem selbst kuratierten Netzwerk in Bezug auf Genexpressionsdaten aus Reprogrammierungsexperimenten gewährt tiefgreifende Einblicke in die ersten Schritte und wichtigsten Faktoren des Prozesses. Der Transkriptionsfaktor SP1 spielt hierbei eine wichtige Rolle zur Induktion eines intermediären, transkriptionell inaktiven Zustands. Ein probabilistisches Boole''sches Modell verdeutlicht das Zusammenspiel epigenetischer und transkriptioneller Kontrollprozesse zusammen, um Pluripotenz- und Zelllinien-Entscheidungen in Reprogrammierung und Differenzierung zu treffen. Erklärungen für die geringe Effizienz werden versucht. / Somatic Cell Reprogramming has emerged as a powerful technique for the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from terminally differentiated cells in recent years. Although holding great promises for future clinical development, especially in patient specific stem cell therapy, the barriers on the way to a human application are manifold ranging from low technical efficiencies to undesirable integration of oncogenes into the genome. It is thus indispensable to further our understanding of the underlying processes involved in this technique. With the advent of new data acquisition technologies and an ever-growing complexity of biological knowledge, the Systems Biology approach has seen an evolution of its applicability to the elaborate questions and problems of researchers. Using different mathematical modeling approaches the process of somatic cell reprogramming is examined to find out bottlenecks and possible enhancements of its efficiency. I analyze the topological characteristics of a pluripotency network in order to find differences to randomly generated networks and thus deduce constraints of the biologically relevant network. The optimization of a Boolean model from a curated network against early reprogramming gene expression profiles reveals profound insights into the first steps and most important factors of the process. The transcription factor SP1 emerges to play an important role in the induction of an intermediate, transcriptionally inactive state. A probabilistic Boolean network (PBN) illustrates the interplay of transcriptional and epigenetic regulatory processes in order to explain pluripotency and cell lineage decisions in reprogramming and differentiation. Explanations for the low reprogramming efficiencies are tried.