Diabetes mellitus type I is severe autoimmune disease which is caused by destruction of insulin-producing β-cells in pancreas. Diabetic patients are dependent on external usage of insulin during their whole life. Nowadays the only treatment of diabetes type I is transplantation of entire pancreas or isolated Langerhans islets. Due to the fact that this kind of treatment is very demanding and limited availability of suitable donors, the researchers are intensively working on development of new alternative ways how to produce the insulin-producing cells. One of the possible approaches on producing insulin-positive cells is transdifferentiation of pancreatic exocrine cells via transcription factors. In this diploma thesis, the transdifferentiation of exocrine cells AR42J was carried out with in vitro synthesized mRNA encoding transcription factors Pdx1, Ngn3 and MafA. The primary mRNA structure was optimized in order to prepare highly stable mRNA which is correctly translated into the protein. The main stabilizing elements in mRNA structure include 3' and 5' untranslated region derived from highly stable β-globin mRNA. In order to verify the function of synthetic mRNA the immunofluorescence staining of transcription factors has been investigated. Synthetic mRNAs encoding transcription factors Pdx1,...

Our study contributes to the tissue engineering, mainly to the construction of appropriate scaffolds for regeneration of damaged skin. Simultaneously, it brings valuable insights for basic research in the field of molecular mechanisms of adhesion, proliferation and phenotypic maturation of cells and the control of the cell behavior through the cell extracellular matrix (ECM), represented by synthetic nanofibrous material. Nanofibrous polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) membranes were prepared by needle-less electrospinning technology. These membranes were further modified with cell adhesion-mediating biomolecules, e.g. collagen, fibronectin and fibrin in order to increase their affinity to colonizing cells. Adhesion, growth and differentiation of keratinocytes (HaCaT) and fibroblasts, i.e. major cell types of epidermis and dermis, were evaluated on these nanofibrous membranes. The results show that the membrane modification using fibrin structures improved adhesion and proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts. The collagen structure on the surface of membranes improved the adhesion and proliferation of human HaCaT keratinocytes. Furthermore, fibrin structure stimulated fibroblasts to produce collagen, which is a major component of ECM in the natural skin dermis. Fibronectin enhanced cell attachment...

Charles University Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Candidate: Magdaléna Svobodová Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Přemysl Mladěnka, Ph.D. Assoc. Prof. Maria da Glória Correia da Silva Queiroz, Ph.D. Title of diploma thesis: Microglia control adenosine A2A-receptor mediated astrogliosis In the central nervous system, astrocytes and microglia are the main cells coordinating the inflammatory response. During inflammation, dying or temporarily damaged cells release ATP, as a danger-associated signal molecule, that contributes to the induction of astrogliosis and promotes clearance of the debris by immune cells such as microglia. Adenosine that results from ATP metabolism also stimulates astrogliosis. However, the effects of adenosine on astrogliosis may be more complex, since it also modulates microglia phenotype and microglia have been shown to prevent excessive astroglial proliferation mediated by nucleotides. In this context, ATP and adenosine are assumed as relevant signalling molecules in the control of astrogliosis and its modulation by microglia. However, it is still unknown whether and how microglia modulate adenosine-mediated astrogliosis. The present study aims to clarify the impact of microglia in the control of adenosine-induced astrogliosis. Two...

Tissue engineering is receiving tremendous attention due to the necessity to overcome the limitations related to injured or diseased tissues or organs. It is the perfect combination of cells and biomimetic-engineered materials. With the appropriate biochemical factors, it is possible to develop new effective bio-devices that are capable to improve or replace biological functions. Latest developments in microfabrication methods, employing mostly synthetic biomaterials, allow the production of three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds that are able to direct cell-to-cell interactions and specific cellular functions in order to drive tissue regeneration or cell transplantation. The presented work offers a rapid and efficient method of 3D scaffolds fabrication by using optical lithography and micro-molding techniques. Bioresorbable polymer poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) was the material used thanks to its high biocompatibility and ability to naturally degrade in tissues. 3D PCL substrates show a particular combination in the designed length scale: cylindrical shaped pillars with 10μm diameter, 10μm height, arranged in a hexagonal lattice with spacing of 20μm were obtained. The sidewalls of the pillars were nanostructured by attributing a 3D architecture to the scaffold. The suitability of these devices as cell culture technology supports was evaluated by plating NIH/3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblasts and human Neural Stem Cells (hNSC) on them. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was carried out in order to examine the micro- and nano-patterns on the surface of the supports. In addition, after seeding of cells, SEM and immunofluorescence characterization of the fabricated systems were performed to check adhesion, growth and proliferation. It was observed that cells grow and develop healthy on the bio-polymeric devices by giving rise to well-interconnected networks. 3D PCL nano-patterned pillared scaffold therefore may have considerable potential as effective tool for applications in tissue engineering.

Magnetic fluid hyperthermia is a potential therapy for achieving interstitial hyperthermia and is currently under clinical trials. This approach is based on the instillation of magnetic nanoparticles at the tumour site, which dissipate heat when exposed to an alternating magnetic field. This procedure leads to a local increase of temperature and induction of tumour death or regression. Nanoparticles of metallic iron are potential heating agents for this therapy, but rely on the presence of a protecting coat that avoids reactions with their environment. In this work, iron nanospheres and iron nanowires with a graphite coat are explored for this purpose. From these two nanostructures, the nanospheres are shown to have a greater potential in terms of heat dissipation. The graphite shell is further investigated as an interface for conjugation with other molecules of relevance such as drugs and fluorescent probes. The effect of acidic treatments on the magnetic and surface properties of the nanospheres is systematically studied and a suitable method to generate carboxylic functionalities on the nanoparticle surface alongside with a good preservation of the magnetic properties is developed. These carboxylic groups are shown to work as a bridge for conjugation with a model molecule, methylamine, as well as with a fluorescent dye, allowing the detection of the nanoparticles in cells by means of optical methods. The carboxylic functionalities are further explored for the conjugation with the anti-cancer drug cisplatin, where the amount of drug loaded per particle is found to be dependent on the density of free carboxylic groups. The release of the drug in physiological salt solutions is time and temperature dependent, making them particularly interesting for multi-modal anti-cancer therapies, where concomitant hyperthermia and chemotherapy could be achieved. Their potential for such therapies is shown in vitro by inducing hyperthermia in cell suspensions containing these nanoparticles. These results are finally translated to a three dimensional cell culture model where the in vitro growth of tumour spheroids is inhibited. The developed nanostructures have a great potential for therapeutic approaches based on the synergistic effects of hyperthermia and chemotherapy.

Orientador: Mário Tanomaru Filho / Abstract: Tricalcium silicate cements associated with radiopacifiers are used as repair materials. Publication 1: Evaluation of tricalcium silicate-based cements (TCS) associated with zirconium oxide (ZrO2), calcium tungstate (CaWO4) or niobium oxide (Nb2O5) radiopacifiers compared to MTA Repair HP (MTA HP). Publication 2: Evaluation of tricalcium silicate-based cements (TCS) associated with zirconium oxide (ZrO2) radiopacifier with 10% or 20% of Biosilicate (TCS ZrO2 + 10% Biosilicate and TCS ZrO2 + 20% Biosilicate) compared to Biodentine. Setting Time (ST) and radiopacity were evaluated based on ISO 6876/2002 standard. Solubility was evaluated according to the method proposed by Carvalho-Júnior et al. (2007) modified. pH was measured at 3, 12 and 24 hours and 7, 14 and 21 days after immersion in distilled water. Cellular cytotoxicity and bioactivity were evaluated by methyltetrazolium (MTT), neutral red (NR), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alizarin red (ARS) and real time PCR (qPCR) (Publication 1) assays in different periods of contact with eluates of the materials in Saos-2 cells. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by direct contact on Enterococcus faecalis in the planktonic form. For the physico-chemical and ARS tests, the data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests; for MTT, NR and ALP tests the data were analyzed by the Two-Way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests; the antibacterial activity, were submitted to Kruskall-Wallis and Dunn tests (α = 0.05). Publication 1: TCS + CaWO4 presented... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Resumo: Cimentos de silicato tricálcico com radiopacificadores são utilizados como materiais reparadores. Publicação 1: Avaliação de cimento à base de silicato tricálcico (STC) associado aos radiopacificadores óxido de zircônio (ZrO2), tungstato de cálcio (CaWO4) ou óxido de nióbio (Nb2O5) em comparação ao MTA Repair HP (MTA HP). Publicação 2: Avaliação de material à base de silicato tricálcico (STC) e radiopacificador óxido de zircônio (ZrO2) e 10% ou 20% de Biosilicato (STC ZrO2 + 10% de Biosilicato e STC ZrO2 + 20% de Biosilicato) em comparação ao Biodentine. Tempo de presa e a radiopacidade foram avaliados seguindo ISO 6876/2002. A solubilidade foi avaliada de acordo com o método proposto por Carvalho-Júnior et al. (2007) modificado. pH foi avaliado 3, 12 e 24 horas, 7, 14 e 21 dias após imersão em água destilada. A citotoxidade e bioatividade celular foram avaliadas pelos testes metiltetrazólio (MTT), vermelho neutro (VN), atividade de fosfatase alcalina (ALP), ensaio de vermelho de alizarina (ARS) e PCR em tempo real (qPCR) (Publicação1), em diferentes períodos de contato com eluídos dos materiais em células Saos-2. Atividade antimicrobiana dos materiais foi avaliada por meio do teste de contato direto com Enterococcus faecalis na forma planctônica. Para os testes físicoquímicos e ARS, os dados foram submetidos aos testes ANOVA e Tukey; para os ensaios do MTT, VN e ALP e qPCR os dados foram analisados aos testes Two Way ANOVA e Bonferroni; os dados da atividade antimicrobiana f... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Mestre

Conventionally, adherent cells are cultured in vitro using flat 2D cell culture trays. However the 2D cell culture method is tedious, unreliable and does not replicate the complexity of the 3D dynamic environment of native tissue. Nowadays 3D scaffolds can be used to culture cells. However a number of challenges still exist, including the need for destructive enzymes to release confluent cells. Poly(Nisopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), a temperature responsive polymer, has revolutionised the cell culture fraternity by providing a non-invasive means of harvesting adherent cells, whereby confluent cells can be spontaneously released by simply cooling the cell culture medium and without requiring enzymes. While PNIPAAm monolayer cell culturing is a promising tool for engineering cell sheets, the current technology is largely limited to the use of flat 2D substrates, which lacks structural and organisational cues for cells. The aim of this project was to develop a 3D PNIPAAm scaffold which could be used efficiently for non-invasive 3D culture of adherent cells. This project was divided into three phases: Phase 1 (preliminary phase) involved development and characterisation of cross-linked PNIPAAm hydrogels; Phase 2 involved development and characterisation of PNIPAAm grafted 3D non-woven scaffolds, while Phase 3 focused on showing proof of concept for non-invasive temperature-induced cell culture from the 3D PNIPAAm grafted scaffolds. In Phase 1, PNIPAAm was cross-linked with N,N’-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA) using solution free-radical polymerisation to form P(PNIPAAm-co-MBA) hydrogels. A broad cross-link density (i.e. 1.1 - 9.1 Mol% MBA) was investigated, and the effect of using mixed solvents as the co-polymerisation medium. The P(PNIPAAm-co-MBA) gels proved unsuitable as a robust cell culture matrix, due to poor porosity, slow swelling/deswelling and poor mechanical properties. Subsequently, in Phase 2, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and nylon fibers were processed into highly porous non-woven fabric (NWF) scaffolds using a needle-punching technology. The NWF scaffolds were grafted with PNIPAAm using oxyfluorination-assisted graft polymerisation (OAGP). The OAGP method involved a 2 step process whereby the NWF was first fluorinated (direct fluorination or oxyfluorination) to introduce new functional groups on the fibre surface. The functionalised NWF scaffolds were then graft-polymerised with NIPAAm in an aqueous medium using ammonium persulphate as the initiator. Following oxyfluorination, new functional groups were detected on the surface of the NWF scaffolds, which included C-OH; C=O; CH2-CHF, and CHF-CHF. PP and nylon were both easily modified by oxyfluorination, while PET displayed very little changes to its surface groups. Improved wetting and swelling in water was observed for the oxyfluorinated polymers compared to pure NWF scaffolds. PP NWF showed the highest graft yield followed by nylon and then PET. PNIPAAm graft yield on the PP NWF was ~24 ±6 μg/cm2 on grafted pre-oxyfluorinated NWF when APS was used; which was found to be significantly higher compared to when pre-oxyfluorinated NWF was used without initiator (9 ±6 μg/cm2, p= 1.7x10-7); or when grafting was on pure PP with APS (2 ±0.3 μg/cm2, p = 8.4x10-12). This corresponded to an average PNIPAAm layer thickness of ~220 ±54 nm; 92 ± 60 nm; and 19 ± 3 nm respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a rough surface morphology and confinement of the PNIPAAm graft layer to the surface of the fibers when oxyfluorinated NWF scaffolds were used, however when pure NWF scaffolds were used during grafting, homopolymerisation was observed as a loosely bound layer on the NWF surface. The OAGP method did not affect the crystalline phase of bulk PP as was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), however, twin-melting thermal peaks were detected from DSC for the oxyfluorinated PP and PP-g-PNIPAAm NWF which possibly indicated crystal defects. Contact angle studies and microcalorimetric DSC showed that the PP-g-PNIPAAm NWF scaffolds exhibited thermoresponsive behaviour. Using the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical method and electron-spin resonance (ESR), peroxides, as well as trapped long-lived peroxy radicals were identified on the surface of the oxyfluorinated PP NWF, which are believed to be instrumental in initiating graft polymerisation from the NWF. A free radical mechanism which is diffusion controlled was proposed for the OAGP method with initiation via peroxy radicals (RO•), as well as SO4•- and OH• radicals, whereby the latter result from decomposition of APS. In Phase 3 of this study, proof-of-concept is demonstrated for use of the PNIPAAm grafted NWF scaffolds in non-invasive culture of hepatocytes. Studies demonstrated that hepatocyte cells attached onto the 3D PNIPAAm scaffolds and remained viable in culture over long periods. The cells were released spontaneously and non-destructively as 3D multi-cellular constructs by simply cooling the cell culture medium from 37°C to 20°C, without requiring destructive enzymes. The PP-g- PNIPAAm NWF scaffolds performed the best in 3D cell culture. Additionally the CSIR is developing a thermo responsive 3D (T3D) cell culturing device, whereby the 3D thermo responsive NWF scaffolds are used in the bioreactor for cell culture. Temperature-induced cell release was also verified from the 3D Thermo responsive scaffolds in the bioreactor. This technology could lead to significant advances in improving the reliability of the in vitro cell culture model. Please cite as follows: Chetty, AS 2012, Thermoresponsive 3D scaffolds for non-invasive cell culture, PhD thesis, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd < http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-06112013-151344/ > D13/4/713/ag / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Chemical Engineering / unrestricted

Orientador: Andreia Bufalino / Resumo: O carcinoma espinocelular (CEC) representa mais de 95% de todas as neoplasias malignas que acometem a cavidade oral e muitas vezes estes tumores são precedidos por alterações clínicas que apresentam um evidente potencial de transformação maligna, as quais são chamadas de desordens potencialmente malignas orais (DPMOs). Dentre estas, a leucoplasia oral (LO) possui taxa de transformação maligna que varia de 0,2% até 17,5%; contudo, uma outra DPMO conhecida como leucoplasia verrucosa proliferativa (LVP) apresenta um comportamento persistente e progressivo para malignidade, com taxa de transformação maligna maior que 70%. Diferente da LO, fator de risco como tabaco, álcool e noz de areca não parecem estar associados com o desenvolvimento da LVP. Adicionalmente, a LVP frequentemente apresenta resposta inadequada a todas as modalidades de tratamento, sofre rápida disseminação pelos sítios orais e muitas vezes demonstra recorrência. Estudos recentes sugerem que o infiltrado inflamatório associado às lesões leucoplásicas de paciente com LVP pode estar relacionado a etiologia e/ou comportamento clínico agressivo desta DPMO. Assim, foi realizada uma análise comparativa entre amostras de LO e LVP que consistiu em: (1) avaliar a porcentagem e identificar os subtipos de linfócitos T auxiliares e estado de ativação de linfócitos T citotóxicos, (2) avaliar a densidade e estado de ativação das células dendríticas, e (3) determinar o efeito de produtos solúveis de células displásicas na modul... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Doutor

The existing seasonal influenza vaccine does not provide broad long-term protection against seasonal influenza and must be remanufactured yearly due to frequens mutations and reassortment of theinfluenza genes. A universal influenza vaccine with the ability to raise long lasting immunity is the focus of several studies, including the Edufluvac project. Edufluvac is based on virus-likeparticles, a modern recombinant platform wellsuited for vaccinatin applications. Redbiotec's rePAX® technology allows the generation of multivalent recombinant baculovirus which generatesvirus-like particles presenting multiple proteins on the surface in insect cell culture. Any effects oninsect cell culture protein expression brought on by the regulatory elements controlling each gene in the baculovirus, or by the genome position of the baculovirus genes, could affect the composition of the virus-like  particles. The ai of this thesis was to elicit a better understanding of the protein expression by analysing multi-protein influenza virus-like particles and virus-like particles encoding a reporter gene regulated by different promoter and terminator combinations. Different bivalent and tetravalent influenza gene bacmids were cloned as well as seven bacmids encoding a YFP gene regulated by different promoter and terminator combinations. Spodopera frugiperda cells weretransfected with the bacmids and harvested recombinant baculovirus was used to perform testexpressions in High-Five™ cells. The resulting protein expression levels from the bivalent andtetravalent recombinant baculovirus were analyzed and compared by Western blots and ELISA assays. The expression of YFP in infected Spodoptera and High-Five™ cells was monitored byfluorescence microscopy and measured with FACS to quantify protein expression differencesbetween the seven promoter and terminator combinations. Analysis of the bivalent constructs indicated that the order of the genes in a recombinant baculovirus does not affect the protein expression in High-Five™ cells. The analysis of the tetravalent constructs revelaed positionalvariations in expressin of the H1 and M1 genes, but the number of test expressions and recombinant baculovirus construct clones included in the analysis were not hogh enough to allow a definitive conclusion. Of the different promoter and terminator constructs highest mean fluorescence intensity was reached with the reference combination. The early promoter yielded mean fluorescent intensitites that were close to the values of the negative control in both cell lines.

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are found widely throughout the body. Like all members of the cys-loop family of receptors, nAChRs are composed of five protein subunits, each with a large extra-cellular domain and four transmembrane domains. Together these subunits form a binding domain, transmembrane pore, and selectivity filter. Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, formed exclusively from α2-10 and β2-4 subunits, can form in many arrangements and stoichiometries. Each arrangement can have varying binding affinities and channel kinetics, resulting in great modulatory control. α3 and β2 subunit mRNA is found in CA1 interneurons in the stratum radiatum and stratum oriens of the rat hippocampus, and in surprising expression frequency and ratios. Further study of α3 and β2 subunit mRNA injected into Xenopus laevis oocytes yields interesting results about the potential for two α3β2 subtypes. These results were in intriguing, and prompted further study to better characterize and screen the α3β2 nAChR. In order to do so, a model was needed where the α3β2 nAChR could be studied in a more physiologically relevant mammalian environment, with consistent control over α3 and β2 subunit expression ratios, and sufficient protein expression and functionality. To this end, we created a doxycycline inducible HEK-293 cell line, stably transfected with the genetic sequences for the α3 and β2 subunits and NACHO, a transmembrane protein of the neuronal endoplasmic reticulum, which has been shown to mediate the assembly of α3β2 and other nAChRs. This new model is able to induce expression various ratios between α3 and β2 subunits in a consistent, manner, proving to be valuable tool in the characterization and screening of the α3β2 nAChR.