Diss. (sammanfattning) Linköping : Univ., 2002. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Primary chick embryo liver cells were used to explore the regulation of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase and heme oxygenase, the enzymes that catalyze the rate-limiting reactions of heme anabolism and catabolism, respectively. The general focus of the work was the exploration of the novel observation in which glutethimide and iron synergistically induced both δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase and heme oxygenase, a phenomenon that would not be predicted a priori. The course of events appeared to be: first, that heme synthesis was increased after addition of the glutethimide and that iron potentiated heme synthesis; second, the heme induced heme oxygenase five to ten fold; and third, that heme oxygenase degraded the heme permitting an uncontrolled induction of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase. This induction of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase could be prevented by the addition of a metalloporphyrin inhibitor of heme oxygenase. Induced δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase activity could be dramatically reduced by the addition of nanomolar concentrations of a metalloporphyrin, inhibitory for heme oxygenase, and heme. Specific observations related to the synergistic induction of heme oxygenase by glutethimide and iron was that the induction of heme oxygenase activity by glutethimide and iron occurred rapidly, with maximal increases occurring four to six hours after original treatment. Induction of heme oxygenase by glutethimide and iron was shown to be dependent on de novoheme synthesis since 4,6-dioxoheptanoic acid, a potent and specific inhibitor of heme biosynthesis, prevented the activity of heme oxygenase from increasing in the presence of glutethimide and iron. Induction of activity was associated with increases in heme oxygenase mRNA and protein; and, when induction was prevented by 4,6-dioxoheptanoic acid, no increase in either mRNA or immunoreactive protein was observed. δ-Aminolevulinic acid synthase activity was also synergistically increased by glutethimide and iron; this increase occurred 4-6 hours after maximal heme oxygenase activity had been attained. The temporal relationship between the induction of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase and heme oxygenase suggested that the oxygenase depleted a regulatory heme pool that would normally prevent uncontrolled induction of the synthase. When cultures were exposed to tin-mesoporphyrin, a potent inhibitor of heme oxygenase, induction of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase, normally produced by glutethimide and iron, was prevented. Addition of tin-mesoporphyrin after δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase induction had already been established promptly halted any further induction. When heme or a combination of heme and tin-mesoporphyrin was added after induction of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase was established, activity of the synthase was rapidly reduced. Finally, experiments in primary chick embryo liver cells with tin-, zinc- and copper- chelated porphyrins were done to assess their effects on activities of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase, induced by prior treatment of cells with glutethimide and iron. Nanomolar concentrations of zinc- or tin porphyrins reduced δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase activities, while copper-chelated porphyrins did not. When nanomolar concentrations of heme were added with zinc- or tin-porphyrins, δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase activity was further reduced. Effects of the non-heme metalloporphyrins on δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase were closely correlated with their abilities to inhibit heme oxygenase (r=0.78). The largest decrease of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase (67%) was obtained with zinc-mesoporphyrin and heme. There was a rapid appearance of the cytosolic, precursor form of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase in the presence of both 10 μM heme or 50 nM zinc-mesoporphyrin and 200 nM heme. Reduction of the half-life of the mRNA from 5.2 hours to 2.2-2.5 hours was observed in the presence of both 10 μM heme or 50 nM zinc-mesoporphyrin and 200 nM heme. In summary, the chick embryo liver cell culture model treated with glutethimide and iron may serve as one experimental model for patients suffering from acute porphyrias, in whom uncontrolled induction of hepatic δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase plays a key role in pathogenesis of disease. The synergistic induction of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase in the presence of glutethimide and iron may serve as an experimental paradigm for this disease. The reduction of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase by low doses of zinc-mesoporphyrin and heme may help form the experimental foundation for eventual studies in patients suffering from acute porphyrias.

The vertebrate embryonic limb is a key model in elucidating the genetic basis underlying the three dimensional morphogenesis of structures. Despite the wealth of insights that have been generated from this model, many long-standing questions remain. For example, it has been known for over 70 years that the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) of the embryonic limb is essential for distal outgrowth and patterning of the adjacent limb mesenchyme. The mechanisms whereby the AER does accomplish outgrowth and patterning are still poorly understood. We propose that secreted FGFs from the AER activate Wnt5a expression in gradient fashion, which in turn provides an instructional cue to direct outgrowth in the direction of increasing Wnt5a expression (i.e. toward the distal tip of the limb). In vivo and in vitro models were used to test this hypothesis. We placed Wnt5a expressing L-cell implants into stage 23 chick limb buds and demonstrate that labeled mesenchyme cells grow toward the source of Wnt5a. Purified Wnt5a soaked heparin bead implants have only a marginal effect on directed growth of the adjacent mesenchyme, whereas a greater effect was seen with beads soaked in Wnt5a conditioned media. Using an in vitro model where cultured limb mesenchyme cells were subjected to a gradient of conditioned Wnt5a media or purified Wnt5a, we show no specific migratory direction. However, clusters of cells tended to move toward the source of Wnt5a indicating that it might be necessary for the cells to be in complete contact to respond to the Wnt5a signal. Taken together, our results suggest that Wnt5a is sufficient to direct limb mesenchyme. This finding has given support to a new model of limb development proposed by our lab and referred to as the Mesenchyme Recruitment Model.

Teratogenes are external environmental factors that can cause a developmental or a congenital defect in exposed individuals. The methods used for detecting the embryotoxic effect of substances are the classic when laboratory mammals are used and the alternative which use in vitro and in ovo systems. The main difference between these two is that the alternative methods lack metabolism of maternal organism. The metabolism of maternal organism brings a high variability of results to systems of the classic methods. We used two alternative methods in this thesis, both using chicken embryo. The first of them was in ovo method called CHEST (Jelínek, 1977). CHEST method can be used for administration of tested substances from ED2 to ED6. The disadvantage of this method is due to the dilution of the tested substance after subgerminal application at ED2. Therefore we developed in vitro method called SANDWICH. No dilution occurs while using the SANDWICH method. The aim of this study was to develop in vitro method SANDWICH while using proven teratogene (all-trans retinoic acid) and its solvent (dimethyl sulfoxide), to estimate beginning of the embryotoxicity dose range for both substances using CHEST and SANDWICH, and finally to compare obtained results. We confirmed the embryotoxic effect of all-trans...

Angiogênese é a formação de novos capilares a partir de vasos pré-existentes, mediada por eventos de sinalização bioquímica que determinam proliferação, migração, diferenciação e morte celular e controlam crescimento e remodelação tecidual. A beta2-glicoproteína I (beta2GPI) é uma proteína plasmática com ação sobre a função vascular e a aterogênese. Monomêros de beta2GPI apresentam efeito anti-inflamatório e anticoagulante; a clivagem enzimática favorece sua dimerização e induz o aparecimento de efeitos opostos. Resultados anteriores mostraram que monômeros e dímeros de beta2GPI têm efeitos diferentes sobre a proliferação e a diferenciação de células endoteliais em culturas bidimensionais utilizadas como modelo de angiogênese. Os monômeros e dímeros de beta2GPI foram obtidos por purificação fracionada e caracterizada por SDS-PAGE e ELISA, como descrito. Neste trabalho, foram utilizadas culturas tridimensionais de células humanas vasculares de cordão umbilical (HUVEC) sobre Matrigel foram utilizadas para identificar efeitos de monômeros e dímeros da beta2GPI sobre a proliferação, migração e formação de estruturas de interação celular in vitro. O monômero de ?2GPI atuou como um fator de diferenciação endotelial dependente da densidade de plaqueamento, induzindo nas culturas tridimensionais de HUVECs a formação de fenótipos alongados, prolongamentos e estruturas de interação célula-célula. A fração dimérica modulou negativamente a proliferação de HUVECs. A membrana corioalantóide (CAM) de embriões de galinha foi empregada para estudar efeitos da beta2GPI sobre a angiogênese. In ovo, o dímero de beta2GPI impediu a angiogênese e induziu a morte embrionária 48h após a exposição, enquanto o monômero permitiu o desenvolvimento do embrião até o 10º dia, apesar de induzir mudanças precoces no desenvolvimento dos vasos da membrana corioalantóide. As estruturas da microvasculatura foram analisadas através de uma abordagem morfológica quantitativa, baseada na classificação de padrões binários locais (LBP). Alvos moleculares de beta2GPI relatados anteriormente foram considerados como fonte dos efeitos observados in vitro e in ovo. Os resultados obtidos suportam dados anteriores sobre a inibição da via de sinalização de anexina-2/Akt pela beta2GPI. Adicionalmente, sugere-se a via de sinalização Notch como um alvo do efeito antiangiogênico de da beta2GPI / Angiogenesis is the formation of new capillaries from pre-existing vessels, mediated by biochemical signaling events that determine proliferation, migration, differentiation and cell death, and control of tissue growth and remodeling. beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2GPI) is a plasma protein active on vascular function and atherogenesis. ?2GPI monomers present anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects. Enzymatic cleavage favors beta2GPI dimerization and induces the appearance of opposing effects. Previous results have shown that beta2GPI monomers and dimers induce different effects upon the proliferation and differentiation of endothelial cells in two-dimensional cultures used as an angiogenesis model. beta2GPI monomers and dimers were obtained by fractioned purification and characterized by SDS-PAGE and ELISA, as described. In this work, three-dimensional Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) cultures on Matrigel were used to investigate the effects of beta2GPI monomers and dimers upon proliferation, migration and in vitro formation of cellular interaction structures. The beta2GPI monomer performed as a density-dependent endothelial differentiation factor, inducing the formation of elongated phenotypes, membrane extensions and cell-cell interaction structures in three-dimensional HUVEC cultures; the dimeric fraction negatively modulated the proliferation and differentiation of HUVECs. The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of chicken embryos was employed to study the effects of beta2GPI upon angiogenesis. In ovo, the beta2GPI dimer prevented angiogenesis and induced embryonic death after 48h exposure, while the monomer allowed embryo development up to the 10th day, despite it induced early changes in the development of chorioallantoic membrane vessels. Microvasculature structures were evaluated through a quantitative morphology approach, based on local binary pattern classification. Previously reported molecular beta2GPI targets were then considered as the source of the observed effects in vitro and in ovo. The obtained results support previous data on the inhibition of the annexin-2/Akt signaling pathway by beta2GPI. Additionally, the Notch signaling pathway is suggested as a target of the antiangiogenic effect of beta2GPI

A poluição do ar é associada a diferentes patologias inclusive as que afetam o sistema nervoso central. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do material particulado fino (PM2,5) da cidade de São Paulo nas células de Purkinje de embriões de galinha. Dose única de PM2,5 em suspensão (1,5 ou 20,0 Pg.100Pl-1) foi injetada em ovos fertilizados de galinha em E0 foram artificialmente incubados por 18 dias (E18). Análises morfométricas no cerebelo foram realizadas em material submetido à reação imuno-histoquímica com anticorpos dirigidos à calbindina (CB), ao fator neurotrófico derivado do encéfalo (BDNF) e à caspase 3 (CAS) para avaliação da densidade de células de Purkinje, de seus dendritos e da taxa de apoptose nestas células. A expressão do BDNF no cerebelo foi determinada pelo método de immunoblotting. A ocorrência de elementos traço e de peroxidação lipídica no cerebelo foi avaliada, assim como a atividade da superóxido dismutase (SOD) e da catalase. Não foram observadas diferenças no desenvolvimento geral e na taxa de mortalidade dos embriões submetidos ao PM2,5 em comparação aos controles. Embora o PM2.5 em suspensão tenha apresentado elevada quantidade de elementos traço, depleção na concentrações de elementos como Cu, Mg, Mn, Se e Zn foi observada no cerebelo dos animais. Comparados ao controle salina, animais submetidos às concentrações de PM2,5 apresentaram diminuição da densidade de células de Purkinje CB+ nos grupos PM2,5 (18% no PM2,51,5 Pg e 23% no grupo PM2,5 20,0 Pg). Aumento de 45% na densidade de dendritos das células de Purkinje no grupo exposto a PM2,5 20,0 Pg foi observado. Redução significativa na expressão de BDNF no cerebelo e também na densidade de células de Purkinje BDNF+ no grupo PM2,5 20,0 Pg foi observada em relação aos controles e ao grupo PM2,51,5 Pg. A ocorrência de células de Purkinje apoptóticas não variou entre os grupos deste estudo da mesma forma em que a peroxidação lipídica e a atividade de SOD também não variaram. Contudo, foi observada maior atividade da catalase no cerebelo dos animais expostos ao material particulado. Conclusão: O material particulado fino da cidade de São Paulo afetou o desenvolvimento embrionário das células de Purkinje no modelo empregado e promoveu a ativação de mecanismos antioxidantes. A composição elementar do material particulado da cidade de São Paulo pode estar associada à perturbação da poda dendrítica nas células de Purkinje / Air pollutants are associated to several diseases including those related to central nervous system. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of urban fine particles (PM2.5) in chicken embryo Purkinje cells. A single dose of PM2.5 suspension in two different concentrations (1.5 or 20.0 Pg.100Pl-1) was injected in fresh laid fertilized eggs on E0. Control groups were performed (intact and saline groups). After 18 days of embryo incubation (E18), no differences in general abnormal development and mortality ratio were found between groups. Cerebellar morphometrical analysis for neuronal density, dendritic outgrowth and cellular apoptosis were scored in anti-CB, anti-BDNF and anti-CAS immunelabeled Purkinje cells. Measurements of trace elements, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase and catalase were performed as well. PM2.5 suspensions presented high amounts of metals but the cerebellar tissue presented metal depletion. Compared to control animals (saline group) both PM2.5 doses exposed embryos showed a decreased number of Purkinje cell CB+ (ca. 18% for PM2.5 1.5 Pg and 23% for PM2.5 20.0 Pg) and increased Purkinje cell dendritic branches density in the PM2.5 20.0Pg exposed embryos (ca. 45% for PM2.5 20.0Pg). Interestingly, a significant reduction of Purkinje cell BDNF expression was observed in the PM2.5 20 Pg group embryos when compared to those of the control and PM2.5 1.5Pg groups. No alterations in the number of Purkinje cells CAS+ were observed. The lipid peroxidation and SOD activity showed similar levels in the cerebellar tissue of all experimental groups, although significant higher levels of CAT were detected in PM2.5 20 Pg group cerebella. In conclusion, urban fine particles impair the embryonic development of Purkinje cells in chick embryo model as well promote the antioxidant defense activation. PM2.5 elemental compounds may disrupt the physiological dendritic pruning of Purkinje cells

Angiogênese é a formação de novos capilares a partir de vasos pré-existentes, mediada por eventos de sinalização bioquímica que determinam proliferação, migração, diferenciação e morte celular e controlam crescimento e remodelação tecidual. A beta2-glicoproteína I (beta2GPI) é uma proteína plasmática com ação sobre a função vascular e a aterogênese. Monomêros de beta2GPI apresentam efeito anti-inflamatório e anticoagulante; a clivagem enzimática favorece sua dimerização e induz o aparecimento de efeitos opostos. Resultados anteriores mostraram que monômeros e dímeros de beta2GPI têm efeitos diferentes sobre a proliferação e a diferenciação de células endoteliais em culturas bidimensionais utilizadas como modelo de angiogênese. Os monômeros e dímeros de beta2GPI foram obtidos por purificação fracionada e caracterizada por SDS-PAGE e ELISA, como descrito. Neste trabalho, foram utilizadas culturas tridimensionais de células humanas vasculares de cordão umbilical (HUVEC) sobre Matrigel foram utilizadas para identificar efeitos de monômeros e dímeros da beta2GPI sobre a proliferação, migração e formação de estruturas de interação celular in vitro. O monômero de ?2GPI atuou como um fator de diferenciação endotelial dependente da densidade de plaqueamento, induzindo nas culturas tridimensionais de HUVECs a formação de fenótipos alongados, prolongamentos e estruturas de interação célula-célula. A fração dimérica modulou negativamente a proliferação de HUVECs. A membrana corioalantóide (CAM) de embriões de galinha foi empregada para estudar efeitos da beta2GPI sobre a angiogênese. In ovo, o dímero de beta2GPI impediu a angiogênese e induziu a morte embrionária 48h após a exposição, enquanto o monômero permitiu o desenvolvimento do embrião até o 10º dia, apesar de induzir mudanças precoces no desenvolvimento dos vasos da membrana corioalantóide. As estruturas da microvasculatura foram analisadas através de uma abordagem morfológica quantitativa, baseada na classificação de padrões binários locais (LBP). Alvos moleculares de beta2GPI relatados anteriormente foram considerados como fonte dos efeitos observados in vitro e in ovo. Os resultados obtidos suportam dados anteriores sobre a inibição da via de sinalização de anexina-2/Akt pela beta2GPI. Adicionalmente, sugere-se a via de sinalização Notch como um alvo do efeito antiangiogênico de da beta2GPI / Angiogenesis is the formation of new capillaries from pre-existing vessels, mediated by biochemical signaling events that determine proliferation, migration, differentiation and cell death, and control of tissue growth and remodeling. beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2GPI) is a plasma protein active on vascular function and atherogenesis. ?2GPI monomers present anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects. Enzymatic cleavage favors beta2GPI dimerization and induces the appearance of opposing effects. Previous results have shown that beta2GPI monomers and dimers induce different effects upon the proliferation and differentiation of endothelial cells in two-dimensional cultures used as an angiogenesis model. beta2GPI monomers and dimers were obtained by fractioned purification and characterized by SDS-PAGE and ELISA, as described. In this work, three-dimensional Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) cultures on Matrigel were used to investigate the effects of beta2GPI monomers and dimers upon proliferation, migration and in vitro formation of cellular interaction structures. The beta2GPI monomer performed as a density-dependent endothelial differentiation factor, inducing the formation of elongated phenotypes, membrane extensions and cell-cell interaction structures in three-dimensional HUVEC cultures; the dimeric fraction negatively modulated the proliferation and differentiation of HUVECs. The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of chicken embryos was employed to study the effects of beta2GPI upon angiogenesis. In ovo, the beta2GPI dimer prevented angiogenesis and induced embryonic death after 48h exposure, while the monomer allowed embryo development up to the 10th day, despite it induced early changes in the development of chorioallantoic membrane vessels. Microvasculature structures were evaluated through a quantitative morphology approach, based on local binary pattern classification. Previously reported molecular beta2GPI targets were then considered as the source of the observed effects in vitro and in ovo. The obtained results support previous data on the inhibition of the annexin-2/Akt signaling pathway by beta2GPI. Additionally, the Notch signaling pathway is suggested as a target of the antiangiogenic effect of beta2GPI

A poluição do ar é associada a diferentes patologias inclusive as que afetam o sistema nervoso central. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do material particulado fino (PM2,5) da cidade de São Paulo nas células de Purkinje de embriões de galinha. Dose única de PM2,5 em suspensão (1,5 ou 20,0 Pg.100Pl-1) foi injetada em ovos fertilizados de galinha em E0 foram artificialmente incubados por 18 dias (E18). Análises morfométricas no cerebelo foram realizadas em material submetido à reação imuno-histoquímica com anticorpos dirigidos à calbindina (CB), ao fator neurotrófico derivado do encéfalo (BDNF) e à caspase 3 (CAS) para avaliação da densidade de células de Purkinje, de seus dendritos e da taxa de apoptose nestas células. A expressão do BDNF no cerebelo foi determinada pelo método de immunoblotting. A ocorrência de elementos traço e de peroxidação lipídica no cerebelo foi avaliada, assim como a atividade da superóxido dismutase (SOD) e da catalase. Não foram observadas diferenças no desenvolvimento geral e na taxa de mortalidade dos embriões submetidos ao PM2,5 em comparação aos controles. Embora o PM2.5 em suspensão tenha apresentado elevada quantidade de elementos traço, depleção na concentrações de elementos como Cu, Mg, Mn, Se e Zn foi observada no cerebelo dos animais. Comparados ao controle salina, animais submetidos às concentrações de PM2,5 apresentaram diminuição da densidade de células de Purkinje CB+ nos grupos PM2,5 (18% no PM2,51,5 Pg e 23% no grupo PM2,5 20,0 Pg). Aumento de 45% na densidade de dendritos das células de Purkinje no grupo exposto a PM2,5 20,0 Pg foi observado. Redução significativa na expressão de BDNF no cerebelo e também na densidade de células de Purkinje BDNF+ no grupo PM2,5 20,0 Pg foi observada em relação aos controles e ao grupo PM2,51,5 Pg. A ocorrência de células de Purkinje apoptóticas não variou entre os grupos deste estudo da mesma forma em que a peroxidação lipídica e a atividade de SOD também não variaram. Contudo, foi observada maior atividade da catalase no cerebelo dos animais expostos ao material particulado. Conclusão: O material particulado fino da cidade de São Paulo afetou o desenvolvimento embrionário das células de Purkinje no modelo empregado e promoveu a ativação de mecanismos antioxidantes. A composição elementar do material particulado da cidade de São Paulo pode estar associada à perturbação da poda dendrítica nas células de Purkinje / Air pollutants are associated to several diseases including those related to central nervous system. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of urban fine particles (PM2.5) in chicken embryo Purkinje cells. A single dose of PM2.5 suspension in two different concentrations (1.5 or 20.0 Pg.100Pl-1) was injected in fresh laid fertilized eggs on E0. Control groups were performed (intact and saline groups). After 18 days of embryo incubation (E18), no differences in general abnormal development and mortality ratio were found between groups. Cerebellar morphometrical analysis for neuronal density, dendritic outgrowth and cellular apoptosis were scored in anti-CB, anti-BDNF and anti-CAS immunelabeled Purkinje cells. Measurements of trace elements, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase and catalase were performed as well. PM2.5 suspensions presented high amounts of metals but the cerebellar tissue presented metal depletion. Compared to control animals (saline group) both PM2.5 doses exposed embryos showed a decreased number of Purkinje cell CB+ (ca. 18% for PM2.5 1.5 Pg and 23% for PM2.5 20.0 Pg) and increased Purkinje cell dendritic branches density in the PM2.5 20.0Pg exposed embryos (ca. 45% for PM2.5 20.0Pg). Interestingly, a significant reduction of Purkinje cell BDNF expression was observed in the PM2.5 20 Pg group embryos when compared to those of the control and PM2.5 1.5Pg groups. No alterations in the number of Purkinje cells CAS+ were observed. The lipid peroxidation and SOD activity showed similar levels in the cerebellar tissue of all experimental groups, although significant higher levels of CAT were detected in PM2.5 20 Pg group cerebella. In conclusion, urban fine particles impair the embryonic development of Purkinje cells in chick embryo model as well promote the antioxidant defense activation. PM2.5 elemental compounds may disrupt the physiological dendritic pruning of Purkinje cells

Le tube digestif est un organe vital, conservé chez les vertébrés. Il assure la digestion des aliments, l'absorption des nutriments et l'excrétion des déchets. Une des propriétés essentielles du tube digestif est la motilité digestive, qui est définie comme l'ensemble des contractions nécessaires au transit du bolus alimentaire depuis la bouche jusqu'à l'anus. Ce processus est assuré par la coordination entre trois réseaux de cellules au sein du tube digestif, le système nerveux entérique, les cellules interstitielles de Cajal et les cellules musculaires lisses digestives. Une dysfonction dans n'importe lequel de ces trois systèmes se traduit par un désordre de la motilité digestive. La plupart de ces désordres se mettant en place au cours de la vie fétale, il est essentiel de mieux comprendre les mécanismes qui gouvernent le développement embryonnaire du tube digestif. Ainsi, la problématique globale de mon travail de thèse a été d'étudier les mécanismes moléculaires impliqués dans le développement et la différenciation des cellules musculaires lisses de l'estomac, en utilisant comme organisme modèle l'embryon de poulet. Dans un premier temps, j'ai participé à la caractérisation d'un nouveau marqueur des cellules musculaires lisses, BAPX1. Par la suite, j'ai participé à une étude sur la régulation extrinsèque du développement précoce de l'estomac par les cellules du système nerveux entérique. Cette étude a mis en évidence un rôle essentiel du système nerveux entérique dans la régulation de la voie de signalisation NOTCH pour permettre la mise en place et le maintien de l'identité de l'estomac. De plus, cette étude suggère que le système nerveux entérique est requis pour le processus de différenciation des cellules musculaires lisses de l'estomac. Enfin, pendant la majorité de mon travail de thèse, j'ai participé à l’identification de nouveaux gènes impliqués dans la régulation intrinsèque de la différenciation des cellules musculaires de l'estomac. Dans cette étude, nous avons caractérisé un nouvel acteur de ce processus et montrons que ce gène définit la population précoce des progéniteurs mésenchymateux de l'estomac et régule leur prolifération. Nous avons identifié ce gène comme un régulateur essentiel des étapes de détermination et de différenciation des cellules musculaire lisses. / The gastro-intestinal tract is a vital organ, conserved throughout the vertebrates. It is responsible for food digestion, absorption of nutrients and waste excretion. One of the most important properties of the gut is digestive motility, which is defined as all the intestinal contractions necessary for bolus transit from the mouth to the anus. This process is regulated by the coordination between three cell networks within the gut: the enteric nervous system, the interstitial cells of Cajal and the visceral smooth muscle cells. Dysfunctions in any one of these three systems result in a gastrointestinal motility disorder. Because onset of most of these diseases occurs in the fetus, a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in gastrointestinal tract development is essential. With this in mind, the main objective of my thesis was to study the molecular mechanisms that are involved in the development and differentiation of the gastric smooth muscle, using the chick embryo as a model organism. First, I participated in a study that led to the characterization of BAPX1 as a new marker of stomach smooth muscle cells. In parallel, I participated in an experimental study on the extrinsic regulation of early stomach development by the enteric nervous system. This study demonstrated that the enteric nervous system is an essential partner in the development and maintenance of the molecular identity of the stomach, through the regulation of the NOTCH pathway. Furthermore, this study suggests that the enteric nervous system is required for correct smooth muscle cell differentiation in the stomach. Finally, during most of my thesis I focused on the identification of molecular mechanisms that drive the intrinsic regulation of stomach smooth muscle differentiation. This study led to the identification of a new gene that we characterized as a new marker of stomach cells, which regulates their proliferation. Thus this gene is essential during the process of stomach smooth muscle cell determination and differentiation.

<p>Transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), a hub kinase at the convergence of multiple signaling pathways, is critical to the development of the central nervous system and has been found to play a role in cell death and apoptosis. TAK1 may have the potential to elucidate mechanisms of cell cycle and neurodegeneration. The Belecky-Adams laboratory has aimed to study TAK1 and its potential roles in cell cycle by studying its role in chick retinal development as well as its possible implication in the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Chapter 3 includes studies that explore TAK1 in a study in chick retinal development and TAK1 in in vitro studies in retinal microglia. Using the embryonic chick, immunohistochemistry for the activated form of TAK1 (pTAK1) showed localization of pTAK1 in differentiated and progenitor cells of the retina. Using an inhibitor or TAK1 activite, (5Z)-7-Oxozeaenol, in chick eye development showed an increase in progenitor cells and a decrease in differentiated cells. This study in chick suggests TAK1 may be a critical player in the regulation of the cell cycle during retinal development. Results from experimentation in chick led to studying the potential role of TAK1 in inflammation and neurodegeneration. TAK1 has previously been implicated in cell death and apoptosis suggesting that TAK1 may be a critical player in inflammatory pathways. TAK1 has been implicated in the regulation of inflammatory factors in different parts of the CNS but has not yet been studied specifically in retina or in specific retinal cells [3, 4]. Chapter 2 includes studies from the Belecky-Adams laboratory of in vitro work with retinal microglia. Retinal microglia were treated with activators and the translocation to the nucleus of a downstream factor of TAK1 was determined: NF-kB. Treatment of retinal microglia in the presence of activators with TAKinib, an inhibitor of TAK1 activation, revealed that TAK1 inhibition reduces the activation of downstream NF-kB. Together this data suggests that TAK1 may be implicated in various systems of the body and further studies on its mechanisms may help elucidate potential therapeutic roles of the kinase.</p>