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<p> FKBP65 is a 65 kDa FK-506 binding protein containing 4 putative peptidyl prolyl isomerase (PPiase) domains, whose expression level parallels that oftropoelastin, the soluble precursor ofelastin. Studies from other laboratories have established that FKBP65 associates with tropoelastin (TE) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and dissociates from TE before reaching the Golgi apparatus (Patterson et al., 2000). TE contains 12% proline residues, which are often found in VPGVG repeats, and it has been suggested that these repeats formp-turns and subsequently P-spirals (Urry et al., 1992). The formation ofthe P-spiral is thought to be essential to endow the elastic properties of the elastin fibers. In order to form a P-turn, the proline residue at position 2 ofthe VPGVG sequence must be in trans conformation (Urry et al., 1995). Therefore, it was hypothesized by Davis and coworkers (Davis et al., 1998) that FKBP65, as a PPiase, may play an important role in the folding oftropoelastin by enhancing the formation ofP-turns in the ER, and thus elastic fiber formation. In the present study we have studied the coacervation (a reversible, temperature-dependent, self association process) ofTE and recombinant elastin model polypeptide, EP4, in the absence or presence ofrecombinant FKBP65 (rFKBP65). rFKBP65 was shown to enhance the coacervation process of TE, by lowering the coacervation temperature (T c) and increasing the overall extent of coacervation. In the kinetic study ofcoacervation ofTE at a constant temperature, rFKBP65 increased both the initial rate ofthe coacervation process and the overall extent ofcoacervation. These effects are specific to rFKBP65, as FKBP12 has no effect on the coacervation process. Rapamycin, an inhibitor ofthe PPiase activity ofFK-506 binding proteins, did not alter rFKBP65's effect on TE coacervation. </p> <p>In contrast to TE, rFKBP65 affected the coacervation process ofEP4 by increasing the T c, and by enhancing the dissociation of coacervates when temperature is decreased. Once again, these effects are specific to rFKBP65, as FKBP12 and BSA were shown to have no effect on the coacervation ofEP4. The effect of small pH changes on rFKBP65 was also investigated, and it was found that lowering the pH from 7.5 to 6.0 had no effect on rFKBP65's secondary structure or coacervation-altering activity. </p> <p> In summary, this study, along with an earlier study from this laboratory, has shown that FKBP65 affects the coacervation process ofTE. In addition, the coacervation pro·cess of an elastin model polypeptide, EP4, is also modulated by FKBP65. However, the mechanism ofthese effects remains unclear. Nevertheless, along with the data established by other laboratories, FKBP65 does appear to be a strong candidate as a molecular chaperone for tropoelastin, and may play an important role in the elastogenesis process. </p> / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Elastin like peptides (ELPs)—derived from the protein elastin—are widely used as thermoresponsive components in biomaterials due to their LCST (lower critical solution temperature) behavior at a characteristic transition temperature (Tt). While linear ELPs have been well investigated, few reports focused on branched ELPs. Using lysine (Lys, with an additional side-chain amine) as branching units, ELP dendrimers were synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) with up to 155 amino acid residues. A secondary structure change with decreasing ratio of random coil and increasing ratio of β-turn upon heating, which is typical of linear ELPs, was confirmed by circular dichroism spectroscopy for all peptides. Conformational change did not show evident dependence on topology, while a higher Tt was observed for dendritic peptides than for their linear control peptides with the same number of GLPGL repeats. Variable-temperature small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements showed a size increase and fractal dimension upon heating, even below the Tt. These results were further confirmed by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), and micro differential scanning calorimetry (micro-DSC), revealing the presence of aggregates below the Tt. These results indicated the presence of a pre-coacervation step in the LCST phase transition of the ELP dendrimers. We further prepared hydrogels by crosslinking hyaluronic acid (HA) with ELP dendrimers. We invesigated their physical properties with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), swelling tests, SAXS, and model drug loading/release experiments. Most of the HA_denELP hydrogels retained transparent upon gelation, but after lyophilization and reswelling remained opaque for days. This reswelling process was carefully investigated with time-course SAXS studies, and was attributed to forming pre-coacervates in the gelation step, which slowly reswelled during rehydration. We then prepared hydrogels with H2S-releasing aroylthiooxime (SATO) groups and showed human neutrophil elastase-responsive H2S-releasing properties with potential applications in treating chronic diseases with recurring inflammation. Furthermore, we prepared a series of wedge-shaped triblock polyethylene glycol (PEG)-ELP dendrimer-C16 (palmitic acid) conjugate amphiphiles with adjustable Tts. Various techniques were used to investigate their hierarchical structures. The triblock PEG-peptide-C16 conjugate amphiphiles were thermoresponsive and showed a morphology change from small micelles to large aggregates. However, the hydrophilic shell and strong tendency for micelle formation limited the thermoresponsive assembly, leading to slow turbidity change in the LCST transition. The secondary structure was twisted from conventional β-sheet, and the thermoresponsive trend observed in typical ELP systems was not observed, either. Variable temperature NMR showed evidence for coherent dehydration of the PEG and ELP segments, probably due to the relatively short blocks. Utilizing the micelles with hydrophobic cavity, we were able to encapsulate hydrophobic drugs, with promising applications for localized drug release in hyperthermia. / Doctor of Philosophy / Elastin like peptides (ELPs) are similar to the protein elastin in terms of amino acid sequence. They are used widely as thermoresponsive (change in properties at different temperatures) components in biomaterials due to their abnormally lower solubility at higher temperatures. While linear ELPs have been thoroughly investigated, few investigations in ELP dendrimers have been studied. Dendrimers are molecules that branch in a controlled way to achieve sphere-like structures with rich surface functionalities. We synthesized the ELP dendrimers by using lysine amino acids as branching units. A protein secondary structure change, typical of ELPs, was observed for all peptide dendrimers. Secondary structure transitions showed no dependence on the molecular branching/linear structures, but a higher transition temperature (T_t) was observed for dendritic peptides than for their linear control peptides with the same number of amino acids. Various techniques confirmed the existence of aggregates below the T_ts, which was never reported before. We further fabricated hydrogels that mimic the native extracellular matrix, by connecting hyaluronic acid (HA) with ELP dendrimers. Interestingly, most of the hydrogels studied retained transparent upon gelation, but after freeze-drying and addition of water remained opaque for days. This phenomenon was attributed to forming of small aggregates in the gelation step, which resulted in slow reswelling. We then prepared hydrogels with H₂S-releasing groups, which showed human neutrophil elastase-responsive H₂S-releasing properties with potential applications in treating chronic diseases with recurring inflammation. We then prepared a series of wedge-shaped triblock poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)- ELP dendrimer-alkyl chain molecules. The triblock molecules were thermoresponsive and showed a change from small spheres to large aggregates. However, the hydrophilic shell limited the thermoresponsive assembly, leading to slow turbidity change in the LCST transition. We found evidence of coherent assembly of the PEG and ELP parts, probably due to the relatively short polymer chains. Utilizing the micelles with hydrophobic cavity, we were able to encapsulate hydrophobic drugs, with promising applications for localized drug release for cancer treatment.

Background: There is growing evidence that genetic variants have an impact on the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysm (IA). Recently, the genetic locus around the elastin gene (7q11) has been identified as linked to IA in a Japanese population. Our aim was to confirm these results in Caucasian populations. Methods: We conducted a case-control study in 120 Caucasian patients with IA and 172 controls to investigate 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and various haplotypes within the elastin gene, which were frequently found and associated with the phenotype in the Japanese populations. Real-time PCR and melting curve analysis were used for the detection of genotypes. Results: Allele frequencies and genotypes were equally distributed between Caucasian cases and controls. We failed to identify haplotypes that are associated with the phenotype in our population, which is in contrast to the Japanese study. However, allele frequencies in control populations differ between Caucasians and Japanese. Conclusions: We found no association between SNPs and haplotypes of the elastin gene and the occurrence of IA in our Caucasian populations. However, our data provide strong evidence for racial/ethnic differences in the association of SNP and specific haplotypes of the elastin gene with the phenotype. There might be other genetic variants of the elastin gene associated with IA in Caucasians. / Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.

L’ingénierie de la muqueuse orale humaine (MOH) a pour but le comblement des pertes de substances suite à un traumatisme facial ou à la chirurgie des lésions malignes. Elle a aussi des applications en recherche pour élucider les mécanismes biologiques de la MO et en pharmacotoxicologie comme alternative à l’expérimentation animale. L'objectif de cette thèse était de reconstruire une MOH proche du tissu normal. À cette fin, la faisabilité du concept a d'abord été testée par co-culture de fibroblastes de la lamina propria et de cellules épithéliales de MOH dans le substrat de collagène-chitosan glycosaminoglycane, développé pour la production de peaux reconstruites. La caractérisation de la MOH reconstruite par histologie, immunohistochimie et microscopie électronique à transmission a montré la présence d’une LP équivalente avec un épithélium pluristratifié et non kératinisé très proche du tissu d’origine. Grâce à ce modèle, nous avons ensuite démontré que l’origine des fibroblastes (MO, cornée, peau) influence significativement l’épaisseur et l’ultrastructure de l'épithélium obtenu par culture de cellules épithéliales orales. Enfin, afin d'améliorer les propriétés adhésives du substrat à base collagène, nous avons ajouté au collagène, une élastine-like recombinante (ELR) contenant le tri-peptide d’adhésion cellulaire, RGD, et produit un nouveau substrat bicouche, poreux par lyophilisation et recouvert d’une couche fibreuse par électrofilage. Ces substrats ont été caractérisés par porosimétrie au mercure, microscopie électronique à balayage et essais mécaniques. Nous avons démontré l’effet stimulant de ELR sur la prolifération des fibroblastes et des cellules épithéliales / Tissue engineered human oral mucosa has the potential to fill tissue deficits caused by facial trauma or malignant lesion surgery. It can also help elucidate the biology of oral mucosa and serve as an alternative to in vivo testing of oral care products. The aim of this thesis was to construct a tissue engineered full-thickness human oral mucosa closely mimicking the native tissue. To this end, the feasibility of the concept was tested by co-culturing fibroblasts and epithelial cells isolated from normal human oral mucosa biopsies in a collagen-glycosaminoglycan-chitosan scaffold, developed in our laboratory to construct a skin equivalent. An oral mucosal equivalent closely mimicking the native one was obtained and characterized by histology, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. Using the same model, the influence of mesenchymal cells on oral epithelial development was investigated by culturing epithelial cells on lamina propria, corneal stroma and dermal equivalents. They were found to significantly influence the thickness and the ultrastructure of the epithelium. Finally, in order to improve the adhesiveness of conventional scaffolds, an elastin-like recombinamer (ELR) containing the cell adhesion tripeptide, RGD, was used in the production of novel bilayer scaffolds employing lyophilization and electrospinning. These scaffolds were characterized by mercury porosimetry, scanning electron microscopy and mechanical testing. In vitro tests revealed positive contribution of ELR on the proliferation of both fibroblasts and epithelial cells. It was thus possible to construct a viable oral mucosa equivalent using the principles of tissue engineering

INTRODUÇÃO: A síndrome de Williams-Beuren (SWB) resulta de uma deleção de aproximadamente 1.5 Mb na região 7q11.23. A haploinsuficiência ocasiona alterações do desenvolvimento neurológico assim como malformações em múltiplos sistemas. OBJETIVOS: Testar utilidade de marcadores polimórficos para o diagnóstico da síndrome, determinar a proporção de pacientes com microdeleção, comparar características clínicas entre pacientes com e sem microdeleção e investigar origem parental. MÉTODOS: Selecionamos 32 pacientes com avaliação clínica para SWB atendidas no ICr. Critérios de inclusão: presença de dismorfismo craniofacial acompanhado ou não de alterações cardiovasculares, comportamento característico ou hiperacusia. Para a genotipagem do trio - afetado, mãe e pai, utilizamos os marcadores D7S1870, Eln 17/éxon18 e Hei. Análise em gel de poliacrilamida à 7% com imagens digitalizadas. RESULTADOS: Os marcadores D7S1870, Hei e Eln17/éxon18 foram 78% informativos e 22% não informativos. O marcador mais informativo foi o D7S1870 69%, seguido do Hei 55% e ELN 17/éxon18 em 43%. Houve microdeleção em 56% e ausência em 22%. A origem parental da deleção foi 9 materna e 8 paterna. As alterações craniofaciais e cardiovasculares não tiveram diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre portadores e não portadores da microdeleção. O comportamento amigável resultou numa diferença estatística muito significante (p=0,006) onde 88% tinham e 28% não tinham microdeleção. A hiperacusia teve diferença estatística significante (p=0,020) presente em 55% dos pacientes com microdeleção. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados obtidos demonstraram que os marcadores utilizados são úteis no diagnóstico da SWB e acessível para utilização em serviço público. / INTRODUCTION: Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) results of ~1.5 Mb commonly deleted region chromosome 7q11.23 in 90-95% of all clinically typical cases. The clinical manifestations can be variable and is a developmental disorder with multisystem manifestations caused by haploinsufficiency for contiguous genes in this region. OBJECTIVE: Polimorphic markers were tested to determine the proportion of patients with and without microdeletion, to compare the clinical features and to establish the parental origin of the deletion. METHODS: 32 probands with WBS ascertained according to well-established diagnostic criteria. Genotyping using polimorphic markers D7S1870, Eln 17/éxon18 and Hei was performed on DNA from the patients and their available parents. RESULTS: The three markers were informative in 78% and non informative in 22%. The best marker was D7S1870 with 69%, followed by Hei in 55% and ELN 17/éxon18 in 43%.The microdeletion was present in 56% and absent in 22%. Craniofacial and cardiovascular alterations did not have significant statistical differences between probands with or without microdeletion. Two following characteristics (friendly personality and hyperacusia) were more frequent in the deleted group and these differences were statistical significant (p=0,006 and 0,02 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Polimorphic markers used here demonstrated its viability and utility for the confirmation diagnosis of SWB in a public service.

INTRODUÇÃO: A síndrome de Williams-Beuren (SWB) resulta de uma deleção de aproximadamente 1.5 Mb na região 7q11.23. A haploinsuficiência ocasiona alterações do desenvolvimento neurológico assim como malformações em múltiplos sistemas. OBJETIVOS: Testar utilidade de marcadores polimórficos para o diagnóstico da síndrome, determinar a proporção de pacientes com microdeleção, comparar características clínicas entre pacientes com e sem microdeleção e investigar origem parental. MÉTODOS: Selecionamos 32 pacientes com avaliação clínica para SWB atendidas no ICr. Critérios de inclusão: presença de dismorfismo craniofacial acompanhado ou não de alterações cardiovasculares, comportamento característico ou hiperacusia. Para a genotipagem do trio - afetado, mãe e pai, utilizamos os marcadores D7S1870, Eln 17/éxon18 e Hei. Análise em gel de poliacrilamida à 7% com imagens digitalizadas. RESULTADOS: Os marcadores D7S1870, Hei e Eln17/éxon18 foram 78% informativos e 22% não informativos. O marcador mais informativo foi o D7S1870 69%, seguido do Hei 55% e ELN 17/éxon18 em 43%. Houve microdeleção em 56% e ausência em 22%. A origem parental da deleção foi 9 materna e 8 paterna. As alterações craniofaciais e cardiovasculares não tiveram diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre portadores e não portadores da microdeleção. O comportamento amigável resultou numa diferença estatística muito significante (p=0,006) onde 88% tinham e 28% não tinham microdeleção. A hiperacusia teve diferença estatística significante (p=0,020) presente em 55% dos pacientes com microdeleção. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados obtidos demonstraram que os marcadores utilizados são úteis no diagnóstico da SWB e acessível para utilização em serviço público. / INTRODUCTION: Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) results of ~1.5 Mb commonly deleted region chromosome 7q11.23 in 90-95% of all clinically typical cases. The clinical manifestations can be variable and is a developmental disorder with multisystem manifestations caused by haploinsufficiency for contiguous genes in this region. OBJECTIVE: Polimorphic markers were tested to determine the proportion of patients with and without microdeletion, to compare the clinical features and to establish the parental origin of the deletion. METHODS: 32 probands with WBS ascertained according to well-established diagnostic criteria. Genotyping using polimorphic markers D7S1870, Eln 17/éxon18 and Hei was performed on DNA from the patients and their available parents. RESULTS: The three markers were informative in 78% and non informative in 22%. The best marker was D7S1870 with 69%, followed by Hei in 55% and ELN 17/éxon18 in 43%.The microdeletion was present in 56% and absent in 22%. Craniofacial and cardiovascular alterations did not have significant statistical differences between probands with or without microdeletion. Two following characteristics (friendly personality and hyperacusia) were more frequent in the deleted group and these differences were statistical significant (p=0,006 and 0,02 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Polimorphic markers used here demonstrated its viability and utility for the confirmation diagnosis of SWB in a public service.

Previous studies suggest that the IGF-I stimulates the elastin gene transcription through the unique responsive sequence on the elastin promoter, which is a putative retinoblastoma control element (RCE). This site interacts with (Sp)-family transcription factors whose delivery is mediated by the retinoblastoma protein (Rb). Since Rb (phosphorylated on serine 780) has been implicated in the initiation of the cell cycle, we speculated that a different phosphorylation of Rb might determine Rb involvement in elastogenesis. Obtained results demonstrated that, IGF-I-induced elastogenic signaling pathway in human dermal fibroblasts includes activation of cyclinE/cdk2 causing a site specific phosphorylation of Rb on threonine 821. This permits the sequestration of Sp1 by Rb before it could bind the elastin promoter, thereby allowing the elastin gene transcription. We also found that blocking of H-Ras in Costello syndrome fibroblasts (characterized by heightened proliferation and impaired elastogenesis), selectively down-regulated Rb phosphorylation on serine 780 and normalized impaired elastogenesis.

Previous studies suggest that the IGF-I stimulates the elastin gene transcription through the unique responsive sequence on the elastin promoter, which is a putative retinoblastoma control element (RCE). This site interacts with (Sp)-family transcription factors whose delivery is mediated by the retinoblastoma protein (Rb). Since Rb (phosphorylated on serine 780) has been implicated in the initiation of the cell cycle, we speculated that a different phosphorylation of Rb might determine Rb involvement in elastogenesis. Obtained results demonstrated that, IGF-I-induced elastogenic signaling pathway in human dermal fibroblasts includes activation of cyclinE/cdk2 causing a site specific phosphorylation of Rb on threonine 821. This permits the sequestration of Sp1 by Rb before it could bind the elastin promoter, thereby allowing the elastin gene transcription. We also found that blocking of H-Ras in Costello syndrome fibroblasts (characterized by heightened proliferation and impaired elastogenesis), selectively down-regulated Rb phosphorylation on serine 780 and normalized impaired elastogenesis.

Thesis (MScMedSc (Biomedical Sciences. Anatomy and Histology)--Stellenbosch University, 2008.