Magíster en Bioquímica, área de especialización en Bioquímica de proteínas recombinantes y Memoria de título de bioquímico / El HTLV-I (Virus Linfotrópico humano Tipo I) puede causar dos enfermedades, la Mielopatía asociada al HTLV-I/Paraparesia Espástica Tropical (HAM/TSP), una axonopatía neurodegenerativa central donde existe falla en el transporte axonal y la Leucemia de células T del adulto (ATL), una neoplasia agresiva. El HTLV-I infecta principalmente linfocitos T CD4+. No se ha detectado infección por HTLV-I en neuronas, desconociéndose el mecanismo por medio del cual se produce la neurodegeneración en HAM/TSP. Algunos productos virales secretados por linfocitos infectados infiltrados en el sistema nervioso central podrían afectar vías intracelulares relacionadas con el citoesqueleto axonal, produciendo el daño evidenciado en pacientes HAM/TSP. Los productos secretados por células MT2 (linfocitos infectados con HTLV-I) disminuyen la velocidad de crecimiento neurítico en células PC12 durante su diferenciación a tipo neuronal. Entre las proteínas virales secretadas se encuentra Tax, que se ha asociado fuertemente al desarrollo de HAM/TSP. La disminución de la velocidad de crecimiento neurítico en células PC12 podría estar mediada por Tax, o bien por otras proteínas secretadas por estos linfocitos como sSEMA-4D (Semaforina 4D soluble) la cual participa como guía axonal negativo pudiendo producir detención del crecimiento neurítico. Esta proteína soluble es generada por medio de proteólisis de SEMA-4D unida a la membrana plasmática por metaloproteinasas de matriz (MMPs). En linfocitos infectados con HTLV-I existe un desbalance entre las actividades de MMPs y sus inhibidores tisulares lo que podría provocar mayor cantidad de sSEMA-4D, causando así detención del crecimiento axonal. Además, Tax interacciona intracelularmente con la chaperona de retículo endoplásmico Calreticulina (CRT) en linfocitos infectados, pero se desconoce si esta interacción se mantiene una vez que Tax es secretada. En esta tesis se propuso que “La proteína Tax secretada desde linfocitos infectados con HTLV-I, complejada con Calreticulina y/o SEMA-4D soluble, produce disminución del largo neurítico durante la diferenciación a tipo neuronal de células PC12 asociado al aumento de la actividad quinásica (CDK5 y GSK3ß) y disminución de la fosfatásica (PP2A)”. Los objetivos planteados incluyeron estudiar: a) el mecanismo de secreción de Tax y CRT; b) si había interacción extracelular entre Tax, CRT y sSEMA-4D; c) el efecto de Tax, CRT y sSEMA-4D sobre el proceso de diferenciación neuronal de la línea PC12 y d) si en células PC12 se producían cambios en las actividades quinásicas de GSK3ß y CDK5, y fosfatásica de PP2A por acción de productos secretados por linfocitos infectados con HTLV-I. Los resultados mostraron que en células mononucleares de sangre periférica (PBMCs) de pacientes HAM/TSP existe una correlación positiva entre las cantidades de Tax y CRT secretadas determinadas por Western-blot, siendo esta secreción dependiente de la vía retículo endoplásmico-aparato de Golgi. Por otra parte, efectivamente se identificó la interacción de Tax tanto con sSEMA-4D como con CRT en medios de cultivo de PBMCs de pacientes HAM/TSP. Mediante el bloqueo de Tax, sSEMA-4D y CRT con anticuerpos se demostró la participación extracelular de Tax y sSEMA-4D, probablemente actuando como un complejo, pero no de CRT en la disminución del largo neurítico en células PC12 cultivadas con medios condicionados de linfocitos infectados con HTLV-I (medio condicionado de células MT2). Respecto a las actividades quinásicas y fosfatásicas, se encontró que en células PC12 cultivadas con medios condicionados de células MT2 la actividad de GSK3ß no se altera, en cambio la de CDK5 disminuye, observándose también una menor proporción de PP2A fosforilada en Y307 (fosforilación inactivante), lo que sugiere una mayor actividad fosfatásica. Esto concuerda con la menor fosforilación en el residuo T181 de Tau, sustrato tanto de CDK5 como de PP2A. Aunque los resultados encontrados no apoyan la hipótesis planteada, la disminución de la actividad de CDK5 y la probable mayor actividad fosfatásica PP2A también pueden estar asociadas con la disminución en el largo neurítico en células PC12 producido por productos secretados por linfocitos infectados con HTLV-I. Este efecto podría ser mediado por sSEMA-4D y Tax que interaccionan, abriendo la posibilidad de que estén actuando como complejo sobre los receptores Plexinas (receptores de semaforinas) que están directamente relacionados con colapso del cono de crecimiento axonal, dando luces sobre cómo el HTLV-I podría producir paraparesia en pacientes infectados. / The HTLV-I (Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Type-I) may cause two diseases, the HTLV-I Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP), a neurodegenerative central axonopathy with axonal transport failure, and the Adult T-cell Leukemia (ATL), an aggressive neoplasia. HTLV-I infects mainly CD4+ T lymphocytes. No evidence of neuron infection with HTLV-I has been detected, therefore the molecular mechanisms associated with the neurodegeneration in HAM/TSP remain unclear. Viral products secreted from infected lymphocytes infiltrated in the central nervous system may affect intracellular pathways related with axonal cytoskeleton producing damage in HAM/TSP patients. Secreted products from MT2 cells (lymphocytes infected with HTLV-I) decrease the rate of neurite growth of PC12 cells at the third day of differentiation to neuronal type. The viral protein Tax is strongly associated with HAM/TSP progression. The decrease in neuritic length of PC12 cells could be mediated either by Tax or by other proteins secreted from these lymphocytes, for example sSEMA-4D (soluble Semaphorin 4D) that serves as negative axonal guide being capable of producing detention of the axonal outgrowth. This soluble protein is generated by the proteolytic release of the membrane-bound SEMA-4D by Matrix Metaloproteinases (MMPs). In HTLV-I infected lymphocytes there is an imbalance in the activities of MMPs and their tissular inhibitors that could produce a large extent of sSEMA-4D, causing detention of the axonal outgrowth. Also, Tax interacts with the endoplasmic reticulum chaperone Calreticulin (CRT) in infected lymphocytes, although it is unknown if this interaction is maintained once Tax is secreted. In this Thesis we proposed that “Secreted Tax protein from HTLV-I infected lymphocytes, complexed with Calreticulin and/or soluble SEMA-4D, reduces the neuritic length during PC12 differentiation to neuronal type, associated with an increase of kinase activities (CDK5, GSK3β) and a decrease in phosphatase activity (PP2A)”. The objectives include to study: a) the mechanism of Tax and CRT secretion; b) the existence of extracellular interaction between Tax, CRT and sSEMA-4D; c) the effect of Tax, CRT and sSEMA-4D on the neuronal differentiation process of PC12 cell line, and d) whether extracellular Tax produces in PC12 cells changes in activities of the kinases CDK5 and GSK3β, and the phosphatase PP2A. The results showed a positive correlation between secreted Tax and CRT amounts determined by Western-blot in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) of HAM/TSP patients. This secretion was dependent of the Endoplasmic Reticulum–Golgi Apparatus pathway. We identified interaction of Tax with both sSEMA-4D and CRT in the culture medium of PBMCs from HAM/TSP patients. Antibody-mediated blocking demonstrated the participation of both Tax and sSEMA-4D in neurite length decrease of PC12 cells cultured with conditioned media of HTLV-I infected lymphocytes (MT2 cells conditioned media). Respect to kinase and phosphatase activity participation, we determined that in PC12 cells cultured with MT2 conditioned media, GSK3ß activity was not altered, while that of CDK5 was diminished, finding also a lower ratio of phosphorylated PP2A at Y307 (inactivating phosphorylation) that suggests an increase in its phosphatase activity. These results agree with the lower phosphorylation at T181 of Tau, substrate of both CDK5 and PP2A. Although these results do not support the proposed hypothesis, the reduction on CDK5 activity and higher phosphatase activity also may be involved with the reduction of PC12 neuritic length in response to products secreted by HTLV-I infected lymphocytes. This effect could be mediated by the participation of sSEMA-4D and Tax. In consideration of the identified interaction between them, the results open the possibility that they are acting together as a complex on Plexin receptors (Semaphorin receptors) giving us new insights about the mechanism by which the HTLV-I produces HAM/TSP in infected patients. / Fondecyt

This diploma thesis studies the evaluation of wine grape PIWI varieties for the production of red wines. The experiment took place in autumn 2016, specifically in September and October. Nine type of interspecific varieties, were studied and two control varieties were studied. All varieties come from the Mikulov wine-growing subregion from the Lednice village in Moravia. For all varieties, the basic analytical parameters of the qualitative characters were determined. Everything was statistically evaluated and compared. The literary part deals with problems of resistance, propagation, occurrence and description of the three most serious diseases that have just begun to breed these resistant varieties. For this research is a brief look and description of each variety separately, their origins, ampelographic features, suitable habitat and oenological properties.

This thesis studies the problematic of the new polymorphism APOA2 gene and that association with fatty acids contain in a group of Czech Large White pigs. APOA2 gene (ID: 100153243) is a candidate gene for porcine meat quality. The aim of thesis was to analyze the influence of selected polymorphisms on fatty acids and intramuscular fat contain. Among fatty acids was observed a contain of: tetradecenoic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, arachidic acid a eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Have been used molecular-genetic methods such as primers design in the OLIGO software, PCR, gel electrophoresis a sequencing by Sanger method. The results were processed by form of genotype frequency and followed by associative analysis with a mixed linear model. The values of the relative alleles frequency of polymorphism APOA2 T>A rs80803879 were as follows: A = 0,086, T = 0,914 and relative alleles frequency of APOA2 G>A rs331415849: A = 0,068 a G = 0,948. Polymorphism associations were found for fatty acids: myristoleic acid, acid palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, arachidonic acid, and arachidic acid.

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird der Einfluss des lokal applizierten, proangiogenen Faktors CYR61 auf die Muskelkraftregeneration, die mögliche Reduktion der Fibrosierung und auf die Gefäßneubildung untersucht. Wir erzeugten ein standardisiertes Trauma des M. tibialis anterior durch Kontusion und Ischämie mit erhöhtem Kompartmentdruck bei 10 Kaninchen der Rasse Weiße Neuseeländer. Anschließend erfolgten die primäre Resektion der Tibia mit lokaler Einlage des CYR61-getränkten Kollagenträgers und die graduelle Distraktion zur Wiederherstellung der ursprünglichen Tibialänge. / In this study we examined the effect of the locally applied proangiogenic factor CYR61 on muscle force restoration, reduction of scar tissue formation and angiogenesis. We generated a standardized trauma of the tibialis anterior muscle with contusion and ischemia and increased compartment pressure in 10 New Zealand white rabbits. The limbs were shortened and a CYR61-coated collagen matrix was applied locally followed by gradual distraction to restore the original length.

This thesis is focused on polymorphism of MDR1 gene c.-6-180T>G, which causes phenobarbital resistance. Phenobarbital is one of the most commonly used drug against epilepsy, which is one of the most common neurological disease in dogs with frequency between 0,5-5 % according to breed. This mutation has so far been detected only in the border collie breed, which manifests up to 30 percent resistance to the treatment of epilepsy. In the text is subscribed border collie breed, dog epilepsy and gene MDR1. Methodical part is focused on detection of the polymorphism in model population of 82 dogs. The results agree with previous studies and confirm frequency of mutant alleles 32 % within the population.

No description available.

The deregulation of the MYC oncoprotein family plays a major role in tumorigenesis and tumour maintenance of many human tumours. Because of their structure and nuclear localisation, they are defined as undruggable targets which makes it difficult to find direct therapeutic approaches. An alternative approach for targeting MYC-driven tumours is the identification and targeting of partner proteins which score as essential in a synthetic lethality screen. Neuroblastoma, an aggressive entity of MYCN-driven tumours coming along with a bad prognosis, are dependent on the tumour suppressor protein BRCA1 as synthetic lethal data showed. BRCA1 is recruited to promoter regions in a MYCN-dependent manner. The aim of this study was to characterise the role of BRCA1 in neuroblastoma with molecular biological methods. BRCA1 prevents the accumulation of RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII) at the promoter region. Its absence results in the formation of DNA/RNA-hybrids, so called R-loops, and DNA damage. To prevent the accumulation of RNAPII, the cell uses DCP1A, a decapping factor known for its cytoplasmatic and nuclear role in mRNA decay. It is the priming factor in the removal of the protective 5’CAP of mRNA, which leads to degradation by exonucleases. BRCA1 is necessary for the chromatin recruitment of DCP1A and its proximity to RNAPII. Cells showed upon acute activation of MYCN a higher dependency on DCP1A. Its activity prevents the deregulation of transcription and leads to proper coordination of transcription and replication. The deregulation of transcription in the absence of DCP1A results in replication fork stalling and leads to activation of the Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 related (ATR) kinase. The result is a disturbed cell proliferation to the point of increased apoptosis. The activation of the ATR kinase pathway in the situation where DCP1A is knocked down and MYCN is activated, makes those cells more vulnerable for the treatment with ATR inhibitors. In summary, the tumour suppressor protein BRCA1 and the decapping factor DCP1A, mainly known for its function in the cytoplasm, have a new nuclear role in a MYCN-dependent context. This study shows their essentiality in the coordination of transcription and replication which leads to an unrestrained growth of tumour cells if uncontrolled. / Die MYC Onkoproteine spielen in einer Vielzahl humaner Tumore eine entscheidende Rolle und sind in fast allen Fällen dereguliert. Aufgrund ihrer Struktur und Lokalisation im Zellkern gelten sie für die Arzneimittelentwicklung als therapeutisch schwer angreifbar. Der Ansatz der synthetischen Lethalität ist es, Partnerproteine zu finden, die gerade für MYC-getriebene Tumore essenziell sind und diese zu inhibieren. Neuroblastome, die in einer besonders aggressiven Entität durch eine MYCN-Amplifikation getrieben sind und damit mit einer schlechten Prognose einhergehen, sind abhängig vom Tumorsupressor BRCA1, wie Daten zur synthetischen Lethalität zeigten. BRCA1 wird in Abhängigkeit von MYCN zu Promotoren rekrutiert. Diese Arbeit diente daher der Charakterisierung der Funktionalität von BRCA1 im Neuroblastom. BRCA1 verhindert die Akkumulation von RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII) in der Promoterregion. Ist BRCA1 nicht präsent, führt dies zur Bildung von DNA/RNA-Hybriden, sogenannten R-loops, und zu DNA Schäden. Um die Akkumulation von RNAPII zu verhindern, nutzt die Zelle DCP1A, einen Decapping Faktor, der sowohl im Cytoplasma als auch im Nukleus eine Rolle im mRNA Abbau spielt. DCP1A entfernt den schützenden 5’CAP der mRNA, wodurch diese von Exonukleasen abgebaut wird. BRCA1 ist notwendig für die Chromatin Bindung von DCP1A und die Rekrutierung zu RNAPII. Zellen mit einer akuten Aktivierung des MYCN Onkoproteins zeigen eine erhöhte Abhängigkeit von DCP1A. DCP1A verhindert eine Deregulation der Transkription, um Transkription mit Replikation erfolgreich zu koordinieren. Andernfalls führt dies beim Verlust von DCP1A zur Blockierung von Replikationsgabeln und der Aktivierung der Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 related (ATR) Kinase führt. In der Folge ist das Zellwachstum gestört und Zellen gehen vermehrt in Apoptose. Die Aktivierung des ATR Signalweges beim Verlust von DCP1A und MYCN Aktivierung verhindert vorerst den Zelltod, wodurch diese Zellen jedoch sensitiver auf die Inhibition von ATR reagieren. Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass BRCA1 als Tumorsupressor und DCP1A als Decapping Faktor, hauptsächlich beschrieben als cytoplasmatisches Protein, eine entscheidende nukleäre Rolle in der Situation einer akuten Aktivierung von MYCN spielen. Dort sind sie essenziell um Transkription mit Replikation zu koordinieren und damit zu einem ungebremsten Wachstum der Tumorzellen beizutragen.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Since the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly hit the world, the tourism industry has been impacted in every conceivable area. Environmental issues are recognized and considered essential to solve especially in the tourism industry. It is unavoidable that tourists bring both positive and negative impacts to a destination. Meanwhile, the tourism industry is eager to return to its pre-pandemic tourist numbers and levels of spending that traveler previously engaged in. The young generations, specifically Gen Y and Z, play an important role in the tourism market, and they often embody a mindset that takes into consideration issues of sustainability. However, they are not as active as expected in practicing sustainable travel behaviors. Sustainable tourism development and "green" travel practices are becoming increasingly necessary. The main purpose of this study is to identify the gaps between Gen Y and Z's intentions and their behaviors regarding sustainable travel. This study developed and tested a conceptual framework to understand this dynamic. This study identified two gaps: (a) the behavior-intention gap, which exists between Gen Y & Z's intentions and their behaviors in sustainable travel, and (b) daily life and sustainable travel gap, which is the gap between individuals’ daily sustainable habits and sustainable travel behaviors. The results of quantitative study indicated the factors contributed to the gaps included: (1) individuals who have bachelor’s degrees are more likely to conduct sustainable travel behaviors; (2) individuals who have daily sustainable habits; (3) individuals who have higher perceived consumer effectiveness. The implications of the study provide suggestions for destinations to promote sustainable travel and ways to encourage more sustainable traveling choices by travelers.

I takt med att internet växer sig större och större blir influencers en del av vardagen för många unga och de inriktar sig på många olika områden. Syftet med denna studie var att undersöka hur Gen Z upplever att deras investeringsbeslut kan bli påverkade av finansiella influencers, även kallat finfluencers. Gen Z valdes specifikt eftersom tidigare forskning visade att generationen har vissa specifika karaktärsdrag som påverkar deras beteende på sociala medier och som konsumenter. Med utgång i the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) utfördes semistrukturerade intervjuer med 12 respondenter som tillhörde Gen Z och hade en disponibel inkomst. Intervjusvaren analyserades sedan genom tematisk analys för att skapa en helhetssyn över hur beteendet kan påverkas. Resultaten från studien visar hur finfluencers kan påverka individer ur Gen Z på olika sätt. Exempelvis kan trovärdigheten hos en finfluencers budskap förstärkas genom att denne har akademisk bakgrund inom ekonomi eller kan presentera tidigare positiva resultat på aktiemarknaden. Det fanns delade meningar om huruvida individer skulle interagera med en finfluencer av sociala skäl men det framgick att individer som saknar kunskaper gällande investeringar löper större risk att bli påverkade av finfluencers. / With the internet growing and growing, influencers have become part of everyday life for youths and they focus on many different areas. The purpose of this study was to examine how Gen Z experiences the influence financial influencers, also known as finfluencers, could have on their investment decisions. Gen Z was chosen because previous research suggests that the generation has certain characteristics that affect their behavior on social media and as consumers. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a framework, semi structured interviews were held with 12 respondents from Gen Z who also had a disposable income. The answers were analyzed using thematic analysis to create a holistic view of how the behavior can be affected. The results show that finfluencers can affect individuals belonging to Gen Z in different ways. Credibility of influencers can be improved by having an academic degree or being able to present positive results from earlier investment activities. There were differing opinions regarding whether individuals would interact with a finfluencer for social reasons. However, the interviews showed that individuals without relevant knowledge are more at risk of being influenced.

Background: Consumers of Gen Z are facing a reality of high inflation. With their unique characteristics and strong attitudes towards sustainability and environmental concern, this thesis is examining how their sustainable consumption is affected by inflation. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of inflation on the sustainable consumption of Generation z.  Method: A paradigm of interpretivism and abductive reasoning is used in the research and a multiple case study was conducted using semi-structured interviews.  Conclusion: Consumers of Gen Z are having a difficult time purchasing sustainable products because of inflation. Sustainable consumption has become difficult to maintain due to having less funds among Gen Z. As a result, Gen z consumers changed their consumption to less- costly and more sustainable alternative in order to adapt to the economic situation.   Despite inflation, our research has shown Gen Z consumers are still dedicated to the issue of sustainability and environment.