Le muscle squelettique est le réservoir principal d’acides aminés libres de l’organisme. Ainsi, l’atrophie musculaire induite par l’immobilisation peut entraîner un affaiblissement et un allongement des périodes de récupération générant des coûts de santé publique élevés. Une aggravation de l’atrophie caractérise de façon surprenante le muscle tibialis anterior (TA) après le déplâtrage, retardant la récupération. Mon objectif a été de comprendre les mécanismes à l’origine de l’aggravation de l’atrophie du TA pendant les phases précoces de récupération en étudiant i) la structure et le phénotype des muscles, ii) la composition de la matrice extracellulaire (MEC), iii) la protéolyse et l’apoptose, et iv) les processus de signalisation via les intégrines. Des rats ont été soumis à une immobilisation par plâtrage pendant 8 jours d’une des deux pattes arrière, l’autre servant de témoin, et placés en récupération pendant 10 jours. L’aggravation de l’atrophie du TA apparaît dès déplâtrage, corrélée avec i) une baisse de l’aire des fibres associée à leur déformation, ii) une redistribution des isoformes des chaines lourdes de myosines, iii) une augmentation de l’apoptose localisée dans le tissu conjonctif, iv) un épaississement de l’endomysium pendant la remobilisation, v) des adaptations au niveau des processus de remodelage des collagènes, et vi) une activation prononcée et persistante du système protéolytique ubiquitine-protéasome (UPS) et de l’apoptosome. Nous montrons également une élévation des niveaux ARNm dans le TA remobilisé vii) de la ténascine-C et de Sparc dès le déplâtrage, et viii) de marqueurs de l’autophagie à partir du moment où l’atrophie se stabilise. Enfin, nous montrons également une élévation des ARNm dans le TA immobilisé ix) des facteurs myogéniques, et x) des intégrines membranaires et de leurs partenaires pendant l’immobilisation et après le déplâtrage. En conclusion, mon travail de thèse a permis de montrer que l'aggravation de l’atrophie du TA est précoce, associée à un remodelage important de la structure et de la composition de la MEC et du phénotype des fibres musculaires, et pourrait résulter de l’augmentation persistante et prononcée de la voie UPS et de l’apoptose. Ce travail suggère que des modifications au niveau des molécules matricielles pendant la remobilisation pourraient influencer la signalisation dépendante des intégrines et la régénération musculaire. / Skeletal muscle is the main reservoir of body amino acids. Thus, muscle atrophy induced by immobilization can lead to a weakening and to a lengthening of recovery periods, leading to elevated healthcare costs. Surprisingly, a worsening of tibialis anterior (TA) muscle atrophy prevailed after cast removal and thus delayed recovery. The aim of my Ph.D was to understand mechanisms underlying the worsening of TA atrophy during early recovery by studying i) the muscle structure and phenotype, ii) the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM), iii) proteolysis and apoptosis, and iv) the signaling pathways via integrins. Rats were subjected to hindlimb casting for 8 days of one hindllimb, the other leg served as control, and then were allowed to recover for 10 days. The worsening of TA atrophy appeared immediately after cast removal and correlated with i) a decrease in fiber crosssection area associated to fiber deformation, ii) a redistribution of myosin heavy chain isoforms, iii) an increase in apoptosis localized in the connective tissue, iv) a thickening of the endomysium during remobilization, v) some adaptations in collagen remodeling processes, and vi) a pronounced and sustained activation of the ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic system (UPS) and of the apoptosome. We also showed an increase in the remobilized TA of mRNA levels vii) of tenascin-C and Sparc immediately after cast removal, and viii) of some autophagy markers, when atrophy stabilized. Finally, we showed an elevation of mRNA levels encoding ix) myogenic factors, and x) transmembrane integrins and their partners during TA immobilization and after cast removal. In conclusion, my Ph.D project showed that the worsening of the TA atrophy occurred early after cast removal, was associated with a significant remodeling of the structure and composition of the ECM and of the phenotype of muscle fibers, and may result from pronounced and sustained increase in the UPS and apoptosis. This work suggests that changes in the matricellular matrix molecules during remobilization could influence integrin-dependent signaling and muscle regeneration.

A integração entre o citoesqueleto celular e a MEC mediada pelas integrinas gera a produção de força mecânica sobre a membrana plasmática. Isto permite às células gerar tração durante sua migração e tensão durante o remodelamento da MEC. Várias proteínas com diferentes funções já foram identificadas como ligantes das subunidades a e b das integrinas. O estudo de proteínas capazes de se ligar e interferir na sinalização via integrina, como as desintegrinas-like e cisteina-rich presentes nos venenos de serpente e proteínas conhecidas como ADAM (A Disintegrin And Metaloprotease), torna-se cada vez mais importante. Assim, o isolamento, a caracterização e a determinação da estrutura de várias desintegrinas oferecem valiosas ferramentas para o desenvolvimento de novos compostos terapêuticos para um vasto número de doenças, sendo excelentes candidatos-protótipo para o desenvolvimento de novos fármacos que interfiram nas funções celulares moduladas por proteínas de adesão. Entretanto, as formas como a integrina e a ADAM interagem ainda não foram bem esclarecidas. Neste contexto, este trabalho visa analisar em escalar molecular a estrutura da integrina alpha6beta1 e do domínio desintegrina-like das ADAMs 2 e 9 humanas, e a forma como estas proteínas interagem, aplicando metodologias de biologia computacional estrutural como modelagem e dinâmica molecular. Com o objetivo de estudar a interação destas proteínas, modelos estruturais foram construídos por homologia a partir das estruturas 3D de proteínas obtidas por cristalografia de raio-X, e realizaram-se simulações de dinâmica molecular com solvente explícito para as proteínas isoladas e em complexo. Através do estudo estrutural e funcional pelo método in silico da integrina alpha6beta1 e ADAMs 2 e 9 humanas, as análises dos resultados das simulações e da flutuação dos resíduos de contato entre as duas proteínas durante a dinâmica molecular, foram desenhados e caracterizados novos candidatos peptídicos para inibição da integrina alpha6beta1. Nas simulações da movimentação angular do domínio bA/Hybrid, visando a possível ativação da integrina alpha6beta1 através da interação com o domínio desintegrina-like de ADAM9 e ligantes peptídicos, obtivemos resultados positivos para os peptídeos A9b e A9d. Este estudo aponta para o desenvolvimento de inibidores protéicos viáveis da integrina alpha6beta1 com base nestas estruturas. Nossos resultados ainda comprovam pelas metodologias in silico a eficácia dos modelos construídos, conseguindo reproduzir o comportamento das proteínas em estudo. / The production of mechanical force on plasma membrane is mediated by integrins, connecting ECM components and cell cytoskeleton. This allows cells to generate traction during migration and tension during ECM remodeling. Integrins are membrane-spaning adhesion receptors that mediate dynamic linkages between intracellular actin cytoskeleton and the extracelullar adhesive matrix, outside-in/inside-out signaling, migration and detachment. Several proteins with diferent functions have already been identified as integrin ligands, and some important candidates as disintegrin-like and cystein-rich domains present in the snake venon metalloproteinases and ADAM (A Disintegrin and Metaloprotease) become important as they interfere in cell signaling pathways mediated by these transmembrane receptors. Thus, the isolation, characterization and structure determination of disintegrin-like domains o_er valuable tools for the development of new therapeutic compounds for a wide range of diseases. These compounds may provide new treatments for diseases such as cancer and inflammation pathologies. However, the mechanisms of ADAM-Integrin interaction have not been well clarified, yet. In this perspective, this study aims to analyze the molecular structure of the alfa6beta1 integrin and the disintegrin-like domain of human ADAM2 and ADAM9. Computational biology methods such as homology modeling and molecular dynamics were used in order to study the dynamics of the interaction of these proteins. Using in silico experimentation, detailed models of human alfa6beta1 and human ADAM 2 and 9 were obtained. Based on these models, the molecular basis of alfa6beta1-ADAMdsld interactions was assessed, and the most important structural components in ligand recognition/discrimination were identified. Using the collected structural information, we designed different small peptide based inhibitors, based on the structure of the interaction loop of human ADAM 9 disintegrin-like domain. Here proposed A9a inhibitor was testedin vitro, showing satisfactory results in blocking cell adhesion on specific substrates by alfa6beta1- laminin affnity inhibition in nanomolar concentrations. Our results also show the effcacy of the constructed models, the power of computational biology tools in new drug-design technologies, and clearly suggest that here presented alfa6beta1 inhibitors are good candidates for further development of new therapeutic agents against inflammation pathologies.

As leishmanias são parasitas intracelulares obrigatórios que utilizam fagócitos (em especial os macrófagos), para sua sobrevivência e propagação. Estes parasitas são interiorizados via interação com diversos receptores da superfície celular, como o receptor CR3 (MAC-1; CD18/CD11b), componente da família das 2-integrinas. As B2-integrinas são importantes em diferentes mecanismos imunológicos, como a adesão e migração de células, fagocitose e modulação de vias de sinalização intracelulares. Estudos demonstram que a molécula CD18 (constituinte de todas as B2-integrinas) está envolvida na resposta imune na leishmaniose experimental, mas há controvérsias quanto a sua importância na defesa contra esta infecção. Leucotrienos e prostaglandinas são mediadores lipídicos envolvidos em diversos mecanismos da resposta imune inata e adaptativa. Na leishmaniose, os leucotrienos são considerados cruciais para a defesa do organismo por induzir mecanismos efetores celulares, como fagocitose e atividade microbicida. Por outro lado, as prostaglandinas (em especial PGE2) exercem efeito imunossupressor sobre estes mecanismos, podendo favorecer o desenvolvimento da doença. Entretanto, não há conhecimento sobre a relação entre a expressão das B2-integrinas e a produção destes mediadores lipídicos na leishmaniose e a importância destas moléculas na resposta imune contra esta infecção. Assim, o objetivo desta tese foi investigar o efeito da redução da expressão das B2-integrinas na produção de citocinas, quimiocinas e de medidores lipídicos, em modelo de infecção experimental por L. amazonensis. Para isso, camundongos da linhagem C57BL/6 selvagens (WT) e com baixa expressão de CD18 (CD18 Low), foram infectados com promastigotas de L. amazonensis na pata posterior, e o desenvolvimento da infecção foi acompanhado por 5 e 8 semanas após a inoculação. Com base nos resultados obtidos, os animais CD18 Low apresentaram maior carga parasitária nas patas, em comparação com os camundongos selvagens. Além disso, a maior suscetibilidade dos camundongos CD18 Low foi independente da produção de NO e de IL-10 e da redução de IL-12 mediada por IL-4. Estes animais também apresentaram reduzida produção de IFN-gama. Além disso, os camundongos CD18 Low tiveram alterações na produção de LTB4 e de PGE2 ,as quais podem ter reduzido as respostas efetoras das células no sítio da infecção. Também demonstramos que a migração de neutrófilos e de eosinófilos para o sítio de infecção ocorreu de modo independente da expressão de CD18. O maior edema e recrutamento de eosinófilos nas patas dos camundongos CD18 Low foi independente da produção de MCP-1 e parcialmente dependente de RANTES. Entretanto, a produção de LTC4 pareceu ter sido o principal responsável por estes efeitos, em conjunto com PGD2. Deste modo, nossos resultados mostram que a baixa expressão de CD18 favorece o desenvolvimento da infecção por L. amazonensis. / Leishmania are obligate intracellular parasites that use phagocytes (especially macrophages) for their survival and propagation. These parasites are internalized through interaction with several receptors of cellular surface, such as the CR3 receptor (Mac-1; CD18/CD11b), component of the B2-integrins family. B2- integrins are involved in important immune mechanisms, such as cell adhesion, cell migration, phagocytosis and modulation of intracellular signaling pathways. Studies have shown that the CD18 molecule (component of all B2-integrins), is involved in the immune response in experimental leishmaniasis, but its importance in the host defense against this infection is still controversial. Leukotrienes and prostaglandins are lipid mediators involved in various mechanisms of innate and adaptive immune response. In leishmaniasis, leukotrienes are considered critical for the host defense, once it induces cellular effector mechanisms such as phagocytosis and microbicide activity. On the other hand, prostaglandins (in particular PGE2), lead to immunosuppressive effects on these mechanisms and may favor development of disease. However, it is unknown whether there is an interaction between the B2 integrins expression and the production of these mediators in leishmaniasis and the role of these molecules in host defense against this disease. Thus, the aim of this thesis was to verify the effect of reduced expression of B2-integrins in cytokines, chemokines and lipid mediators production, in experimental model of L. amazonensis infection. For this purpose, wild type mice (WT) and mice with reduced CD18 expression (CD18Low) from C57BL/6 strain were infected with L. amazonensis promastigotes in the hind footpad. The development of the infection was assessed for 5 and 8 weeks after inoculation. Our results showed that the CD18Low mice had higher parasite load in footpad, compared to wild-type mice. Moreover, the higher susceptibility of CD18Low mice was independent of NO and IL-10 production and independent of IL-12 reduction mediated by IL-4. These mice also showed reduced IFN- gamma production. CD18Low mice had alterations in LTB4 and PGE2 levels in site of infection, which may have altered the effector cell responses. We also demonstrated that the migration of neutrophils and eosinophils to the site of infection was CD18-independent. Moreover, the higher edema and eosinophils recruitment in CD18Low mice was MCP-1-independent and partially dependent of RANTES. However, LTC4 production seemed to be the main factor for edema and migration of eosinophils, together with PGD2. Thus, our results show that the reduction on CD18 expression favors the development of L. amazonensis infection.

A interação entre as vias de sinalização do ER, do IGF-I e da integrina 1 é essencial para a manutenção da homeostase da glândula mamária normal, e alterações nessas vias de sinalização estão associadas ao processo de tumorigênese da mama. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a influência e inter-relação entre as vias de sinalização do IGF-I, do ER e da integrina 1 na regulação da transcrição dos genes PHLDA1 e PAWR. Para isso, células MCF-7 foram tratadas, por diferentes tempos, com 10nM de 17- estradiol (E2), 12,5nM de IGF-I, 30M de LY294002 (inibidor da PI-3K), 30M de SB202190 (inibidor da p38MAPK) e 1M de ICI182780 (antagonista do ER), ou transfectadas com 40nM de siRNA para integrina 1. A expressão gênica foi avaliada por PCR em tempo real e a expressão protéica por Western Blot. A expressão do gene PHLDA1 aumentou após tratamento com E2 por 6h (p=0,05), e esse efeito foi inibido pelo tratamento com ICI (p<0,05). O tratamento com E2 por 24h inibiu a expressão do gene PAWR (p<0,05), e esse efeito foi dependente de ER, pois foi inibido pelo tratamento com ICI (p<0,05). O tratamento com IGF-I por 1,5h causou aumento na expressão do gene PHLDA1 (p<0,05); e o tratamento com IGF-I por 24h causou diminuição na expressão do gene PAWR (p<0,05). Foi observado aumento na expressão protéica de PHLDA1 após tratamento das MCF-7 com E2 ou IGF-I por 1:30h. A regulação da expressão do PAWR pelo IGF-I ocorreu através das vias da PI-3K e p38MAPK. O efeito do IGF-I sobre a expressão dos dois genes foi independente da ativação do ER, mas foi observado sinergismo entre E2 e IGFI na inibição da expressão dos transcritos do PAWR, com diminuição na expressão para nível menor do que o observado após tratamento com E2 ou IGF-I sozinhos (p<0,05). A repressão da expressão da integrina 1 resultou na diminuição dos níveis de expressão dos genes PHLDA1 e PAWR. Não foi observada interação entre o IGF-I e a integrina 1 na regulação dos genes PHLDA1 e PAWR. Portanto, o gene PHLDA1 é regulado positivamente pelo E2 e pelo IGF-I, mas não existe interação entre as vias. O gene PAWR é regulado negativamente pelo E2 e pelo IGF-I; o efeito do IGF-I é dependente da ativação da PI3-K e da p38MAPK, mas não do ER; e existe sinergismo entre E2 e IGF-I na regulação do PAWR / The interactions among ER, IGF-I and 1 integrin signaling pathways are essential for the maintenance of normal mammary gland homeostasis, and alterations in these pathways have been associated with mammary tumorigenesis. Therefore, the goal of this work was to investigate the influence and interaction among IGF-I, ER and 1 integrin signaling pathways on the regulation of PHLDA1 and PAWR transcription regulation. To accomplish that, MCF-7 cells were treated with 10nM 17-estradiol (E2), 12.5nM IGF-I, 30M LY294002 (a PI3-K inhibitor), 30M SB202190 (a p38MAPK inhibitor) and 1M ICI182,780 (ICI an ER antagonist), or transfected with 40nM siRNA aiming 1 integrin. Real time PCR and western blot were used to evaluate gene and protein expression, respectively. PHLDA1 mRNA expression increased after 6h of treatment with E2 (p=0.05), and this effect was inhibited by ICI (p<0.05). Treatment with E2 for 24h repressed PAWR gene expression (p<0.05) and this effect was dependent on ER, since treatment with ICI inhibited it (p<0.05). Treatment with IGF-I for 1.5h resulted in increased PHLDA1 gene expression (p<0,05) and also PHLDA1 protein expression; and treatment with IGF-I for 24h inhibited PAWR mRNA expression (p<0.05). IGF-I regulation of PAWR expression was dependent on PI3-K and p38MAPK activation. The regulation of both genes by IGF-I was independent of ER activation; however, IGF-I acted in synergism with E2 on PAWR expression resulting in lower PAWR expression than the observed after the treatments alone (p<0.05). Repression of 1 integrin expression resulted in downregulation of PHLDA1 and PAWR expression levels. No interaction was observed between IGF-I and 1 integrin on PHLDA1 and PAWR gene expression. In conclusion, PHLDA1 is positively regulated by E2 and IGF-I, but there is no interaction between them on PHLDA1 regulation. On the other hand, PAWR is negatively regulated by E2 and IGF-I; IGF-I effect is dependent on PI3-K and p38MAPK, but not on ER activation; E2 and IGF-I act synergistically on PAWR gene expression regulation

Le facteur de transcription HIF-1 est un hétérodimère composé d’une sous-unité α et d’une sous-unité ß. HIF-1 est capable de reconnaître une séquence consensus appelée HRE (HIF Response Element) et de réguler l’expression de plus de 200 gènes cibles impliqués dans divers mécanismes cellulaires. Nous nous intéressons à étudier le rôle de HIF-1α dans la peau, d’une part dans la régulation des enzymes de la réparation de l’ADN suite à l’irradiation UVB, d’autre part dans la physiologie cutanée.Nos résultats montrent bien que HIF-1α régule l’expression des gènes participant à la réparation de l’ADN (XPC et XPD). Ces gènes contiennent dans leurs régions promotrices des HRE de HIF-1α. La quantification de l’immunoprécipitation de chromatine révèle des HRE putatifs dans les gènes codant pour d'autres protéines de la réparation de l'ADN (XPB, XPG, CSA et CSB), ce qui suggère que HIF-1α est un régulateur clé de la machinerie de réparation de l'ADN. Nous avons prouvé que HIF-1α est indispensable à l’adhésion des kératinocytes par sa régulation exercée sur la laminine-332 et les intégrines (α6 et ß1). L’absence de l’expression de HIF-1α empêche aussi la reconstruction des épidermes à partir des kératinocytes humains. Nos résultats ont montré que les souris invalidées pour HIF-1α développent avec l’âge un phénotype d’inflammation dans plusieurs régions. Ces souris sont très sensibles au moindre stress consécutif à une blessure et une irradiation UVB. L’induction de l’inhibition de HIF-1α dans des souris inductibles avec le tamoxifène indique un détachement de l’épiderme au niveau des couches supra-basales. Ces souris meurent deux semaines après injection du tamoxifène / The transcription factor HIF-1 is a heterodimer composed of an α and ß subunit. HIF-1 is capable of recognizing a consensus sequence called HRE (hypoxia Response Element) and regulate the expression of more than 200 target genes involved in various cellular mechanisms. We are interested in studying the role of HIF-1α in the skin physiology.Our results show that HIF-1α regulates the expression of two main factors (XPC and XPD) involved in nucleotide excision repair through binding on HRE in their promoter regions. Quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation assays further revealed putative HREs in the genes encoding other DNA repair proteins (XPB, XPG, CSA and CSB), suggesting that HIF-1α is a key regulator of the DNA repair machinery. We proved that HIF-1α is essential for keratinocyte adhesion through its regulation exerted on laminin-332 and integrins (α6, ß1). The lack of HIF-1α expression also prevents the reconstruction of epidermis by human keratinocytes. Our results showed that mice constitutively depleted for HIF-1α in their epidermis develop with age a phenotype of inflammation in several regions. These mice are very sensitive to the stress resulting from wound injury and UVB irradiation. HIF-1α depletion in the epidermis of inducible mice using tamoxifen results in a detachment of the epidermis in suprabasal layers. These mice die within two weeks after injection of tamoxifen

Des modifications du gène PMP22 (Peripheral Myelin Protein 22) sont responsables de neuropathies du système nerveux périphérique : l’Hypersensibilité à la Pression (HNPP : Hereditary Neuropathy with liability to Pressure Palsy) lorsqu’il est délété, CMT1A (Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A) lorsqu’il est dupliqué et CMT1E ou HNPP lors de mutations ponctuelles. Cependant, le rôle de la protéine PMP22 dans ces neuropathies demeure obscur. Dans un premier temps, nous nous sommes intéressés aux partenaires d’interactions potentiels de PMP22 : l’intégrine α6β4 (un récepteur des laminines), pourrait être impliqué dans le CMT1A. Dans cette étude, nous avons utilisé un modèle de rat transgénique portant des copies supplémentaires de PMP22 de souris. Chez ce modèle, nous avons mis en évidence des variations d’expression génique des intégrines, ainsi qu’une mauvaise localisation cellulaire de celles-ci. Ces variations des niveaux d’expression des intégrines sont les témoins d’un retard de la maturation des cellules de Schwann myélinisantes, expliquant la diminution de l’épaisseur des gaines de myéline, observée chez les rats CMT1A. Dans un second temps, nous avons étudié le cas particulier d’un patient sans expression de PMP22, en raison de deux mutations composites sur les deux allèles de PMP22. Nous avons observé que l’absence de PMP22 chez l’homme entraine une absence complète de myéline due à un blocage de l’initialisation de la myélinisation lors de la formation du mésaxone. Dans un troisième temps, nous avons effectué une étude comparative de modèles animaux et de patients atteints de CMT1A / 1E et d’HNPP permettant de valider l’utilisation de tels modèles dans l’étude de ses neuropathies. Enfin, nous nous sommes intéressés d’un point de vue informatique à la structure tridimensionnelle de différentes protéines dont PMP22 grâce à la dynamique moléculaire. Ce modèle tridimensionnel de PMP22 est le point de départ de l’étude des mutations ponctuelles ainsi que des interactions de PMP22 avec son environnement. Grâce aux animaux modèles et à l’étude de patients, nous avons montré le rôle indispensable de PMP22 dans l’initialisation de la myélinisation ainsi que son effet sur les intégrines dans le CMT1A. L’utilisation de modèles informatiques tridimensionnels créés de PMP22 permettra de comprendre les effets des mutations ponctuelles sur sa structure, et ses interactions. / Interactions study of PMP22 protein with integrins in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A pathogenesisChanges in the PMP22 gene (Peripheral Myelin Protein 22) are responsible for peripheral nervous system neuropathies: Hereditary Neuropathy with liability to Pressure Palsy (HNPP) when PMP22 is deleted, Charcot Marie Tooth disease subtype 1A (CMT1A) when PMP22 is duplicated and CMT1E or HNPP when point mutations are present on the PMP22 gene. However, the PMP22 role in these neuropathies remains unclear. Firstly, we studied one of the PMP22 interaction partner: the α6β4 integrin (a laminin receptor), which could be involved in the CMT1A. During this study, we used a transgenic rat model carrying supplementary copies of PMP22 gene from mouse. With this model, we showed variations of expression of integrins genes and a mislocalization of integrins proteins. These variations of integrins witnesses a delay in myelinating Schwann cells maturation, explaining the reduction of myelin sheath thickness observed on CMT1A rats. In a second time, we studied the case of a patient without PMP22 expression, carrying compound mutations one the two alleles of PMP22. We showed that the lack of PMP22 on human leads to a complete lack of myelin due to a blocking in mesaxon formation. In a third time, we conducted a comparative study of animal models and patients with CMT1A / 1E and HNPP. This study allows us to validate the use of such models in the study of neuropathies. Finally, thanks to computational tools we studied the three-dimensional structure of different protein, including PMP22 by using molecular dynamics. This three-dimensional model is the starting point of point mutations study as well as PMP22 interactions with its environments. With animal models and through the study of patients, we have demonstrated the indispensable role of PMP22 in myelin initiation as well as, its effect on integrins expression in CMT1A. The use of PMP22 three-dimensional computational model will help us to understand effects of point mutation on PMP22 structure and interactions.

A laminina contém peptídeos que podem ser liberados por proteólise. Nosso laboratório estuda os efeitos de peptídeos da laminina em biologia tumoral. Neste trabalho, verificamos se C16 (cadeia g1) estimularia invasão e atividade de invadopódios em células de carcinoma epidermóide (CAL27) e fibrossarcoma (HT1080). C16 promoveu aumento na taxa de invasão e atividade de invadopódios em ambas às linhagens celulares, comparado ao peptídeo controle C16SX. Microscopia em time-lapse demonstrou que C16 induz aumento na atividade de invadopódios em função do tempo. C16 estimula fosforilação de Src e ERK 1/2, e inibição da via ERK reduz invasão e atividade de invadopódios relacionados ao peptídeo. C16 conjugado à rodamina foi encontrando decorando a membrana de células CAL27, sugerindo possível interação com receptores. Diminuição dos níveis de integrina b1 reduzem atividade de invadopódios em amostras tratadas com C16. Nossos dados sugerem que C16 regula invasão e atividade de invadopódios em células CAL27 e HT1080, provavelmente por meio de Src, ERK e integrina b1. / Laminin harbors bioactive peptides released upon tumor-induced proteolysis. Our Laboratory has been studying laminin peptides effects in tumor biology. Here we addressed whether C16 (g1 chain) would regulate invasion and invadopodia activity in cell lines from squamous cell carcinoma (CAL27) and fibrosarcoma (HT1080). C16 increased invasion rate and invadopodia activity compared to control peptide (C16SX). Through time-lapse microscopy, we observed that C16 stimulated invadopodia activity overtime. We searched for signaling pathways related to peptide effects. C16 stimulated Src and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, and ERK signaling cascade inhibition decreased C16-induced invasion and invadopodia. Next, we addressed how C16 would interact with tumor cells. Rhodamine-conjugated C16 was found decorating CAL27 cell membrane, suggesting an interaction with receptors. Knockdown of b1 integrin reduced invadopodia activity of C16-treated cells. We propose that C16 regulates invasion and invadopodia activity of CAL27 and HT1080 cells through Src, ERK and b1 integrin.

INTRODUÇÃO: A interação entre leucócitos e plaquetas é fundamental para o início e a progressão da reestenose e da aterosclerose. Recentemente foi evidenciado em estudos in vitro que a integrina Mac-1 dos leucócitos se liga à glicoproteína Ibalfa (GP Ibalfa) das plaquetas e que esta interação possui uma função central na firme adesão e transmigração de leucócitos em locais de deposição de plaquetas. Entretanto, não há estudos in vivo que avaliam a importância da interação entre a integrina Mac-1 dos leucócitos e a GP Ibalfa das plaquetas (alfaMbeta2-GP Ibalfa) em modelo experimental de lesão vascular. MÉTODO: Um peptídeo denominado M2 ou anticorpo anti-M2 foi desenvolvido para bloquear a interação da integrina Mac-1 dos leucócitos com a GP Ibalfa das plaquetas, visando, deste modo, inibir a adesão de leucócitos na superfície do vaso coberta por plaquetas, a proliferação celular e a hiperplasia neointimal. Este peptídeo foi injetado e comparado com anticorpo-controle em camundongos C57B1/6J submetidos à lesão vascular da artéria femoral com corda-guia. Um dia (controle: n= 6; anti-M2: n= 6), 5 dias (controle: n= 9; anti-M2: n= 9) ou 28 dias (controle: n= 9; anti-M2: n= 9) após a lesão vascular, as artérias femorais foram retiradas para a realização de morfometria e imunohistoquímica. RESULTADOS: O bloqueio da interação alfaMbeta2-GP Ibalfa promoveu redução estatisticamente significativa de 75% do número de leucócitos na camada média no primeiro dia após a lesão vascular (controle: 7,9 ± 5,0% do total de células na camada média; versus anti-M2: 2,0 ± 1,6%; p=0,021), bem como determinou diminuição estatisticamente significativa de 42% em 5 dias (controle: 42,3 ± 12,9% do total de células na neoíntima; versus anti-M2: 24,6 ± 10,8%; p=0,047) e de 58% em 28 dias do acúmulo de leucócitos na neoíntima em desenvolvimento (controle: 7,9 ± 3,0% versus anti-M2: 3,3 ± 1,3%; p=0,012). A proliferação celular na camada média do vaso em 5 dias pós-lesão vascular apresentou redução estatisticamente significativa de 64% com o bloqueio da interação alfaMbeta2-GP Ibalfa (controle: 5,0 ± 2,9% do total de células na camada média; versus anti-M2: 1,8 ± 0,5%; p=0,043), assim como houve diminuição significativa de 47% da proliferação celular na camada íntima do vaso em 28 dias (controle: 3,8 ± 1,7% do total de células na camada íntima; versus anti-M2: 2,0 ± 1,2%; p=0,047). O bloqueio da interação alfaMbeta2-GP Ibalfa também determinou redução estatisticamente significativa de 56% do espessamento intimal em 28 dias (controle: 10.395 ± 3.549um2; versus anti-M2: 4.561 ± 4.915um2; p=0,012). CONCLUSÕES: O recrutamento de leucócitos após a lesão vascular é dependente da interação alfaMbeta2-GP Ibalfa e a neutralização desta interação inibe a proliferação celular e a formação neointimal. / INTRODUCTION: The interaction between leukocytes and platelets is fundamental for the beginning and the progression of restenosis and atherosclerosis. Recent in vitro studies have shown that the leukocyte integrin Mac-1 binds to the platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ibalfa, and this interaction plays a central role in the leukocyte firm adhesion and transmigration at sites of platelet deposition. However, there is no in vivo study evaluating the importance of the integrin Mac-1 and GP Ibalfa (alfaMbeta2-GP Ibalfa) interaction in experimental models of vascular injury. METHODS: A peptide termed M2 or anti-M2 antibody was developed to block the leukocyte Mac-1 and platelet GP Ibalfa interaction, aiming to inhibit the adhesion of leukocytes to the platelet-coated surface of vessels as well as the cellular proliferation and the neointimal hyperplasia. The peptide was injected and compared with a control-antibody in C57B1/6J mice subjected to wire-induced femoral artery injury. One day (control: n= 6; anti-M2: n= 6), 5 days (control: n= 9; anti-M2: n= 9) or 28 days (control: n= 9; anti-M2: n= 9) after vascular injury, the femoral arteries were harvested for morphometry and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The alfaMbeta2-GP Ibalfa interaction blockade promoted a statistically significant 75% reduction in leukocytes in the medial layer on the first day after vascular injury (control: 7.9 ± 5.0% out of the total cells in the medial layer versus anti-M2: 2.0 ± 1.6%; p=0.021), as well as determined a statistically significant 42% decrease 5 days later (control: 42.3 ± 12.9% out of the total cells in the neointima versus anti-M2: 24.6 ± 10.8%; p=0.047), and a 58% decrease in leukocyte accumulation in the developing neointima 28 days later (control: 7.9 ± 3.0% versus anti-M2: 3.3 ± 1.3%; p=0.012). The cellular proliferation in the vessel medial layer 5 days after vascular injury presented a statistically significant 64% reduction by the alfaMbeta2-GP Ibalfa interaction blockade (control: 5.0 ± 2.9% out of the total cells in the medial layer versus anti-M2: 1.8 ± 0.5%; p=0.043), and there was also a significant 47% decrease in the vessel intimal layer cellular proliferation 28 days later (control: 3.8 ± 1.7% out of the total cells in the intimal layer versus anti-M2: 2.0 ± 1.2%; p=0.047). Furthermore, the alfaMbeta2-GP Ibalfa interaction blockade determined a statistically significant 56% reduction in the intimal thickening 28 days after vascular injury (control: 10,395 ± 3,549um2 versus anti-M2: 4,561 ± 4,915um2; p=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: The leukocyte recruitment after vascular injury depends on the alfaMbeta2-GP Ibalfa interaction, and its neutralization inhibits cellular proliferation and neointimal formation.

L’originalité du sujet de thèse, initié lors du stage de M2R consiste à mesurer les propriétés de mobilité des molécules d’adhérence de cellules mécaniquement contrôlées. Le contrôle des propriétés géométriques et mécaniques du substrat seront fixées grace a l'utilisation d'une lamelle de verre comprenant des motifs de matrice extracellulaire. Nous utiliserons plusieurs techniques de mesures de mobilités, permettant d'accèder à des échelles temporelles d'étude différentes ; La FCS permettant d'accèder au dynamique rapide ; Le FRAP pour accèder au dynamique lente. / The originality of the project, initiated during the M2 internship, consist to measure the mobility of adhesive molecules of cells mechanically controlled.This control will be fixed thanks to a coverslip with adhesive protein pattern. We will next use different technics of mobility measurement to have information about different time scale : FCS for fast dynamics, FRAP for slow dynamics.

The extracellular matrix is a multi-functional environment that cells inhabit to form living tissue. To maintain the tissue, cells require constant telemetry with the matrix and respond to a variety of cues by remodeling matrix architecture. In this study the physical and biochemical manipulation of the matrix by resident cells is explored to better understand how these are used to remodel tissue. Cell-populated collagen hydrogels are used as a controllable in vitro tissue model. To directly measure mechanical forces involved with gel contraction, a culture force monitor was designed and built. Measuring dimensional changes together with contractile forces presents a method of separating mechanisms that influence tissue remodeling. Together, these techniques revealed a correlation between contractile force and gel deformation, suggesting a novel method for examining the material properties of the matrix. Limiting matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity altered the correlation as predicted, indicating a stiffer matrix. Contractile force was found to be regulated independent of MMP activity. In contrast, contractile force was found to be dependent on α2β1 integrin function. Collagen gel contraction correlated with both α2β1 function and MMP activity, and was significantly enhanced when combined. The results of this study indicate cells have the capacity to use multiple mechanisms for remodeling the extracellular matrix and may alternately use them together or independently to vary the rate of matrix contraction.