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La voie de signalisation Ras/MAPK régule de nombreuses fonctions biologiques et occupe un rôle central dans la transmission de signaux extracellulaires à des protéines cibles intracellulaires. Les dysfonctionnements de cette voie sont responsables de plusieurs maladies et syndromes génétiques, tels que le cancer ou le diabète. Cette voie de signalisation, qui régule l’activité des protéines kinases ERK1/2 comptant un grand nombre de substrats cellulaires, occupe une place primordiale dans de nombreux processus biologiques. Parmi ces substrats, on retrouve les protéines kinases de la famille RSK qui comptent quatre isoformes (RSK1-4). Bien que plusieurs substrats cellulaires aient été identifiés pour les isoformes RSK1 et RSK2, les fonctions biologiques des kinases RSK ainsi que les mécanismes moléculaires les régulant sont encore aujourd’hui peu décrits. Ainsi, afin d’améliorer nos connaissances sur la famille des RSK, nous avons utilisé plusieurs approches. Tout d’abord, nous avons déterminé les partenaires cellulaires à proximité des kinases RSK avec la mise en place d’une méthode protéomique spécifique. Cette première étape nous a permis d’identifier la protéine p120ctn comme un nouveau substrat des kinases RSK, mais aussi de démontrer le rôle de ces dernières dans la régulation des jonctions intercellulaires. D’autre part, en se focalisant sur un domaine particulier des kinases RSK encore non étudié, notre deuxième étude apporte elle aussi de nouvelles connaissances sur les différentes interactions des protéines RSK. Ces travaux ont entre autres permis de montrer que la liaison de l’isoforme RSK2 avec la protéine Scribble inhibe son activation par la voie de signalisation Ras/MAPK. En établissant donc des études à grande échelle pour déterminer les interactions propres à chaque isoforme des kinases RSK, nous avons identifié plusieurs nouveaux partenaires cellulaires de ces protéines ainsi que leurs fonctions associées. Cette étape est cruciale à la compréhension et la caractérisation du rôle des protéines RSK, notamment dans le développement des cellules cancéreuses. / The Ras/MAPK signaling pathway regulates many biological functions and plays a key role in transducing extracellular signals to intracellular target proteins. Inappropriate regulation of this pathway leads to a variety of diseases and genetic syndromes, including cancer or diabetes. This signaling pathway regulates the activity of ERK1/2 protein kinases, which have many cellular substrates, and therefore regulates significant biological processes. Among these substrates, there is the RSK (p90 ribosomal S6 kinase) family of protein kinases, which is composed of four isoforms (RSK1-4). Although several cellular substrates have been identified for the RSK1 and RSK2 isoforms, the biological functions of RSK kinases and the molecular mechanisms regulating them are still poorly understood. Thus, to improve our knowledge of the RSK family, we used several approaches. First, we determined the cellular partners of the RSK kinases using a proximity-based labeling technique. This first step allowed us to identify the p120ctn protein as a new substrate of RSK kinases, but also to demonstrate the role of these proteins in the regulation of intercellular junction’s integrity. Additionally, by focusing on a particular domain of RSK kinases still unstudied, our second study also provided new insights into the different interactions of RSK proteins. Finally, we demonstrated that the binding of the RSK2 isoform with the Scribble protein inhibits its activation by the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway. Consequently, by establishing large-scale studies to determine the specific interactions of each RSK isoform, we have identified several new cellular partners of these proteins and their associated functions. This step is crucial to understand and characterize the role of the RSK proteins, particularly with respect to their described functions in cancer.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(農学) / 甲第19759号 / 農博第2155号 / 新制||農||1039(附属図書館) / 学位論文||H28||N4975(農学部図書室) / 32795 / 京都大学大学院農学研究科応用生命科学専攻 / (主査)教授 植田 充美, 教授 宮川 恒, 教授 栗原 達夫 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Agricultural Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

A doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) abrange alterações desde esteatose até esteato-hepatite não alcoólica (EHNA), podendo evoluir para fibrose, cirrose e carcinoma hepatocelular. A DHGNA é considerada a doença hepática mais comum na atualidade e com prevalência mundial alarmante. Esta doença caracteriza-se, basicamente, pela deposição de triglicérides nos hepatócitos, podendo evoluir com inflamação e fibrose, e está intimamente associada com resistência à insulina (RI), diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e obesidade. Os hepatócitos representam as principais células hepáticas e se comunicam através de junções do tipo gap, formadas principalmente por conexina 32 (Cx32). Esta proteína apresenta importante função no controle da homeostase tecidual, regulando processos fisiológicos e tem sido associada como agente protetor na hepatocarcinogênese e outros processos patológicos, porem pouco se sabe sobre sua participação na DHGNA. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a participação da Cx32 na fisiopatogênese da DHGNA, utilizando camundongos knockout para Cx32 (Cx32-KO) submetidos a uma dieta hiperlipídica deficiente em colina. Foram analisados dados biométricos, histopatológicos, função hepática, RI, citocinas inflamatórias, adipocinas, estresse oxidativo, peroxidação lipídica e a expressão de genes envolvidos na DHGNA. Os animais Cx32-KO apresentaram maior acumulo de triglicérides hepáticos em relação aos animais selvagens e, consequentemente, maior peso absoluto e relativo do fígado. Adicionalmente, apresentaram maior inflamação hepática demonstrado pela exacerbação da citocina TNF-α e supressão da IL-10, maior dano hepatocelular indicado pelo aumento das enzimas AST e ALT, aumento da peroxidação lipídica e alterações na expressão de genes chaves na fisiopatogênese da DHGNA, como SREBP1c. No entanto, não houve diferença nos marcadores histopatológicos, RI e estresse oxidativo hepático. Por fim, os animais Cx32-KO apresentaram maior produção de leptina e adiponectina no tecido adiposo. Todos esses resultados revelam que a Cx32 pode atuar como um agente protetor ao desenvolvimento da DHGNA, sugerindo seu potencial como novo alvo terapêutico / Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) covers a spectrum of liver diseases ranging from steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD is currently the most common liver disease in the world with an alarming prevalence worldwide. This disease is characterized by the deposition of triglycerides in hepatocytes and can develop inflammation and fibrosis. NAFLD is closely associated with insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. The gap junctions mediate intercellular communication and are critical for maintaining integral cellular processes. In hepatocytes, the major type of liver cells, the gap junctions are formed mainly by connexin 32 (Cx32). This protein is important for the control of tissue homeostasis and for physiological processesregulation. It has been linked as a protective agent in hepatocarcinogenesis and other pathological processes. However, little is known about its role on NAFLD. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the participation of Cx32 in the pathogenesis of NAFLD using WT and Cx32-knockout mice (Cx32-KO) subjected to a high-fat diet deficient in choline. NAFLD was evaluated based on a battery of clinically relevant read-outs, including histopathological examination, inflammatory citokines, liver damage markers, in-depth lipid analysis, assessment of oxidative stress, insulin and glucose tolerance and lipid-related biomarkers.The Cx32-KO animals showed higher accumulation of hepatic triglycerides, increased inflammation and lipid peroxidation and increased production of leptin and adiponectin in the adipose tissue when compared with WT. Moreover, there was no difference in histopathological markers, RI and hepatic oxidative stress. Taken together, all these results show that Cx32 is a protective agent to the development of the disease, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic target in NAFLD

A fibrose hepática resulta da cronicidade da injúria celular, ocasionando acúmulo dos componentes da matriz extracelular (MEC) pela ativação, principalmente, de células estreladas e fibroblastos portais em miofibroblastos. Estas células se conectam através de junções comunicantes do tipo gap, formadas por proteínas denominadas conexinas (Cx). As junções gap são responsáveis pelo fluxo de moléculas e íons entre as células, desempenhando importante função no controle da homeostasia tecidual. Diversos tipos de conexinas foram descritas nas células hepáticas. Os hepatócitos expressam Cx32 e Cx26, enquanto as demais células não-parenquimatosas expressam Cx43. Alguns estudos analisaram a expressão das conexinas e das junções gap em processos de reparação e fibrogênese em diferentes tecidos, no entanto, poucos avaliaram seu papel na fibrogênese hepática. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os aspectos morfológicos, histopatológicos e moleculares da fibrose hepática, induzida por tetracloreto de carbono (CCl4), em animais deficientes para as conexinas 43 (Cx43+/-) ou 32 (Cx32-/-). Foram analisados dados biométricos, histopatológicos, ultra-estruturais, imuno-histoquímicos e bioquímicos, além da expressão gênica e protéica das conexinas. Os aspectos moleculares da fibrose hepática foram analisados pela expressão de genes relacionados com a deposição e degradação da matriz extracelular por PCR em tempo real. As análises macroscópicas e de varredura demonstraram um processo de micronodulação da superfície hepática mais acentuado nos camundongos Cx43+/- fibróticos em relação aos animais wild-type (Cx43+/+) fibróticos. Adicionalmente, estes animais apresentaram maior proporção volumétrica de colágeno no tecido hepático; redução na atividade necroinflamatória tecidual; redução nas concentrações séricas de AST e ALT; redução na proliferação celular dos hepatócitos e redução na expressão dos genes: colágeno tipo I, TGFβ-1, MMP-2, MMP-13 e TIMP-1. Por sua vez, os camundongos Cx32-/- fibróticos apresentaram aumento na deposição de colágeno no parênquima hepático; aumento na atividade necroinflamatória tecidual e aumento nos níveis séricos das enzimas hepáticas AST, ALT e fosfatase alcalina em comparação aos animais wild-type (Cx32+/+) fibróticos. Também foram observadas redução na proliferação hepatocelular e maior quantidade de corpúsculos apoptóticos no tecido hepático. Baseando-se em todos os resultados obtidos, observou-se que ambos os modelos animais apresentaram aumento da fibrose hepática, aparentemente ocasionada por diferentes modos de ação. Os animais deficientes em Cx43 apresentaram menor capacidade de degradação do colágeno, ocasionando seu acúmulo no tecido hepático. Por outro lado, os animais deficientes em Cx32 apresentaram maior deposição de colágeno em resposta à injúria hepatocelular mais acentuada, aliada ao desequilíbrio entre as taxas de proliferação celular e apoptose. Em conclusão, os resultados obtidos neste trabalho demonstraram a importante participação das conexinas no controle da fibrogênese hepática, e que podem representar potenciais alvos terapêuticos para o tratamento das doenças hepáticas crônicas em humanos e animais. / Hepatic fibrosis results from chronic cell injury, leading to accumulation of components of extracellular matrix (ECM) through activation mainly of hepatic stellate cells and portal fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. These cells communicate through intercellular gap junctions composed of proteins known as connexins (Cx). Gap junctions are responsible for the exchange of molecules and ions among cells, playing an important role in the control of tissue homeostasis. Several subtypes of connexins were described among hepatic cells. Hepatocytes express Cx32 and Cx26, while the other non-parenchymal cells express Cx43. Some studies analyzed the expression of connexins and gap junctions on processes of healing and fibrogenesis in different tissues; however, few studies evaluated its role on hepatic fibrogenesis. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate morphological, histopathological and molecular aspects of hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in animals with connexin 43 (Cx43+/-) or 32 (Cx32-/-) deficiency. We analyzed biometric, histopathological, ultrastructural, immunohistochemical and biochemical data, besides gene and protein expression of connexins. Molecular aspects of hepatic fibrosis were analyzed with the expression of genes related to deposition and degradation of extracellular matrix by real time PCR. Macroscopic and Scanning Electron Microscopy analyses showed a process of micronodulation of hepatic surface more accentuated on Cx43+/- fibrotic mice when compared to fibrotic wild-type (Cx43+/+) animals. Additionally, these animals presented a higher collagen volumetric proportion on hepatic tissue; reduction of tissue necroinflammatory activity; reduction of serum AST and ALT; reduction of hepatocytes proliferation and reduction of expression type I collagen, TGFβ-1, MMP-2, MMP-13 and TIMP-1 genes. Fibrotic Cx32-/- mice presented an increase of collagen deposition in hepatic parenchyma; increase of tissue necro-inflammatory activity and increase of liver enzymes AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase when compared to fibrotic wild-type (Cx32+/+) animals. Reduction of hepatocellular proliferation and a higher amount of apoptotic bodies on hepatic tissue were also observed. Based on the results obtained, we observed that both animal models showed an increase of hepatic fibrosis, apparently caused by different modes of action. Cx43 deficient animals showed a reduced capacity to degrade collagen, causing its accumulation in the hepatic tissue. Cx32 deficient animals showed an increased collagen deposition in response to accentuated hepatocellular injury, together to an unbalance between rates of cellular proliferation and apoptosis. In conclusion, results obtained on this study demonstrate an important role of connexins on the control of hepatic fibrogenesis, which could represent potential therapeutical targets for the treatment of chronic liver diseases in humans and animals.

La pathogénèse de la plupart des maladies neurodégénératives incluant les maladies transmissibles comme les encéphalopathies à prion, les maladies génétiques de type maladie de Huntington et les maladies sporadiques comme les maladies d’Alzheimer et de Parkinson est directement liée à la formation d’agrégats protéiques fibrillaires. Pendant de nombreuses années, le concept de dissémination et d’infectivité de ces agrégats a été réservé aux maladies à prion. Cependant, de récents résultats montrent que ces protéines amyloidiques extracellulaires (β-amyloïde) comme intracellulaires (α-synucléine, tau, huntingtin) sont capables de bouger (et possiblement de se répliquer) d’une zone à l’autre du cerveau à la façon des prions (Brundin et al., 2010; Jucker and Walker, 2011; Aguzzi and Rajendran, 2009). Récemment une nouveau lien a été établie entre prions et différentes protéinopathies à agrégats. Il a été suggéré que le prion cellulaire, PrPC, dont la forme pathologique (PrPSc) est responsable des maladies à prion, pourrait servir de médiateur dans la toxicité de la protéine β-amyloïde impliquée dans la maladie d’Alzheimer comme dans d’autres conformations-β, indépendamment de la propagation des prions infectieux (revue de Biasini et al., 2012). Malgré une intense recherche sur les maladies neurodégénératives à prion ou non, de nombreuses questions restent ouvertes à la fois au niveau du mécanisme de dissémination des agrégats protéiques que du mécanisme de toxicité. Dans la première partie de ma thèse, j’ai contribué à étudier le rôle de cellules dendritiques (DCs) dans la dissémination de l’infection à prion aux neurones. J’ai démontré que le transfert de PrPSc des cellules dendritiques infectées par un homogénat de cerveau infecté par du prion vers les neurones était dû à contact direct entre ces cellules et a pour résultat la transmission de l’infectivité aux neurones en co-culture. Ces résultats confirment le possible rôle des cellules dendritiques dans la propagation du prion de la périphérie vers le système nerveux central. J’ai aussi trouvé un potentiel mécanisme de transfert de PrPSc des cellules dendritiques aux neurones via des nanotubes (TNTs) et exclu l’implication de la sécrétion de PrPSc dans notre système. Dans la seconde partie de ma thèse, j’ai étudié les mécanismes de dissémination et de toxicité des agrégats protéiques huntingtin et le possible rôle de PrPC dans ces évènements. J’ai démontré que les agrégats Htt sont transférés entre les lignées de cellules neuronales et les neurones primaires et qu’un contact direct cellule à cellule est requis. De même, j’ai montré l’implication des TNTs dans ce transfert et l’agrégation des Htt sauvages endogènes dans les neurones primaires, probablement en suivant le transfert des agrégats Htt. La dernière partie de mes résultats montre que PrPC est impliqué dans la propagation de la toxicité induite par les Htt mutants dans des neurones primaires en culture. / The pathogenesis of most neurodegenerative diseases, including transmissible diseases like prion encephalopathies, inherited disorders like Huntington’s disease, and sporadic diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, appear to be directly linked to the formation of fibrillar protein aggregates. For many years, the concept of aggregate spreading and infectivity has been confined to prion diseases. However, recent evidence indicate that both extracellular (e.g. amyloid-β) and intracellular (α- synuclein, tau, huntingtin) amyloidogenic protein are able to move (and possibly replicate) within the brains of affected individuals, thereby contributing to the spread of pathology in a prion-like manner (Brundin et al., 2010; Jucker and Walker, 2011; Aguzzi and Rajendran, 2009). Recently another intriguing connection has been made between prions and other aggregation proteinopathies, as it was suggested that the cellular prion protein, PrPC, whose pathological counterpart is responsible for prion diseases, possibly mediates the toxicity of Aβ, the pathogenic protein in Alzheimer’s disease, and of other β- conformers independently of the propagation of infectious prions (reviewed in Biasini et al., 2012). However, despite the intense research, many questions in prion and non-prion neurodegenerative diseases are still open regarding both the mechanism of protein aggregate spreading and the mechanism of toxicity. In the first part of my thesis, I contributed to investigate the role of DCs (dendritic cells) in the spreading of prion infection to neuronal cells. I demonstrated that the transfer of PrPSc from DCs (loaded with prion infected brain homogenate) to primary neurons was triggered by direct cell–cell contact and resulted in transmission of infectivity to the co-cultured neurons. These data confirm the possible role of DCs in prion spreading from the periphery to the nervous system. I also provided a plausible transfer mechanism of PrPSc through tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) shown to connect DCs to primary neurons and excluded the involvement of PrPSc secretion in our system. In the second part of my thesis, I investigated the mechanisms of the spreading and toxicity of Htt aggregates and the possible role of PrPC in these events. I demonstrated that Htt aggregates transfer between neuronal cells and primary neurons and that cell-cell contact is required. I also showed the involvement of TNTs in the transfer and reported the aggregation of endogenous wild-type Htt in primary neurons, possibly following the transfer of Htt aggregates. Finally, the last part of my results provides evidences that PrPC is involved in the spreading of the toxicity mediated by mutant Htt in primary neuronal cultures.

A fibrose hepática resulta da cronicidade da injúria celular, ocasionando acúmulo dos componentes da matriz extracelular (MEC) pela ativação, principalmente, de células estreladas e fibroblastos portais em miofibroblastos. Estas células se conectam através de junções comunicantes do tipo gap, formadas por proteínas denominadas conexinas (Cx). As junções gap são responsáveis pelo fluxo de moléculas e íons entre as células, desempenhando importante função no controle da homeostasia tecidual. Diversos tipos de conexinas foram descritas nas células hepáticas. Os hepatócitos expressam Cx32 e Cx26, enquanto as demais células não-parenquimatosas expressam Cx43. Alguns estudos analisaram a expressão das conexinas e das junções gap em processos de reparação e fibrogênese em diferentes tecidos, no entanto, poucos avaliaram seu papel na fibrogênese hepática. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os aspectos morfológicos, histopatológicos e moleculares da fibrose hepática, induzida por tetracloreto de carbono (CCl4), em animais deficientes para as conexinas 43 (Cx43+/-) ou 32 (Cx32-/-). Foram analisados dados biométricos, histopatológicos, ultra-estruturais, imuno-histoquímicos e bioquímicos, além da expressão gênica e protéica das conexinas. Os aspectos moleculares da fibrose hepática foram analisados pela expressão de genes relacionados com a deposição e degradação da matriz extracelular por PCR em tempo real. As análises macroscópicas e de varredura demonstraram um processo de micronodulação da superfície hepática mais acentuado nos camundongos Cx43+/- fibróticos em relação aos animais wild-type (Cx43+/+) fibróticos. Adicionalmente, estes animais apresentaram maior proporção volumétrica de colágeno no tecido hepático; redução na atividade necroinflamatória tecidual; redução nas concentrações séricas de AST e ALT; redução na proliferação celular dos hepatócitos e redução na expressão dos genes: colágeno tipo I, TGFβ-1, MMP-2, MMP-13 e TIMP-1. Por sua vez, os camundongos Cx32-/- fibróticos apresentaram aumento na deposição de colágeno no parênquima hepático; aumento na atividade necroinflamatória tecidual e aumento nos níveis séricos das enzimas hepáticas AST, ALT e fosfatase alcalina em comparação aos animais wild-type (Cx32+/+) fibróticos. Também foram observadas redução na proliferação hepatocelular e maior quantidade de corpúsculos apoptóticos no tecido hepático. Baseando-se em todos os resultados obtidos, observou-se que ambos os modelos animais apresentaram aumento da fibrose hepática, aparentemente ocasionada por diferentes modos de ação. Os animais deficientes em Cx43 apresentaram menor capacidade de degradação do colágeno, ocasionando seu acúmulo no tecido hepático. Por outro lado, os animais deficientes em Cx32 apresentaram maior deposição de colágeno em resposta à injúria hepatocelular mais acentuada, aliada ao desequilíbrio entre as taxas de proliferação celular e apoptose. Em conclusão, os resultados obtidos neste trabalho demonstraram a importante participação das conexinas no controle da fibrogênese hepática, e que podem representar potenciais alvos terapêuticos para o tratamento das doenças hepáticas crônicas em humanos e animais. / Hepatic fibrosis results from chronic cell injury, leading to accumulation of components of extracellular matrix (ECM) through activation mainly of hepatic stellate cells and portal fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. These cells communicate through intercellular gap junctions composed of proteins known as connexins (Cx). Gap junctions are responsible for the exchange of molecules and ions among cells, playing an important role in the control of tissue homeostasis. Several subtypes of connexins were described among hepatic cells. Hepatocytes express Cx32 and Cx26, while the other non-parenchymal cells express Cx43. Some studies analyzed the expression of connexins and gap junctions on processes of healing and fibrogenesis in different tissues; however, few studies evaluated its role on hepatic fibrogenesis. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate morphological, histopathological and molecular aspects of hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in animals with connexin 43 (Cx43+/-) or 32 (Cx32-/-) deficiency. We analyzed biometric, histopathological, ultrastructural, immunohistochemical and biochemical data, besides gene and protein expression of connexins. Molecular aspects of hepatic fibrosis were analyzed with the expression of genes related to deposition and degradation of extracellular matrix by real time PCR. Macroscopic and Scanning Electron Microscopy analyses showed a process of micronodulation of hepatic surface more accentuated on Cx43+/- fibrotic mice when compared to fibrotic wild-type (Cx43+/+) animals. Additionally, these animals presented a higher collagen volumetric proportion on hepatic tissue; reduction of tissue necroinflammatory activity; reduction of serum AST and ALT; reduction of hepatocytes proliferation and reduction of expression type I collagen, TGFβ-1, MMP-2, MMP-13 and TIMP-1 genes. Fibrotic Cx32-/- mice presented an increase of collagen deposition in hepatic parenchyma; increase of tissue necro-inflammatory activity and increase of liver enzymes AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase when compared to fibrotic wild-type (Cx32+/+) animals. Reduction of hepatocellular proliferation and a higher amount of apoptotic bodies on hepatic tissue were also observed. Based on the results obtained, we observed that both animal models showed an increase of hepatic fibrosis, apparently caused by different modes of action. Cx43 deficient animals showed a reduced capacity to degrade collagen, causing its accumulation in the hepatic tissue. Cx32 deficient animals showed an increased collagen deposition in response to accentuated hepatocellular injury, together to an unbalance between rates of cellular proliferation and apoptosis. In conclusion, results obtained on this study demonstrate an important role of connexins on the control of hepatic fibrogenesis, which could represent potential therapeutical targets for the treatment of chronic liver diseases in humans and animals.

A doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) abrange alterações desde esteatose até esteato-hepatite não alcoólica (EHNA), podendo evoluir para fibrose, cirrose e carcinoma hepatocelular. A DHGNA é considerada a doença hepática mais comum na atualidade e com prevalência mundial alarmante. Esta doença caracteriza-se, basicamente, pela deposição de triglicérides nos hepatócitos, podendo evoluir com inflamação e fibrose, e está intimamente associada com resistência à insulina (RI), diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e obesidade. Os hepatócitos representam as principais células hepáticas e se comunicam através de junções do tipo gap, formadas principalmente por conexina 32 (Cx32). Esta proteína apresenta importante função no controle da homeostase tecidual, regulando processos fisiológicos e tem sido associada como agente protetor na hepatocarcinogênese e outros processos patológicos, porem pouco se sabe sobre sua participação na DHGNA. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a participação da Cx32 na fisiopatogênese da DHGNA, utilizando camundongos knockout para Cx32 (Cx32-KO) submetidos a uma dieta hiperlipídica deficiente em colina. Foram analisados dados biométricos, histopatológicos, função hepática, RI, citocinas inflamatórias, adipocinas, estresse oxidativo, peroxidação lipídica e a expressão de genes envolvidos na DHGNA. Os animais Cx32-KO apresentaram maior acumulo de triglicérides hepáticos em relação aos animais selvagens e, consequentemente, maior peso absoluto e relativo do fígado. Adicionalmente, apresentaram maior inflamação hepática demonstrado pela exacerbação da citocina TNF-α e supressão da IL-10, maior dano hepatocelular indicado pelo aumento das enzimas AST e ALT, aumento da peroxidação lipídica e alterações na expressão de genes chaves na fisiopatogênese da DHGNA, como SREBP1c. No entanto, não houve diferença nos marcadores histopatológicos, RI e estresse oxidativo hepático. Por fim, os animais Cx32-KO apresentaram maior produção de leptina e adiponectina no tecido adiposo. Todos esses resultados revelam que a Cx32 pode atuar como um agente protetor ao desenvolvimento da DHGNA, sugerindo seu potencial como novo alvo terapêutico / Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) covers a spectrum of liver diseases ranging from steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD is currently the most common liver disease in the world with an alarming prevalence worldwide. This disease is characterized by the deposition of triglycerides in hepatocytes and can develop inflammation and fibrosis. NAFLD is closely associated with insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. The gap junctions mediate intercellular communication and are critical for maintaining integral cellular processes. In hepatocytes, the major type of liver cells, the gap junctions are formed mainly by connexin 32 (Cx32). This protein is important for the control of tissue homeostasis and for physiological processesregulation. It has been linked as a protective agent in hepatocarcinogenesis and other pathological processes. However, little is known about its role on NAFLD. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the participation of Cx32 in the pathogenesis of NAFLD using WT and Cx32-knockout mice (Cx32-KO) subjected to a high-fat diet deficient in choline. NAFLD was evaluated based on a battery of clinically relevant read-outs, including histopathological examination, inflammatory citokines, liver damage markers, in-depth lipid analysis, assessment of oxidative stress, insulin and glucose tolerance and lipid-related biomarkers.The Cx32-KO animals showed higher accumulation of hepatic triglycerides, increased inflammation and lipid peroxidation and increased production of leptin and adiponectin in the adipose tissue when compared with WT. Moreover, there was no difference in histopathological markers, RI and hepatic oxidative stress. Taken together, all these results show that Cx32 is a protective agent to the development of the disease, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic target in NAFLD

No description available.

Thesis (Ph.D.). / Written for the Division of Experimental Medicine, Dept. of Medicine. Title from title page of PDF (viewed 2008/07/23). Includes bibliographical references.