Isogenic clonal fish lines are a powerful resource for aquaculture-related research. Fully inbred individuals, clone founders, can be produced either through mitotic gynogenesis or androgenesis and a further generation from those propagates fully inbred clonal lines. Despite rapid generation, as opposed to successive generation of sibling mating as in mice, the production of such lines may be hampered due to (i) potential residual contribution from irradiated gametes associated with poorly optimised protocols, (ii) reduced survival of clone founders and (iii) spontaneous arisal of meiotic gynogenetics with varying degree of heterozygosity, contaminating fully homozygous progenies. This research set out to address challenges and gain insights into isogenic clonal fish lines development by using double-digest RADseq (ddRADseq) to generate large numbers of genetic markers covering the genome of interest. Analysis of potential contribution from irradiated sperm indicated successful uniparental inheritance in meiotic and mitotic gynogenetics European seabass. Exclusive transmission of maternal alleles was detected in G1 progeny of Atlantic salmon (with a duplicated genome), while G2 progenies presented varying levels of sire contribution suggesting sub-optimal UV irradiation which was undetected previously with 27 microsatellite markers. Identification of telomeric markers in European seabass, with higher recombination frequencies for efficient differentiation of meiotic and mitotic gynogenetics was successful, and a genetic linkage map was generated from this data. One clear case of a spontaneous meiotic gynogenetic fish was detected among 18 putative DH fish in European seabass, despite earlier screening for isogenicity using 11 microsatellite markers. An unidentified larval DNA restriction digestion inhibition mechanism observed in Nile tilapia prevented the construction of SNP-based genetic linkage map. In summary, this study provides strong evidence on efficacy of NGS technologies for the development and verification of isogenic clonal fish lines. Reliable establishment of isogenic clonal fish lines is critical for their utility as a research tool.

Os efeitos da administração de anfotericina B a camundongos suscetíveis ao P. brasiliensis foram avaliados. A L-AmB reverte o padrão de suscetibilidade para o de resistência de forma mais eficiente do que a c-AmB, como observado na quantificação de UFC, NO e IgG2b. Porém, os níveis de TNF-a, IL-12, IFN-g, GM-CSF, IgG total, IgM, IgG1, IgG2a e IgA não são significativamente alterados. Neutrófilos e macrófagos peritoneais co-cultivados com Pb e L-AmB tendem a apresentar maior capacidade fungicida, mas não maior síntese de mediadores. O melhor desempenho de L-AmB poderia se dever a sua interação com TLR4. Em TLR4-deficientes ou não, a progressão da doença é similar. A eficácia da terapia, porém, é menor nos deficientes, como observado na quantificação de UFC; os perfis leucocitários e as concentrações de NO, TNF-a, IL-12 e GM-CSF não são significativamente alterados. Logo, a droga é capaz de reverter os parâmetros micológicos, mas não os imunológicos. A interação entre TLR4, P. brasiliensis e L-AmB não parece ser importante para o estabelecimento da imunidade. / Amphotericin B effects in mice susceptible to P. brasiliensis were evaluated. L-AmB reverts the susceptibility pattern to the resistant one with more efficiency than c-AmB, as confirmed by the CFU, NO e IgG2b quantifications. However, TNF-a, IL-12, IFN-g, GM-CSF, total IgG, IgM, IgG1, IgG2a and IgA levels are not significantly altered. Neutrophils and macrophages cocultivated with Pb e L-AmB tend to present higher fungicidal ability, but not enhanced synthesis of mediators. The better performance of L-AmB could be due to its interaction with TLR4. In TLR4-deficient or sufficient mice, progression of the disease is similar. The efficiency of the therapy, however, is lower in deficient animals, as seen on CFU; leukocyte profiles and NO, TNF-a, IL-12 and GM-CSF levels are not significantly altered by L-AmB-TLR4 interaction. Therefore, the drug administration is capable of reverting mycological parameters, but not the immunological ones. Interaction between TLR4, P. brasiliensis and L-AmB does not seem to play a special role in the establishment of immunity.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resposta do tecido conjuntivo subcutâneo de camundongos isogênicos após o uso da Terapia Fotodinâmica antimicrobiana (aPDT), utilizando dois fotossensibilizadores, Derivado fenotiazínico (Helbo Blue) e Curcumina, em diferentes tempos de aplicação de lasers (30 segundos, 1 minuto ou 2 minutos). Foram utilizados 141 camundongos isogênicos da linhagem BALB/c cujo tecido conjuntivo subcutâneo foi exposto aos dois fotossensibilizadores, e em seguida irradiado com laser diodo no grupo do Derivado Fenotiazínico e ao LED no grupo da Curcumina. Para cada fotossensibilizador foram utilizados três tempos de irradiação: 30 segundos, 1 minuto e 2 minutos. Ao final de cada um dos períodos experimentais (7, 21 e 63 dias), uma porção do tecido conjuntivo subcutâneo da área do centro da área em que foi aplicada a aPDT foi removida e submetida ao processamento histotécnico de rotina. Foi realizada a descrição do processo inflamatório de forma qualitativa e semi-quantitativa (por meio de escores). Adicionalmente, foi realizada a marcação imunohistoquímica para neutrófilos e macrófagos. Os dados numéricos foram analisados por meio do programa estatístico Sigma Plot 12.0®, utilizando o teste não paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis, seguido pelo Pós-teste de Dunn, quando houve diferença significativa entre os grupos. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Foi possível observar que, com relação aos parâmetros fibrosamento, espessura e infiltrado inflamatório, no período inicial de 7 dias, as alterações teciduais foram pequena magnitude. No período de 21 dias, apenas o parâmetro infiltrado inflamatório apresentou pequenas variações entre os grupos. No período final de 63 dias, a compatibilidade tecidual foi observada para os dois fotossensibilizadores (Derivado Fenotiazínico e Curcumina) que não apresentaram diferenças significativas nos parâmetros avaliados, independentemente do tempo de aplicação do laser. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of subcutaneous connective tissue of isogenic mice after Antimicrobial Therapy (aPDT), using two photosensitizers, Phenothiazine Derivative (Helbo Blue) and Curcumin, at different laser application times (30 seconds, 1 minute or 2 minutes). One hundred and forty one (141) BALB/c isogenic mice were used, which had the subcutaneous connective tissue exposed to the two photosensitizers, followed by irradiation with laser diode to the Phenothiazine derivatives group, and LED to the Curcumin group. Three irradiation times were used to each photosensitizer: 30 seconds, 1 minute and 2 minutes. At the end of each experimental period (7, 21 and 63 days), a sample of the subcutaneous connective tissue, was collected and histotechnical processing was performed. Inflammatory process was described by qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis, using scores. Additionally, immunohistochemical technique was performed to identify neutrophils and macrophages. Data obtained was analyzed by the statistical program Sigma Plot 12.0®, using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by the Dunn\'s post-test, when significant difference was found between groups. The significance level adopted was 5%. It was also possible to observe that, in relation with the parameters: fiber collagen formation, tissue thickness and inflammatory infiltrate, at the initial period of 7 days, the tissue alteration were of small significance (p<0.05). At 21-days period, only the inflammatory infiltrate parameter presented variation between groups (p<0.05). In the later time point of 63 days, it was observed tissue compatibility regarding the two photosensitizers (Phenothiazine Derivative and Curcumin) with no differences in the evaluated parameters or the laser application times.

The aim of the presented experimental work was to study an acute cell and antibody- mediated immune response in recipients of abdominal aortic grafts treated by a new standardized clinical cryopreservation/slow thawing protocol used in the "Vascular graft transplant program in the Czech Republic" in a rat model. Another aim of our study was to compare the influence of two basic types of conservation protocols used in this program (cryopreservation/slow thawing protocol and cold-stored protocol) on the acute immune response after transplantation of such treated abdominal aortic grafts in rats. Cryopreserved abdominal aortic grafts were transplanted syngeneously between Lewis rats (CRYO-ISO group, cryopreservation period 172.6 days) and allogeneically between Brown-Norway and Lewis rats (CRYO-ALO group, cryopreservation period 179.3 days). The grafts were explanted on day 30 after transplantation and subsequently examined by histological and immunohistochemical methods, focusing on typical signs of acute rejection in the three basic layers of the aortic wall. We monitored the presence of endothelial cells, signs of intimal hyperplasia, tunica media thickness, the presence of necrosis and deposition of imunoglobulin class G in this layer, the number of CD4+, CD8+ and LEW MHC II+ immunocompetent cells...

La pression sur les quotas de pêche et l’augmentation de la production aquacole ont contribué à une substitution importante des farines et des huiles de poisson incorporées dans les aliments pour poissons carnivores, par des farines et des huiles végétales. La truite arc-en-ciel, qui est un poisson carnivore, est affectée par ce changement de régime. Ainsi un retard de croissance apparaît dès le plus jeune stade si certaines transformations et supplémentations ne sont pas apportées aux végétaux. L’objectif de ce travail a été d’évaluer, aux stades alevins et juvéniles, l’impact d’une substitution totale des huiles et farines de poisson sur le tractus digestif de la truite arc-en-ciel, et plus particulièrement sur ses capacités digestives et sur la composition de son microbiote intestinal. Le but in fine étant de déterminer si certaines enzymes de la digestion, transporteurs intestinaux, ou sous-communautés bactériennes sont impactés par le changement de régime et peuvent expliquer le retard de croissance observé. Chacun de ces facteurs ont été étudiés via une approche de métagénomique par séquençage de nouvelle génération NGS pour la caractérisation du microbiote, et via de la PCR quantitative et des mesures d’activités enzymatiques pour la comparaison des capacités digestives. Des lignées isogéniques de truites, identifiées comme divergentes dans leur réponse à l’alimentation végétale (capables d’adaptation ou réfractaires) ont permis de disposer d’un matériel biologique pertinent pour répondre à cette question. Une modification du microbiote intestinal associé à la muqueuse digestive pourrait également contribuer à la baisse de l’homéostasie intestinale. Le changement de régime conduit en effet à une équitabilité plus faible chez les truites ayant reçue un aliment végétal, ce qui reflète un changement dans la représentativité de certains OTUs. Ce changement de régime s’est également traduit par des communautés dissimilaires en moyenne à 70 %, d’après l’estimation de la β-diversité entre les communautés de truites nourries avec l’aliment marin et celles nourries avec l’aliment végétal. La sélection opérée par l’aliment a conduit à un remplacement des OTUs rencontrés au sein des Firmicutes, c’est-à-dire que différentes espèces bactériennes de Firmicutes sont rencontrées suivant le régime considéré. La comparaison de communautés bactériennes entre les différentes lignées isogéniques a montré que la sélection opérée par le génotype de l’hôte a davantage eu lieu sur le remplacement des β-Protéobactéries. Enfin, les comparaisons d’abondances en certaines espèces bactériennes particulières suggèrent que les bactéries Cetobacterium somerae, capables de synthétiser de la vitamine B12, et Shewanella, dont l’implication dans la stimulation des cellules β du pancréas endocrine a déjà été observée chez d’autres espèces, pourraient être impliquées dans la réponse métabolique des truites aux végétaux. Les modifications identifiées dans ce travail constituent des indicateurs biologiques qui pourront être mis à profit pour évaluer la réponse du tractus digestif des truites à de nouvelles formules alimentaires. / Over-fishing pressure and increasing aquaculture production led to an important substitution of fish oil and fish meal with oil and meal from plant origin in feed meant for farming fish. However this replacement has some deleterious incidence on fish. For rainbow trout, which are carnivorous fish, some growth delay often appears from the early life stages when they are fed with plant based diet. The aim of this work was to assess, at alevin and juvenile stages, the impact of a total replacement of fish meal and oil on rainbow trout gastrointestinal tract, and more particularly on the digestive capacity and the associate microbiota. The objective, in fine, being to determine if some digestive enzymes, intestinal transporters, or bacterial communities are impacted by the dietary replacement and if these biological factors can be related to the observed growth delay. Metagenomic approach using next generation sequencing was used to characterize the gut bacterial communities, while digestive capacity was assessed through quantitative PCR and enzymatic measurements in order to compare rainbow trout responses to a plant-based diet. In our investigations, rainbow trout isogenic lines that diverge in their response to this alternative diet (tolerant or rather reluctant) were adopted because they constitute a pertinent biological material for answering this question.In alevin rainbow trout, a plant-based diet led to an increase of pepsinogen, trypsinogen, and chymotrypsinogen genes which codes for proteolitic enzymes. Two main assumptions can explain this response, and their effectivness remains to investigate: wether this is a physiological response due to a lower weight of trout fed with the plant-based diet, or so it is due to an increase transcritpion of pancreatic enzymes to compensate for a reduction of protein digestibility. In the intestine, it appears that an increase transcription of IAP, SGLT1, CCK-t, and PEPT1 genes, and a decrease transcription of GLUT2 gene under a plant-based diet could reflect a disability to grow under a vegetable diet.In juvenile rainbow trout, a plant-based diet led to a decrease of lipid digestibility, and of triglycerides and total amino acid plasmatic levels. These perturbations could be explained in part by a decrease of the phosphatase alkaline activity, which suggest perturbancesof intestinal homeostasis, and by a decrease of phospholipase A2 activity. Transcriptional decrease of the triglycerides transporter MTP and of the prolidase, which is a peptidase from intestinal cell cytosol, has also been observed. Some modification of the microbiota associated to the intestinal mucosa could also contribute to the decrease of the intestinal homeostasis. The dietary replacement effectively led to reduce evenness of the bacterial communities in trout fed with a plant-based diet, which reflected a shift in the representativeness of some OTUs. Bacterial community from trout fed with a marine diet and trout fed with a plant-based diet were on average 70 % dissimilar. Dietary substitution led to the replacement of OTUs from the Firmicutes class, different bacterial species being observed according to the considered diet. The comparison of bacterial community between the isogenic lines showed that the genotype led to the replacement of β-Proteobacteria. Finally, abundance comparison suggested that Cetobacterium somerae, which is able to synthesise vitamin B12, and Shewanella, which has already been reported to stimulate pancreatic β cells, could be implicated in the trout response to vegetable.Modifications observed in this work constitute biological indicator that could be used to assess the response of the digestive tract to future feed formulations.

No description available.

The phosphatidylinositol 3' kinase (PI3K) pathway is involved in many cellular processes including cell proliferation, survival, and glucose transport, and is implicated in various disease states such as cancer and diabetes. Though there have been numerous studies dissecting the role of PI3K signaling in different cell types and disease models, the mechanism by which PI3K signaling regulates embryonic stem (ES) cell fate remains unclear. It is believed that in addition to proliferation and tumorigenicity, PI3K activity might also be important for self-renewal of ES cells. Paling et al. (2004) reported that the inhibition of PI3K led to a reduction in the ability of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) to maintain self-renewal causing cells to differentiate. Studies in our lab have revealed that ES cells completely lacking GSK-3 remain undifferentiated compared to wildtype ES cells. GSK-3 is negatively regulated by PI3K suggesting that PI3K may play a vital role in maintaining pluripotency in ES cells through GSK-3. By using a modified Flp recombinase system, we expressed activated alleles of PDK-1 and PKB to create stable, isogenic ES cell lines to further study the role of the PI3K signaling pathway in stem cell fate determination. In vitro characterization of the transgenic cell lines revealed a strong tendency towards maintenance of pluripotency, and this phenotype was found to be independent of canonical Wnt signal transduction. To assess growth and differentiation capacity in vivo, the ES cell lines were grown as subcutaneous teratomas. The constitutively active PDK-1 and PKB ES cell lines were able to form all three germ layers when grown in this manner – in contrast to ES cells engineered to lack GSK-3. The resulting PI3K pathway activated cells exhibited a higher growth rate which resulted in large teratomas. In summary, PI3K signaling is sufficient to maintain self-renewal and survival of stem cells. Since this pathway is frequently mutationally activated in cancers, its effect on suppressing differentiation may contribute to its oncogenicity.

The phosphatidylinositol 3' kinase (PI3K) pathway is involved in many cellular processes including cell proliferation, survival, and glucose transport, and is implicated in various disease states such as cancer and diabetes. Though there have been numerous studies dissecting the role of PI3K signaling in different cell types and disease models, the mechanism by which PI3K signaling regulates embryonic stem (ES) cell fate remains unclear. It is believed that in addition to proliferation and tumorigenicity, PI3K activity might also be important for self-renewal of ES cells. Paling et al. (2004) reported that the inhibition of PI3K led to a reduction in the ability of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) to maintain self-renewal causing cells to differentiate. Studies in our lab have revealed that ES cells completely lacking GSK-3 remain undifferentiated compared to wildtype ES cells. GSK-3 is negatively regulated by PI3K suggesting that PI3K may play a vital role in maintaining pluripotency in ES cells through GSK-3. By using a modified Flp recombinase system, we expressed activated alleles of PDK-1 and PKB to create stable, isogenic ES cell lines to further study the role of the PI3K signaling pathway in stem cell fate determination. In vitro characterization of the transgenic cell lines revealed a strong tendency towards maintenance of pluripotency, and this phenotype was found to be independent of canonical Wnt signal transduction. To assess growth and differentiation capacity in vivo, the ES cell lines were grown as subcutaneous teratomas. The constitutively active PDK-1 and PKB ES cell lines were able to form all three germ layers when grown in this manner – in contrast to ES cells engineered to lack GSK-3. The resulting PI3K pathway activated cells exhibited a higher growth rate which resulted in large teratomas. In summary, PI3K signaling is sufficient to maintain self-renewal and survival of stem cells. Since this pathway is frequently mutationally activated in cancers, its effect on suppressing differentiation may contribute to its oncogenicity.