O Schistosoma mansoni, parasita responsável pela esquistossomose (barriga dágua), doença que afeta cerca de 300 milhões de pessoas em todo mundo, não possui a via de síntese de purinas, dependendo integralmente da via de salvação de purinas para seu suprimento dessas bases. Uma vez que a terapia se resume a administração de um único fármaco, o praziquantel, diversos casos de resistência do parasita a esse medicamento foram reportadas, sendo assim esta via tem sido citada como alvo potencial para o desenvolvimento de novos fármacos contra a doença. As enzimas adenosina kinase (AK), hipoxantina-guanina fosforibosiltransferase (HGPRT), adenilsuccinato liase (ADSL) e adenilsuccinato sintetase (ADSS) são enzimas chave desta via. Este trabalho faz parte de um projeto maior que visa a obtenção de todas as estruturas das enzimas envolvidas na via de salvação de purinas de Schistosoma mansoni. O cDNA correspondente às enzimas foi amplificado e clonado no vetor de expressão pOPIN; as enzimas AK isoforma 1, HGPRT isoforma 1 e ADSL foram expressas em E. coli Lemo21(DE3) e HGPRT isoforma 3 em E. coli B834(DE3); purificadas em coluna de cobalto agarose por afinidade, concentradas e cristalizadas no kit de cristalização Morpheus (Molecular Dimensions) no Oxford Protein Production Facility (OPPF) em Harwell UK. As coletas de dados por difração de raio-X foram realizadas no Síncrotron Diamond Light Source (DLS) - UK. Foram coletadas duas estruturas de ADSL, a 2.36Å de resolução em complexo com AMP e 2.14Å na forma Apo. A análise das estruturas revelou uma estrutura tetramérica bastante conservada entre as ADSLs, sendo este estado de oligomerização requerido, uma vez que resíduos de três das quatro subunidades compõem o sítio ativo. Apesar do sítio ativo ser altamente conservado entre SmADSL e ADSL humana, a interface dimérica dessas enzimas tem se apresentado suficientemente distintas, o que pode representar um potencial alvo para o desenvolvimento de um inibidor. O ensaio de atividade enzimática de ADSL revelou uma reação endotérmica, indicando que a contribuição da entropia relacionada a grande quantidade de moléculas de água presentes no sítio ativo é importante para a reação cinética. Após diversos experimentos de otimização dos cristais de HGPRT1 e aproximadamente 200 cristais testados, foi obtida uma estrutura em complexo com IMP a 2.8Å de resolução. A análise da estrutura revelou uma estrutura tetramérica. Apesar das subunidades não compartilharem o sítio ativo, este estado de oligomerização é requerido, uma vez que resíduos que compõem o sítio ativo também estão envolvidos em interações na interface dimérica, orientando o resíduo invariável Arg206 na direção do sítio ativo. Foram identificadas quatro mutações na região do sítio ativo entre SmHGPRT e HGPRT humana: Ile149Met, Pro176Arg, Val189Ile e Arg192Lys. Desta forma, a obtenção das estruturas contribui para o entendimento bioquímico desta via essencial para o parasita e de como este pode ser seletivamente privado de recursos. / Schistosoma mansoni is the parasite responsible for schistosomiasis, disease that affects about 300 million people worldwide, and does not have the purine de novo pathway, depending entirely on the purine salvage pathway to supply its demands on purines. Currently, both direct treatment and most disease control initiatives, rely on chemotherapy using a single drug, praziquantel. Concerns over the possibility of resistance developing to praziquantel, has stimulated efforts to develop new drugs for the treatment of schistosomiasis. The purine salvage pathway has been reported as a potential target for developing new drugs against schistosomiasis. Adenosine kinase (AK), hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT), adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL), adenylosuccinate synthetase (ADSS) are key enzymes in this pathway. This work is part of a larger project aimed at obtaining all the structures of enzymes involved in purine salvage pathway of Schistosoma mansoni. The cDNA corresponding to the enzymes was amplified and cloned in vector pOPIN, AK isoform 1, HGPRT isoform 1 and ADSL were expressed in E. coli Lemo 21 (DE3) and HGPRT isoform 3 in E. coli B834(DE3); purified in cobalt agarose column, concentrated and crystallized in several conditions of the Morpheus (Molecular Dimensions) crystallization kit at the Oxford Protein Production Facility (OPPF) in Harwell UK. The data collection by xray diffraction were performed at Diamond Light Source UK. Two ADSL structures were obtained, ADSL in complex with AMP at 2.36Å resolution and ADSL Apo form at 2.14Å The analysis revealed a tetrameric structure highly conserved between ADSLs, and this oligomerization state is required since residues three of the four subunits comprise the active site. Despite the active site being highly conserved between human ADSL and SmADSL, the dimeric interface of these enzymes it has been shown sufficiently distinct, which may represent a potential target for the development of an inhibitor. The ADSL enzymatic activity assay showed an endothermic reaction, indicating the contribution of the entropy related to the large quantity of water molecules present in the active site is important for the reaction kinetics. After several optimization experiments of HGPRT1 crystals and about 200 crystals tested was obtained a structure in complex with IMP at 2.8Å resolution. The structure analysis revealed a tetrameric structure. Despite the subunits do not share the active site, this oligomerization state is required, since residues that make up the active site are also involved in interactions in dimeric interface, guiding the invariable residue Arg206 toward the active site. Four mutations were identified in the region of the active site between SmHGPRT and human HGPRT: Ile149Met, Pro176Arg, Val189Ile e Arg192Lys. These structures increase the important structural information available about the Schistosoma mansoni purine salvage pathway and how it can be selectively private resources.

O Schistosoma mansoni, parasita responsável pela esquistossomose (barriga dágua), doença que afeta cerca de 300 milhões de pessoas em todo mundo, não possui a via de síntese de purinas, dependendo integralmente da via de salvação de purinas para seu suprimento dessas bases. Uma vez que a terapia se resume a administração de um único fármaco, o praziquantel, diversos casos de resistência do parasita a esse medicamento foram reportadas, sendo assim esta via tem sido citada como alvo potencial para o desenvolvimento de novos fármacos contra a doença. As enzimas adenosina kinase (AK), hipoxantina-guanina fosforibosiltransferase (HGPRT), adenilsuccinato liase (ADSL) e adenilsuccinato sintetase (ADSS) são enzimas chave desta via. Este trabalho faz parte de um projeto maior que visa a obtenção de todas as estruturas das enzimas envolvidas na via de salvação de purinas de Schistosoma mansoni. O cDNA correspondente às enzimas foi amplificado e clonado no vetor de expressão pOPIN; as enzimas AK isoforma 1, HGPRT isoforma 1 e ADSL foram expressas em E. coli Lemo21(DE3) e HGPRT isoforma 3 em E. coli B834(DE3); purificadas em coluna de cobalto agarose por afinidade, concentradas e cristalizadas no kit de cristalização Morpheus (Molecular Dimensions) no Oxford Protein Production Facility (OPPF) em Harwell UK. As coletas de dados por difração de raio-X foram realizadas no Síncrotron Diamond Light Source (DLS) - UK. Foram coletadas duas estruturas de ADSL, a 2.36Å de resolução em complexo com AMP e 2.14Å na forma Apo. A análise das estruturas revelou uma estrutura tetramérica bastante conservada entre as ADSLs, sendo este estado de oligomerização requerido, uma vez que resíduos de três das quatro subunidades compõem o sítio ativo. Apesar do sítio ativo ser altamente conservado entre SmADSL e ADSL humana, a interface dimérica dessas enzimas tem se apresentado suficientemente distintas, o que pode representar um potencial alvo para o desenvolvimento de um inibidor. O ensaio de atividade enzimática de ADSL revelou uma reação endotérmica, indicando que a contribuição da entropia relacionada a grande quantidade de moléculas de água presentes no sítio ativo é importante para a reação cinética. Após diversos experimentos de otimização dos cristais de HGPRT1 e aproximadamente 200 cristais testados, foi obtida uma estrutura em complexo com IMP a 2.8Å de resolução. A análise da estrutura revelou uma estrutura tetramérica. Apesar das subunidades não compartilharem o sítio ativo, este estado de oligomerização é requerido, uma vez que resíduos que compõem o sítio ativo também estão envolvidos em interações na interface dimérica, orientando o resíduo invariável Arg206 na direção do sítio ativo. Foram identificadas quatro mutações na região do sítio ativo entre SmHGPRT e HGPRT humana: Ile149Met, Pro176Arg, Val189Ile e Arg192Lys. Desta forma, a obtenção das estruturas contribui para o entendimento bioquímico desta via essencial para o parasita e de como este pode ser seletivamente privado de recursos. / Schistosoma mansoni is the parasite responsible for schistosomiasis, disease that affects about 300 million people worldwide, and does not have the purine de novo pathway, depending entirely on the purine salvage pathway to supply its demands on purines. Currently, both direct treatment and most disease control initiatives, rely on chemotherapy using a single drug, praziquantel. Concerns over the possibility of resistance developing to praziquantel, has stimulated efforts to develop new drugs for the treatment of schistosomiasis. The purine salvage pathway has been reported as a potential target for developing new drugs against schistosomiasis. Adenosine kinase (AK), hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT), adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL), adenylosuccinate synthetase (ADSS) are key enzymes in this pathway. This work is part of a larger project aimed at obtaining all the structures of enzymes involved in purine salvage pathway of Schistosoma mansoni. The cDNA corresponding to the enzymes was amplified and cloned in vector pOPIN, AK isoform 1, HGPRT isoform 1 and ADSL were expressed in E. coli Lemo 21 (DE3) and HGPRT isoform 3 in E. coli B834(DE3); purified in cobalt agarose column, concentrated and crystallized in several conditions of the Morpheus (Molecular Dimensions) crystallization kit at the Oxford Protein Production Facility (OPPF) in Harwell UK. The data collection by xray diffraction were performed at Diamond Light Source UK. Two ADSL structures were obtained, ADSL in complex with AMP at 2.36Å resolution and ADSL Apo form at 2.14Å The analysis revealed a tetrameric structure highly conserved between ADSLs, and this oligomerization state is required since residues three of the four subunits comprise the active site. Despite the active site being highly conserved between human ADSL and SmADSL, the dimeric interface of these enzymes it has been shown sufficiently distinct, which may represent a potential target for the development of an inhibitor. The ADSL enzymatic activity assay showed an endothermic reaction, indicating the contribution of the entropy related to the large quantity of water molecules present in the active site is important for the reaction kinetics. After several optimization experiments of HGPRT1 crystals and about 200 crystals tested was obtained a structure in complex with IMP at 2.8Å resolution. The structure analysis revealed a tetrameric structure. Despite the subunits do not share the active site, this oligomerization state is required, since residues that make up the active site are also involved in interactions in dimeric interface, guiding the invariable residue Arg206 toward the active site. Four mutations were identified in the region of the active site between SmHGPRT and human HGPRT: Ile149Met, Pro176Arg, Val189Ile e Arg192Lys. These structures increase the important structural information available about the Schistosoma mansoni purine salvage pathway and how it can be selectively private resources.

The aim of this research was to study the effect of pre-treatment and modification processes on the properties of hemp cellulose fibre for biopolymer composites application. Hemp fibres have been modified by various extraction, swelling, chemical and enzymatic treatments. The morphology and mechanical properties of the modified fibres have been measured. Biopolymer composites have been prepared using the modified fibres and matrices of cellulose acetate butyrate and cellulose solutions derived from hemp. The first fibre treatment employed was acetone extraction and mercerization. A low pressure acrylonitrile grafting initiated by azo-bis-isobutylonitrile was performed using alkali treated fibre. The AN grafted fibres had no transformation of crystalline structure as observed after mercerization. The mechanical properties performed by a single fibre test method were strongly influenced by the cellulose structure, lateral index of crystallinity, and fraction of grafting. Bioscouring of hemp using pectate lyase (EC 4.2.2.2), Scourzyme L, was performed. Greater enzyme concentration and a longer treatment improved the removal of the low methoxy pectin component. Removal of pectate caused no crystalline transformation in the fibres, except for a slight decline in the X-ray crystalline order index. Smooth surfaces and separated fibres were evidence of successful treatment. The shortening of fibre by grinding and ball-milling was introduced to achieve a desired fibre size. An increase in the milling duration gradual ly destroyed the crystalline structure of the cellulose fibres. An increase in solvent polarity, solvent-fibre ratio, agitation speed and drying rate resulted in the rearrangement of the ball-milled cellulose crystalline structure to a greater order. The thermal degradation behaviour of hemp fibres was investigated by using TGA. The greater activation energy of treated hemp fibre compared with untreated fibre represented an increase in purity and improvement of structural order. The all hemp cellulose composites were prepared by an introduction of fibres into 12% cellulose N-methyl-morpholine N-oxide (NMMO) solution and water-ethanol regeneration. A broadening of the scattering of the main crystalline plane, (002) and a depression of the maximum degradation temperature of the fibres were observed. These revealed a structural change in the fibres arising from the preparation. The mechanical properties of composites depended on size, surface area, crystallinity and the structural swelling of the fibres. Composites of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) and modified hemp fibres were prepared. Composites containing pectate lyase enzyme treated fibres showed better mechanical property improvement than untreated and alkali treated fibres respectively.

&amp / #945 / -Hydroxy phosphonates are versatile building blocks for the synthesis of many biologically active compounds that display antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, pesticide activities beside their enzyme inhibitory activities such as they are the inhibitors of rennin or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease and polymerase. Benzaldehyde lyase is able to catalyze not only C-C bond formation reactions but also C-C bond breaking reactions with high enantioselectivity that brings about the development of new synthetic methodologies for the synthesis of hydroxy ketones which are the key intermediates in the synthesis of many biologically active compounds due to the versatility of stereogenic center for developing structural diversity. There are several synthetic methodologies for the synthesis of hydroxy phoshonates however, in this work we have achieved the synthesis of hydroxy phoshonates through C-C bond forming reactions catalyzed by Benzaldehyde lyase that offers the use of green methodologies. Moreover, we have achieved the synthesis of hydroxy ketones which are versatile building blocks in the synthesis of many biologically active compounds via the immobilization of BAL enzyme on superparamagnetic solid support with high yield and high enantioselectivity.

Diaminopropionate ammonia lyase (DAPAL) which belongs to the  class of PLP enzymes is reported only from prokaryotes. It is involved in the removal of two amino groups from its substrate, diaminopropionate, to form ammonia and pyruvate. DAPAL from Escherichia coli (eDAPAL) and Salmonella typhimurium (sDAPAL) was cloned, over expressed and purified using either affinity chromatography or conventional procedures. It was observed that eDAPAL (90 units / mg) was comparatively less active than sDAPAL (200 units / mg). Also the enzymes with the N-terminal His tag were found to be many fold less active than the enzymes without tag. DAPAL had a characteristic absorption maximum at 414nm due to the Schiff`s linkage between PLP and the € - amino group of the active site lysine residue. The apoenzyme was prepared by reaction with L-cysteine, and the resulting thiazolidine complex was easily dialyzed. On reconstitution with PLP, complete regain of absorption spectrum and 60% activity was seen. All the three enzymes (apo-, holo and reconstituted), when subjected to gel filtration chromatography were found to be homodimers of 88 kDa. The active site lysine 78 was mutated to glutamine, and the enzyme was purified to homogeneity. In the mutant enzyme PLP continued to be bound at the active site, but in a different orientation with an absorbance maximum at 406nm. The K78Q enzyme had negligible activity as compared to the wild type enzyme confirming the role of K78 in catalysis. Only a few of the enzymes of the  class have been investigated for their unfolding pathways. Urea induced unfolding studies on sDAPAL revealed that at lower concentrations of urea there was a loss in activity due to the disruption of Schiff's linkage. No gross conformational changes were observed at these concentrations of urea as seen from fluorescence and gel filtration experiments. Increase in concentration of urea led to unfolding of the protein thereby causing a shift in fluorescence maximum from 340nm to 357 nm due to the exposure of the buried tryptophans to the less hydrophobic environment. A considerable amount of aggregation was seen at intermediate urea concentrations, which was possibly the reason for the inability of the protein to refold completely. Based on the results, a concerted mechanism for dissociation and unfolding was proposed for sDAPAL. Aminooxy compounds, which are mechanism-based inhibitors for PLP enzymes have been used as drugs against various disorders for the last few decades. In order to probe the mechanism and efficiency with which these compounds inhibit sDAPAL, cycloserine (D and L), methoxyamine (MA) and aminooxyacetic acid (AAA) were chosen for the inhibition studies. The inhibition rates were measured by monitoring decrease in absorbance at 414nm, increase in the range of 320-330nm due to the product formation and loss of activity upon incubation with the inhibitor. It was seen that both the enantiomers of cycloserine were equally effective in disrupting the Schiff’s linkage with the second order rate constants of 15.8 and 36 M -1 sec –1 respectively. Spectral measurements showed two isosbestic points in the case of DCS and one in the case of LCS. Product of this inhibition reaction was identified to be a heat and acid stable compound namely a hydroxyisooxazole derivative of PMP. It was similar in nature to that reported from GABA aminotransferase. These results showed that unlike in the case of alanine racemase, sDAPAL could be inhibited equally well by both the enantiomers. The inhibition studies with the other two inhibitors namely AAA and MA, showed AAA to be more efficient at disrupting the Schiff’s linkage and causing inactivation of the enzyme. The visible absorbance spectrum showed a single isosbestic point in both the cases, indicative of a single step involved in the formation of the final product. The elution profile of the product of the enzymatic as well as non-enzymatic reactions on a C-18 HPLC column was similar and the product was identified to be an oxime. These inhibitors reacted with sDAPAL many fold better than the other PLP dependent enzymes and therefore these compounds can serve as potential drugs for sDAPAL.

Dissertation (Ph.D.)--University of South Florida, 2005. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 179-187). Also available online.

In advanced stages, cardiac disease causes millions of deaths each year. Superoxide anions (O₂^.-) and their derivative peroxynitrite (ONOO^-) contribute to cardiac disease pathogenesis, yet strategies to reduces these reactive oxygen species through antioxidants in large scale clinical trials have largely been unsuccessful. Better understanding of pathways regulating enzymatic sources of O₂^.- like NADPH oxidases, uncoupled nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) and mitochondrial oxidases are required to regulate myocardial oxidative stress in patients with advanced stages of cardiac disease. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gaseous signalling molecule generated by transsulfuration pathway enzymes cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST). H₂S regulates oxidative stress in animal models and shows promise for cardiovascular therapeutic strategy. This thesis investigates whether H₂S/CSE biology is related to human myocardial redox state in a cohort of individuals with advanced cardiac disease (Oxford Heart, Fat, Vessels Cohort; Ox-HVF). Individuals with varying levels of myocardial oxidative stress and function were extensively phenotyped for H₂S biology. Individuals with high myocardial oxidative stress from NADPH oxidases and NOSs were found to have high expression of myocardial CSE. To examine first the positive association with NADPH oxidase activity, CSE expression was examined after myocardial oxidative injury and CSE was found to be redox-sensitive. Furthermore, direct effects of two exogenous H₂S donors (NaHS and GYY4137) demonstrated a direct regulation of O₂^.- from NOSs in myocardium from individuals with advanced cardiac disease, further supporting H₂S's direct role in the regulation of NOS biology. Finally, identification of a SNP in CSE further demonstrated CSE's causal role in the regulation of O2.- generation from mitochondrial oxidases. Taken together, we demonstrate for the first time that H₂S and CSE biology are linked to human myocardial redox state and have a causal role in redox regulation in the human heart. These findings suggest H₂S/CSE biology are important endogenous regulators of myocardial redox state in humans and continued exploration of these pathways may develop novel therapeutic strategies against myocardial oxidative stress in cardiac disease.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:51:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo correto.pdf: 535635 bytes, checksum: 2ca42e241dd388099a705af6f2c401d0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-10-30 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Filamentous fungi are recognized as excellent producers of extracellular enzymes and the genetically modified strains have made possible the production of pectinases with greater specificity and purity, better use of raw materials and lower production of waste. The production of pectin lyase (PL) and polygalacturonase (PG) by genetically modified strain Penicillium griseoroseum T20 has been studied. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize PL and PG production. The parameters sucrose concentration and cultivation time were evaluated. The highest PL production in Erlenmeyer flasks with 200 mL of culture medium was achieved after 87.7 h in sucrose 15.7 g/L and the highest PL estimated activity was 2428 U/ml. The higher PG production in Erlenmeyer flasks with 200 mL of culture medium was achieved after 83.8 hours and the highest PG estimated activity was 9465 U/ml. The sucrose concentration showed no significant influence on the production of this enzyme. The optimization in Erlenmeyer flasks was followed by the scaleup to 10 L bioreactor. The aeration conditions were evaluated and the highest PL and PG activity was observed in 1.0 L of air per minute. Under this condition, the strain showed low protease activity, just in the final period of cultivation, and β-glucosidase activity was not detected. The protein profile of the recombinant strain T20 showed the presence of two distinct bands of with approximately 38 and 36 kDa. These bands corresponded to PL and PG, respectively. The mycelial growth of the strain P. griseoroseum T20 has been studied by RSM, and the maximum mycelial dry weight observed was 8.63 g/L, on 30 g/L sucrose and 120 hours of cultivation. The mycelial morphology suggested a link between the occurrence of free and dispersed hyphae and the production of PL and PG. The kinetic parameters of fermentation were determined and compared between the scales of PL and PG production. The maximum total protein was 9.1 and 9.5 mg/L in cultures of 200 ml and 10 L, respectively. The specific PL (PspePLp) and PG (PspePGp) activities in relation to total protein were 353 and 613 U/g at 200 mL cultivation and 305 and 1106 U/g at 10 L cultivation, respectively. The maximum yield of PL (PdPL) and PG (PdPG) observed were 33.4 and 73.3 U/mL.h at 200 mL cultivation and 24.1 and 289 U/L.mL.h at 10 L. The performance parameters of PL (RPL/S) and PG (RPG/S) were 214 and 352 at 200 ml cultivation and 87.4 and 1049 at 10 L, respectively. The PL and PG production between P. griseoroseum T20 and P. griseoroseum wide type strain was compared. Increases of more than 400 times in the PL production and at least 14 times in the PG production were observed. The results suggest the great potential for industrial application of this strain for the production of PL and PG. / Fungos filamentosos são reconhecidos como excelentes produtores de enzimas extracelulares e as linhagens geneticamente modificadas têm tornado possível a produção de pectinases com maior especificidade e pureza, melhor utilização de matéria-prima e menor produção de resíduos. O processo de produção de pectina liase (PL) e poligalacturonase (PG) pela linhagem geneticamente modificada Penicillium griseoroseum T20 foi estudado. As condições ótimas de cultivo para a produção de PL e PG foram determinadaspor meio da Metodologia de Superfície de Resposta (RSM). A maior produção de PL em frascos Erlenmeyer com 200 mL de meio de cultivo foi obtida após 87,7 h em meio contendo sacarose em concentração inicial de 15,7 g/L, sendo a maior atividade de PL estimada de 2.428 U/mL. A maior produção de PG em frascos Erlenmeyer com 200 mL de meio de cultivo foi obtida após 83,8 h, sendo a maior atividade de PG estimada de 9.465 U/mL. A concentração de sacarose não mostrou influência significativa sobre a produção dessa enzima. Após otimização dos fatores tempo de cultivo e concentração de sacarose em Erlenmeyers, foi feito o escalonamento para biorreator com 10 L de trabalho. A condição de aeração que proporcionou a maior atividade de PL e PG foi de 1,0 L de ar por minuto. Nessa condição, a linhagem apresentou baixa atividade de protease no período final de cultivo e não foi detectada atividade de β-glicosidase. O perfil protéico da linhagem recombinante T20 mostrou a presença de duas bandas de proteínas distintas com aproximadamente 38 e 36 kDa, correspondentes à PG e à PL, respectivamente. O crescimento micelial da linhagem P. griseoroseum T20 foi estudado por meio da RSM, e a massa micelial seca máxima estimada foi de 8,63 g/L, na condição de 30 g/L de sacarose após 120 horas de cultivo. A avaliação da morfologia micelial sugeriu a existência de uma relação entre a ocorrência de hifas livres e dispersas e a produção de PL e PG. Os parâmetros cinéticos da fermentação foram determinados e comparados entre as escalas de produção de PL e PG. A proteína total máxima observada foi de 9,1 e 9,5 mg/L nos cultivos de 200 mL e 10 L, respectivamente. As atividades específicas de PL (PspePLp) e PG (PspePGp) em relação à proteína total foram de 353 e 613 U/μg no cultivo em 200 mL e de 305 e 1.106 U/μg no cultivo em 10 L, respectivamente. As produtividades enzimáticas máximas de PL (PdPL) e PG (PdPG) observadas foram de 33,4 e 73,3 U/mL.h em 200 mL e de 24,1 e 289 U/mL.h em 10 L. Os parâmetros rendimento de PL (RPL/S) e de PG (RPG/S) calculados foram de 214 e 352 no cultivo em 200 mL e de 87,4 e 1.049 no cultivo em 10 L, respectivamente. A produção de PL e PG entre as linhagens P. griseoroseum T20 e P. griseoroseum selvagem foi comparada e aumentos de mais 400 vezes na produção de PL e de pelo menos 14 vezes na produção de PG foram observados. Os resultados sugerem o grande potencial de aplicação industrial dessa linhagem para a produção de PL e PG.

Submitted by JÚLIO HEBER SILVA (julioheber@yahoo.com.br) on 2016-11-10T10:37:56Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Uessiley Ribeiro Barbosa - 2016.pdf: 3901383 bytes, checksum: f52c92a81d289db26f933d75a30e8788 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Jaqueline Silva (jtas29@gmail.com) on 2016-11-10T17:48:40Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Uessiley Ribeiro Barbosa - 2016.pdf: 3901383 bytes, checksum: f52c92a81d289db26f933d75a30e8788 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-11-10T17:48:40Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Uessiley Ribeiro Barbosa - 2016.pdf: 3901383 bytes, checksum: f52c92a81d289db26f933d75a30e8788 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-10-04 / The Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) is a thermo-dimorphic fungus described as the etiological agent of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), an important systemic mycosis in Latin America. The isocitrate lyase (ICL) is an enzyme involved in glyoxylate cycle, an alternative pathway to Krebs cycle, which has been described in fungi, bacteria and plants. The absence of this enzyme in mammals makes it an interesting target for design of specific antifungal compounds for PCM. In this work, we use in silico methods like homology modeling, molecular dynamics and virtual screening, aiming the development of inhibitors compounds for PbICL enzyme in the absence and presence of cofactor and positive control. From a molecular docking protocol, it was possible to select promising compounds by criteria of affinity and efficiency based on screening of natural products. Two regions were selected for molecular docking, one involving a region already known by the binding of argentilactona inhibitor and another region involving the cofactor Mg 2+, a possible catalytic site of ICL. All compounds selected by affinity criteria had more than 80% of success rate in achieving lower energy and allowed to describe common residues within the protein interaction for the target sites. The structural quality parameters are significantly improved after 100 ns of simulation. The structure of PbICL and PbICL with magnesium show all quality parameters as acceptable to define them as highresolution structures. All selected compounds show aromatic chains with the possibility of being a pharmacophore, which is essential for biological activity. Another interesting aspect is that, through the selected compounds, it was possible to describe structural patterns related to the ligand specificity, that might be promising for a basic chemical sketch for rational drug design. / O Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) é um fungo termo-dimórfico descrito como agente etiológico da paracoccidioidomicose (PCM), uma micose sistêmica importante na América Latina. A Isocitrato liase (ICL) é uma enzima envolvida no ciclo do glioxilato, uma via do ciclo Krebs já descritos em fungos, bactérias e plantas. Sua ausência em mamíferos faz dessa enzima, um alvo interessante para o desenho de compostos antifúngicos específicos para a PCM. Neste trabalho, utilizamos métodos in silico como modelagem por homologia, dinâmica molecular e triagem virtual na busca de compostos inibidores para enzima isocitrato liase de P brasilienses (PbICL) na ausência e presença do cofator e com a seleção de controle positivo. A partir de um protocolo de ancoragem molecular, foi possível selecionar compostos promissores por critérios de afinidade e eficiência a partir de triagens virtuais com produtos naturais. Duas regiões foram selecionadas para a ancoragem molecular, uma envolvendo uma região já conhecida pela ligação do inibidor argentilactona e outra envolvendo a região de ligação do cofator Mg2+ , posicionada no possível sítio catalítico da enzima. Todos os compostos selecionados pelo critério de afinidade tiveram mais do que 80% de sucesso em alcançar a mais baixa energia e permitiram descrever resíduos frequentes na interação proteína-inibidor para sítios alvo da enzima. Os parâmetros de qualidade da estrutura são sensivelmente melhorados após 100 ns de simulação. As estruturas de PbICL e PbICL com Mg2+ apresentam todos os parâmetros dentro do aceitável para defini-la como estrutura de alta resolução. Todos os compostos selecionados apresentaram cadeias aromáticas com possibilidade de ser um grupo farmacofórico, o qual é essencial para a atividade biológica. Outro aspecto interessante é que através dos compostos selecionados foi possível descrever padrões estruturais relacionados à especificidade do composto, os quais podem vir a ser promissores para um esqueleto básico no desenho racional de fármacos.

Le traitement du mélanome métastatique a été révolutionné par le développement de thérapies ciblées, qui ont montré un bénéfice significatif sur la survie globale. En particulier, l'inhibition de la sérine-thréonine kinase BRAF, mutée dans 60% des mélanomes, par le Vémurafénib (PLX4032), a montré un gain de survie de 6 à 8 mois comparée à la chimiothérapie de référence, la Dacarbazine. Cependant, une très faible proportion de patients répond sur le long terme. En effet, la majorité des patients développent un échappement thérapeutique dans un délai médian de 6 mois. Des mécanismes cellulaires ont été mis en évidence dans l'apparition de cette résistance acquise, notamment l'implication de MITF, un facteur de transcription majeur des mélanocytes, ainsi que des modifications de l'expression de plusieurs membres de la famille de Bcl-2. Cependant, une meilleure compréhension des mécanismes de résistance aux thérapies anti-BRAF semble essentielle, tout comme l'utilisation de nouvelles approches thérapeutiques combinées afin d'optimiser l'efficacité des traitements et la durée du bénéfice clinique. Notre groupe a récemment identifié des altérations du métabolisme du céramide et de l'un de ses dérivés, la Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), dans les cellules de mélanome humain comparé à des mélanocytes sains. En effet, nous avons montré que la S1P lyase (SPL), qui dégrade irréversiblement la S1P est sous exprimée. Au contraire, l'expression de la sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1), qui produit la S1P, est augmentée dans les cellules de mélanome, conséquence directe de la mutation BRAF. Ces perturbations ont pour effet d'augmenter les niveaux de S1P. Ce lysophospholipide favorise la survie cellulaire ainsi que la résistance vis-à-vis d'agents thérapeutiques dans diverses cellules tumorales. L'objectif de cette thèse a été d'évaluer si le métabolisme de la S1P peut moduler la résistance acquise des cellules de mélanome humain aux inhibiteurs de BRAF. Nous avons montré que la surexpression de la SPL ou l'inhibition pharmacologique de la SK1 (SKI-I) sensibilise les mélanomes métastatiques à l'apoptose induite par la thérapie ciblée. Ce phénomène est associé à une diminution de MITF et de l'une de ses cibles directes, la protéine anti-apoptotique Bcl-2. La diminution d'expression protéique de MITF peut être réversée par un traitement de S1P exogène. De plus, nous avons montré pour la première fois une augmentation de l'expression des récepteurs 1 et 3 à la S1P (S1PR1 et S1PR3), dans les cellules de mélanome présentant une résistance acquise au PLX4032. Ces modifications sont associées à l'expression accrue de MITF. La surexpression de la SPL, le traitement par le SKI-I ou par des inhibiteurs ciblant les S1PR1 et S1PR3, surmonte la résistance acquise de ces cellules au PLX4032 via la diminution d'expression des S1PRs, de MITF, et de Bcl-2. Par conséquent, en contrôlant l'expression de protéines clés de la survie et de la résistance, le métabolisme de la S1P représente une nouvelle approche thérapeutique pour améliorer l'efficacité des thérapies ciblées. / The treatment of metastatic melanoma has changed considerably in recent years with the development of targeted therapies, which have shown a significant benefit in overall survival. In particular, the inhibition of the frequently mutated serine-threonine kinase BRAF, by Vemurafenib (PLX4032) showed that survival rates increase by 6 to 8 months compared to standard chemotherapy, Dacarbazine. However, a very small proportion of patients will respond to the long term, and the majority of patients relapses in a median of 6 months. Cellular mechanisms have been identified in the appearance of this acquired resistance, including the involvement of MITF, a major transcription factor of melanocytes, as well as changes in the expression of several members of Bcl-2 family. However, a better understanding of these mechanisms seems essential, as is the use of new therapeutic strategies to optimize treatment efficacy and duration of clinical benefit. Our group recently showed some alterations of ceramide metabolism and its derivative sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) in human melanoma cells compared to healthy melanocytes. For instance, S1P lyase (SPL), which degrades S1P, is under-expressed. Conversely, sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1), which produces S1P, is over-expressed in tumor cells, as a direct result of BRAF mutation. These alterations increases the levels of S1P. This lysophospholipid promotes cell survival and the resistance to therapeutic agents in a variety of tumor cells. This PhD project aimed at defining whether S1P metabolism could modulate the resistance of human melanoma cells to PLX4032. Here, we show that SPL overexpression or pharmacological inhibition of SK1 by SKI-I sensitizes metastatic melanoma cells to PLX4032-induced apoptosis. This phenomenon is associated with a decreased expression of the master regulator of melanocyte differentiation MITF as well as its direct cellular target Bcl-2. The decrease in MITF protein can be reversed by treating cells with exogenous S1P. Interestingly, we also report for the first time an increased expression of SK1 as well as the S1P receptors, S1PR1 and S1PR3, in melanoma cells with acquired resistance to PLX4032 as compared to sensitive counterparts. These modifications are associated with high expression of MITF. Overexpression of SPL, treatment with SKI-I or antagonists of S1PR1 ans S1PR3, strongly overcomes acquired resistance to PLX4032 through a decrease in the expression of S1PR, MITF as well as Bcl-2. Thus, by controlling the expression of key proteins in melanoma cell survival and resistance, S1P metabolism could represent a new therapeutic approach to enhance the effectiveness of targeted therapies.