O objetivo deste estudo foi a avaliação histopatológica e radiográfica da resposta pulpar e periapical de dentes de cães após pulpotomia e utilização da Proteína Morfogenética Óssea Recombinante Humana 7. Foram utilizados 60 dentes (120 raízes) de 6 cães, divididos em 8 grupos, nos períodos experimentais de 7 dias (Grupos I, II, III, IV) e 70 dias (Grupos V, VI, VII, VIII). Após a pulpotomia, o remanescente pulpar foi recoberto com os seguintes materiais: Grupos I e V - Proteína Óssea Morfogenética Recombinante Humana 7 (rHuBMP-7) associada ao Colágeno Recombinante Humano (rHuCollagen); Grupos II e VI - Colágeno Recombinante Humano (rHuCollagen); Grupos III e VII (Controle Negativo) - Hidróxido de Cálcio p.a. e soro fisiológico e Grupos IV e VIII (Controle Positivo) - Óxido de Zinco e Eugenol. Decorridos os períodos experimentais, os animais foram mortos, as peças removidas e submetidas ao processamento histológico. A avaliação histopatológica foi realizada subjetivamente em microscópio óptico. A avaliação radiográfica foi realizada considerando-se a integridade da lâmina dura, presença de áreas de rarefação óssea periapical, de reabsorções radiculares (interna e externa) e de ponte de dentina, sendo os resultados submetidos à análise estatística utilizando-se o teste exato de Fisher. Nos espécimes que apresentavam áreas de rarefação periapical, as medidas radiográficas das lesões foram comparadas entre os grupos por meio do teste de Kruskall-Wallis. Os achados histopatológicos evidenciaram que no período de 7 dias, nos Grupos I e II havia um infiltrado inflamatório severo e intensa proliferação vascular no tecido pulpar, no Grupo IV um infiltrado inflamatório moderado enquanto no Grupo III foi observado um infiltrado inflamatório leve, estando o tecido pulpar íntegro. Em todos os grupos não havia formação de ponte de dentina e a região periapical apresentava aspectos de normalidade. No período de 70 dias, nos Grupos V, VI e VIII não houve formação de ponte de dentina, o tecido pulpar apresentava áreas de necrose com presença de células inflamatórias na região periapical e reabsorção cementária e óssea. Por outro lado, no Grupo VII, foi observada presença de ponte de dentina, ausência de processo inflamatório e ausência de reabsorção dos tecidos mineralizados. Com relação aos achados radiográficos, no período de 7 dias, todos os espécimes dos Grupos I, II, III e IV apresentavam integridade da lâmina dura, ausência de rarefação óssea periapical, ausência de reabsorção radicular (interna e externa) e ausência de ponte de dentina. No período de 70 dias, nos Grupos V, VI e VIII não houve formação de ponte de dentina em nenhum espécime sendo observadas áreas de rarefação óssea periapical em 100% das raízes do Grupo VI, 60% das raízes do Grupo VIII e 40% das raízes do Grupo V, sendo as maiores lesões encontradas no Grupo VI, seguida pelos Grupos V e VIII (p<0,05). No grupo VII, foi observada presença de ponte de dentina em 60% dos casos, integridade da lâmina e ausência de rarefação óssea periapical em 100% dos casos. Pode-se concluir que a Proteína Óssea Morfogenética Recombinante Humana 7 quando associada ao Colágeno Recombinante Humano não apresentou resultados satisfatórios. / The purpose of this study was to evaluate, both histopathologically and radiographically, the pulpal and periapical response of dogs’ teeth after pulpotomy and use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 (rHuBMP-7). For such purpose, 60 teeth (120 roots), obtained from 6 dogs, were divided in 8 groups and evaluated in two experimental periods: 7 days (Groups I, II, III, IV) and 70 days (Groups V, VI, VII, VIII). After pulpotomy, pulp remnant was covered with the following materials: Groups I and V - recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 (rHuBMP-7) associated to recombinant human like collagen (rHuCollagen); Groups II and VI - recombinant human like collagen (rHuCollagen); Groups III and VII (negative control) – calcium hydroxide and sodium chloride solution; and Groups IV and VIII (positive control) – zinc oxide and eugenol. At the established experimental periods, the animals were sacrificed and the anatomic pieces were obtained and histologically processed. The histopathologic evaluation was realized subjectively in a light microscope. The radiographic evaluation was performed considering the integrity of the lamina dura, presence of areas of periapical bone rarefaction, root resorption (internal and external) and dentin bridge formation. The results were analyzed statistically using Fisher\'s exact test. In the specimens presenting periapical bone rarefaction areas, the lesions’ radiographic measurements were compared among the groups using the Kruskall-Wallis test. The histopathologic findings in the 7-day period revealed that Groups I and II presented a severe inflammatory infiltrate and intense vascular proliferation in the pulp tissue, Group IV presented a moderate inflammatory infiltrate while Group III presented a mild inflammatory infiltrate and intact pulp tissue. In all groups, there was no dentin bridge formation and the periapical region had normal appearance. In the 70-day period, Groups V, VI and VIII showed no dentin bridge formation and pulp tissue presented necrotic areas with inflammatory cells in the periapical region as well as bone and cemental resorption. On the other hand, in Group VII, there was dentin bridge formation, absence of inflammatory process and absence of resorption of mineralized tissues. Regarding the radiographic findings, in the 7-day period, all specimens in Groups I, II, III and IV present intact lamina dura, absence of periapical bone rarefaction, absence of root resorption (internal and external) and absence of dentin bridge formation. In the 70-day period, Groups V, VI and VIII did not present dentin bridge formation in any specimen. Periapical bone rarefaction areas were observed in 100% of the roots in Group VI, 60% of the roots in Group VIII and 40% of the roots in Group V. The largest lesions were found in Group VI, followed by Groups V and VIII (p<0.05). In Group VII, there was dentin bridge formation in 60% of the cases, intact lamina dura and absence of periapical bone rarefaction in 100% of the cases. Based on these results, it may be concluded that recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 associated to recombinant human like collagen did not present satisfactory results.

A síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) é um distúrbio endócrino complexo e heterogêneo, caracterizado por hiperandrogenismo e anovulação crônica. Dentre as manifestações clínicas do hiperandrogenismo, o hirsutismo é o mais frequente e pode estar presente em cerca de 70% das pacientes com SOP. Sabe-se que o crescimento e diferenciação do pelo são regulados por fatores locais, endócrinos, parácrinos e genéticos. No entanto, a fisiopatologia do hirsutismo ainda é pouco conhecida. O gene BMP4 (que codifica a Proteína Morfogenética Óssea-4) relaciona-se ao controle do crescimento e diferenciação do pelo, porém não há estudos sobre seu papel no hirsutismo em mulheres com síndrome dos ovários policísticos. Foram estudadas 245 mulheres, 142 SOP e 103 controles em que analisaram-se os polimorfismos rs4898820 e 538 T/C, para verificar frequências genotípicas e alélicas. Nas pacientes com SOP foi investigada a existência de associação entre esses polimorfismos e hirsutismo e parâmetros laboratoriais e clínicos. Não houve diferença significante na frequência dos polimorfismos entre os grupos. Não houve associação dos polimorfismos com hirsutismo. Quando analisados os exames laboratoriais das mulheres com SOP, houve associação do genótipo mutado do polimorfismo 538 T/C (CC) com níveis mais altos de SHBG, menores de glicemia e maior sensibilidade à insulina. Houve também associação entre os alelos mutados (CC ou TC), com menores níveis de testosterona livre. Encontrou-se diferença significante para o FSH nas portadoras do genótipo mutado para o polimorfismo rs4898820 (TT). Não houve associação dos polimorfismos com hirsutismo / Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and heterogeneous endocrine disorder characterized by chronic anovulation and hiperandrogesnism. Among the clinical manifestations of hyperandrogenism, hirsutism is the most frequent and may be present in approximately 70% of patients with PCOS. It is known that the hair growth and differentiation are coordinated by local, endocrine, paracrine and genetic factors. However, the pathophysiology of hirsutism is poorly understood. BMP-4 (Bone Morphogenetic Protein-4) is a gene involved in the hair growth and differentiation, but there are no studies about its action in hirsutism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. A total of 245 women, 142 with PCOS diagnostic and 103 control women were studied to investigate the the allelic frequency of the single nucleotide polymorfisms rs4898820 and 538 T/C in PCOS in comparison with the control group. In PCOS group, we sought to investigate a possible association between the genetic variations and the hirsutism. There were no differences for the polymorphisms between groups. There was no association between the genotypes and the presence of hirsutism in PCOS women. When the polymorphisms were analyzed in the PCOS group, those who had homozygous genotype for 538 T/C (CC) had lower levels of SHBG, lower levels of glucose and better insulin sensitivity. Mutated allele (CC or TC), were associated with lower levels of free testosterone. Those who had the mutated genotype for the polymorphism rs4898820 (TT) had higher levels of FSH

A utilização de osteoindutores como a proteína morfogenética óssea recombinante humana tipo 2 (rhBMP-2) em cirurgia oral e maxilofacial para reparação e regeneração óssea tem aumentado progressivamente. Porém, suas indicações ainda estão limitadas a preenchimento de cavidades e pequenas reconstruções. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar e comparar, por meio da microtomografia computadorizada tridimensional (Micro-TC 3D) e histomorfometria, a arquitetura óssea, a taxa de osso neoformado e a taxa de biodegradação do -Tricálcio Fostato (-TCP), Fosfato de Cálcio Bifásico (BCP) e Osso Mineral Bovino (BBM), utilizados como carreadores adicionais à rhBMP-2/esponja de colágeno (ACS) em um modelo de regeneração óssea guiada (ROG) vertical em calvária de coelhos. Quatro cilindros de titânio foram fixados à calvária de 20 coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia. No Grupo 1 (n = 10), 3 cilindros foram aleatoriamente preenchidos com um dos materiais teste utilizados como carreadores e um cilindro foi preenchido com coágulo sanguíneo (CO). No Grupo 2 (n = 10), os cilindros foram aleatoriamente designados para os mesmos materiais e coágulo sanguíneo, com a adição da rhBMP-2/ACS. Após 14 semanas de reparação, as amostras foram coletadas e enviadas para a aquisição de imagens da Micro-TC e processamento histológico. De acordo com a análise histomorfométrica, a área óssea média para o Grupo 2 (com rhBMP-2) foi maior do que no Grupo 1 (sem rhBMP-2) para os materiais BCP e -TCP (p <0,001). Não houve diferença entre os grupos para BBM e CO (p> 0,05). Em relação às taxas de reabsorção, a área média dos materiais remanescentes no Grupo 2 foi menor do que no Grupo 1 para todos os materiais (p <0,001) e BBM e -TCP obtiveram a maior taxa de reabsorção nos dois grupos (BBM = -TCP > BCP). A análise da micro-TC revelou que no Grupo 2, BCP e -TCP apresentaram maior volume ósseo médio (BV) do que no Grupo 1 (p <0,05). Não houve diferença entre os grupos para os materiais BBM e CO (p> 0,05). O volume médio de materiais restantes (MV) para o Grupo 2 foi menor do que no Grupo 1 para BBM e -TCP (p <0,05), sem diferença significante entre os grupos para BCP (p = 0,848). A análise dos parâmetros Fator Padrão Trabecular (Tb.Pf) e Índice de Modelo Estrutural (SMI) mostrou no Grupo 2 valores negativos para BCP e -TCP, indicando melhor interconectividade e presença de arquitetura trabecular mais achatada e côncava, indicadores de melhor qualidade e resistência óssea. Pelos resultados apresentados concluiu-se que a utilização da rhBMP-2/ACS associada aos materiais carreadores BCP (Fosfato de Cálcio Bifásico) e -TCP (-Fosfato Tricálcio) aumentou significativamente a formação óssea neste modelo de ROG em calvária de coelhos além de acelerar a biodegradação dos materiais BBM (Osso Mineral Bovino) e -TCP (-Fosfato Tricálcio) neste modelo de ROG. / The use of osteoinductors as the human recombinant bone morphogenetic protein 2 type 2 (rhBMP-2) in oral and maxillofacial surgery for bone regeneration and repair has progressively increased. However, indications are still limited to filling of cavities and small reconstructions. However, its indications are still limited to filling of cavities and small reconstructions. This study aimed to analyze and compare, by means of three-dimensional microtomography (Micro-CT 3D) and histomorphometry, the bone architecture, the rate of newly formed bone and the biodegradation rate of beta tricalcium phosphate (-TCP), biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), and mineral bovine bone mineral (BBM) used as additional carriers to rhBMP-2/absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) in a vertical guided bone regeneration model (GBR) in rabbit calvarium. Four titanium cylinders were fixed to the calvarium of 22 New Zealand rabbits. In Group 1 (n = 10), 3 cylinders were randomly filled with one of the test materials and 1 cylinder was filled with a blood clot (CL). In Group 2 (n = 10), the cylinders were randomly assigned to the same materials and blood clot, with the addition of rhBMP-2. After 14 weeks of healing the samples were collected and sent to 3D Micro-CT image acquisition and histological processing. According to histomorphometric analysis, the mean bone area in Group 2 (with rhBMP-2) was greater than in Group 1 (without rhBMP-2) to materials BCP and -TCP (p<0.001). There was no difference between groups to BBM and CL (p>0.05). Regarding the resorption rates, the mean area of remaining materials in Group 2 was lower than in Group 1 to all materials (p<0.001) and BBM and -TCP had the greater resorption rate in both groups (BBM= -TCP >BCP). The Micro-CT analysis revealed that in Group 2, BCP and -TCP had greater mean bone volume (BV) than in Group 1 (p<0.05). There was no difference between groups to materials BBM and CL (p>0.05). The mean volume of remaining materials (MV) in Group 2 was lower than in Group 1 to BBM and -TCP (p<0.05). There was no difference between groups to BC (p=0.848). The analysis of the parameters Trabecular Pattern Factor (Tb.Pf) and Structure Model Índex (SMI), in Group 2 showed negative values for BCP and -TCP, indicating better interconnectivity and presence of more plate-like and trabecular architecture more flattened and concave, indicators of better quality and bone strength. By presented results it was concluded that the use of rhBMP-2/ACS associated with the carriers materials biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) and beta tricalcium phosphate (-TCP) used as additional carriers, significantly increased bone formation in addition to accelerate the resorption of the materials BO (bovine bone mineral) and -TCP in this guided bone regeneration model in rabbit calvaria.

Mutations in the gene encoding the bone morphogenetic protein type 2 receptor (BMPR2) are the most common genetic cause of heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, given the reduced penetrance of BMPR2 mutations in affected families, a major outstanding question is the identity of additional factors or pathways that are responsible for the manifestation of clinical disease. Furthermore, limited human tissue is available for study and usually only from patients with end-stage disease, making it difficult to understand how PAH is established and progresses. Alternative human models of PAH are therefore required. This thesis describes the characterisation of the first human iPSC-derived smooth muscle cell (iPSC-SMC) model of PAH and elucidates the role of BMPR2 deficiency in establishing PAH-associated phenotypes in iPSC-derived SMCs. To achieve this, I used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to generate wild-type and BMPR2+/- iPSC lines with isogenic backgrounds which were subsequently differentiated into lineage-specific iPSC-SMCs that displayed a gene expression profile and responses to BMP signalling akin to those present in distal pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Using these cells, I found that the introduction of a single BMPR2 mutation in iPSC-SMCs was sufficient to recapitulate the pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic phenotype of patient-derived BMPR2+/- PASMCs. However, acquisition of the mitochondrial hyperpolarisation phenotype was enhanced by inflammatory signalling and required an interaction between BMPR2 mutations and environmental stimuli provided by exposure to serum over time. Furthermore, I showed that BMPR2+/- iPSC-SMCs had an altered differentiation state and were less contractile compared to wild-type iPSC-SMCs, phenotypes which have not been observed previously in PAH-derived PASMCs. Finally, RNA sequencing analysis identified genes that were differentially expressed between wild-type and BMPR2+/- iPSC-SMCs and may hence provide further insights into PAH pathobiology. The iPSC-SMC model described in this study will be useful for identifying additional factors involved in disease penetrance and for validating therapeutic approaches that target BMPR2.

Este estudo avaliou a influência da fototerapia a laser (FTL) na proliferação e diferenciação de células-tronco da polpa dentária humana (DPSCs; do inglês, Dental Pulp Stem Cells ) encapsuladas em carreador injetável e termoresponsivo (PL; Pluronic® F-127, Sigma-Aldrich, MO, EUA) com incorporação de proteína morfogenética óssea 4 recombinante humana (rhBMP4) (sistema PL/rhBMP4). O biomaterial foi caracterizado de acordo com seus perfis de embebição e dissolução, liberação de rhBMP4 e sua estrutura morfológica. DPSCs foram isoladas, caracterizadas e encapsuladas em PL para confirmar sua viabilidade e seu potencial de diferenciação (adipo e osteogênico) em comparação com células-tronco mesenquimais de medula óssea (BMMSCs; do inglês, Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells). Quando encapsuladas no sistema PL/rhBMP4, DPSCs foram irradiadas com duas densidades de energia diferentes utilizando laser de diodo de fosfeto de índio-gálio-alumínio (InGaAlP), modos contínuo, pontual e em contato [660 nm, 0,028 cm2, 20 mW, 0,71 W/cm2, 3 J/cm2 (4 s) ou 5 J/cm2 (7 s)]. Os ensaios de PKH26 (do inglês, Red Fluorescent Cell Linker), CFU-F (do inglês, Coloning Forming Units - Fibroblastic), e MTT (do inglês, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide)) foram utilizados para avaliar adesão/proliferação, diferenças na capacidade formadora de colônias e viabilidade das DPSCs (neste último caso sob estresse nutricional), respectivamente. Finalmente, a diferenciação odonto/osteogênica foi analisada por qRT-PCR e confirmada por ensaio de vermelho de alizarina. O biomaterial embebeu e dissolveu rapidamente; densa rede tubular e reticular com poros interconectados foi observada. DPSCs e BMMSCs apresentaram alta viabilidade celular quando encapsuladas em PL. Ambas as linhagens celulares tiveram êxito em se diferenciar em tecidos adiposo e ósseo. De acordo com o PKH26, DPSCs puderam aderir e proliferar no sistema PL/rhBMP4. DPSCs irradiadas encapsuladas tanto em PL como em PL/rhBMP4 formaram mais CFU-F que os controles não irradiados. Sob estresse nutricional, DPSCs semeadas no PL e irradiadas com 5 J/cm2 exibiram maior taxa de viabilidade celular em relação aos grupos não irradiados e irradiados com 3 J/cm2. Na presença de rhBMP4, os grupos irradiados tanto com 3 J/cm2 quanto com 5 J/cm2 apresentaram deposição mineral precoce quando comparados aos grupos não irradiados. Ainda, após 21 dias de diferenciação odonto/osteogênica, DPSCs irradiadas produziram maior quantidade de nódulos mineralizados. A irradiação com 5 J/cm2 levou ao aumento significativo da expressão de genes envolvidos na diferenciação odonto/osteogênica, como colágeno tipo I (COL1A1), osteocalcina (OCN), proteína da matriz dentinária 1 (DMP1), sialofosfoproteina dentinária (DSPP) e proteína heat shock 27 kDa (HSPB1). A associação entre rhBMP4 e FTL promove proliferação e diferenciação odonto/osteogênica de DPSCs acelerando e aumentando notavelmente a formação de tecido mineralizado, em especial quando a densidade de energia de 5 J/cm2 é aplicada. / This study evaluated the influence of laser phototherapy (LPT) on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) proliferation and differentiation upon encapsulation in an injectable and thermo-responsive cell carrier (PL; Pluronic® F-127, Sigma-Aldrich, MO, USA) loaded with human recombinant bone morphogenetic protein 4 (rhBMP4)(PL/rhBMP4 system). The biomaterial was characterized according to its swelling and dissolution profiles, release of rhBMP4 and morphological structure. DPSCs were isolated, characterized and encapsulated in PL to confirm their viability and multilineage differentiation potential (adipo and osteogenic) in comparison to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). When encapsulated in the PL/rhBMP4 system, DPSCs were irradiated with two different energy densities using a continuous-wave indium-gallium-aluminum-phosphide (InGaAlP) diode laser [660 nm, 0.028 cm2, 20 mW, 0.71 W/cm2, 3 J/cm2 (4 s) or 5 J/cm2 (7 s)] in punctual and contact modes. The PKH26 (Red Fluorescent Cell Linker), the CFU-F (Coloning Forming Units - Fibroblastic), and the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide] assays were used to assess differences in cell adhesion/proliferation, colony forming units formation ability, and cell viability of DPSCs (in this case under nutritional stress), respectively. Then, alizarin red and qRT-PCR analyzes were used to evaluate odonto/osteogenic differentiation. The biomaterial swelled and dissolved rapidly; dense tubular and reticular network morphology with well-interconnected pores was observed. DPSCs and BMMSCs presented high cell viability when encapsulated in PL. Both cell lineages successfully differentiated into bone or adipose tissues. According to PKH26, DPSCs were able to adhere and proliferate in the PL/rhBMP4 system. Irradiated DPSCs encapsulated in either PL or PL/rhBMP4 system formed more CFU-F than non-irradiated controls. Under nutritional stress, DPSCs encapsulated in the hydrogels with no rhBMP4 and irradiated at 5 J/cm2 exhibited higher cell viability than the other groups. In the presence of rhBMP4, the groups irradiated both at 3 and 5 J/cm2 energy densities displayed earlier mineral deposition than the non-irradiated groups. Moreover, after 21 days of odonto/osteogenic differentiation, irradiated DPSCs produced greater nodule formation than the control groups. At the energy density of 5 J/cm2, there were significant upregulation of genes involved in odonto/osteoblast differentiation, such as type I collagen (COL1A1), osteocalcin (OCN), dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and heat shock protein 27 kDa (HSPB1). The association between rhBMP4 and LPT promotes cell proliferation and odonto/osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs accelerating and increasing the formation of mineralized tissue, in particular when the energy density of 5 J/cm2 is applied.

As fraturas e perdas ósseas representam altos riscos para o Sistema público de Saúde (SUS), além de afetar a qualidade de vida do paciente, portanto é necessário o entendimento das bases moleculares que envolvem os mecanismos de reparo ósseo. Citocinas secretadas por células do sistema imune presentes no local da inflamação, como as IL-6, IL-10 e TNF&#945; atuam como fatores quimiotáticos para células mesenquimais, que proliferam e se diferenciam em osteoblastos pela ação autócrina e parácrina de Proteínas Morfogenéticas Ósseas (BMPs), principalmente a BMP2. Embora seja conhecido que a ação de BMP2 ocorra através de sua ligação nos receptores ActRI/BMPR, que ativam proteínas SMADS 1/5/8 efetoras, pouco se sabe sobre os mecanismos intracelulares que participam do processo de diferenciação osteoblástico. Neste estudo propôs-se analisar as diferenças no conteúdo de proteínas totais e de proteínas fosforiladas em células mesenquimais de pele induzidas à osteogênese pelo tratamento com BMP2 por diferentes períodos de tempo, utilizando-se de Isótopos Estáveis de Dimetila acoplado ao LC/MS. A partir de 150&#181;g de material inicial, foi possível identificar 2.264 proteínas, as quais foram quantificadas nos diferentes pontos de indução, sendo que 235 são fosforiladas. Análise de motivos de quinases mostrou que diversos substratos possuem sítios fosforilados correspondentes àqueles dos motivos de fosforilação das quinases Casein Kinase, p38, CDK e JNK. A análise da ontologia gênica mostrou um aumento de processos biológicos relacionados com sinalização e diferenciação após a primeira hora de indução com rhBMP2. Além disso, proteínas envolvidas com o rearranjo do citoesqueleto e com vias de sinalização Wnt e Ras foram encontradas como tendo fosforilação diferencial durante todos os períodos estudados. Os dados revelaram novos substratos intracelulares que são fosforilados nos primeiros momentos do comprometimento com a diferenciação osteoblástica mediada pelo tratamento com rhBMP2 em células mesenquimais derivadas da pele. Além disso, clones celulares que superexpressam as proteínas recombinantes humanas BMP2 e BMP4 foram gerados, e sua atividade verificada in vitro. Paralelamente, a rhBMP7, obtida anteriormente, foi purificada por cromatografia de afinidade utilizando-se uma coluna de Heparina-Sepharose, que foi posteriormente utilizada para ensaios in vitro e in vivo, nos quais se mostrou capaz de gerar osteoblastos e tecido ósseo, respectivamente, o que abre novas possibilidades para o uso destas proteínas como biofármacos no Brasil. / Bone fractures and loss represent significant costs for the public health system and often affect the patients quality of life, therefore, understanding the molecular basis for bone regeneration is essential. Cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-10 and TNF&#945;, secreted by inflammatory cells at the lesion site, at the very beginning of the repair process, act as chemotactic factors for mesenchymal stem cells, which proliferate and differentiate into osteoblasts through the autocrine and paracrine action of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), mainly BMP-2. Although it is known that BMP-2 binds to ActRI/BMPR and activates the SMAD 1/5/8 downstream effectors, little is known about the intracellular mechanisms participating in osteoblastic differentiation. We assessed differences in the phosphorylation status of different cellular proteins upon BMP-2 osteogenic induction of isolated human skin mesenchymal stem cells using Triplex Stable Isotope Dimethyl Labeling coupled with LC/MS. From 150 &#181;g of starting material, 2,264 proteins containing two or more peptides were identified and quantified at five different time points, 235 of which are differentially phosphorylated. Kinase motif analysis showed that several substrates display phosphorylation sites for Casein Kinase, p38, CDK and JNK. Gene ontology analysis showed an increase in biological processes related with signaling and differentiation at early time points after BMP2 induction. Moreover, proteins involved in cytoskeleton rearrangement, Wnt and Ras pathways were found to be differentially phosphorylated during all timepoints studied. Taken together, these data, allow new insights on the intracellular substrates which are phosphorylated early on during commitment to BMP2-driven osteoblastic differentiation of skin-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Cell clones overexpressing the human BMP 2 and 4 recombinant proteins were also generated, and their biological activity was confirmed in vitro. In parallel, chromatography-affinity purified rhBMP7, obtained using heparin-Sepharose columns, was used for in vivo and in vitro assays to evaluate the ability of this purified protein to generate osteoblasts and bone tissue, respectively, opening new avenues for the use of these proteins as biopharmaceuticals in Brazil.

La régénération des défauts osseux de taille critique reste un défi majeur pour la santé. Les limitations des greffes de tissus communes nous ont incités à développer une alternative synthétique basée sur la construction d’un biomatériau, des facteurs ostéoinductifs et des cellules souches. Pour la construction du biomatériau, nous nous sommes concentrés sur les microporteurs polymères poreux, car ils supportent une expansion cellulaire à grande échelle et un assemblage modulaire des tissus, contournant deux goulots d'étranglement importants pour la traduction clinique. Pour assurer l'approvisionnement industriel et l'approbation réglementaire, nous avons conçu une méthode de fabrication sans solvant organique basée sur la cristallisation sphérulitique du poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) dans ses mélanges avec du polyéthylène glycol (PEG). Les sphérulites de PLLA ont été facilement récupérées sous forme de microporteurs en éliminant par rinçage le PEG soluble dans l'eau. Leur taille et leur porosité pourraient être contrôlées indépendamment en ajustant le rapport PLLA / PEG et la température de cristallisation. La biocompatibilité et l'ostéoconductivité des microporteurs à PLLA ont été confirmées par l'expansion et la différenciation ostéogénique des cellules souches adipeuses humaines (hASC). Comme cette dernière fonction hASC est sensible à différents paramètres de culture, nous avons ensuite utilisé l'approche de conception d'expériences pour leur dépistage rapide. En combinaison avec l'analyse à haut débit, nous avons identifié plusieurs paramètres ayant une influence marquée sur leur différenciation ostéogénique. Enfin, pour la délivrance de facteurs ostéoinducteurs, nous avons élaboré des multicouches de polyélectrolytes (PEM) à base de poly (L-ornithine) et d'acide hyaluronique biocompatibles. Ces PEM ont été caractérisées en termes de croissance, de morphologie, d'aptitude à incorporer des protéines morphogénétiques osseuses (BMP) et à fonctionner en tant que revêtements sur des microporteurs à PLLA. Nos résultats préliminaires ont montré que l’incorporation de BMP dans les PEM avait un effet important sur l’adhérence des hASC. Bien que des études supplémentaires soient nécessaires, les microporteurs à PLLA recouverts de PEM chargés de BMP et ensemencés avec hASC pourraient être un implant synthétique prometteur pour une régénération osseuse améliorée. / The regeneration of critical-sized bone defects remains a major healthcare challenge. The limitations of common tissue grafts prompted us to develop a synthetic alternative based on a biomaterial construct, osteoinductive factors and stem cells. For biomaterial construct, we focused on porous polymeric microcarriers as they support large-scale cell expansion and modular tissue assembly, circumventing two important bottlenecks for clinical translation. To insure industrial supply and regulatory approval, we designed an organic-solvent-free method for their fabrication based on the spherulitic crystallization of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) in its blends with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The PLLA spherulites were easily recovered as microcarriers by rinsing away the water-soluble PEG. Their size and porosity could be independently controlled by tuning the PLLA/PEG ratio and crystallization temperature. The biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of PLLA microcarriers were confirmed through the expansion and osteogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells (hASCs). Because the latter hASC function is sensitive to different culture parameters, we then used the Design of Experiments approach for their rapid screening. In combination with high-throughput analysis, we identified several parameters that had a pronounced influence on their osteogenic differentiation. Finally, for the delivery of osteoinductive factors, we elaborated polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEM) based on biocompatible poly(L-ornithine) and hyaluronic acid. These PEMs were characterized in terms of their growth, morphology, the ability to incorporate bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) and to function as coatings on PLLA microcarriers. Our preliminary results showed that the incorporation of BMPs inside PEMs had a strong effect on hASC adhesion. While further studies are needed, hASC-seeded PLLA microcarriers coated with BMP-loaded PEMs could be a promising synthetic implant for improved bone regeneration.

<p>Members of the Transforming Growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily and its subclass Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMP) play important roles for nervous system development. </p><p>In order to study the BMP role for catecholaminergic neurons <i>in vivo</i>, we generated three knock-in mice, expressing the transgenes specifically in the targeting cells. </p><p>Two genetic modifications result in expression of dominant negative (dn) BMP receptors (BMPRII and ALK2). The tissue-specific expression was achieved by the transgene insertion into 3’- untranslated region of the endogenous gene for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the first enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis. An Internal Ribosome Entry site (IRES) preceded inserted cDNAs, allowing for functional bicistronic mRNA production. While almost no defects in Th-IRES-dnALK2, the Th-IRES-dnBMPRII mouse demonstrated declined levels of catecholamines, including dopamine in the striatum. Losses of midbrain dopaminergic neurons (MDN) might cause the effect. Additionally, intermediate lines of these mice, preserving a neo-cassette, oriented opposite to the locus transcription, demonstrate dramatic decrease of catecholamine level, hence, represent models for rare catecholamine-deficiency diseases, including L-DOPA-responsive dystonia.</p><p>The third mouse, expressing in the same way Cre-recombinase (Th-IRES-Cre), represents a tool for catecholaminergic cell-limited deletion of any gene, which has to be flanked by loxP sites. Besides TH-positive areas, unexpected sites of Cre-recombination were identified, indicating regions of transient TH expression. Surprising recombination in oocytes opens a possibility to use our mouse as a general Cre-deletor.</p><p>Using TH-IRES-Cre mouse we generated tissue-specific knockout mice for two BMP signal transducers: Smad1 and Smad4 (also crucial for TGF-β). While no phenotype in Smad1 knockout, TH-IRES-Cre/Smad4 mouse revealed several defects including decreased level of striatal dopamine. </p><p>These results demonstrate a positive role of BMPs for MDN fate<i> in vivo</i>. Generated mice represent a tool-box for comprehensive study of the BMP function in catecholaminergic neurons. This study is of potential interest for understanding some aspects of Parkinson’s disease.</p>

Members of the Transforming Growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily and its subclass Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMP) play important roles for nervous system development. In order to study the BMP role for catecholaminergic neurons in vivo, we generated three knock-in mice, expressing the transgenes specifically in the targeting cells. Two genetic modifications result in expression of dominant negative (dn) BMP receptors (BMPRII and ALK2). The tissue-specific expression was achieved by the transgene insertion into 3’- untranslated region of the endogenous gene for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the first enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis. An Internal Ribosome Entry site (IRES) preceded inserted cDNAs, allowing for functional bicistronic mRNA production. While almost no defects in Th-IRES-dnALK2, the Th-IRES-dnBMPRII mouse demonstrated declined levels of catecholamines, including dopamine in the striatum. Losses of midbrain dopaminergic neurons (MDN) might cause the effect. Additionally, intermediate lines of these mice, preserving a neo-cassette, oriented opposite to the locus transcription, demonstrate dramatic decrease of catecholamine level, hence, represent models for rare catecholamine-deficiency diseases, including L-DOPA-responsive dystonia. The third mouse, expressing in the same way Cre-recombinase (Th-IRES-Cre), represents a tool for catecholaminergic cell-limited deletion of any gene, which has to be flanked by loxP sites. Besides TH-positive areas, unexpected sites of Cre-recombination were identified, indicating regions of transient TH expression. Surprising recombination in oocytes opens a possibility to use our mouse as a general Cre-deletor. Using TH-IRES-Cre mouse we generated tissue-specific knockout mice for two BMP signal transducers: Smad1 and Smad4 (also crucial for TGF-β). While no phenotype in Smad1 knockout, TH-IRES-Cre/Smad4 mouse revealed several defects including decreased level of striatal dopamine. These results demonstrate a positive role of BMPs for MDN fate in vivo. Generated mice represent a tool-box for comprehensive study of the BMP function in catecholaminergic neurons. This study is of potential interest for understanding some aspects of Parkinson’s disease.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are diffusible molecules involved in a variety of cellular interactions during development. In particular, Bmp4 expression accompanies the development of the ear sensory organs during patterning and specification of sensory cell fates, and it has been shown to play a role in inner ear development and morphogenesis. However, there is no understanding of the cellular effects of BMP4 in prosensory progenitors, and about its role in the process of sensory fate specification. The present thesis project was aimed at exploring the effects of BMP-signaling on the development of hair-cells, using the chick inner ear as a model.The specific aims proposed were:1- Analyze the cellular effects caused by addition of BMP4 in a model of isolated chick otic vesicles in culture, measuring parameters of cell proliferation, cell death and sensory cell fate specification.2- Analyze the cellular effects caused by inhibition of BMP4 signaling in a model of isolated chick otic vesicles in culture, measuring parameters of cell proliferation, cell death and sensory cell fate specification.3- Analyze the expression in the innear ear of downstream targets of BMP signalling, in particular, analyse the members of Id gene family.4- Analyze the regulation of Id genes by BMP signalling in the inner ear.5- Analyze the expression of genes involved in the process of terminal differentiation, in particular, Btg1 and Btg2 genes6- Analyze the regulation of Btg1 and Btg2 gene by BMP signalling in the inner ear