Les champignons décomposeurs du bois jouent un rôle important dans le cycle du carbone en participant notamment au recyclage de la matière organique. Outre leur aptitude à minéraliser la biomasse lignocellulosique, ces organismes ont la capacité de dégrader des molécules potentiellement toxiques libérées lors de ce processus. Leur système de détoxication comprend différentes familles multigéniques dont les glutathion transférases. Ces enzymes ubiquitaires, sont regroupées en différentes classes dans le règne fongique, certaines d’entre elles étant étendues chez ces champignons. Dans ce contexte, l’objectif principal de cette thèse consistait à appréhender les fonctions des glutathion transférases de la classe Omega (GSTOs) étendue chez Trametes versicolor, un champignon de pourriture blanche. Une approche biochimique et structurale a été menée sur neuf protéines produites de façon recombinante. Dans un premier temps, une caractérisation enzymatique de ces isoformes a été réalisée à l’aide de substrats synthétiques montrant une similarité des propriétés catalytiques. Puis, à partir d’une banque de molécules pures et de mélanges complexes issus de différentes essences forestières, une méthode de screening à haut débit a permis d’identifier des ligands potentiels de ces enzymes. La résolution de la structure tridimensionnelle de trois isoformes a démontré l’état homodimérique de ces protéines et l’implication de deux sites de fixation dans la reconnaissance de ces ligands : le site H (présent dans chaque monomère) et le site L (à l’interface du dimère). Par exemple, l’isoforme TvGSTO3S est capable de fixer dans son site H plusieurs hydroxybenzophénones, mais également un flavonoïde, la dihydrowogonine. Dans ce dernier cas, cette interaction avec un ligand naturel issu d’extraits de bois de merisier a été démontré par une approche de cristallographie d’affinité. D’autre part, des expériences de co-cristallisation ont permis de détecter deux molécules d’un autre flavonoïde, la naringénine, dans le site L de l’isoforme TvGSTO6S. Enfin, une interaction spécifique impliquant les sites H et L de l’isoforme TvGSTO2S a été démontrée avec l’oxyresvératrol. L’analyse structurale a révélé que les deux configurations du stilbène étaient liées à la protéine : la configuration trans dans le site H et la configuration cis dans le site L. Ainsi, malgré une redondance fonctionnelle partielle, ces recherches ont démontré l’existence d’un spectre d’interactions spécifiques pour chaque isoforme testée. Le caractère étendu de la classe Omega indiquerait que ces enzymes seraient impliquées dans l’adaptation du champignon à son environnement. En effet, les ligands identifiés au cours de ces travaux suggèrent que les propriétés « ligandines » des TvGSTOs joueraient un rôle dans la détoxication des produits issus de dégradation du bois / Wood decaying fungi play an important role in the carbon cycle by participating in the recycling of organic matter. In addition to their ability to mineralize lignocellulosic biomass, these organisms have the ability to degrade potentially toxic molecules released during this process. Their detoxification system involves several multigenic families including glutathione transferases. These ubiquitous enzymes are grouped into several classes in the fungal kingdom, some of them are widespread in these fungi. In this context, the main objective of this thesis was to understand the functions of glutathione transferases of the Omega class (GSTOs) extended in Trametes versicolor, a white rot fungus. A biochemical and structural approach was led using nine recombinant proteins. Firstly, enzymatic characterization of these isoforms was performed using synthetic substrates, the obtained results demonstrating a similarity of catalytic properties. Then, using a library of pure molecules and another one of complex mixtures from different forest species, a high throughput screening method was applied to identify potential ligands for these enzymes. The resolution of the three-dimensional structure of three isoforms demonstrated the homodimeric state of these proteins and the involvement of two binding sites in the recognition of these ligands: the H site (present in each monomer) and the L site (at the dimer interface). For example, the isoform TvGSTO3S is able to bind several hydroxybenzophenones in its H site, but also a flavonoid, dihydrowogonin. In this case, this interaction with a natural ligand derived from wild-cherry tree extract was demonstrated by an affinity crystallography approach. On the other hand, co-crystallization experiments detected two molecules of another flavonoid, naringenin, in the L site of the isoform TvGSTO6S. Finally, a specific interaction involving the H and L sites of the isoform TvGSTO2S was demonstrated with oxyresveratrol. Structural analysis revealed that the presence of both configurations of the stilbene in the protein: the trans configuration in the H site and the cis configuration in the L site. Thus, despite partial functional redundancy, this research demonstrated the existence of a specific pattern of interactions for each tested isoform. The expansion of the Omega class could indicate that these enzymes are involved in the adaptation of the fungus in its environment. Indeed, the ligands identified during this work suggest that the "ligandin" properties of TvGSTOs play a role in detoxifying wood degradation products

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / O oxigênio é fundamental para os vertebrados. No entanto, variações dos níveis de oxigênio na água podem provocar estresse oxidante em peixes porque privação de oxigênio seguida de reoxigenação forma espécies reativas de oxigênio (ERO) em células. Níveis intracelulares de ERO aumentados favorecem que moléculas de proteínas, fosfolipídios e ácidos nucleicos sofram alterações, vindo a prejudicar muitas funções celulares. No Pantanal, habitat do pacu, o nível de oxigênio varia circadianamente na água das lagoas rasas que acabam isoladas dos rios na seca. O pacu evoluiu sob a pressão contínua da exposição aos efeitos prejudiciais das ERO causados pelos pulsos de inundação. A melatonina, uma indolamina produzida na glândula pineal, influencia os níveis de atividade de enzimas antioxidantes que reduzem ERO, além de ser capaz de doar elétrons ou captar radicais livres de forma não enzimática. Os níveis de melatonina no pacu são mais altos no verão e menores no inverno. Isoenzimas de glutationa S-transferases que conjugam o tripetídeo glutationa com o 4-hidroxinonenal, aldeído derivado da peroxidação de ácidos graxos por ERO, são importantes para evitar alteração funcional de proteínas por ligação do 4-hidroxinonenal à sua estrutura. Neste trabalho procuramos relação entre estresse oxidante, níveis de atividades de glutationa S-transferase e melatonina, para estabelecer se a melatonina ajudaria pacus a superar os efeitos deletérios das espécies reativas de oxigênio. Ensaiamos atividades de isoenzimas de glutationa S-transferases no citosol de fígado de pacus mantidos em normoxia, hipoxia, reoxigenação e hiperoxia no inverno e no verão. Medimos o efeito da melatonina in vitro e in vivo sobre as atividades de isoenzimas de glutationa S-transferase. Medimos os efeitos do estresse oxidante sobre a ligação do 4-hidroxinonenal com proteínas nos fígados de pacus tratados com melatonina. Somente as isoenzimas que conjugam 4-hidroxinonenal com glutationa mostraram menor atividade no inverno em relação ao verão; outras isoenzimas de glutationa S-transferases não alteram suas atividades sazonalmente. In vitro a melatonina não alterou a atividade de isoenzimas de glutationa S-transferase que conjugam o 4-hidroxinonenal, mas inibiu outras isoenzimas de glutationa S-transferase. In vivo a melatonina aumentou a atividade encontrada no inverno das isoenzimas que conjugam o 4-hidroxinonenal para os níveis do verão. A ligação de 4-hidroxinonenal com proteínas foi menor em pacus inoculados com melatonina. Nossos resultados mostram que a melatonina pode influenciar os efeitos de ERO em fígado de pacus. Ficou claro que a melatonina do plasma mantém os níveis de atividade conjugadora de 4-hidroxinonenal do fígado em pacus e que a baixa produção de melatonina no inverno não é adequada para a conjugação do 4-hidroxinonenal em fígado de pacus. / Oxygen is vital for vertebrates. However, changes in the levels of dissolved oxygen in water might cause oxidative stress in fishes because the shortage of oxygen followed by reoxygenation originates reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside cells. Higher intracellular levels of ROS favor alterations of proteins, phospholipids and nucleic acid molecules, which result in impairment of many cell functions. In Pantanal, the pacus habitat, circadian variation of the oxygen levels occurs in water of the shallow lagoons that ended up isolated from the rivers along the dry season. Pacu has evolved under the pressure of continuous exposition to harmful effects of ROS caused by the annual inundation pulses. Melatonin, an indolamine produced by the pineal gland, influences the levels of activity of antioxidant enzymes that reduce ROS, and is capable of donating electrons or scavenge free radicals nonenzymatically. Pacus melatonin levels are higher during summer than in winter. Glutathione S-transferases isoenzymes that catalyze the conjugation of the tripeptide glutathione with 4-hydroxynonenal, an aldehyde derived from peroxidation of fat acids by ROS, are important to avoid functional alterations of proteins consequential to the binding of 4-hydroxynonenal to their structures. In this work, we searched for facts that linked oxidative stress, levels of activity of glutathione S-transferase and melatonin, in order to establish whether melatonin could help pacus to overcome the pernicious effects of reactive oxygen species. We carried out assays of glutathione S-transferases in liver cytosol of pacus kept under normoxia, hypoxia, reoxygenation and hyperoxia, in the summer and in the winter. We measured the effect of melatonin in vitro and in vivo on isoenzymes of glutathione S-transferases. We measured the effects of oxidative stress on the binding of 4-hydroxynonenal to proteins in liver of pacu treated with melatonin. Only isoenzymes that conjugate 4-hydroxynonenal with glutathione showed less activity during the winter in comparison to the summer; other isoenzymes did not have their activities changed seasonally. In vitro, melatonin did not change the activity of glutathione S-transferases isoenzymes that conjugate 4-hydroxynonenal, but inhibited other isoenzymes of glutathione S-transferase. In vivo, melatonin enhanced the liver activity of the glutathione S-transferase that conjugate 4-hydroxynonenal found in winter up to the levels found in summer. The binding of 4-hydroxynonenal to proteins was lower in liver cytosol from pacus injected with melatonin. Our findings show that melatonin can influence the effects of ROS in liver of pacu. It became evident that plasma melatonin maintains the liver levels of the conjugating activity of 4-hydroxynonenal and that the lower production of melatonin during winter is not adequate to the conjugation of 4-hydroxynonenal.

A doença inflamatória intestinal (DII) e a esclerose sistêmica (ES) são doenças inflamatórias crônicas de difícil diagnóstico e tratamento. A etiologia da DII e da ES ainda não é completamente compreendida, mas sabe-se que fatores genéticos, imunológicos e ambientais estão envolvidos na sua patogênese. A DII possui dois principais subtipos clínicos: a doença de Crohn (DC) e a retocolite ulcerativa (RCU), caracterizados pela inflamação do intestino delgado e/ou cólon. Evidências sugerem que o aumento do estresse oxidativo desempenha um papel importante na fisiopatologia da DII. A ES é uma doença inflamatória autoimune rara, caracterizada pela fibrose progressiva da pele e de órgãos internos. A hipótese de que o aumento do dano oxidativo pode iniciar o dano vascular e desencadear os eventos patológicos observados na ES vem sendo investigada. Genes e enzimas envolvidos na metabolização (Fase I) e detoxificação (Fase II) de xenobióticos são utilizados como marcadores de susceptibilidade para o desenvolvimento de doenças que possuem fatores ambientais como fatores de risco. Em uma reação de Fase I, as enzimas do Citocromo P450 (CYP) inserem um átomo de oxigênio em um substrato deixando-o eletrofílico e reativo, criando um sítio para posterior conjugação pelas enzimas de Fase II. As enzimas Glutationa S-tranferases (GST) de Fase II catalisam a conjugação da glutationa com uma grande variedade de compostos eletrofílicos, detoxificando substâncias endógenas e exógenas. A atividade catalítica aumentada das enzimas CYP, bem como a falha na detoxificação de metabólitos pelas GST pode contribuir para o aumento do estresse oxidativo. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o papel de polimorfismos nos genes que codificam enzimas de metabolização (CYP1A*2C e CYP2E1*5B) e detoxificação (GSTT1 nulo, GSTM1 nulo e GSTP1 Ile105Val) na susceptibilidade a estas doenças. O grupo de pacientes com DII era constituído por 235 indivíduos e o grupo controle por 241 indivíduos, todos eurodescendentes. Na ES, 122 pacientes (99 eurodescendentes e 23 afrodescendentes) e 329 controles (241 eurodescendentes e 87 afrodescendentes) foram analisados. Os polimorfismos CYP foram genotipados por PCR-RFLP, enquanto que os polimorfismos em GSTT1 e GSTM1 foram genotipados por PCR multiplex e PCR-RFLP para GSTP1. As frequências alélicas e genotípicas foram comparadas entre pacientes e controles usando o teste de Qui-Quadrado. A respeito dos resultados das análises em DII, as frequências alélicas e genotípicas dos polimorfismos CYP1A1*2C, CYP2E1*5B e GSTP1 Ile105Val, bem como as frequências genotípicas do polimorfismo de presença/ausência de GSTM1, foram similares nos três grupos de pacientes (DII, DC e RCU) quando comparados ao grupo controle (P>0,05). Observouse uma frequência significativamente aumentada do genótipo nulo de GSTT1 no grupo de pacientes com DII quando comparado ao grupo controle [0,28 vs 0,18; χ² com Yates P=0,02; OR=1,71 (IC 95% 1,09 –2,71)]. Quando separamos o grupo de pacientes em DC ou RCU, esta frequência permaneceu significativamente aumentada somente no grupo de pacientes com RCU comparado ao grupo controle [0,29 vs 0,18; χ² com Yates P=0,035; OR=1,84 (IC 95% 1,03 –3,24)]. Com relação aos resultados das análises na ES, uma frequência significativamente aumentada do genótipo *1A/*1A (P=0,03; 0,74 vs. 0,61) e do alelo *1A (P=0,013; 0,86 vs 0,78; OR=0,57, IC 95% 0,36–0,90) do polimorfismo CYP1A1*2C foi observada entre os indivíduos controles eurodescendentes. Em contrapartida, a frequência do alelo *2C estava significativamente aumentada entre os pacientes de mesma etnia (P=0,013; 0,22 vs 0,14; OR=1,75, IC 95% 1,11–2,74). Com relação às frequências alélicas e genotípicas dos polimorfismos CYP2E1*5B e GSTP1 Ile105Val, e as frequências genotípicas do polimorfismo de presença/ausência de GSTM1, nenhuma diferença significativa foi observada quando os grupos de pacientes de ambas as etnias foram comparados aos grupos controle (P>0,05). Uma frequência significativamente aumentada do genótipo nulo de GSTT1 [0,29 vs 0,18; χ² com Yates P=0,035; OR=1,85 (IC 95% 1,03–3,29)], bem como uma alta frequência da dupla deleção de GSTT1/GSTM1 [0,19 vs 0,08; χ² com Yates P=0,007; OR=2,62 (IC 95% 1,25 –5,46)], foi observada no grupo de pacientes comparado aos controles (eurodescendentes). Estas associações não se repetiram entre indivíduos afrodescendentes. Concluindo, nossos resultados sugerem que o genótipo nulo de GSTT1 está associado à susceptibilidade a DII e pode influenciar na definição do curso da doença para a RCU. Além disso, o genótipo nulo de GSTT1 sozinho ou em combinação com o genótipo nulo de GSTM1 é um fator genético de susceptibilidade para a ES, enquanto que o genótipo *1A/*1A ou a presença do alelo *1A do polimorfismo CYP1A1*2C pode exercer um papel protetor contra o desenvolvimento da ES em indivíduos eurodescendentes. / Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) are chronic inflammatory diseases of difficult diagnosis and treatment. The etiology of IBD and SSc is not completely understood but it is known that genetic, immunologic and environmental factors are involved in its pathogenesis. Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the two major subtypes of IBD, characterized by inflammation of the small intestine and/or colon. Evidences suggest that the increase of oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of IBD. SSc is a rare autoimmune inflammatory disease of the connective tissue characterized by progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The hypothesis that the increase of oxidative stress can initiate vascular damage and triggers the pathological events in SSc has been investigated. Genes and enzymes involved in metabolism (Phase I) and detoxification (Phase II) of xenobiotics are used as markers of susceptibility to the development of diseases that have environmental factors as risk factors. In a Phase I reactions, the Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes insert an oxygen atom in a substrate that making it more electrophilic and reactive, and creating a site for subsequent conjugation by Phase II enzymes. Phase II Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) enzymes catalyze the conjugation of glutathione with a variety of electrophilic compounds, detoxifying endogenous and exogenous substances. A higher catalytic activity of CYP enzymes, as well as the failure in detoxifying of metabolites by GST enzymes may to contribute for the increase of oxidative stress. The aim of this study was investigated the role of polymorphisms in genes coding Phase I enzymes (CYP1A*2C and CYP2E1*5B) and Phase II (GSTT1 null, GSTM1 null and GSTP1 Ile105Val) in susceptibility to these diseases. IBD group was constituted by 235 patients and the control group by 241 individuals, all European-derived. In SSc group, 122 patients (99 European-derived and 23 African-derived) and 329 controls (241 European-derived and 87 African-derived) were analyzed. The CYP polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR-RFLP, whereas polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1 were genotyped by multiplex PCR and PCRRFLP for GSTP1. Allelic and genotypic frequencies were compared between patients and controls using the Chi-square test. Concerning IBD, allelic and genotypic frequencies of CYP1A1*2C, CYP2E1*5B and GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphisms, as well as genotypic frequencies of GSTM1 presence/absence polymorphism were similar in all groups patients (IBD, CD, and UC) and controls (P>0.05). We observed a significantly increased frequency of GSTT1 null genotype in IBD group as compared to controls [0.28 vs. 0.18, χ ² with Yates P=0.02, OR=1.71 (95% CI 1.09 – 2.71)]. When patients were classified in CD or UC group, this frequency remained significantly increased only among UC patients [0.29 vs. 0.18, χ ² with Yates P=0,035, OR=1.84 (95% CI 1.03 – 3.24)] as compared to controls. Regarding results in SSc, a frequency significantly increased of *1A/*1A genotype (P=0.03; 0.74 vs. 0.61) and *1A allele (P=0.013; 0.86 vs 0.78; OR=0.57, 95% CI 0.36–0.90) from CYP1A1*2C polymorphism was observed among European-derived controls. On the other hand, the frequency of *2C allele was significantly increased among patients of same ethnic group (P=0.013; 0.22 vs 0.14; OR=1.75, 95% CI 1.11–2.74). The allelic and genotypic frequencies of CYP2E1*5B and GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphisms, as well as genotypic frequencies of GSTM1 presence/absence polymorphism were similar between SSc patients and controls of both ethnic groups (P>0.05). We observed a significantly increased frequency of GSTT1 null genotype [0.29 vs. 0.18, χ ² with Yates P=0.035, OR=1.85 (95% CI 1.03–3.29)], as well as an increased frequency of GSTT1/GSTM1 double-null in SSc patients as compared to controls [0.19 vs. 0.08; χ ² with Yates P=0.007, OR=2.62 (95% CI 1.25 – 5.46)]. These associations were exclusive to European-derived individuals. In conclusion, our results suggest that the GSTT1 null genotype is associated with susceptibility to IBD and may influence in defining the course of the disease for RCU. Furthermore, the GSTT1 null genotype alone or combined with GSTM1 null genotype is a susceptibility genetic factor to SSc, while the *1A/*1A genotype or the presence of *1A allele from CYP1A1*2C polymorphism may plays a protector role in SSc development in Brazilian Europeanderived individuals.

Em insetos, as enzimas glutationa S-transferases (GSTs) são conhecidas pela capacidade de degradar inseticidas, pesticidas e outros compostos químicos, naturais ou não naturais, estranhos ao organismo, podendo também promover o transporte intracelular de hormônios, metabólitos, e atuar na proteção celular contra o estresse oxidativo. Além disto, a função de uma GST tem sido associada ao processo de sequestro, pelo corpo gorduroso, de um tipo de proteína (hexamerinas) estocada na hemolinfa larval para ser utilizada como fonte de aminoácidos durante a metamorfose. Os objetivos deste trabalho consistiram em caracterizar a estrutura, a expressão e aspectos da função dos genes codificadores de GSTs em abelhas operárias Apis mellifera, além de investigar a possível função de um destes genes, hp191(GSTS1), na dinâmica de sequestro de hexamerinas durante a metamorfose. A metodologia utilizada abrangeu técnicas de biologia molecular, como RT-PCR semiquantitativa e em tempo real, sequenciamento de nucleotídeos, western blot, silenciamento gênico. Resumidamente os resultados mostraram (1) diferenças estruturais (número e organização de íntrons e éxons) entre os dez genes GSTs de A. mellifera, (2) aumento da atividade destes genes relacionado ao envelhecimento e intensa atividade de forrageamento, (3) níveis de expressão dependente do tipo de dieta alimentar, (4) perfil de expressão de hp191(GSTS1), assim como sua resposta aos hormônios morfogenéticos (hormônio juvenil e 20-hidroxiecdisona), consistentes com função na metamorfose, (4) diminuição dos níveis de hexamerina HEX 70a na hemolinfa em consequência do silenciamento de hp191(GSTS1) mediado por RNAi. Em conjunto, estes dados informam sobre estrutura, expressão e função dos genes GSTs de A. mellifera com particular foco na potencial participação de hp191(GSTS1) na metamorfose. / In insects, the enzymes glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are known for their ability to degrade insecticides, pesticides and other chemical compounds, natural or not, which are not normally produced or expected to be present in the organism. GSTs can also promote the intracellular transportation of hormones and metabolites as well as act in the cellular protection against oxidative stress. In addition, the GST function has been associated with the process of sequestration, by the fat body, of one type of protein (hexamerin) which is stored in the larval hemolymph to be used as a source of amino acids during metamorphosis. The aims of this study were (1) to characterize structure and expression, and explore the roles of the GST encoding genes in Apis mellifera worker bees and, (2) to investigate the potential role of one of these genes, hp191(GSTS1), in the dynamics of hexamerin sequestration during metamorphosis. The methodology included molecular biology techniques, such as semiquantitative and real time RT-PCR, gene sequencing and silencing, and western blot. Briefly, the results revealed structural differences (number and organization of introns and exons) among the ten GSTs genes of A. mellifera, increased activity of these genes associated to bee aging and the intense foraging activity, and modulation of the expression levels of GST genes by the type of diet. The results also revealed that the expression profile of hp191(GSTS1), as well as its response to the morphogenetic hormones (juvenile hormone and 20-hydroxyecdysone), are consistent with a function in metamorphosis. Furthermore, hp191(GSTS1) silencing mediated by RNAi resulted in decreased hemolymph levels of a hexamerin (HEX 70a) with an essential function in metamorphosis. Altogether, these data provide novel findings concerning the structure, expression and function of the GSTs genes of A. mellifera with a special focus on the potential participation of hp191(GSTS1) in metamorphosis.

This thesis describes the rational design of a novel enzyme, a thiolester hydrolase, derived from human glutathione transferase (GST) A1-1 by the introduction of a single histidine residue. The first section of the thesis describes the design and the determination of the reaction mechanism. The design was based on the crystal structure of human GST A1-1 complexed with S-benzylglutathione. The resulting enzyme, A216H, catalyzed the hydrolysis of the non-natural substrate GSB, a thiolester of glutathione and benzoic acid. The reaction followed saturation kinetics with a kcat of 0.00078 min-1 and KM of 5 μM. The rate constant ratio, (kcat/KM)/kuncat, was found to be more than 107 M-1. The introduction of a single His residue in position 216 opened up a novel reaction pathway in human GST A1-1 and is a nice example of catalytic promiscuity. The substrate requirements were investigated and A216H was found to be selective since only two out of 18 GS-thiolesters tested were substrates for A216H. The reaction mechanism of the A216H-catalyzed hydrolysis of GSB was determined and found to proceed via an acyl intermediate at Y9. The hydrolysis was catalyzed by H216 that acts as a general base and the deacylation was found to be the rate-determining step. The Y9-intermediate could be selectively trapped by oxygen nucleophiles and primary alcohols, in particular 1-propanol and trifluoroethanol, were the most efficient. In addition, saturation kinetics was obtained in the acyl transfer reaction with 1-propanol indicating the presence of a second binding site in A216H. The second section of this thesis describes the site-specific covalent modification of human GST A1-1. The addition of GSB to the wild-type protein results in a site-specific benzoylation of only one tyrosine residue, Y9, out of ten present in the protein (one out of totally 51 nucleophiles). The reaction was tested with five GST classes (Alpha, Mu, Pi, Theta and Omega) and found to be specific for the Alpha class isoenzymes. The covalent modification reaction was further refined to target a single lysine residue, K216, providing a more stable linkage in the form of an amide bond. The reaction was found to be versatile and approximately 50% of the GS-thiolesters tested acylated K216, including a fluorophore. / <p>On the day of the public defence the status of article II was: Submitted and article IV was: In press.</p>

A doença inflamatória intestinal (DII) e a esclerose sistêmica (ES) são doenças inflamatórias crônicas de difícil diagnóstico e tratamento. A etiologia da DII e da ES ainda não é completamente compreendida, mas sabe-se que fatores genéticos, imunológicos e ambientais estão envolvidos na sua patogênese. A DII possui dois principais subtipos clínicos: a doença de Crohn (DC) e a retocolite ulcerativa (RCU), caracterizados pela inflamação do intestino delgado e/ou cólon. Evidências sugerem que o aumento do estresse oxidativo desempenha um papel importante na fisiopatologia da DII. A ES é uma doença inflamatória autoimune rara, caracterizada pela fibrose progressiva da pele e de órgãos internos. A hipótese de que o aumento do dano oxidativo pode iniciar o dano vascular e desencadear os eventos patológicos observados na ES vem sendo investigada. Genes e enzimas envolvidos na metabolização (Fase I) e detoxificação (Fase II) de xenobióticos são utilizados como marcadores de susceptibilidade para o desenvolvimento de doenças que possuem fatores ambientais como fatores de risco. Em uma reação de Fase I, as enzimas do Citocromo P450 (CYP) inserem um átomo de oxigênio em um substrato deixando-o eletrofílico e reativo, criando um sítio para posterior conjugação pelas enzimas de Fase II. As enzimas Glutationa S-tranferases (GST) de Fase II catalisam a conjugação da glutationa com uma grande variedade de compostos eletrofílicos, detoxificando substâncias endógenas e exógenas. A atividade catalítica aumentada das enzimas CYP, bem como a falha na detoxificação de metabólitos pelas GST pode contribuir para o aumento do estresse oxidativo. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o papel de polimorfismos nos genes que codificam enzimas de metabolização (CYP1A*2C e CYP2E1*5B) e detoxificação (GSTT1 nulo, GSTM1 nulo e GSTP1 Ile105Val) na susceptibilidade a estas doenças. O grupo de pacientes com DII era constituído por 235 indivíduos e o grupo controle por 241 indivíduos, todos eurodescendentes. Na ES, 122 pacientes (99 eurodescendentes e 23 afrodescendentes) e 329 controles (241 eurodescendentes e 87 afrodescendentes) foram analisados. Os polimorfismos CYP foram genotipados por PCR-RFLP, enquanto que os polimorfismos em GSTT1 e GSTM1 foram genotipados por PCR multiplex e PCR-RFLP para GSTP1. As frequências alélicas e genotípicas foram comparadas entre pacientes e controles usando o teste de Qui-Quadrado. A respeito dos resultados das análises em DII, as frequências alélicas e genotípicas dos polimorfismos CYP1A1*2C, CYP2E1*5B e GSTP1 Ile105Val, bem como as frequências genotípicas do polimorfismo de presença/ausência de GSTM1, foram similares nos três grupos de pacientes (DII, DC e RCU) quando comparados ao grupo controle (P>0,05). Observouse uma frequência significativamente aumentada do genótipo nulo de GSTT1 no grupo de pacientes com DII quando comparado ao grupo controle [0,28 vs 0,18; χ² com Yates P=0,02; OR=1,71 (IC 95% 1,09 –2,71)]. Quando separamos o grupo de pacientes em DC ou RCU, esta frequência permaneceu significativamente aumentada somente no grupo de pacientes com RCU comparado ao grupo controle [0,29 vs 0,18; χ² com Yates P=0,035; OR=1,84 (IC 95% 1,03 –3,24)]. Com relação aos resultados das análises na ES, uma frequência significativamente aumentada do genótipo *1A/*1A (P=0,03; 0,74 vs. 0,61) e do alelo *1A (P=0,013; 0,86 vs 0,78; OR=0,57, IC 95% 0,36–0,90) do polimorfismo CYP1A1*2C foi observada entre os indivíduos controles eurodescendentes. Em contrapartida, a frequência do alelo *2C estava significativamente aumentada entre os pacientes de mesma etnia (P=0,013; 0,22 vs 0,14; OR=1,75, IC 95% 1,11–2,74). Com relação às frequências alélicas e genotípicas dos polimorfismos CYP2E1*5B e GSTP1 Ile105Val, e as frequências genotípicas do polimorfismo de presença/ausência de GSTM1, nenhuma diferença significativa foi observada quando os grupos de pacientes de ambas as etnias foram comparados aos grupos controle (P>0,05). Uma frequência significativamente aumentada do genótipo nulo de GSTT1 [0,29 vs 0,18; χ² com Yates P=0,035; OR=1,85 (IC 95% 1,03–3,29)], bem como uma alta frequência da dupla deleção de GSTT1/GSTM1 [0,19 vs 0,08; χ² com Yates P=0,007; OR=2,62 (IC 95% 1,25 –5,46)], foi observada no grupo de pacientes comparado aos controles (eurodescendentes). Estas associações não se repetiram entre indivíduos afrodescendentes. Concluindo, nossos resultados sugerem que o genótipo nulo de GSTT1 está associado à susceptibilidade a DII e pode influenciar na definição do curso da doença para a RCU. Além disso, o genótipo nulo de GSTT1 sozinho ou em combinação com o genótipo nulo de GSTM1 é um fator genético de susceptibilidade para a ES, enquanto que o genótipo *1A/*1A ou a presença do alelo *1A do polimorfismo CYP1A1*2C pode exercer um papel protetor contra o desenvolvimento da ES em indivíduos eurodescendentes. / Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) are chronic inflammatory diseases of difficult diagnosis and treatment. The etiology of IBD and SSc is not completely understood but it is known that genetic, immunologic and environmental factors are involved in its pathogenesis. Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the two major subtypes of IBD, characterized by inflammation of the small intestine and/or colon. Evidences suggest that the increase of oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of IBD. SSc is a rare autoimmune inflammatory disease of the connective tissue characterized by progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The hypothesis that the increase of oxidative stress can initiate vascular damage and triggers the pathological events in SSc has been investigated. Genes and enzymes involved in metabolism (Phase I) and detoxification (Phase II) of xenobiotics are used as markers of susceptibility to the development of diseases that have environmental factors as risk factors. In a Phase I reactions, the Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes insert an oxygen atom in a substrate that making it more electrophilic and reactive, and creating a site for subsequent conjugation by Phase II enzymes. Phase II Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) enzymes catalyze the conjugation of glutathione with a variety of electrophilic compounds, detoxifying endogenous and exogenous substances. A higher catalytic activity of CYP enzymes, as well as the failure in detoxifying of metabolites by GST enzymes may to contribute for the increase of oxidative stress. The aim of this study was investigated the role of polymorphisms in genes coding Phase I enzymes (CYP1A*2C and CYP2E1*5B) and Phase II (GSTT1 null, GSTM1 null and GSTP1 Ile105Val) in susceptibility to these diseases. IBD group was constituted by 235 patients and the control group by 241 individuals, all European-derived. In SSc group, 122 patients (99 European-derived and 23 African-derived) and 329 controls (241 European-derived and 87 African-derived) were analyzed. The CYP polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR-RFLP, whereas polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1 were genotyped by multiplex PCR and PCRRFLP for GSTP1. Allelic and genotypic frequencies were compared between patients and controls using the Chi-square test. Concerning IBD, allelic and genotypic frequencies of CYP1A1*2C, CYP2E1*5B and GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphisms, as well as genotypic frequencies of GSTM1 presence/absence polymorphism were similar in all groups patients (IBD, CD, and UC) and controls (P>0.05). We observed a significantly increased frequency of GSTT1 null genotype in IBD group as compared to controls [0.28 vs. 0.18, χ ² with Yates P=0.02, OR=1.71 (95% CI 1.09 – 2.71)]. When patients were classified in CD or UC group, this frequency remained significantly increased only among UC patients [0.29 vs. 0.18, χ ² with Yates P=0,035, OR=1.84 (95% CI 1.03 – 3.24)] as compared to controls. Regarding results in SSc, a frequency significantly increased of *1A/*1A genotype (P=0.03; 0.74 vs. 0.61) and *1A allele (P=0.013; 0.86 vs 0.78; OR=0.57, 95% CI 0.36–0.90) from CYP1A1*2C polymorphism was observed among European-derived controls. On the other hand, the frequency of *2C allele was significantly increased among patients of same ethnic group (P=0.013; 0.22 vs 0.14; OR=1.75, 95% CI 1.11–2.74). The allelic and genotypic frequencies of CYP2E1*5B and GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphisms, as well as genotypic frequencies of GSTM1 presence/absence polymorphism were similar between SSc patients and controls of both ethnic groups (P>0.05). We observed a significantly increased frequency of GSTT1 null genotype [0.29 vs. 0.18, χ ² with Yates P=0.035, OR=1.85 (95% CI 1.03–3.29)], as well as an increased frequency of GSTT1/GSTM1 double-null in SSc patients as compared to controls [0.19 vs. 0.08; χ ² with Yates P=0.007, OR=2.62 (95% CI 1.25 – 5.46)]. These associations were exclusive to European-derived individuals. In conclusion, our results suggest that the GSTT1 null genotype is associated with susceptibility to IBD and may influence in defining the course of the disease for RCU. Furthermore, the GSTT1 null genotype alone or combined with GSTM1 null genotype is a susceptibility genetic factor to SSc, while the *1A/*1A genotype or the presence of *1A allele from CYP1A1*2C polymorphism may plays a protector role in SSc development in Brazilian Europeanderived individuals.

No / The protein O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (Atase) is responsible for the repair of DNA lesions generated by several clinically important anti-cancer drugs; this is manifest as active resistance in those cancer cell lines proficient in Atase expression. Novel O6-substituted guanine analogues have been synthesized, bearing acidic, basic and hydrogen bonding functional groups. In contrast to existing O6-modified purine analogues, such as methyl or benzyl, the new compounds were found to resist repair by Atase even when tested at concentrations much higher than O6-benzylguanine, a well-established Atase substrate active both in vitro and in vivo. The inactivity of the new purines as covalent substrates for Atase indicates that agents to deliver these groups to DNA would represent a new class of DNA-modifying drug that circumvents Atase-mediated resistance.

Il sinergizzante piperonil-butossido (PBO) usato in combinazione con insetticidi è in grado di contrastare i parassiti resistenti inibendo temporaneamente i sistemi di detossificazione. Nuovi sinergizzanti sono stati sintetizzati a partire dalla struttura molecolare del PBO, ma anche gli insetti utili come le api possono risentire di una maggiore efficacia degli insetticidi. In questo studio abbiamo osservato l’attività enzimatica in vitro (esterasi, acetilcolinesterasi, glutatione S-transferasi e monossigenasi P450) di api operaie Italiane e Carniche in presenza del PBO e dei suoi nuovi derivati del benzodiossolo e 2,3-diidrobenzofurano mediante saggi spettrofotometrici, per determinare se i sistemi di detossificazione e altri sistemi enzimatici sono influenzati dai sinergizzanti. I nuovi derivati del PBO possono inibire parzialmente le esterasi in alcune popolazioni di api più sensibili. Altri sistemi enzimatici non sembrano essere inibiti dai sinergizzanti studiati. Studi di tossicità acuta orale e di contatto sono stati condotti in laboratorio presso il Bee Research Institute (Dol, Repubblica Ceca) su api operaie Carniche per verificare il possibile incremento di tossicità degli insetticidi imidacloprid e alfa-cipermetrina in combinazione con PBO e i suoi derivati del benzodiossolo. Gli studi hanno mostrato una differenza significativa tra la tossicità dei due principi attivi da soli e in combinazione con i sinergizzanti. / The synergist piperonyl-butoxide (PBO) has been proved to successfully control resistant pests when combined with insecticides by temporarily inhibiting the detoxification systems which lead to resistance. New synergists, starting from the molecular structure of PBO, have been developed but pollinators may also suffer from an increased efficacy of insecticides. In this study we observed in vitro enzyme (esterases, acetylcholinesterases, glutathione S-transferases and P450 mixed function oxidases) activity of Italian and Carniolan honey bee workers in presence of the synergist PBO and its novel benzodioxole and 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran derivatives through spectrophotometric assays, to determine if detoxification systems and other enzymatic systems are affected by synergists. This data show that novel PBO derivatives may partially inhibit esterases in some honey bee populations which are more sensitive. Other enzymatic systems seem not to be targeted by the studied synergists. Acute oral and contact toxicity studies were conducted in laboratory conditions at the Bee Research Institute (Dol, Czech Republic) on adult Carniolan workers to investigate the possible increase of imidacloprid and alpha-cypermethrin toxicity when combined with PBO and its benzodioxole derivatives. Tests showed some significant difference between the toxicity of the two active principles alone and combined with the synergists.

Plus de 50 % des handicaps neurodéveloppementaux sont dus à une exposition périnatale à des stress toxiques ou oxydants. Comprendre comment le cerveau est protégé au cours du développement périnatal et pourquoi ses mécanismes de défense sont dépassés lorsque l’enfant est soumis à un stress important est donc crucial. La barrière sang – liquide céphalorachidien (LCR), localisée au niveau des plexus choroïdes, présente une capacité de détoxification élevée et pourrait donc avoir un rôle prépondérant dans la protection du cerveau au stade périnatal. Nous avons étudié la capacité de plusieurs enzymes choroïdiennes à protéger l'environnement liquidien cérébral pendant la période postnatale chez le rat, et évalué si leurs activités pouvaient être induites par la voie du nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Le facteur Nrf2 peut en effet moduler l’expression de différents gènes codant pour des enzymes de détoxification. Nous avons montré que les glutathion transférases (Gst) et les glutathion peroxydases (Gpx), intervenant respectivement dans l’inactivation des molécules toxiques et dans la régulation du stress oxydant, présentaient des activités choroïdiennes élevées pendant la période postnatale, et avons caractérisé fonctionnellement leur capacités de neuroprotection. Le traitement des ratons avec du diméthylfumarate (DMF), inducteur de la voie Nrf2, induit la migration nucléaire de Nrf2, augmente l’activité choroïdienne Gst, et réduit de 40 % le passage cérébral de toxiques substrats des Gst. Ces données montrent la capacité neuroprotectrice précoce des plexus choroïdes, et indique qu’elle peut être induite pharmacologiquement / More than 50 % of intellectual or sensory-motor deficits in children are due to perinatal exposure to oxidative stress or toxicants. Understanding brain protection mechanisms during development is crucial to design therapeutic strategies to address these disabilitating disorders. The choroid plexuses, forming an interface between the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), have a high detoxifying capacity, suggesting their involvement in neuroprotection. The nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway can modulate the expression of several genes encoding for antioxidant proteins and detoxifying enzymes. We studied the ability of several choroidal enzyme families to protect the brain fluid environment during the postnatal period in rat and explored whether this protection can be enhanced by Nrf2 pathway. We focused on glutathione transferases (Gsts), which conjugate toxic compounds to glutathione, and glutathione peroxidases (Gpxs), which detoxify reactive oxygen species. Gst and Gpx specific activities were high during the postnatal period in choroid plexuses compared to the cerebral cortex, and their neuroprotective functions were efficient. The Nrf2 factor is expressed in choroid plexuses during the perinatal period. Treatment of rat pups with Nrf2 activator dimethylfumarate induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation and increased Gst activities in choroid plexus tissues. The dimethylfumarate treatment resulted in a large decrease of the blood-to-CSF permeability of a prototypical Gst substrate. These data substantiate the early neuroprotective functions of choroid plexuses, which can be enhanced upon treatment with clinically used pharmacological compounds

Abstract not available