Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'HspSO'

2014 - 2015
One of the main goal of modern medicinal chemistry is the development of new agents able to modulate biological targets involved in inflammation and cancer processes. In this context, my PhD project was focused on the exploration and structural optimization of various chemical moieties able to interfere with two targets involved in both processes. In particular, two biological targets were selected: Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and microsomal Prostaglandin E2 Synthase-1 (mPGES-1). The results obtained can be divided into two sections in accordance with the target of interest. a) Exploration and structural optimization of DHPM core in order to guide the synthesis of new and more potent Hsp90 C-terminal inhibitors. Hsp90 is a molecular chaperone involved in the maturation and stabilization of a wide range of client proteins that play a crucial role in the development, survival and proliferation of cancer cells. In the literature there are several compounds capable of inhibiting this molecular chaperone. The most part of these compounds inhibit the protein through modulation of the N-terminal domain. However, this type of modulation involves a well-known heat shock response, a cytoprotective mechanism that as a final result leads to the increase of cytosolic levels of heat shock proteins with consequent cell survival. Therefore, the modulation of C-terminal domain of Hsp90 represents a better strategy for the development of new antitumor agents, since, they do not induce heat shock response. In an attempt to discover new modulators of the C-terminal domain of Hsp90 and taking into account the structure of the first synthetic inhibitor of this domain, a 3,4-dyhidropyrimidin-2(1H)-one (DHPM) derivative, two more generations of DHPM derivatives have been synthesized. Relatively to the second generation of DHPM derivatives, the synthesis was focused on the influence of the chemical functionalization of aromatic ring at C4 position of DHPM core, while the third generation has been designed with the aim to functionalize the C2 position of the core. The exploration and optimization processes of DHPM core led to the identification of novel and more potent inhibitors of the C-terminal domain of Hsp90. b) Identification of new mPGES-1 inhibitors. mPGES-1 is an inducible enzyme that catalyzes the terminal step of the biosynthesis of PGE2 from the PGH2 precursor. The inhibition of this enzyme appears to be a promising strategy for the identification of novel anti-inflammatory agents, because, the use of selective inhibitors would allow to overcome the classical side effects of traditional anti-inflammatory drugs. Moreover, mPGES-1 is overexpressed in a wide variety of human cancers and for this reason it has emerged as an attractive biological target for anticancer drug discovery. In order to identify new molecular platforms able to interact with the target protein three collections of compounds (carbazoles, biaryl compounds and 5-pyrazolones) were synthesized. Biological evaluation revealed the identification of five biaryl compounds (60-64) as new chemical entities that inhibit mPGES-1 activity with promising IC50 values (ranging 0.18-1.64 μM). [edited by author]
XIV n.s.

Les petites protéines de stress/Small heat shock proteins (sHsps) sont des chaperons moléculaires ATP-indépendants ubiquitaires retrouvées chez les procaryotes et eucaryotes. Elles sont dynamiques structurellement et la majorité d’entre elles possèdent la capacité de former de gros complexes oligomériques. Également, elles protègent les cellules du stress protéotoxique causé par divers facteurs de stress abiotiques en prévenant l’agrégation des protéines dénaturées et en promouvant leur repliement par les chaperons moléculaires ATP dépendants tels que Hsp70/DnaK. Récemment, la présence de gènes de sHsp (HspSP-ShM2) chez des virus marins et plus précisément chez des cyanophages infectant le genre Synechococcus sp. et Prochlorococcus sp ont été caractérisés in silico. Au niveau de sa séquence, la sHsp de 18 kDa de Synechococcus sp. montre un domaine alpha crystallin de 92 acides aminés hautement conservé au sein des sHsps, une région C-terminale contenant le motif CAM canonique de type (L-X-I/L/V) et une région N-terminale relativement courte. Nous avons établi grâce à la chromatographie par exclusion stérique (SEC) et le système de Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) sa capacité à former des complexes oligomériques de haut poids moléculaires (600 kDa et 200kDa). De plus, nous avons démontré qu’elle prévient l’agrégation de la citrate synthase, la malate dehydrogenase et la luciférase en condition de stress thermique suggérant qu’elle possède une faible spécificité et un large spectre de protéines clientes/substrats. La prévention complète de l’agrégation a été obtenue à différents ratios (sHsp:substrat) selon le substrat, ce qui indique qu’il y aurait possiblement des interactions différentes et uniques avec chacun d’eux. Nous avons ensuite mis en évidence la formation d’hétéro-oligomères stables et solubles entre HspSP-ShM2 et son substrat dans les mêmes conditions, ce qui est en accord avec les caractéristiques des sHsps en général. Quant à elle, la sHsp de la cyanobactérie Synechococcus WH7803 (HspS-WH7803) possède un poids moléculaire de 15 kDa et montre une capacité à former des tétramères (60 kDa) sur essai de SEC par FPLC en présence de Triton™X-100 pour le maintien de sa solubilité. Contrairement à HspS-ShM2, HspS-WH7803 ne démontre aucune activité protectrice sur l’agrégation des substrats mentionnés précédement à différents ratios molaires. Finalement, des analyses par SEC/FPLC suggèrent la formation de complexes hétéro-oligomériques entre HspSP-ShM2 et celle de son hôte, HspS-WH7803 de Synechococcus WH7803. Cette interaction entre les sHsps pourrait soit optimiser ou inhiber l’activité de chaperon moléculaire et la réponse au stress de son hôte dans le but de favoriser le cycle viral.
Small heat shock proteins (sHsps) are ubiquitous ATP-independent molecular chaperones found in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. They are structurally dynamic and most of them have the ability to form large oligomeric complexes and to protect cells from proteotoxic stresses by preventing aggregation of non-native proteins and promoting their refolding via ATP-dependent chaperones such as Hsp70/DnaK. Recently, the presence of a sHsp gene (HspSP-ShM2) in marine viruses has been reported using bioinformatics tools. More precisely, the gene has been found in cyanophages infecting cyanobacteria of the genre Synechococcus sp. and Prochlorococcus sp. The Synechococcus phage sHSP has a MW of 18 kDa and shows the highly conserved core alpha crystalline domain of 92 amino acids and relatively short N- and C-terminal arms, the later containing the classical CAM domain (L-X-I/L/V). We established its oligomeric profile using a size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) system and demonstrated its ability to form large oligomeric complexes in native conditions (600 kDa and 200kDa). Furthermore, we report its capacity to prevent the aggregation of citrate synthase, malate dehydrogenase and luciferase suggesting that it has a weak specificity and wide range of protein substrates. The complete prevention of aggregation was achieved at different ratios (sHsp:substrate) depending on the substrate indicating that the sHSP may have different and unique interactions with each of its clients. We also showed the formation of a stable and soluble hetero-oligomeric complex of the phage sHSP and its substrates under heat stress, which is in accordance with the characteristics of sHSP in general. The cyanobacteria Synechococcus WH7803 15 kDa sHSP (HspS-WH7803) shows the ability to form tetramers in the presence of Triton™X-100 for the maintenance of its solubility using the SEC/FPLC method. For its capability to prevent the aggregation of different substrates, HspS-WH7803 demonstrates no chaperon like activity in all the assays and molar ratios used. Finally, SEC/FPLC results indicate the possible formation of a hetero-oligomeric complex between the sHSP of the phage and the one from its host Synechococcus WH7803 (HspS-WH7803). This interaction could either optimize the chaperone activity and the stress response of its host or inhibit the host sHSP to facilitate the viral life cycle.

Lors des pathologies articulaires, les chondrocytes sont soumis à différents processus qui concourent à la dégradation du cartilage articulaire soit en entraînant la mort par apoptose (nonrenouvellement des constituants de la matrice) soit par l’activation de protéases détruisant les constituants matriciels. Le potentiel chondroprotecteur des protéines de stress (Hsp70 / Hsp27) lors des pathologies dégénératives ayant été démontré, nous avons souhaité évaluer l'intérêt thérapeutique de l’induction de ces protéines par un inhibiteur réversible du protéasome (MG132) dans un modèle expérimental : modèle par section du ligament croisé antérieur (SLCA). Au cours de cette étude, nous avons du évaluer un nouveau système de vectorisation afin de surexprimer les protéines de stress dans le cartilage articulaire. Cette technique (électroporation biphasique) repose sur la dissociation des impulsions perméabilisantes et électrophorétiques. Nous avons donc développé des plasmides nous permettant de surexprimer ces protéines, fusionnées à une protéine traceur, facilitant ainsi leur détection dans le tissu ciblé. Puis, nous avons évalué l’innocuité et l’efficacité des impulsions sur des tissus sains et pathologiques (dégénératifs et inflammatoires). Nous avons constaté que cette technique, en plus de limiter les altérations du tissu articulaire ou les phénomènes de dissémination, offrait des propriétés d’adressage tissulaire de part la multiplicité des combinaisons d’impulsions (nombre, fréquence et intensité). Enfin, les effets de l’induction (MG132) des Hsps sur un modèle physiopathologique (SLCA) ont été évalués et nous avons pu montrer une diminution de la sévérité des atteintes articulaires, tant au niveau du cartilage que de la membrane synoviale. Cette molécule non seulement permet à la fois de renforcer la résistance des chondrocytes aux atteintes mais également de limiter l’amplitude de la réponse inflammatoire qui participe à la dégradation
During articular diseases, chondrocytes suffer different mechanisms which take part in the degradation of the cartilage, either by generating cell death by apoptosis (without renewal of extracellular matrix components), or by protease activation which destroy matrix components. Based on the cytoprotective potential of Heat Shock proteins (Hsp70 and Hsp27) during degenerative diseases, we evaluated the therapeutic interest of these proteins induced by a transient proteasome inhibitor (MG132), in an experimental model, by transection of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACLT). During this study, we have evaluated a new electroporation system to overexpress HSPs in articular cartilage. This technique is based on two sets of electric pulses, wich have two roles, to permeabilize the target and to transport DNA across the permeabilized membrane. We have developed expression vectors to generate a fusion protein (Hsps linked to GFP). Effectively, GFP permit to detect simply the fusion protein in the targeted tissue by fluorescence. Besides, we have evaluated safety and efficiency of electric pulses on healthy and alterated tissues (degenerative and inflammatory). We have reported that this technique could limit articular tissue damages and, moreover, could offer the ability to target more specifically this tissue. Indeed, this apparatus allows a great number of electrics pulses combinations (number, frequency, intensity). Finally, the effects of the induction via MG132 of Hsps in a physiopathological ACLT model, have been evaluated and we have shown a decrease of severity of joint lesions, in cartilage and synovial tissues. This molecule has the advantage to reinforce the resistance of chondrocytes at stressful stimuli and moreover, to limite the amplitude of inflammatory response which contribute to the magnification of extracellular matrix destruction

As a consequence of an immobile lifestyle, plants have had to evolve appropriate perception mechanisms and responses to diverse environmental stresses. Stress can be the result of both biotic and abiotic agents and the ORTHOLOG OF SUGAR BEET HS1 PRO-1 (HSPRO 1) and HSPRO2 genes were previously shown to be induced in response to several stresses including infection with Pseudomonas syringae and drought stress in Arabidopsis thaliana. The aim of this study was to characterise the biological role(s) played by these proteins in Arabidopsis. Several bioinformatics approaches provided evidence that supported function of both genes in response to both biotic and abiotic stresses and identified potential regulatory elements that may drive HSPRO gene expression during stress responses. Accordingly, analysis of null hspro mutants revealed antagonistic functions of the two proteins in PAMP-triggered immunity to P. syringae infections of shoot tissues and osmotic stress tolerance in plant roots. HSPRO proteins have been shown to interact with a central integrator of stress and energy signalling, SUCROSE NON-FERMENTING-1-RELATED KINASE1 (SnRK1) and microarray analysis of the null mutants suggested potential roles in carbohydrate signalling. An array of energy responsive genes including a subset of SnRK1 targets were misregulated in hspro mutants under standard growth conditions supporting involvement of HSPRO in energy signalling. Mutant phenotype and gene expression analysis revealed that HSPRO2 may be of importance in energy perception as hspro2 seeds were hypersensitive to exogenous glucose during germination, and that perception and/or signalling of low energy status may require HSPRO2. Although HSPRO2 expression may be driven via perception of environmental stress cues, promoter-luciferase assays revealed a diurnal expression pattern of the gene that was driven by the circadian clock. However, phenotypic analysis did not reveal a requirement of HSPRO2 for normal clock modulation. Since stress perception typically causes fluctuations in energy levels, it is proposed that HSPRO genes are important for the integration of energy and stress signalling in an effort to maintain a homeostatic balance between coping with environmental stress and normal growth and development.

En réponse à des stress environnementaux, la cellule met en place une réponse rapide et transitoire visant à assurer sa survie. Cette réponse se traduit par l'activation du facteur HSF1(Heat shock factor 1) qui induit l'expression des gènes codant pour des protéines de choc thermique (ou HSP). L'activation des gènes hsp s'accompagne de la répression de la plupart des autres gènes cellulaires. Si l'on connait assez bien aujourd'hui les mécanismes associés à l'activation des gènes de choc thermique, peu de données existent concernant les mécanismes mis en jeu dans l'inactivation globale. Nous avons engagé un travail visant à caractériser les modifications épigénétiques qui accompagnent cette répression, ainsi qu'à identifier les acteurs impliqués. Par des approches moléculaires et in situ nous avons montré que les HDACs (Histones Décaétylases) sont de nouveaux régulateurs de la réponse au stress. Le stress thermique induit une régulation fine de l'épigénome, notamment une déacétylation globale des histones de cœur, médiée par des HDACS de classe l, HDAC1 et 2. Au niveau du cytoplasme, les HDACs régulent également la réponse au stress. En effet, lors d'un stress protéotoxique, nous avons montré qu'HDAC6 joue un rôle indispensable dans l'initiation de cette réponse, en dissociant le facteur HSFl de ses régulateurs négatifs. En conséquence, HDAC6 joue un rôle dans l'induction des protéines HSPs en réponse à ce stress de type agrégats. En conclusion, en identifiant les HDACs comme de nouveaux facteurs de la réponse au stress, nos travaux permettent de mettre en lien entre deux cibles faisant l'objet de nombreux travaux en cancérologie: HSPs et HDACs
Ln response to environmental stress (heat shock, hypoxia, heavy metals exposure), cells have developed rapid and transitory mechanisms to protect themselves from the stress-induced damages. This stress response is characterized by the activation of HSF1 (Heat Shock Factor1), a key factor involved in the induction of the HSP (Heat Shock Proteins) encoded genes. Ln contrast toheat shock genes induction, most of the genome is repressed du ring stress. If the mechanisms involved in the activation of HSP genes have been investigated in details, less is known about the global repression of the genome. We started to investigate the epigenetic mechanisms that underline this genome repression and identify the molecular basis of this phenomenon. By molecular and in situ approaches, we showed that HDACs (Histone Deacetylases) are new regulators of stress response. Heat shock induces major epigenetic changes, specially a global deacetylation of core histones. We showed that class 1 HDAC, HDACl and HDAC2 mediates the heat-induced deacetylation. This event is regulated by HSF1, probably through its interaction with HDACl and HDAC2. Ln the cytoplasm, HDACS are also able to regulate stress response. Indeed, upon proteotoxic stress for example, proteasome inhibition, we showed that HDAC6 play a critical role in initiating the stress response. It mediates the dissociation of HSFl from its repressor complex and HDAC6 has an impact in HSP induction in response to stress. Ln conclusion, we identify HDACs as new important factors of stress response. Thanks to this work, we have linked two classes of proteins that are targeted by anti-cancer therapy: HSPs and HDACs

O dermatófito Trichophyton rubrum é um fungo filamentoso, queratinofílico e antropofílico, sendo o principal agente etiológico de micoses cutâneas em humanos. Sua distribuição cosmopolita e seu acometimento grave em pacientes imunocomprometidos fazem dele um dos desafios a ser enfrentado pelos serviços de saúde pública mundial. As interações patógeno-hospedeiro envolvem diferentes processos relacionados com a degradação de queratina e com modificações metabólicas que permitem sua adesão e posterior penetração nos tecidos infectados. Essas alterações são importantes para o sucesso do processo infeccioso e envolvem mecanismos que modulam a expressão gênica, a secreção de proteínas específicas, a adaptação metabólica e as alterações no pH cutâneo, fundamentais para o estabelecimento da infecção. Dentre as proteínas que participam do processo de interação patógeno-hospedeiro estão as proteínas de choque térmico HSPs (Heat Shock Proteins), relacionadas aos mais diversificados processos celulares. Nesse sentido, a hipótese desse trabalho foi avaliar se os genes hsps de T. rubrum, bem como seu principal fator de transcrição (Hsf1), estão envolvidos nos processos de resposta a situações adversas e na interação com o microambiente hospedeiro, e se estes genes são modulados pelo fator de transcrição pacC, um regulador envolvido na sinalização do pH ambiente. Para tanto, a expressão dos genes hsps foi analisada em resposta ao cultivo de T. rubrum em diferentes meios de cultura, durante a exposição a antifúngicos, estresse térmico e interação com fragmentos de unha e pele humanas. O envolvimento da Hsp90 na modulação da expressão gênica, na suscetibilidade a antifúngicos e na interação de T. rubrum com fragmentos de unha humana foi avaliado utilizando-se um inibidor químico específico para esta proteína. Os resultados indicam uma expressão variável dentre os genes hsps e até mesmo dentro de cada família HSP, em resposta a cada condição ambiental ou interação a que o fungo foi exposto. Além disto, temos indício de que a expressão dos genes hsps seja modulada pelo fator de transcrição PacC, através da modulação do fator de transcrição Hsf1. Constatamos ainda, a influência de Hsp90 na susceptibilidade de T. rubrum às drogas Itraconazol e Micafungina, e no desenvolvimento de T. rubrum em fragmentos de unha humana. Esses resultados revelam a participação das proteínas HSPs em diversos aspectos do metabolismo de T. rubrum, e sugerem a participação de Hsp90 na patogenicicade e na suscetibilidade a drogas deste dermatófito
The dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum is a filamentous, keratinophilic, and anthrophophilic fungi, being the major etiologic agent of cutaneous mycoses in humans. Its cosmopolitan distribution and the severe infection in immunocompromised patients make it one of the challenges to be faced by public health agencies worldwide. Hostpathogen interactions involve different processes related to keratin degradation and metabolic changes that allow adhesion and subsequent penetration of the infected tissue. These changes are important to the success of the infectious process and involve mechanisms that modulate gene expression, secretion of specific proteins, and metabolic adaptation, and cutaneous pH changes, essential to the establishment of the infection. Among the proteins that participate in the host-pathogen interaction are the heat shoch proteins (HSPs), related to diverse cellular processes. Thus, the hypothesis of this work was to evaluate whether T. rubrum hsp genes, as well as their major transcription factor (Hsf1), are involved in the response to adverse situations and in the interaction with the host microenvironment, and if these genes are regulated by the transcription fator PacC, a regulator of the pH signaling pathway. The expression of the hsp genes was evaluated in response to the cultivation of T. rubrum in different culture medium, during exposure to antifungal drugs, heat stress, and interaction with human nail and skin. The involvement of T. rubrum Hsp90 in the modulation of gene expression, susceptibility to antifungal drugs, and interaction with human nails was evaluated by using a chemical inhibitor, specific to this protein. Our results indicate a variable expression of the hsp genes, even among members of the same HSP family, in response to each environmental condition or interaction, to which the fungus was exposed. Furthermore, we have evidence that the hsp gene expression is modulated by the PacC transcription factor, by modulating the expression of the Hsf1 coding gene. We also found that Hsp90 is involved in T. rubrum susceptibility to the drugs Itraconazole and Micafungin, and in the development of this dermatophyte in human nails. These results reveal the involvement of HSPs in several aspects of T. rubrum metabolism, suggesting a role for Hsp90 in the pathogenicity and drug susceptibility in this dermatophyte

As Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) ou proteínas do choque térmico são encontradas em todas as células e são classificadas de acordo com seu peso molecular. Dentre elas encontram-se as de 27, 60, 70, 90 e 110 kDa, sendo as mais estudadas no contexto da reprodução as da família 60 e 70. Essas proteínas são ditas como chaperoninas, em razão do seu importante papel no dobramento e desdobramento de outras proteínas celulares sem alterar sua conformação final, e são expressas frente a qualquer tipo de estresse como calor, vírus, bactéria, hormônios, diferenciação celular, etc, e influenciam nas respostas imune inata e adquirida. A placenta também expressa essas proteínas, uma vez que é um órgão de intenso estresse e diferenciação celular durante toda a gestação. Nesse estudo, busca-se avaliar a expressão ou não dessas proteínas na placenta bovina e para isso foram utilizadas 30 amostras de diferentes animais em estágios distintos de gestação, fixadas em formol tamponado a 10% e processadas pela técnica de imuno-istoquímica. O mesmo numero de amostras foi também processado para a análise de imuno-microscopia eletrônica de transmissão pelas técnicas de \"freeze-substitution\" e marcação por pós-embebição. Na imuno-istoquímica, as HSPs 60 e 70 foram localizadas nos trofoblastos, epitélio materno e células binucleadas. A expressão da HSP 60 foi maior no início declinando no segundo e terceiro terço. Já a expressão da HSP 70 manteve-se praticamente constante, evidenciando a forte expressão dessa proteína durante todo o período. Na análise de imuno-microscopia eletrônica de transmissão, ambas as famílias foram localizadas nas células binucleadas (núcleo, citoplasma e vesículas) e epitélio materno (núcleo e citoplasma) em todos os terços gestacionais. O perfil das proteínas estudadas na placenta bovina foi diferente quando comparada à placenta humana, pois nesta última, a intensidade da expressão para a HSP 70 diminuiu com o decorrer da gestação enquanto para a HSP 60 foi constante durante todo a gestação. Provavelmente essas diferenças podem estar relacionadas ao fato dessas amostras terem sido coletadas de mulheres com gravidez interrompidas e também pelo tipo de placentação distinta. A bovinocultura de corte é de extrema importância para a econômica para o Brasil e se faz necessário o conhecimento de fatores que possam melhorar suas características reprodutivas. Dessa forma os resultados obtidos nesse estudo contribuirão certamente de subsídio para experimentos futuros sobre o papel das Heat Shock Proteins na placenta bovina.
Heat Shock Proteins (HSP) can be found in any kind of cell. These proteins are classified according to their molecular weight and their known families include the HSP 27, 60, 70, 90 and 110 kDa. Among these, HSP 60 and 70 are the ones of interest in reproduction. They were known as chaperonines because of their capacity to fold and unfold other proteins into the cell, without changing their own conformation. They are expressed during several stress conditions likes virus and bacteria infections, hormones, heat, cellular differentiation, etc, and also take part signalizing for innate and acquired immune responses. Heat shock proteins are expressed in several tissues and organs, including the placenta. In this study we have evaluated the expression of these proteins in the bovine placenta, using thirty samples from different animais with distinct gestational periods, fixed in 10% formalin and processed for immunohistochemistry. The same numbers of samples were processed for immunoelectron microscopy using freeze-substitution and post embedding labeling techniques. The immunohistochemistry results show the expression of HSP 60 and 70 in trophoblasts, maternal epithelia and binucleated cells. The HSP 60 expression was higher in the beginning of gestation, becoming lower during the second and third trimester. Heat shock protein 70 expression were practically constant throughout the gestation. The immunoelectron microscopy analysis revealed that both HSP 60 and 70 were located in the cytoplasm and nucleio binucleated cells and maternal epithelia from the beginning to the end of pregnancy. The immunolocalization of HSP 60 and 70 in the bovine placenta were distinct from the ones found in studies on women, probably due to the differences of the placentation type and to the fact that those samples were collected from abnormal or discontinuous pregnancy. Beef production in Brazil is an important economical activity and studies to improve the bovine reproductive characteristics are necessary and must be expended, therefore our results certainly contributes for further studies on HSP function during pregnancy in this species.

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Snap Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L) are highly valuable nutritionally, and it is cultivated by small, medium and big farmers. It represents a significant parcel of Brazilian economy concerning to the society. Culture emergency is a critical point in the production process and it is affected mainly by the water deficiency at this phase. The objective of this work was to simulate water deficiency in the germination beginning at the laboratory on seeds of snap beans ´Pérola´, using mannitol, CaCl2, MgCl2 and NaCl as osmotic in the potential of 0; -0.3; -0.6; -0.9 and -1.2MPa calculated with the aim of Van´t Hoff s equation and to evaluate the electrophorectical protein patterns of total soluble proteins by SDS-PAGE. Germination, vigour classification, roots and shoot dry weight and differential protein expression response was evaluated as parameters. The experimental design was completely randomized. Data was analysed by F test (ANOVA) and polynomial regression for the osmotic potential for each parameter evaluated. Banding pattern was evaluated by gel image. Simulation of deficiency, in laboratory, allowed the perception of the stress originated by NaCl in all parameter evaluated, validating the harsh of the NaCl and the lack of expression of low molecular weight proteins in this osmotic. 110 and 30kDa proteins were indicative of water stress, but not of salinity.
O feijão (Phaseolus vulgaris L) é uma cultura de grande expressão alimentícia. A emergência da cultura é dependente de água, sendo considerada a fase mais crítica. O objetivo deste foi simular deficiência de água no início da germinação em laboratório, em sementes de feijão Pérola , utilizando-se: manitol, CaCl2, MgCl2 e NaCl em potenciais de 0; -0,3; -0,6; -0,9 e -1,2MPa estabelecidos pela equação de Van´t Hoff e avaliar o perfil eletroforético de proteínas totais solúveis através de SDS-PAGE. Foram avaliados: germinação, classificação de vigor, massa seca de raiz e de parte aérea e resposta diferencial de expressão de proteínas. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado. Os dados foram analisados através da aplicação do teste F, para análise de variância, regressão polinomial para os níveis de potencial osmóticos para cada uma das variáveis fisiológicas estudadas. O bandeamento eletroforético foi avaliado visualmente através da imagem dos géis. A simulação do estresse permitiu avaliar a drasticidade do NaCl em todos os parâmetros avaliados e a ausência de proteínas de baixo peso molecular neste osmótico. As proteínas de 110 e 30kDa foram indicativas de estresse hídrico, mas não do salino.

The aim of the present study was to investigate how sensory processing sensitivity is related to the personality traits extraversion, agreeableness, emotional stability, conscientiousness and autonomy of the five-factor model. The samples for the study were members of the Association for the Highly Sensitive in Sweden and a Facebook community for highly sensitive individuals. The participants in the present study responded on a web-based questionnaire to participate. To answer the purpose of the study The Highly Sensitive Person scale (HSPS) were used to measure the degree of a person’s sensitivity. The Five Factor Personality Inventory (FFPI) was used to measure the Big Five personality traits. The data were analyzed in the statistics program SPSS with Pearson’s correlations coefficient and a multiple regression analysis. The result of the multiple regression analysis showed that personality traits of neuroticism and agreeableness predicted sensory processing sensitivity. Further on results showed that the personality traits of extraversion, conscientiousness and autonomy not predicted sensory processing sensitivity. The results of the study conclude that participants of the study are much likely to have the personality traits neuroticism and introversion. Furthermore, results indicated that the participants of the study had the personality traits agreeableness, conscientiousness and autonomy. Continued studies with other methodological starting points are needed to achieve greater knowledge about the personality trait sensory processing sensitivity.
Studiens syfte var att undersöka om det fanns en relation mellan högkänslighet och personlighetsdragen extraversion, vänlighet, samvetsgrannhet, öppenhet samt emotionell stabilitet enligt femfaktormodellen. Urvalet bestod av medlemmar från Sveriges Förening för Högkänsliga och en Facebookgrupp som riktar sig till högkänsliga personer. För att besvara frågeställningen användes en webbaserad enkät som mailades ut till medlemmarna i Sveriges Förening för Högkänsliga samt publicerades i Facebookgruppen. Beroendevariabeln högkänslighet mättes med mätinstrumentet The Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS). Oberoendevariablerna extraversion, vänlighet, samvetsgrannhet, emotionell stabilitet och öppenhet mättes med mätinstrumentet The Five Factor Personality Inventory (FFPI). Dataanalyserna som genomfördes i studien var Pearsons korrelationskoefficient och multipel regressionsanalys. Regressionsanalysen visade att personlighetsdragen emotionell stabilitet och vänlighet var prediktorer för högkänslighet. Personlighetsdragen extraversion, samvetsgrannhet och öppenhet var inte prediktorer för högkänslighet. Resultatet indikerade att studiens deltagare i högre grad hade personlighetsdragen neuroticism och introversion. Vidare visade resultatet att studiens deltagare hade grad av personlighetsdragen samvetsgrannhet, vänlighet och öppenhet. Studien gav en indikation på hur hög grad av högkänslighet var i relation till andra personlighetsdrag. Resultatet kan således öka kunskapen om högkänslighet och vad det medför. Fortsatta studier med andra metodologiska utgångspunkter krävs för att få ökad kunskap om personlighetsdraget högkänslighet.

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Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
The trypanosomiasis is enzootic caused by several species of the genus Trypanosoma. It is a hemoflagellate widely distributed and of great veterinary importance, because infects a wide variety of mammals. Trypanosoma evansi is the causative agent of disease popularly known as surra , which has great economic importance in Africa, Asia and South America. These protozoa possess digenetic life cycles. When the parasites move from vector to host they suffer a heat shock. The HSPs are found in several pathogens, where the heat shock is a natural event of their biology. The heat shock response is a homeostatic mechanism that protects cells from the deleterious effects of environmental stress. The HSPs have a key role in intracellular work such as DNA replication, cell division, transcription, translation, functions in membrane transport proteins as well as providing assistance to correct protein folding nascent and unfolded by stress accumulation. This work aimed to amplify the HSP10 gene, to be able, afterwards, to observe its expression in trypanosomatids. Rats Wistar were infected with T. evansi, the parasites were purified, the DNA and RNA extraction was made, beyond the reverse transcriptase, PCR, transformation into E. coli DH5α and sequencing of clones. The bands that corresponded to the size of HSP10 gene were selected for clone. The constructions of the inserts selected were subjected to sequencing to verify the correct construction of the clones. The sequencing analysis showed that the sequence obtained has a homology of 40% corresponding to HSP10 hypothetical T. brucei. This is one of the first papers that attempted to identify a gene family of HSPs in T. evansi, that should be used as a chemotherapeutic target
A tripanossomíase é uma enzootia ocasionada por diversas espécies do gênero Trypanosoma. Este é um hemoflagelado amplamente distribuído e de grande importância veterinária, pois infecta uma grande variedade de mamíferos. O Trypanosoma evansi é o agente causador da doença denominada popularmente como surra, que possui grande importância econômica na África, Ásia e América do Sul. Estes protozoários possuem ciclos de vida digenéticos. Quando os parasitos passam do vetor para o hospedeiro estes acabam sofrendo um choque térmico. As HSPs são encontradas em uma variedade de patógenos, onde o choque térmico é um evento natural de sua biologia. A resposta de choque térmico é um mecanismo homeostático que protege as células dos efeitos deletérios do estresse ambiental. As HSPs possuem um papel fundamental no trabalho intracelular como replicação de DNA, divisão celular, transcrição, tradução, funções nas membranas, transporte de proteínas, além de darem assistência correta ao enovelamento de proteínas nascentes e desenoveladas pelo acúmulo de estresse. Este trabalho teve como intuito amplificar o gene da HSP10, para que seja possível futuramente observar sua expressão nos tripanosomatídeos. Ratos Wistar foram infectados com T. evansi, os parasitos foram purificados, efetuou-se a extração de DNA e RNA, além da transcrição reversa, PCR, transformação em E. coli DH5α e o seqüenciamento dos clones. As bandas que corresponderam ao tamanho do gene HSP10 foram selecionadas para clonagem. As construções dos insertos selecionados foram submetidos ao sequenciamento a fim de verificar a construção correta dos clones. A análise do seqüenciamento demonstrou que a sequência obtida possui uma homologia de 40% correspondente a HSP10 hipotética de T. brucei. Este é um dos primeiros trabalhos que buscam identificar um gene da família das HSPs em T. evansi, que poderá ser usado como alvo quimioterápico

Temperature and light intensity is the most important environmental parameters that influence circadian cycle of scleractinian corals. In this context, modulation of the biomarkers Hsp60 and Hsp70 in situ was investigated by three different healthy coral species (Acropora tenuis, Echinopora lamellosa and Porites lobata) not stress induced during time course of 24h. Significance species-specific modulation under natural conditions is displayed by all corals under study. A strong fluctuation in Hsps expression is shown by the most susceptible, branched coral A. tenuis, instead of fine and low modulation is shown by the massive coral P. lobata. From the results match between morphology difference and physiological difference response its suggest and similarity pattern between Hsps with different cellular compartments location is suggested too. Starting from this study health of coral reefs could be able to be investigated in the future with a set of biomarkers composed also by Hsps which will be set up.

Les protéines de choc thermique (hsps) sont des familles de protéines parfaitememnt conservées à travers l'évolution des sxpèces, induites par un choc thermique ou bien par d'autres stresseurs environnementaux. Ce sont des chaperons moléculaires, elles protègent les cellules du stress et facilitent le reploiement et la maturation des protéines cellulaires. Le présent travail consite à étudier la réponse au stress des hsps 70 chez le porc de génotypes NN, Nn et nn au locus halothane (HAL) au niveau sanguin, musculaire et cellulaire. In vitro, le génotype HAL affecte la réponse hsps 70 à tous les niveaux étudiés dans ce travail. Un préconditionnement au stress (c'est à dire le traitement préalable de l'organisme avant le stress proprement dit dans le but de surexpreimer précocement les hsps 70) protège les fibroblastes en culture contre le stress thermique. Il confère une réponse normale des hsps 70 au stress chez les porcs nn. Par contre, les études in vivo n'ont pas montré de relations entre les hsps 70, le préconditionnement au stress et la qualité de la viande chez le porc
Heat shock proteins (hsps) consist of a family of conserved proteins induced by heat shock and other environmental stressors. They play a role of molecular chaperones protecting cells against stress and facilitating the fording and the maturation of cellular proteins. The aim of this work was to study the hsps 70 response to stress in pigs of the three halothane (HAL) genotypes (NN, Nn and nn) in the blood, the semi-membranous muscles and cultured fibroblasts. HAL affected the hsps 70 response in vitro at different levels of the organism. Preconditioning leads to an overexpression of hsps 70 protecting cells from heat damage. It confers a normal hsps 70 response to stress in the nn animals. In vivo studies did not show any corelation between hsps 70, preconditioning and meat quality in pigs

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A hepatite C é consequência da infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C (HCV) e estima-se que cerca de 150 milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo estejam cronicamente infectadas. Estudos têm demonstrado interações entre proteínas virais e do hospedeiro durante o ciclo de replicação do HCV e estas interações podem ser utilizadas para o desenvolvimento de novas terapias contra a hepatite C. As proteínas de choque térmico (Hsp) são proteínas celulares que interagem com proteínas do HCV e a inibição destas proteínas poderiam reduzir a replicação viral. Neste estudo, as proteínas celulares Hsp90 e Hsp27 foram inibidas por siRNA isoladamente ou em combinação com a inibição das regiões virais 5'UTR, NS3 e NS5A. Foi utilizada uma cultura celular estável Huh7 expressando um replicon subgenomico do HCV e todas as moléculas de siRNA dirigidas ao genoma do vírus mostraram eficiência na redução da replicação viral. A melhor resposta foi obtida pelo siRNA 5'UTR, que apresentou bons resultados também nos estudos à longo prazo. A inibição da proteína celular Hsp27 aumentou os níveis de replicação do vírus, entretanto a supressão de Hsp90 mostrou redução da replicação viral e a utilização desta molécula juntamente com a molécula de siRNA dirigida para 5'UTR mostraram uma diminuição de mais de 90% da replicação viral. Entretanto a inibição prolongada de Hsp90 levou à morte celular, evidenciando o importante papel desta proteína na sobrevivência das células. Portanto o presente trabalho sugere que a terapia combinada de siRNAs pode ser uma alternativa eficiente no combate à hepatite C em pacientes com HCC uma vez que a inibição de Hsp90 atua tanto na supressão tumoral quanto na replicação do HCV
Hepatitis C is a consequence of infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV) and it is estimated that approximately 150 million people are chronically infected worldwide. Several studies have demonstrated interactions between viral and host proteins during the HCV replication cycle and these interactions might be used for development of new therapies against hepatitis C. The heat shock proteins (Hsp) are cellular proteins that interact with proteins of HCV and inhibition of these proteins could reduce viral replication. In this study, cellular proteins Hsp90 and Hsp27 were inhibited by siRNA targeting the mRNA of these proteins in combination with siRNA to viral 5'UTR region, NS3 and NS5A. We used a stable cell line expressing HCV subgenomic replicon and all siRNA molecules targeting the viral genome showed effectiveness in reducing viral replication. The best response was achieved by siRNA 5'UTR, which showed good results on long term studies. The inhibition of cellular protein Hsp27 increased virus replication, but knockdown of Hsp90 showed reduced viral replication. Use of this molecule together with the siRNA molecule directed to 5'UTR showed a decrease of more than 90% viral replication. However, the prolonged inhibition of Hsp90 led to cell death, demonstrating the important role of this protein in cell survival. Finally this work suggests that the combination therapy of siRNAs can be an effective alternative to treat hepatitis C in patients with HCC since reduction of Hsp90 expression if effective on tumor suppression and in HCV replication

Orientador: Paula Rahal
Coorientador: Bruno Moreira Carneiro
Banca: Maurício Lacerda Nogueira
Banca: Isabel Maria Vicente Guedes de Carvalho Mello
Resumo: A hepatite C é consequência da infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C (HCV) e estima-se que cerca de 150 milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo estejam cronicamente infectadas. Estudos têm demonstrado interações entre proteínas virais e do hospedeiro durante o ciclo de replicação do HCV e estas interações podem ser utilizadas para o desenvolvimento de novas terapias contra a hepatite C. As proteínas de choque térmico (Hsp) são proteínas celulares que interagem com proteínas do HCV e a inibição destas proteínas poderiam reduzir a replicação viral. Neste estudo, as proteínas celulares Hsp90 e Hsp27 foram inibidas por siRNA isoladamente ou em combinação com a inibição das regiões virais 5'UTR, NS3 e NS5A. Foi utilizada uma cultura celular estável Huh7 expressando um replicon subgenomico do HCV e todas as moléculas de siRNA dirigidas ao genoma do vírus mostraram eficiência na redução da replicação viral. A melhor resposta foi obtida pelo siRNA 5'UTR, que apresentou bons resultados também nos estudos à longo prazo. A inibição da proteína celular Hsp27 aumentou os níveis de replicação do vírus, entretanto a supressão de Hsp90 mostrou redução da replicação viral e a utilização desta molécula juntamente com a molécula de siRNA dirigida para 5'UTR mostraram uma diminuição de mais de 90% da replicação viral. Entretanto a inibição prolongada de Hsp90 levou à morte celular, evidenciando o importante papel desta proteína na sobrevivência das células. Portanto o presente trabalho sugere que a terapia combinada de siRNAs pode ser uma alternativa eficiente no combate à hepatite C em pacientes com HCC uma vez que a inibição de Hsp90 atua tanto na supressão tumoral quanto na replicação do HCV
Abstract: Hepatitis C is a consequence of infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV) and it is estimated that approximately 150 million people are chronically infected worldwide. Several studies have demonstrated interactions between viral and host proteins during the HCV replication cycle and these interactions might be used for development of new therapies against hepatitis C. The heat shock proteins (Hsp) are cellular proteins that interact with proteins of HCV and inhibition of these proteins could reduce viral replication. In this study, cellular proteins Hsp90 and Hsp27 were inhibited by siRNA targeting the mRNA of these proteins in combination with siRNA to viral 5'UTR region, NS3 and NS5A. We used a stable cell line expressing HCV subgenomic replicon and all siRNA molecules targeting the viral genome showed effectiveness in reducing viral replication. The best response was achieved by siRNA 5'UTR, which showed good results on long term studies. The inhibition of cellular protein Hsp27 increased virus replication, but knockdown of Hsp90 showed reduced viral replication. Use of this molecule together with the siRNA molecule directed to 5'UTR showed a decrease of more than 90% viral replication. However, the prolonged inhibition of Hsp90 led to cell death, demonstrating the important role of this protein in cell survival. Finally this work suggests that the combination therapy of siRNAs can be an effective alternative to treat hepatitis C in patients with HCC since reduction of Hsp90 expression if effective on tumor suppression and in HCV replication
Mestre

This thesis comprises four interlinked studies investigating the effects of 17-AAG and glutamine (GLN) on the heat shock response, and the mechanisms underlying its cross-protective effect in limiting muscle damage and functional impairment following eccentric exercise. Study 1 aimed to replicate a previous mouse study using 17-AAG but with a different species, muscle group and exercise protocol. It was showed that downhill running increased the post-exercise red vastus HSP72 response of both 17-AAG and vehicle-treated rats but the rise in HSP72 content was attenuated by 17-AAG at 24 h after exercise. Histological analysis showed signs of ultrastructural abnormalities only in vehicle-treated animals. Study 2 examined the effect of GLN treatment on the heat shock response in intact animals. We observed multiple oral GLN treatments, regardless of dose, increased plasma GLN availability. Surprisingly, the treatment had no effect on plasma, red vastus or heart HSP72 response in the sedentary unstressed animals. However, it was associated with a reduction in heart HSP25 as well as red vastus HSF1 content. In Study 3a, we investigated the effect of GLN treatment on plasma and red vastus HSP72 response following downhill running. The muscle HSP72 content increased at 4 and 24 h after exercise. However, there was no treatment effect on plasma or muscle HSP72 response in healthy animals following the exercise. Lastly, in Study 3b, we tested the hypothesis that GLN treatment is required to enhance plasma and red vastus HSP72 response in heat-stressed animals. The study also investigated whether there is an additive effect of GLN and heat preconditioning on exercise-induced muscle damage. We found that only plasma HSP72 in the heat-preconditioned rats increased with GLN treatment, but the effect was diminished following downhill running. The treatment, respectively, reduced the HSP25 content and enhanced HSF1 response in muscle at 4 h and 24 h after exercise. (1982/2000 maximum characters with spaces)

La synthèse des protéines de choc thermique (HSPs) est un moyen de défense développé par la cellule pour faire face aux diverses agressions auxquelles elle peut être soumise. En tant que chaperons, les HSPs participent aux mouvements intracellulaires des protéines, préviennent l'agrégation des protéines altérées, éliminent les protéines anormales et contribuent à la conformation correcte des peptides nouvellement synthétisées. Mon équipe d'accueil s'intéresse aux rôles des HSPs dans des processus cellulaires tels que l'apoptose et la différenciation cellulaire. Le but de mon travail de thèse consiste à étudier le rôle des protéines de choc thermique HSP90 et HSP70 au cours de la différenciation des monocytes en macrophages. J'ai dans un premier temps étudié l'implication de HSP90 dans la différenciation macrophagique. c-IAP1 est un membre de la famille des protéines inhibitrices de l'apoptose impliqué dans la régulation de l'apoptose, dans le cycle cellulaire et dans la signalisation cellulaire. Nous avons précédemment montré que c-IAP1 migre du noyau vers le cytoplasme au cours de la différenciation cellulaire. Nous démontrons dans ce travail que c-IAP1 est une protéine cliente de la protéine de choc thermique HSP90β. Dans trois différents modèles de différenciation, ces protéines interagissent et migrent ensemble du noyau vers le cytoplasme au cours de la différenciation cellulaire. L'inhibition de HSP90 ou la déplétion spécifique de l'isoforme β par des siRNA conduisent à sa dégradation par le protéasome. La fonction de chaperon moléculaire de HSP90 envers c-IAP1 est spécifique de l'isoforme β car la déplétion de l'isoforme α n'a pas d'effets sur c-IAP1. De plus l'inhibition de HSP90 ou la déplétion de HSP90β bloquent la différenciation cellulaire tout comme la déplétion de c-IAP1 par siRNA. La deuxième partie de montre travail a consisté à étudier le rôle de HSP70 dans la différenciation macrophagique. Nous montrons que cette protéine est fortement induite après stimulation des cellules par le facteur de croissance M-CSF et que son inhibition bloque la différenciation des monocytes en macrophage. HSP70 interagit avec la protéine Spi-1/Pu.1, facteur de transcription clé de la différenciation macrophagique. L'expression de Spi-1/Pu.1 augmente également au cours de la différenciation macrophagique et ce de manière similaire à celle de HSP70. Ceci suggère l'implication des facteurs de transcription responsables de l'induction des HSPs, les Heat Shock Factor (HSF). L'étude du promoteur de Spi-1/Pu.1 a révélé la présence d'une séquence ressemblant fortement aux éléments de réponse classiques sur lesquels se fixe HSF1. HSF1 est capable de se fixer sur le promoteur de Spi-1/Pu.1 et l'inhibition de HSF1 bloque l'expression de Spi-1/Pu.1. HSF1 participe donc au contrôle de l'expression de Spi-1/Pu.1 lors de la différenciation macrophagique. HSP90 et HSP70 sont donc essentielles à la différenciation macrophagique. Comprendre les mécanismes cellulaires impliqués dans les voies de différenciation se révèle extrêmement important puisque des altérations des mécanismes de l'hématopoïèse sont retrouvées dans plusieurs types de leucémies (leucémies aiguës myéloblastiques et leucémies myélo-monocytaires chroniques). Connaître le rôle des HSPs dans la différenciation cellulaire permettrait donc de développer de nouvelles stratégies thérapeutiques pour le traitement de ces pathologies.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi contribuir para o melhor entendimento dos mecanismos intracelulares envolvidos na regeneração muscular esquelética, através do estudo da influência das proteínas de choque térmico (HSPs) e do mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1) no processo regenerativo muscular. O tratamento com radicicol (indutor de HSPs) em músculos lesados induziu aumento da área de secção transversal das fibras musculares em 10 e 21 dias após lesão e aumento do número de células satélites e de fibras musculares em diferenciação em 1 e 10 dias após lesão, respectivamente, quando comparado aos seus respectivos controles apenas lesados. O tratamento com rapamicina (inibidor de mTORC1) em músculos lesados induziu uma diminuição maior da área de secção transversal das fibras musculares em 10 e 21 dias após lesão e menor síntese protéica muscular em 10 dias após lesão quando comparado aos músculos somente lesados. Nossos resultados sugerem que as HSPs e o mTORC1 são importantes para o processo de regeneração muscular esquelética.
The goal of this work was to contribute to a better understanding about the intracellular mechanisms involved in skeletal muscle regeneration by studying the influence of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1) in the muscle regeneration process. The treatment with radicicol (a HSP inductor) in injured muscles induced increase of myofiber cross section area at 10 and 21 days post lesion and increased number of satellite cells and differentiating myofibers at 1 and 10 days post lesion, respectively, when compared to their respective injured controls. The treatment with rapamycin (a mTORC1 inhibitor) in injured muscles induced a more accentuated decrease in myofiber cross section area at 10 and 21 days post lesion and decreased muscle protein synthesis at 10 days post lesion when compared to only-injured muscles. Our results suggest that HSPs and mTORC1 are important to the process of skeletal muscle regeneration.

Introduction: Picornaviruses are a family of RNA viruses which are economically and clinically significant. Like many other viruses, picornaviruses utilise host cell machinery to facilitate their replication and assembly, including heat shock proteins (Hsps). The aim of this research was to investigate the role of Hsp40, Hsp70 and Hsp90 during picornavirus infection using the cardiovirus, Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV), as a study model. Methodology: Picornavirus VP1 capsid proteins were analysed by multiple sequence alignment and multiple structural comparisons. Protein domain architecture was used to analyse Hsp90 cellular and viral client proteins. Effects of Hsp90 inhibitors, novobiocin and geldanamycin, on TMEV growth in BHK-21 cells was observed over a 48hr period. Localisation of Hsp40, Hsp90 and Hsp70 in TMEV-infected BHK-21 cells was investigated by indirect immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. Results and Discussion: VP1 proteins of picornaviruses are highly divergent within the family at the amino acid level, which might be linked to the protein’s function in determining virus tropism and antibody neutralisation. An eight-stranded anti-parallel beta-barrel structure was found conserved in the VP1 protein structures which might be linked to the highly conserved picornavirus capsid assembly process. Absence of a common protein domain between Hsp90 viral and cellular client proteins that might be functionally connected to Hsp90, suggests that Hsp90 most likely recognises surface features rather than sequence motifs/patterns. The Hsp90 inhibitors, novobiocin and geldanamycin, had a negative effect on virus growth as virus-induced cytopathic effect was not observed in treated cell after 48hrs. TMEV 2C protein was detected by Western analysis in infected cell lysates treated with geldanamycin but not novobiocin, suggesting novobiocin affects the translation or processing of TMEV 2C. Immunofluorescence analysis of TMEV-infected cells showed a relocalisation of Hsp40 into the nucleus during infection. Overlap of Hsp40 and TMEV P1 was observed in the perinuclear region, suggesting colocalisation between these proteins. Hsp70 converged around the replication complex during infection but did not overlap with TMEV 2C. Hsp90 concentrated in the region of the replication complex where it overlapped with TMEV 2C and this redistribution was found to be dependent on the stage of infection. The overlap between Hsp90 and TMEV 2C signals observed, suggested colocalisation between the two proteins. Conclusion: This study identified Hsp90, Hsp70 and Hsp40 as possible host factors required in TMEV replication.

In the last few decades about the 27% of coral reefs have been destroyed worldwide caused by different environmental stressors, both abiotic and biotic. Moreover one of the main causes of coral reef destruction has been the dramatic increase in coral disease. In reef building corals, as well as in other organisms, several components of the cellular stress response can be used as diagnostic indicators of stress, in order to assess their cellular physiological condition, expressing them with significant different patterns in relation to different stressors. In this study the diagnostic indicators used were: Heat shock protein 60-kDa (Hsp60), Heat shock protein 70-kDa (Hsp70), Heme-oxygenase (HO-1), and Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSod), all involved in cellular response to stress. Two of the most studied diseases responsible for ongoing coral losses on Indo-Pacific reefs were chosen as the biotic stressors: the Brown Band Disease (BrB) and Black Band Disease (BBD). BrB is a virulent coral disease characterized by a dense concentration of ciliates ingesting coral tissue. In order to investigate the effect of the ciliate presence in the coral physiology, the level of the mitochondrial Hsp60 was analyzed in colonies of Acropora muricata affected by BrB in a Maldivian reef. Samples in the apparently healthy coral polyps located at different distances along the advancing front of the infection were analyzed. The BBD is characterized by a thick microbial mat, dominated by phototrophic cyanobacteria, which is responsible of the disease virulence and create the characteristic necrotic dark band. It is known to be persistent in reef, contributing to the long term mortality of the infected coral. In Maldives waters one of the highest prevalence was observed in Goniopora columna, which show a very slow progression rate. Due to its high persistence in infected corals, colonies of Goniopora were analyzed in two time periods, space out by three years. Samples in the apparently healthy coral polyps were collected at three different fixed distances along the advancing front of the infection from the black band of necrotic tissue, in order to analyze how the disease’s progression affect the expression of Hsp60 and Hsp70, HO-1, and MnSod. Finally Hsp60, Hsp70 and HO-1 were analyzed in relation to nictemeral and seasonal variations of temperature and light, in three different taxa of reef building corals living in the Maldivian waters: Acropora, Echinopora and Porites. These three taxa were chosen for their different growing morphology and susceptibility to stress. Samples were taken in November for the wet season and March for the dry season in order to made a comparison between the two seasons. During each selected month, in a day, corals were sampled in six time intervals while temperature and light intensity were measured by data-loggers attached to the colonies. Results show the biochemical indicators used being modulate in different ways in relation to species and stressors.

A lesão pulmonar é determinante da morbi-mortalidade na pancreatite aguda (PA). Neutrófilos (PMN) e mediadores inflamatórios são responsáveis pelo desenvolvimento da lesão. A solução hipertônica modula a reposta inflamatória tendo como resultante um efeito imunomodulatório capaz de prevenir a lesão tecidual. Neste trabalho, investigamos os efeitos da solução hipertônica sobre os níveis de HSPs, MMPs e citocinas no tecido pulmonar, bem como, o mecanismo envolvido em sua regulação. Ratos machos Wistar foram submetidos a pancreatite pela injeção retrógrada de 1 ml/Kg de taurocolato de sódio 2,5%. Os animais foram randomizados em 4 grupos: 1) controle: não foi submetido a qualquer procedimento; 2) pancreatite sem tratamento (ST); 3) pancreatite e tratamento com solução fisiológica (SF); 4) pancreatite e tratamento com solução hipertônica (SH). Os animais dos grupos 3 e 4 tiveram a veia jugular cateterizada e receberam infusão de solução hipertônica ou fisiológica 1 hora após a indução de pancreatite. Os animais com PA foram sacrificados após 4, 12 e 24 horas. Os pulmões foram processados e submetidos a histologia com HE e dosagem de mieloperoxidase (MPO) para quantificação do infiltrado de neutrófilos. A produção e atividade das MMPs 2 e 9 foi analisada por zimografia. Western Blotting foi utilizado na detecção das HSPs 60, 70 e 90. As alterações na expressão gênica foram analisadas por RTPCR. Os níveis de peroxidação lipidica dosados por TBARs. A concentração de citocinas foi medida por ELISA. A reposição volêmica com SHT diminui o infiltrado inflamatório (PMN) 12 horas após a indução da PA. Concomitante a redução dos PMNs vimos a queda na atividade e expressão da MMP-9 e aumento da expressão protéica de HSP70 no tecido pulmonar. Tardiamente, 24 horas, o grupo tratado com SHT mostrou aumento na produção de IL-10, uma citocina anti-inflamatória. A SHT modula a resposta inflamatória, promovendo proteção ao tecido pulmonar contra os efeitos deletérios decorrentes da PA. Seus efeitos benéficos envolvem alterações celulares e moleculares que levam à redução da lesão tecidual.
Acute Pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory process of the pancreas with variable involvement of other organs and systems. The lungs are the most common distant organs affected by severe acute pancreatitis. The immunomodulatory effects of hypertonic solution (HS) provide potential strategies to attenuate inappropriate inflammatory reactions. This study tested the hypothesis that administration of HS modulates the development of lung injury in pancreatitis model. HS resuscitation results in a significant attenuation of lung injury following AP by modulate MMP 2 and 9 activity and protected tissue by increased HSPs 70 and 90 expression.

Ce travail a eu pour but de déterminer les concentrations cytotoxiques de divers insecticides (molécule pure versus formulation commerciale) qui induisaient une inhibition de la prolifération de cellules d'origine pulmonaire (A549) ou neuronale (SH-SY5Y) et d'analyser les variations d'expression de gènes de stress par la technique des cDNA arrays et/ou des protéines (HSP, GRP) sur western blot. Il a été montré que les formulations pouvaient être jusqu'à 150 fois plus toxiques que les molécules pures. Dans les cellules A549, les insecticides ont induit une surexpression de la GRP78 et une sous-expression des HSPs. Le formetanate (pur ou commercial) a induit une surexpression des transcrits GADD153 et diverses GST et UDPGT. Le Dicarzol a induit une surexpression des transcrits SOD2 et TOP2A
Toxicity of several insecticides was determined in vitro on lung adenocarcinoma A549 and neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell lines, with the aim to find out, among stress proteins, reliable and sensitive markers of occupational or accidental exposure. Carbamates (formétanate, methomyl, pyrimicarb), organochlorines (dienochlor, endosulfan), pyrethroid (bifenthrin) and neonicotinoid (imidacloprid) insecticides were comparatively investigated either as pure chemical or as commercial formulations. Measurement of threshold concentrations (LOEC) leading to a significant decrease of the growth-rate in A549 cells showed that organochlorines were the most toxic whereas imidacloprid and methomyl were the less toxic. SH-SY5Y cells were found to be more sensitive than A549. When compared at similar concentration of active principle, commercial formulations were found to be twice to 100 times more aggressive than the respective pure active molecule. In A549, GRP78 stress protein was up-regulated by almost all the insecticides, commercial formulations being more efficient. No such effect was observed in SH-SY5Y. Conversely, cytosolic HSP72/73 stress proteins were somewhat underexpressed in all cases. .

Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Florianópolis, 2014
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O objetivo geral deste trabalho foi estudar o ciclo de vida, o polimorfismo de inversão cromossômica e a possível relação dos arranjos com genes de estresse (hsps). O material de estudo foi coletado em três diferentes unidades de conservação (UCs) de Santa Catarina: Parque estadual da Serra do Tabuleiro, Reserva Biológica da Canela Preta e Reserva Biológica do Aguaí. Primeiramente foi feito o estudo do desenvolvimento de D. polymorpha, registrando a duração média do seu ciclo de vida bem como a maturidade sexual dos machos e fêmeas. A determinação dos elementos de Müller em D. polymorpha foi realizada por homologia de bandas com a espécie D. unipunctata. A fim de determinar os arranjos mais frequentes nas regiões de coleta, foi feito o estudo do polimorfismo de inversão cromossômica. Os arranjos 2RA e 2RD, já descritos anteriormente, apresentaram alta frequência nas populações. Estes arranjos provavelmente estão fixados nestas populações e possivelmente estão sendo mantidos pela ação da seleção natural. Com o auxílio de mapa cromossômico de D. polymorpha mais atualizado, a localização de um ponto de quebra de cada uma das inversões 2RA e 2RD foi reanotada. Também descrevemos uma nova inversão no cromossomo X de Drosophila neocardini (Grupo cardini). A expressão de puffs nos cromossomos politênicos de larvas de D. polymorpha, quando submetidas a estresse, permitiu estimar os possíveis genes hsps induzidos, quando comparando sua localização nos elementos de Müller em outras espécies. Esta análise revelou conservação entre D. polymorpha e D. unipunctata, que partilham grande reorganização gênica ao longo dos elementos quando comparadas a D. melanogaster. A análise comparativa dos elementos por homologia de bandas não verificou a ocorrência de puffs em resposta aos estresses testados (choque térmico, anoxia e privação alimentar) muito próximos ou dentro das regiões de inversão. Também não verificamos diferenças marcantes entre a expressão dos mesmos entre os indivíduos com ou sem os arranjos estudados. No entanto, o gene hsp70 não está tão distante das inversões no braço cromossômico 2R, e talvez fosse interessante testar sua expressão com métodos moleculares uma vez que mudanças na expressão de hsps tem sido importantes na adaptação de outras espécies.

Abstract: The general objective of this work was to study the life cycle and chromosomal inversion polymorphisms, and their possible relation with heat shock genes. The object of our study was collected in three different conserved areas in the Santa Catarina: Parque Estadual da Serra do Tabuleiro, Reserva Biológica da Canela Preta e Reserva Biológica do Aguaí. The life cycle of D. polymorpha was described, as was the age at which sexual maturity is reached for both males and females. In order to be able to determine Müller's elements for D. polymorpha, a chromosomal homology between D. polymorpha and D. unipunctata was performed. A chromosomal polymorphism was carried out in order to establish the most frequent chromosomal arrangements in D. polymorpha from the collection sites. The arrangements 2RA and 2RD showed high frequencies in the populations. These arrangements are possibly being maintained due to natural selection. They also may have preserved the new gene configuration since they can provide a suitable combination of environmental conditions in which this species is located. Furthermore, during the study of chromosomal polymorphisms, the breakpoints of inversions 2RA and 2RD were re-evaluated. Also, a new paracentric inversion was described in chromosome X in Drosophila neocardini (cardini group). The expression of puffs in the polytene chromosomes allowed for the comparative analyses of their location and hsp genes location when they are induced in different species. The analysis showed conservation between D. polymorpha and D unipunctata elements. Also, these species have in common the extensive reorganization of their elements when compared to D. melanogaster. The comparative analysis of Müller's elements through banding homology did however not confirm occurrence of puffs in response to stressors (heat shock, hypoxi, starvation) near or inside inversion loops, neither did it produce noticeable differences between their gene expression in individuals with or without the arrangements. The hsp70 gene shows a certain proximity to the inversion loops in the chromosome 2R, and the possible intervention in its expression is not totally discarded. Its expression should be tested by means of molecular tools since changes in hsps expressions have been relevant in the adaptation reported in other species.

Protein folding is the process in which polypeptides in their non-native states attain the unique folds of their native states. Adverse environmental conditions and genetic predisposition challenge the folding process and accelerate the production of proteotoxic misfolded proteins. Misfolded proteins are selectively recognized and removed from the cell by processes of protein quality control (PQC). In PQC molecular chaperones of the Heat shock protein 70 kDa (Hsp70) family play important roles by recognizing and facilitating the removal of misfolded proteins. Hsp70 function is dependent on cofactors that regulate the intrinsic ATPase activity of the chaperone. In this thesis I have used yeast genetic, cell biological and biochemical experiments to gain insight into the regulation of Hsp70 function in PQC by nucleotide-exchange factors (NEFs). Study I shows that the NEF Fes1 is a key factor essential for cytosolic PQC. A reverse genetics approach demonstrated that Fes1 NEF activity is required for the degradation of misfolded proteins associated with Hsp70 by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Specifically, Fes1 association with Hsp70-substrate complexes promotes interaction of the substrate with downstream ubiquitin E3 ligase Ubr1. The consequences of genetic removal of FES1 (fes1Δ) are the failure to degrade misfolded proteins, the accumulation of protein aggregates and constitutive induction of the heat-shock response. Taken the experimental data together, Fes1 targets misfolded proteins for degradation by releasing them from Hsp70. Study II describes an unusual example of alternative splicing of FES1 transcripts that leads to the expression of the two alternative splice isoforms Fes1S and Fes1L. Both isoforms are functional NEFs but localize to different compartments. Fes1S is localized to the cytosol and is required for the efficient degradation of Hsp70-associated misfolded proteins. In contrast, Fes1L is targeted to the nucleus and represents the first identified nuclear NEF in yeast. The identification of distinctly localized Fes1 isoforms have implications for the understanding of the mechanisms underlying nucleo-cytoplasmic PQC. Study III reports on the mechanism that Fes1 employs to regulate Hsp70 function. Specifically Fes1 carries an N-terminal domain (NTD) that is conserved throughout the fungal kingdom. The NTD is flexible, modular and is required for the cellular function of Fes1. Importantly, the NTD forms ATP-sensitive complexes with Hsp70 suggesting that it competes substrates of the chaperone during Fes1-Hsp70 interactions. Study IV reports on methodological development for the efficient assembly of bacterial protein-expression plasmids using yeast homologous recombination cloning and the novel vector pSUMO-YHRC. The findings support the notion that Fes1 plays a key role in determining the fate of Hsp70-associated misfolded substrates and thereby target them for proteasomal degradation. From a broader perspective, the findings provide information essential to develop models that describe how Hsp70 function is regulated by different NEFs to participate in protein folding and degradation.

At the time of the doctoral defense, the following paper was unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 3: Manuscript.

Orientador: Osmar Malaspina
Resumo: As abelhas Apis mellifera africanizadas são consideradas importantes polinizadores no Brasil, uma vez que muitas culturas de alimentos dependem da polinização promovida por esses insetos. No entanto, com o crescimento da produtividade agrícola houve aumento do uso de agrotóxicos para o controle de pragas, os quais podem atingir também insetos não-alvo. Com a ação dos inseticidas como uma das possíveis causadoras da morte massiva desses polinizadores, pesquisas sobre o impacto dos agrotóxicos em abelhas receberam destaque. Diante do exposto, o presente estudo propôs investigar os efeitos de uma dose subletal de tiametoxam (TMX) (0,0227 ng de ingrediente ativo/μl de alimento), importante inseticida da classe dos neonicotinóides, no cérebro e no intestino de Apis mellifera africanizadas, por meio da avaliação da atividade de biomarcadores enzimáticos de exposição e de estresse oxidativo e pela ocorrência de peroxidação lipídica. O nível de estresse celular também foi investigado pela imunomarcação das proteínas de choque térmico HSP70 e HSP90 em conjunto com a detecção de morte celular pelo ensaio de TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling). Os dados mostraram que, no cérebro, o TMX aumentou a atividade de acetilcolinesterase (AChE) em 1, 3 e 5 dias de exposição, enquanto a carboxilesterase (CaE) diminuiu no primeiro dia e a glutationa s-transferase (GST) aumentou no quinto dia. Por sua vez, as enzimas antioxidantes foram menos atuantes no cérebro, se... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: Africanized Apis mellifera bees are considered important pollinators in Brazil, since many food crops depend on the pollination by these insects. However, with the growth of agricultural productivity there has been an increase in the use of insecticides for pest control, which also can reach non-target insects. With the action of insecticides as one of the possible causes of the massive death of these pollinators, the studies of the effects of pesticides on bees were highlighted. Given the context, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of a sub lethal dose of thiamethoxam - TMX (0.0227 ng of active ingredient / μl of food), a insecticide of the class of neonicotinoids, in the brain and intestine of Africanized Apis mellifera, through the evaluation of the activity of enzymatic biomarkers of exposure and of oxidative stress and by the occurrence of lipid peroxidation. The level of cell stress was also investigated by the immunostaining of the HSP70 and HSP90 proteins together with the detection of cell death by the TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling) assay. The data showed that, in the brain, TMX increased acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) at 1, 3 and 5 days of exposure, while carboxylesterase (CaE) decreased on the first day and glutathione s-transferase (GST) increased in the fifth day. On the other hand, antioxidant enzymes were less active in the brain, and only glutathione peroxidase (GPX) showed increased activity on the f... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)
Doutor

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)
Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)
O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a associação da expressão gênica e proteômica com a maciez da carne de bovinos da raça Nelore. A partir de uma população de 90 animais foram selecionados três grupos experimentais por meio da análise de força de cisalhamento (FC) e índice de fragmentação miofibrilar (MFI), sendo: carne moderadamente macia, carne moderadamente dura e carne muito dura. A expressão dos genes foi avaliada por meio da análise de PCR em tempo real e a análise proteômica foi realizada com base na separação de proteínas por meio da eletroforese bidimensional (2D-PAGE) e caracterizção por espectrometria de massas com ionização eletrospray (ESI-MS/MS). A expressão da isoforma da calpastatina (CAST2) mostrou-se up regulated (P<0,05) nos grupos de carne moderadamente dura e muito dura. Os genes HSP90AA1, DNAJA1 e HSPB1, os quais representam as proteínas de choque térmico Hsp90, Hsp40 e Hsp27, respectivamente, mostraram expressão down regulated (P<0,05) no grupo de carne moderadamente macia em relação ao grupo de carne muito dura. Na análise proteômica, a expressão do spot protéico das enzimas metabólicas TPI e PGM1, proteína estrutural PFN1 e aminiopeptidase LAP3 se mostraram up regulated (P<0,05) no grupo de carne moderadamente macia, enquanto que a expressão das proteínas estruturais (ACTA1, ACTB, ACTG1 e MLC1), estresse oxidativo (PRDX6, PRDX2, PRDX1 and PARK7), proteínas de choque térmico (HSP90AA1, HSP90AB1, HSPA1A, HSPA1B, HSPA1L, HSPD1 e HSPB1), e co-chaperonas e regulação celular (CD37, STIP1 e ARHGDIA) se mostraram down regulated (P>0,05) no mesmo grupo experimental. Estes resultados fornecem uma visão importante de novos possíveis marcadores biológicos atuantes no processo de amaciamento da carne, o que pode colaborar para melhor entender e gerar novas estratégias de seleção nos programas de melhoramento genético de bovinos Nelore.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of gene expression and proteomics with meat tenderness in Nellore cattle. From population of 90 animals three experimental groups were selected by shear force (SF) and/or myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI): moderately tender meat, moderately tough meat and very tough meat. Gene expression was evaluated by real-time PCR and proteomics analysis was performed based on protein separation by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and characterisation by eletrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). Expression of the calpastatin isoform (CAST2) was up-regulated (P<0.05) in the moderately tough and very tough meat groups. Expression of the HSP90AA1, DNAJA1 and HSPB1 genes, wich represent the heat shock proteins Hsp90, Hsp40 and Hsp27, respectively, were down-regulated (P<0.05) in the moderately tender meat in relation to the very tough group. In the proteomics analysis, the expression of the protein spots of metabolism TPI1 and PGM1, structural protein PFN1, and aminopeptidase LAP3 were up regulated (P<0.05) in the moderately tender meat, while the expression of structural proteins (ACTA1, ACTB, ACTG1 and MLC1), oxidative stress (PRDX6, PRDX2, PRDX1 and PARK7), heat shock protein (HSP90AA1, HSP90AB1, HSPA1A, HSPA1B, HSPA1L, HSPD1 and HSPB1) and co-chaperones and cellular regulatory (CD37, STIP1 and ARHGDIA) were down regulated (P>0.05) in the same experimental group. The present results suggest an important view of possible new biological markers in the meat tenderization process, wich permit to unsderstand and generate new strategies for selection in Nellore cattle breeding programs.
FAPESP: 15/13021-1

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
The function of major histocompatability complex (MHC) class II molecules is to present antigenic peptides to CD4+ T cells. Typically, MHC class II molecules present peptides derived from exogenous sources. Yet, certain endogenous antigens (Ags) have been found to be presented by class II molecules. Studies suggest that specific heat shock protein family members may play a role in Ag processing and subsequent class II presentation. The studies presented here using B lymphoblasts demonstrate the importance of HSP90α, HSP90β, and possibly HSP70 in selectively regulating MHC class II presentation. Inactivation of HSP90 function using pharmacological inhibitors inhibited class II presentation of exogenous and endogenous GAD, but did not perturb the presentation of several other intra- and extracellular Ags. Individual knockdown of HSP90 isoforms using isoform specific siRNA selectively inhibited GAD Ag presentation. These results demonstrate a requirement for HSP90α and HSP90β in regulating MHC class II presentation of select Ags. Studies to explore mechanistically the roles of HSP90α and HSP90β in regulating GAD Ag presentation were pursued. The pathways of exogenous and endogenous MHC class II presentation of GAD Ag are distinct yet converge with shared terminal processing of GAD within endosomal/lysosomal vesicles. The effect of HSP90 manipulation on various shared components of the MHC class II pathway was examined. The studies presented here suggest that HSP90α and HSP90β regulate MHC class II presentation of GAD Ag at discrete steps most likely involving HSP90 binding to GAD Ag rather than perturbing overall MHC class II function. vi Studying the role of HSP90 in MHC class II presentation in B cells revealed the potential requirement for HSP70 in the presentation of select Ags. The studies presented here demonstrate a possible role for HSP70 in the presentation of Ags such as SMA or Ig kappa by MHC class II molecules. Also included in this work is a study of a rare case of diabetes caused by type B insulin resistance due to development of insulin receptor autoantibodies during the treatment of hepatitis C with interferon alpha and ribavirin. Clinical and laboratory findings in the case are presented.

碩士
國立臺灣師範大學
生命科學研究所
97
Autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders involving progressive degeneration of the cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal tract. More than 28 subtypes have been reported. SCA17 is caused by an expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) in a general transcription initiation factor, the TATA-box binding protein (TBP). The mutated TBP with polyQ expansion causes a conformational change to promote misfolding and aggregation. Futhermore, a polyQ mutation can induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that directly contribute to cell death. During oxidative stress, synthesis of several heat shock proteins (such as HSPA5, HSPA8 and HSPB1 chaperones) increase to protect cells against oxidative stress. Chaperones may modulate polyQ protein toxicity by stabilizing the misfolded conformation to reduce aggregate formation. Investigation of chaperones and oxidative stress associated with SCA17 may not only contribute to the understanding of molecular mechanism of the disease but also provide therapeutic strategy to slow down the disease progression. By establishing stably induced cell model, the study results revealed that TBP with expanded polyQ formed nuclear aggregates with significant increase in sub G1 phase of cell cycle. Cells expressed polyQ-expanded TBP display increased ROS production and increased sensitivity to staurosporine treatment and serum deprivation. Using transient cell model, HSPA5, HSPA8 and HSPB1 overexpression can reduce aggregate formation.

Dottorato di Ricerca in Biologia Animale, XIX Ciclo
At date, a plethora of evidence regarding adverse morpho-functional and neurobiological aspects provoked by environmental stressors has been considered. Following exposure to stress factors, the activation of both specific neurosignaling mechanisms and molecular pathways account for the modulation of complex adaptative processes in animal targets. In this context, the aim of the present work is to analyze the neuroprotective role of histaminergic system and heat shock proteins towards environmental neurotoxicants such as heavy metals and pesticides in the Teleost Thalassoma pavo. Such environmental stressors account for significative alterations on motor and feeding behaviors, which are tightly correlated to neurodegenerative processes in key brain regions. In this work, the molecular characterization of H2R and H3R permits to demonstrate a conservation of specific sequences, which appear to be determinant for the function of such subtypes in phylogenetically distant Vertebrates. Moreover, the inactivation of H2R and H3R, via the application of selective antagonists (Cimetidine and Thioperamide, respectively), induces in Thalassoma pavo abnormal behaviors and trascriptional alterations, suggesting a clear physiological role of this neuronal system in our model. The expression pattern of histaminergic system results to be highly modified following exposure to environmental stressors in a region-dependent manner. In particular, the heavy metals induce downregulations of H2R mRNA in some brain regions such as mesencephalon, which is involved in the regulation of motor activities. On the other hand, both heavy metal and pesticides account for an increasement of H3R trascriptional levels in hypothalamic and telencephalic areas. From the concomitant exposure to histaminergic antagonists and environmental stressors, it was possible to demonstrate that H2R blockade is responsible for enhanced stressors-dependent neurotoxic effects. On the contrary, the inhibition of H3R activities accounts for an amelioration of both abnormal motor behaviors and neuronal damage induced by such environmental stressors. Consistent with the effects on histaminergic system, heavy metals and pesticides also promote the activation of cellular defence processes through the stimulation of heat shock proteins trascription, i.e. HSP90 e HSP70. The histaminergic antagonists are able to influence heat shock proteins expression, inducing a heterogeneous pattern of HSP90 trascription levels, while in the case of HSP70 an enhanced expression is typical of all encephalic areas. The results of the present work demonstrate, for the first time in an aquatic Vertebrate, a possible interactions between histaminergic system-dependent neurosignaling activities and HSPs network, which could be represent an important neurophysiological mechanism operating during neuronal stress conditions.
Università della Calabria

Η απόκριση των κυττάρων στο στρες συνδέεται με την επαγωγή μιας ομάδας πρωτεϊνών που ονομάζονται θερμοεπαγόμενες πρωτεΐνες (Hsps). Οι πρωτεΐνες αυτές ανήκουν στην κατηγορία των κυτταρικών συνοδών μορίων (chaperons) και προστατεύουν τα κύτταρα από τη μετουσίωση και συσσωμάτωση των πρωτεϊνών τους. Οι περισσότερες Hsps συντίθενται και σε φυσιολογικές συνθήκες και παίζουν σημαντικούς ρόλους στην ορθή αναδίπλωση, μεταφορά και αποικοδόμηση των πρωτεϊνών του κυττάρου. Οι Hsps κατηγοριοποιούνται σε διακριτές οικογένειες σύμφωνα με τα μοριακά τους βάρη. Από τις οικογένειες αυτές η οικογένεια των μικρών Hsps (sHsps), με μοριακά βάρη12-43 kDa, χαρακτηρίζονται από την παρουσία μιας πολύ συντηρημένης επικράτειας της α-κρυσταλλίνης στο καρβoξυτελικό τους άκρο. Μία από τις πιο καλά μελετημένες sHsps είναι η Hsp27. Η Hsp27, εκτός από το κύριο ρόλο της ως μοριακού συνοδού, εμπλέκεται και σε άλλες κυτταρικές λειτουργίες όπως η διαφοροποίηση, η απόπτωση, ο σχηματισμός του κυτταροσκελετού και η ρύθμιση της οξειδωτικής ισορροπίας των κυττάρων. Από τα αποτελέσματα της παρούσας εργασίας φάνηκε ότι το γονίδιο Cchsp27 εκφράζεται κάτω από φυσιολογικές συνθήκες κατά την ανάπτυξη της μεσογειακής μύγας και ότι η έκφραση του ρυθμίζεται στα διάφορα αναπτυξιακά στάδια του εντόμου. Πειράματα στον εγκέφαλο, στις ωοθήκες και στους όρχεις ενηλίκων ατόμων έδειξαν ότι στον εγκέφαλο των αρσενικών ατόμων το Cchsp27 mRNA παρουσιάζει σημαντικά υψηλότερα επίπεδα έκφρασης συγκριτικά με τον εγκέφαλο των θηλυκών ατόμων. Ακόμη παρατηρήθηκαν υψηλότερα επίπεδα έκφρασης του Cchsp27 mRNA στους όρχεις από ότι στις ωοθήκες. Τα αποτελέσματα από την έκφραση του γονιδίου στους σιελογόνους αδένες προνυμφών έδειξαν υψηλά επίπεδα έκφρασης στους σιελογόνους αδένες 24 ώρες πριν την εκτίναξη των προνυμφών, ενώ σταδιακά η έκφραση μειώνεται μέχρι το στάδιο της εκτινασσόμενης προνύμφης. Η έκφραση του Cchsp27 mRNA αυξάνεται στο στάδιο του λευκού προβομβυκίου ενώ στη συνέχεια σταδιακά μειώνεται. Ύστερα από την καλλιέργεια σιελογόνων αδένων παρουσία εκδυσόνης φάνηκε ότι συμβαίνει καταστολή της έκφρασης γονιδίου σε υψηλές συγκέντρωσης της ορμόνης, ενώ παρατηρείται επαγωγή σε συγκέντρωση 10-6 M. Σε ότι αφορά στην καλλιέργεια ωοθηκών και όρχεων παρουσία εκδυσόνης, παρατηρήθηκε μέγιστη επαγωγή του Cchsp27 γονιδίου στις ωοθήκες στα νεοεκκολαπτόμενα θηλυκά, ενώ μέγιστη επαγωγή στους όρχεις παρατηρήθηκε στα αρσενικά άτομα δύο ημερών. Ακολούθως, δημιουργήθηκε ένα διαγονιδιακό στέλεχος που φέρει το υβριδικό γονίδιο hsp27-GFP υπό τον έλεγχο της ευρύτερης 5΄ περιοχής του hsp27 γονιδίου, με σκοπό την μελλοντική μελέτη της κυτταρικής και ενδοκυτταρικής κατανομής της πρωτεΐνης Hsp27 κατά την ανάπτυξη της μεσογειακής μύγας. Τέλος, μελετήθηκε η έκφραση των γονιδίων Cchsp27 και Cchsp23 σε συνθήκες ψυχρού στρες. Και τα δύο γονίδια έδειξαν σημαντική έκφραση αυξανόμενου χρόνου επώασης στους 0 οC, με το Cchsp27 να παρουσιάζει υψηλότερα επίπεδα έκφρασης σε σχέση με το Cchsp23.
The stress response in cells is connected with the induction of heat shock proteins (Hsps). The Hsps are part of the molecular chaperons system and their role is to protect the cells from the protein denaturation and aggregation. Most Hsps are produced under non-stress conditions and they play a significant role in the correct folding, transmission and degradation of the cell’s proteins. Hsps are being divided into families according to their molecular mass. One of these families is the small heat shock proteins (sHsps) with molecular mass 12-43 kDa. This family is being characterized with a highly conservative domain called α-crystallin, which is located in the C-terminal domain. One of the most well studied sHsp is Hsp27. Hsp27 has an important role as molecular chaperone but also it is implicated in other events such differentiation, apoptosis, cytoskeleton’s formation and the regulation of the oxidized balance of the cell. The results that had arisen from this project, have shown that the Cchsp27 gene is expressed under non-stress conditions during the medfly’s development and that its expression is being regulated during the insect’s developmental stages. Experiments that were performed in brain, ovaries and testes which were removed from individual adults, have shown that the Cchsp27 gene is expressed highly in the male brain and in testes, comparing with female brain and ovaries respectively. Experiments that were performed in larvae salivary glands have shown significant expression levels of the Cchsp27 gene, 24 hours before jumping stage. The expression levels of the Cchsp27 gene are being reduced until the jumping stage and then they increased in the white pupa stage. The expression levels of the Cchsp27 gene are being reduced for the next three stages. The salivary glands were incubated with the hormone ecdysone and the results from these cultures have shown that in high ecdysone concentrations there is a repression in the gene’s expression whereas in concentration of 10-6 M there has been an induction. Ovaries and testes were incubated also with ecdysone and the results indicate that the maximum Cchsp27 gene induction happens in ovaries that have been removed from newborn females, and in testes that have been removed from males of the age of two days. Also, part of this project was the construction of a transgenic strain that it carries the hybrid gene hsp27-GFP under the regulation of the 5΄upstream region of the hsp27 gene. This strain will be used in the future for the study of the cellular distribution of the Hsp27 protein during the medfly’s development. For the last part of this project we study the expression levels of Cchsp27 and Cchsp23 genes under cold shock conditions. Both genes are expressed and their expression levels are being raised as the time of incubation increases in 0 οC. The expression levels of Cchsp27 gene were higher in comparison with the expression levels of Cchsp23 gene.

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are a class of molecular chaperones which were first discovered as proteins up-regulated in response to heat stress in Drosophila. Later, it was found that these set of proteins get up-regulated as a general stress response associated with destabilization of native protein structures. Over a period of time, intricate involvement of Hsps in various biological processes has been well established. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is one of the important representative of this class of proteins. Hsp90 is an essential molecular chaperone which is evolutionarily conserved. It has a selective set of proteins to chaperone called as clients, which majorly include transcription factors and protein kinases. Through its interaction with its clients it modulates cell cycle, signal transduction, differentiation, development and evolution. Previous studies from Candida, Leishmania and Plasmodium have implicated Hsp90 to be involved in stage transition and growth. It is also critically involved in regulating growth of other protozoans such as Dictyostelium, Entamoeba and Trypanosoma. Thus, selective inhibition of Hsp90 has been explored as an intervention strategy against important human diseases such as cancer, malaria and other protozoan diseases. In Plasmodium falciparum, Hsp90 plays a critical role in stage transition. The parasite inside the human RBC develops from ring to trophozoite to schizont stage and inhibition of Hsp90 using specific pharmacological inhibitor arrests the growth of parasite at ring stage. In Dictyostelium, it has been observed that Hsp90 function is required for development. Inhibition of Hsp90 causes mound arrest and stops the cells from entering to its next developmental stage, fruiting bodies. In parallel, Hsp90 in Candida has been shown to be involved in morphogenesis. In nature Candida exists as a single cell yeast form and upon entry into the human host these yeast forms undergo morphogenesis to form virulent filamentous fungi. Inhibition of Hsp90 mimics temperature mediated morphogenesis. All together, these studies suggest that Hsp90 functions in a context dependent manner and each biological system explored has given new insights into the Hsp90 biology. Giardia lamblia, a protozoan parasite of humans and animals, is an important cause of diarrheal disease causing significant morbidity and also mortality in tropical countries. In the present study we focus on the biology of Hsp90 from Giardia lamblia. Giardia has a biphasic life cycle with infective cyst stage and pathogenic trophozoite stage. These cysts are present in the environment and enter mammalian host through oral route. They undergo a process called as excystation in the intestine giving rise to trophozoites. The trophozoites so formed colonize the upper part of the small intestine which causes the symptoms of giardiasis. Some of the trophozoites escape from the nutrition rich milieu of the upper part of small intestine to the lower part. In this region, trophozoites undergo a process called as encystation, wherein each trophozoite forms a cyst which escapes through faeces back into the environment. As seen in the life cycle of Giardia there are two major biological transitions, excystation and encystation; and till date no definitive player or pathway is known to regulate these processes. With the knowledge of Hsp90 playing an important role in similar biological transitions in other organisms we were encouraged to study role of Hsp90 in Giardia lamblia. Trans-splicing based generation of a full length Hsp90 in Giardia lamblia To understand the role of Hsp90, we first carried out sequence alignment of Hsp90 predicted ORFs in Giardia genome with yeast Hsp90. On alignment we observed that Hsp90 in Giardia is discontinuous and is annotated to be encoded by two different ORFs. Hsp90 in most organisms is coded by a single ORF with none to many cis-spliced introns. In a relatively intron poor organism G. lamblia, cytosolic Hsp90 is coded by two different ORFs separated by 777 kb in the genome. On multiple sequence alignment, we noticed that these two ORFs correspond to two independent regions of the Hsp90 protein. The ORFs are designated as hspN and hspC, containing the N-terminal and the C-terminal region of the protein respectively. We began our study by sequencing whole genome of Giardia lamblia clinical strain. Our genome sequencing confirmed the split nature of hsp90 and showed high ‘synteny’ between the other sequenced isolates. Using PCR based approach we have ruled out the possibility of having a full length gene in the genome. In contradiction to the genome result, we have observed a higher molecular weight protein in the lysate on proteomic analysis which was further confirmed by western blotting. The protein was observed to have a molecular weight of 80 kDa which could be a resultant of combination of two ORFs, suggesting the presence of a full length mRNA for Hsp90. PCR amplification using primers against both the fragments resulted in amplification of 2.1 kb product from the RNA pool of Giardia. Sequencing of this product showed that hspN and hspC were stitched together to form a mature messenger for full length Hsp90. In total our results suggest a post transcriptional process, trans-splicing, to be involved in the construction of Hsp90. The transition marked by this fusion coincides with the canonical GU¬AG splice site transitions as observed in other eukaryotes. Interestingly, a 26 nt near-complementary region was observed inside and upstream of hspN and hspC ORFs respectively. Put together these results suggest that the 26 nt complementary region acts as the positioning element to bring these two precursors in spatial proximity. With efficient spliceosomal activity these two precursor forms are trans-spliced to generate a full length cytosolic Hsp90 in Giardia. There are only four genes which have cis-spliced introns in the Giardia genome and the core components of the spliceosomal machinery are also present. The presence of canonical splice site in both the transcripts suggests that these transcripts are fused together by the spliceosomal machinery by the phenomenon of trans-splicing. The formation of full length Hsp90 RNA by its fragmented gene is the first example of trans-splicing in Giardia. To understand, are there any other genes which are also similarly trans-spliced we have carried out shotgun proteomic analysis of the total cell lysate obtained from Giardia trophozoites. Using Hsp90 as template, in our proteomic datasets, we have designed an algorithm for identification of additional trans-spliced gene products at the protein level. We have identified a total of 476 proteins of which hypothetical proteins constitute the major class followed by metabolic enzymes. We have compared the theoretical molecular weights for the identified proteins with the experimentally determined mass. Any discrepancy in the molecular mass was further analyzed and we assigned a gene to be potentially trans-spliced based on three criteria: if they were encoded by two or more different ORFs (loci), absence of a single full length counterpart and presence of splice sites with branch point and positional elements. Using this algorithm we were able to identify dynein as a potential candidate of trans-splicing reaction which was confirmed by the nucleotide sequence analysis of the predicted ORFs. Interestingly, dynein gene fragments were observed to be scattered on different chromosomes with minor splice sites unlike hsp90 genes. In vivo Expression of Hsp90 sub-fragments, HspN and HspC In the mature Hsp90 mRNA formed upon trans-splicing, 33 additional codons are present right between hspN and hspC sequences and they were acquired from the upstream region of hspC ORF. The 33 codons encode for an important region of Hsp90 which harbours the conserved catalytic “Arg” residue; suggesting that the full length Giardia Hsp90 (GlHsp90) formed could be an active ATPase. To confirm the same we have carried out in vitro characterization of trans-spliced Hsp90. Towards this, we have cloned, expressed and purified His tag-GlHsp90. As a first step, highly purified protein was used to assess its efficiency in binding to it cognate ligand, ATP, and the known inhibitors. Our binding studies show that GlHsp90 binds to ATP with a dissociation constant of 628 M and to its inhibitors, GA and 17AAG with 1.5 μM and 17.5 μM respectively. The bound ATP will be subsequently cleaved by Hsp90 which is an essential step in the chaperone cycle. As determined in our ATPase assay we observed that GlHsp90 hydrolyzes bound ATP with the catalytic efficiency of 4.4 × 10-5μM-1.min-1which confirms that Hsp90 generated upon trans-splicing is an active ATPase. The uniqueness of the hsp90 gene arrangement in Giardia posed a new question. Do these gene fragments also get translated? Our results suggest that HspN and HspC are poly¬adenylated. In order to determine the levels of these transcripts we performed qRT-PCR using primers specific to HspN, HspC and GlHsp90. We have observed that, in comparison with HspN transcript level, HspC and GlHsp90 transcripts are 15 and 75 folds higher respectively. To check for the presence of translation products of these transcripts, we have re-analyzed our proteomic datasets wherein we could identify peptides corresponding to HspN and HspC in their respective molecular weight region, 45 to 35 kDa. To confirm the proteomic data, western blot analysis was performed for trophozoite lysate on both 1D and 2D gels using anti-HspN antibody. Two specific bands (1D) / spots (2D) corresponding to the full length Hsp90 and HspN were identified. Gel filtration analysis revealed that HspN co¬eluted with full length Hsp90 thereby suggesting that both the proteins are in a same complex. With the background that HspN and HspC are present at the protein level, we asked if these fragments in combination can hydrolyse ATP. We reconstituted recombinant HspN and HspC in equimolar amounts and scored for the hydrolysis of ATP. However, no Pi release was observed. To determine whether HspN and HspC could modulate Hsp90 function, ATPase activity was monitored in the presence of HspN or HspC, in vitro. It was observed that ATPase activity was inhibited by both the fragments thus suggesting that HspN and HspC negatively regulate Hsp90 ATPase activity. Role of Hsp90 in Giardia encystation Giardia has a biphasic life cycle with proliferative trophozoites and latent cyst stage. In Giardia, in vitro encystation was established nearly two decades back by modulating the medium conditions. However, the mechanism and triggers underlying this transition are not well characterized. To understand whether Hsp90 has any role in this transition, in vitro conversion of trophozoites to cysts was achieved. The cysts obtained showed all the characteristic features of mature Giardia cyst with cyst wall protein 1 (CWP1) on the cyst wall and four nuclei as determined by immunofluorescence analysis. Further, the levels of Hsp90 in trophozoites were compared with mature cysts at both transcript and protein levels and it was found that cysts show more than 50% reduction in the level of Hsp90 in comparison with normal trophozoites. In accordance, exogenous inhibition of Hsp90 using 17AAG promoted the formation of cysts in vitro by 60 folds in a dose dependent manner; however, the window period of Hsp90 function compromise plays an important role in this process. Higher numbers of cysts were obtained from the cells treated with inhibitors during pre-encystation condition but inhibition of Hsp90 during encystation did not affect the formation of cysts, suggesting that Hsp90 down-regulation plays an important role during commitment towards encystation. To further show that cyst formation is a specific response to Hsp90 inhibition we have carried out encystation in the presence of metranidazole and from heat shocked cells; however, in both the conditions we did not observe any significant change in cyst formation, thus confirming that Hsp90 plays an important role during encystation in Giardia lamblia. Summary In Conclusion, Our study throws light on a unique aspect of Hsp90 biology in Giardia Lamblia, wherein the formation of the full length protein is dependent on a unique trans splicing reaction of its gene components representing different domains. We have also shown that HsP90 fragments, HspN and HspC, are also expressed in Trophozoites. Our in vitro data suggests that these fragments possibly regulate the function of Hsp90. Furthermore, the full length of Hsp90 plays an important role in stage transition in Giardia wherein inhibition of Hsp90 induces encystations. The study has opened many new avenues for research. Understanding the exact role of HspN and HspC in vivo will provide better appreciation for the evolution of such a complex biogenesis of an essential protein.

Proteínas de Choque Térmico são um grupo de proteínas que é induzido em resposta ao stress e situações lesivas. As várias proteínas que pertencem a este grupo estão divididas em famílias, de acordo com o seu peso molecular. Podem ser distinguidas a HSP72, HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, HSP90 e uma família adicional de grandes HSPs. Este é um grupo de proteínas que é constitutivamente expresso em células normais sendo responsável pela homeostase celular. É de facto o seu nível de expressão basal que sustenta os processos que ocorrem num ambiente intracelular saudável. Uma vez que as HSPs interagem com muitas outras proteínas, elas são referidas como “ajudantes moleculares”, enquanto as proteínas que elas ajudam recebem o nome de “proteínas cliente”. Contudo, também existem HSPs que ajudam outras HSPs. Nesta situação elas são chamadas de “co-ajudantes”, como no caso da HSP40 com a HSP70 ou HSP90. Apesar das HSPs terem sido primeiramente descobertas após um choque térmico, atualmente sabe-se que podem ser induzidas por diversos outros estímulos. O seu desempenho em situações de stress é ajudar as células a restaurar o seu ambiente fisiológico, sendo fundamentais para a viabilidade e sobrevivência dos organismos. Células cancerígenas também tiram vantagem destes mecanismos. Um processo oncológico é uma situação lesiva que culmina na activação das HSPs, que contribuem para os piores prognósticos nas doenças neoplásicas. Uma abordagem terapêutica que surgiu com o estudo das HSPs no desenvolvimento tumoral foi a criação de moléculas que inibem as HSPs e as suas funções. Desta forma, a Oncologia Translacional tornou-se um campo muito importante, permitindo que nanoproteínas, como as HSPs, sejam usadas como potenciais alvos anti-cancerígenos. HSP90 é considerada o alvo terapêutico perfeito, entre todas as HSPs, visto que os seus inibidores demonstram os melhores resultados. Uma vez que estes fármacos estão ainda numa fase de experimentação, espécies de roedores e canídeos de laboratório têm sido usados em diversos ensaios clínicos de inibidores de HSPs. Geralmente as HSPs encontram-se excessivamente expressas na maioria dos tumores, tanto em humanos como em animais. Considerando as semelhanças epidemiológicas, morfológicas e biológicas que os seres humanos partilham com os animais de companhia, espera-se que os tumores espontâneos destas espécies sejam o melhor modelo animal para estudar a doença em pacientes humanos.
Heat Shock Proteins are a group of proteins that is induced in response to stress and harmful situations. The several proteins that belong to this group are further divided into families, based on their molecular weight, distinguished by the terms HSP27, HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, HSP90 and an additional family of large HSPs. This is a group of proteins that is constitutively expressed in normal cells, being responsible for the maintenance of the celular homeostasis. It is indeed their basal level of expression that sustains the pathways that occur in healthy intracellular environments. Since HSPs interact with multiple other proteins, they are referred to as “molecular chaperones”, while the proteins that they help receive the name of “client proteins”. However, there are some HSPs that assist other HSPs. In this situation they are called “co-chaperones”, as in the case of HSP40 with both HSP70 and HSP90. Although HSPs were first discovered after a heat shock, nowadays it is known that they can be induced by a variety of other stimuli. The work they do in stressful situations is to help the cells to restore their physiological environments, being fundamental for viability and survival of organisms. Cancer cells also take advantage of these mechanisms. An oncologic process is a harmful situation, which culminates with the activation of HSPs, allowing cancer cells to survive to otherwise lethal conditions. They also contribute to the worst prognosis of the neoplastic disease. A therapeutic approach that was invented by studying the role of HSPs in tumorigenesis was the creation of molecules that inhibit HSPs and their functions. This way, Translational Oncology has become a very important field, allowing nanoproteins, like HSPs, to be used as potencial anticancer targets. HSP90 is considered the perfect drug target among all HSPs, with its inhibitors being the ones with the most promising results. Because these drugs are still in the experimental phase, laboratory rodent and canine species have been used in several clinical trials of HSPs inhibitors. Generally, HSPs are overexpressed in the majority of cancers, in both humans and animals. Given the epidemiological, morphologic and biological similarities that human beings share with companian animals, it was concluded that spontaneous tumors in this species provide the best model to study the disease in humans.