Evaluation of inflamassomas activation in cultured neurons derived from the human cell lines (SH-SY5Y) overexpressing mutant SOD1 protein (hSOD1G93A)

• Grant number: 16/17101-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2016
• End date: July 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology - Cytology and Cell Biology
• Principal Investigator: Renato Barboza
• Grantee: Isabela Nagy Iorio
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Diadema. Diadema , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Activation of innate immunity receptors in neurons induces inflammatory processes that contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The understanding of the function of these receptors on the activation processes are fundamental to clarify the immunomodulatory mechanisms that trigger neurodegeneration. In view of this, the aim of this project is to analyze the function of inflamassomas in the development of neurodegenerative processes. To do this, cultures of neurons derived from the human cell lines are used (SH-SY5Y) overexpressing the hSOD1G93A protein will be evaluated. We will evaluate the formation of inflammassome complexes, and the formation of bioactive molecules IL-1 and caspase-1. Moreover, we also will evaluate the production of inflammatory mediators induced by inflammasome activation and the possible effects of its blockage. These results are important to the understanding of the inflammatory mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration processes, and can provide support for the proposition of intervention studies related to the development of neurodegenerative diseases.