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Zorn P, Calvo Sánchez J, Alakhras T, Schreier B, Gekle M, Hüttelmaier S, Köhn M. Rbfox1 controls alternative splicing of focal adhesion genes in cardiac muscle cells. J Mol Cell Biol 2024:mjae003. [PMID: 38253401 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjae003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing is one of the major cellular processes that determine the tissue-specific expression of protein variants. However, it remains challenging to identify physiologically relevant and tissue-selective proteins that are generated by alternative splicing. Hence, we investigated the target spectrum of the splicing factor Rbfox1 in the cardiac muscle context in more detail. By using a combination of in silico target prediction and in cell validation, we identified several focal adhesion proteins as alternative splicing targets of Rbfox1. We focused on the alternative splicing patterns of Vinculin (Metavinculin isoform) and Paxillin (extended Paxillin isoform) and identified both as potential Rbfox1 targets. Minigene analyses suggested that both isoforms are promoted by Rbfox1 due to binding in the introns. Focal adhesions play an important role in the cardiac muscle context, since they mainly influence cell shape, cytoskeletal organization, and cell-matrix association. Our data confirmed that depletion of Rbfox1 changed cardiomyoblast morphology, cytoskeletal organization, and multinuclearity after differentiation, which might be due to changes in alternative splicing of focal adhesion proteins. Hence, our results indicate that Rbfox1 promotes alternative splicing of focal adhesion genes in cardiac muscle cells, which might contribute to heart disease progression, where downregulation of Rbfox1 is frequently observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Zorn
- Junior Group 'Non-coding RNAs and RBPs in Human Diseases', Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jaime Calvo Sánchez
- Junior Group 'Non-coding RNAs and RBPs in Human Diseases', Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Tala Alakhras
- Junior Group 'Non-coding RNAs and RBPs in Human Diseases', Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Stefan Hüttelmaier
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Marcel Köhn
- Junior Group 'Non-coding RNAs and RBPs in Human Diseases', Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
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2
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Braun H, Hauke M, Petermann M, Eckenstaler R, Ripperger A, Schwedhelm E, Ludwig-Kraus B, Bernhard Kraus F, Jalal Ahmed Shawon M, Dubourg V, Zernecke A, Schreier B, Gekle M, Benndorf RA. Deletion of vascular thromboxane A 2 receptors and its impact on angiotensin II-induced hypertension and atherosclerotic lesion formation in the aorta of Ldlr-deficient mice. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 219:115916. [PMID: 37979705 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
The thromboxane A2 receptor (TP) has been shown to play a role in angiotensin II (Ang II)-mediated hypertension and pathological vascular remodeling. To assess the impact of vascular TP on Ang II-induced hypertension, atherogenesis, and pathological aortic alterations, i.e. aneurysms, we analysed Western-type diet-fed and Ang II-infused TPVSMC KO/Ldlr KO, TPEC KO/Ldlr KO mice and their respective wild-type littermates (TPWT/Ldlr KO). These analyses showed that neither EC- nor VSMC-specific deletion of the TP significantly affected basal or Ang II-induced blood pressure or aortic atherosclerotic lesion area. In contrast, VSMC-specific TP deletion abolished and EC-specific TP deletion surprisingly reduced the ex vivo reactivity of aortic rings to the TP agonist U-46619, whereas VSMC-specific TP knockout also diminished the ex vivo response of aortic rings to Ang II. Furthermore, despite similar systemic blood pressure, there was a trend towards less atherogenesis in the aortic arch and a trend towards fewer pathological aortic alterations in Ang II-treated female TPVSMC KO/Ldlr KO mice. Survival was impaired in male mice after Ang II infusion and tended to be higher in TPVSMC KO/Ldlr KO mice than in TPWT/Ldlr KO littermates. Thus, our data may suggest a deleterious role of the TP expressed in VSMC in the pathogenesis of Ang II-induced aortic atherosclerosis in female mice, and a surprising role of the endothelial TP in TP-mediated aortic contraction. However, future studies are needed to substantiate and further elucidate the role of the vascular TP in the pathogenesis of Ang II-induced hypertension, aortic atherosclerosis and aneurysm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Braun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Hauke
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany; Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Neurology and Pain Therapy, Brandenburg Medical School, Rüdersdorf, Germany
| | - Markus Petermann
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Robert Eckenstaler
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anne Ripperger
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Edzard Schwedhelm
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Md Jalal Ahmed Shawon
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Virginie Dubourg
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alma Zernecke
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg 97080, Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ralf A Benndorf
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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3
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Dubourg V, Schwerdt G, Schreier B, Kopf M, Mildenberger S, Benndorf RA, Gekle M. EGFR activation differentially affects the inflammatory profiles of female human aortic and coronary artery endothelial cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22827. [PMID: 38129563 PMCID: PMC10739936 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50148-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (EC) are key players in vascular function, homeostasis and inflammation. EC show substantial heterogeneity due to inter-individual variability (e.g. sex-differences) and intra-individual differences as they originate from different organs or vessels. This variability may lead to different responsiveness to external stimuli. Here we compared the responsiveness of female human primary EC from the aorta (HAoEC) and coronary arteries (HCAEC) to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) activation. EGFR is an important signal integration hub for vascular active substances with physiological and pathophysiological relevance. Our transcriptomic analysis suggested that EGFR activation differentially affects the inflammatory profiles of HAoEC and HCAEC, particularly by inducing a HCAEC-driven leukocyte attraction but a downregulation of adhesion molecule and chemoattractant expression in HAoEC. Experimental assessments of selected inflammation markers were performed to validate these predictions and the results confirmed a dual role of EGFR in these cells: its activation initiated an anti-inflammatory response in HAoEC but a pro-inflammatory one in HCAEC. Our study highlights that, although they are both arterial EC, female HAoEC and HCAEC are distinguishable with regard to the role of EGFR and its involvement in inflammation regulation, what may be relevant for vascular maintenance but also the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Dubourg
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany.
| | - Gerald Schwerdt
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Kopf
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Sigrid Mildenberger
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Ralf A Benndorf
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
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Dubourg V, Schwerdt G, Schreier B, Kopf M, Mildenberger S, Benndorf RA, Gekle M. Transcriptional impact of EGFR activation in human female vascular smooth muscle cells. iScience 2023; 26:108286. [PMID: 38026216 PMCID: PMC10651680 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) are critical for the vascular tone, but they can also drive the development of vascular diseases when they lose their contractile phenotype and de-differentiate. Previous studies showed that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) of VSMC is critical for vascular health, but most of the underlying mechanisms by which VSMC-EGFR controls vascular fate have remained unknown. We combined RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to characterize the effect of EGFR-activation on the transcriptome of human primary VSMC (from different female donors) and to identify potentially affected cellular processes. Our results indicate that the activation of human VSMC-EGFR is sufficient to trigger a phenotypical switch toward a proliferative and inflammatory phenotype. The extent of this effect is nonetheless partly donor-dependent. Our hypothesis-generating study thus provides a first insight into mechanisms that could partly explain variable susceptibilities to vascular diseases in between individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Dubourg
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Gerald Schwerdt
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Kopf
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sigrid Mildenberger
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ralf A. Benndorf
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Gekle M, Dubourg V, Schwerdt G, Benndorf RA, Schreier B. The role of EGFR in vascular AT1R signaling: From cellular mechanisms to systemic relevance. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 217:115837. [PMID: 37777161 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) belongs to the ErbB-family of receptor tyrosine kinases that are of importance in oncology. During the last years, substantial evidence accumulated for a crucial role of EGFR concerning the action of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) in blood vessels, resulting form AT1R-induced EGFR transactivation. This transactivation occurs through the release of membrane-anchored EGFR-ligands, cytosolic tyrosine kinases, heterocomplex formation or enhanced ligand expression. AT1R-EGFR crosstalk amplifies the signaling response and enhances the biological effects of angiotensin II. Downstream signaling cascades include ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK, PLCγ and STAT. AT1R-induced EGFR activation contributes to vascular remodeling and hypertrophy via e.g. smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration and extracellular matrix production. EGFR transactivation results in increased vessel wall thickness and reduced vascular compliance. AT1R and EGFR signaling pathways are also implicated the induction of vascular inflammation. Again, EGFR transactivation exacerbates the effects, leading to endothelial dysfunction that contributes to vascular inflammation, dysfunction and remodeling. Dysregulation of the AT1R-EGFR axis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases and inhibition or prevention of EGFR signaling can attenuate part of the detrimental impact of enhanced renin-angiotensin-system (RAAS) activity, highlighting the importance of EGFR for the adverse consequences of AT1R activation. In summary, EGFR plays a critical role in vascular AT1R action, enhancing signaling, promoting remodeling, contributing to inflammation, and participating in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the interplay between AT1R and EGFR will foster the development of effective therapeutic strategies of RAAS-induced disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, D-06112 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Virginie Dubourg
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, D-06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Gerald Schwerdt
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, D-06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ralf A Benndorf
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University, Halle, Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, D-06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
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Schreier B, Stern C, Rabe S, Mildenberger S, Gekle M. Assessment of the Role of Endothelial and Vascular Smooth Muscle EGFR for Acute Blood Pressure Effects of Angiotensin II and Adrenergic Stimulation in Obese Mice. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2241. [PMID: 37626737 PMCID: PMC10452314 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Obesity is associated with hypertension because of endocrine dysregulation of the adrenergic and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an important signaling hub in the cardiovascular system. In this study, we investigate the role of smooth muscle cell (VSMC) and endothelial cell (EC) EGFRs for blood pressure homeostasis and acute vascular reactivity in vivo. (2) Methods: Mice with deletion of the EGFR in the respective cell type received either a high-fat (HFD) or standard-fat diet (SFD) for 18 weeks. Intravascular blood pressure was measured via a Millar catheter in anesthetized animals upon vehicle load, angiotensin II (AII) and phenylephrine (PE) stimulation. (3) Results: We confirmed that deletion of the EGFR in VSMCs leads to reduced blood pressure and a most probably compensatory heart rate increase. EC-EGFR and VSMC-EGFR had only a minor impact on volume-load-induced blood pressure changes in lean as well as in obese wild-type animals. Regarding vasoactive substances, EC-EGFR seems to have no importance for angiotensin II action and counteracting HFD-induced prolonged blood pressure increase upon PE stimulation. VSMC-EGFR supports the blood pressure response to adrenergic and angiotensin II stimulation in lean animals. The responsiveness to AII and alpha-adrenergic stimulation was similar in lean and obese animals despite the known enhanced activity of the RAAS and the sympathetic nervous system under a high-fat diet. (4) Conclusions: We demonstrate that EGFRs in VSMCs and to a lesser extent in ECs modulate short-term vascular reactivity to AII, catecholamines and volume load in lean and obese animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle, Germany
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Braun H, Hauke M, Eckenstaler R, Petermann M, Ripperger A, Kühn N, Schwedhelm E, Ludwig-Kraus B, Kraus FB, Dubourg V, Zernecke A, Schreier B, Gekle M, Benndorf RA. The F2-isoprostane 8-iso-PGF 2α attenuates atherosclerotic lesion formation in Ldlr-deficient mice - Potential role of vascular thromboxane A 2 receptors. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 185:36-45. [PMID: 35470061 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The F2-isoprostane 8-iso-PGF2α (also known as 15-F2t-isoprostane, iPF2α-III, 8-epi PGF2α, 15(S)-8-iso-PGF2α, or 8-Isoprostane), a thromboxane A2 receptor (TP) agonist, stable biomarker of oxidative stress, and risk marker of cardiovascular disease, has been proposed to aggravate atherogenesis in genetic mouse models of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Moreover, the TP plays an eminent role in the pathophysiology of endothelial dysfunction, atherogenesis, and cardiovascular disease. Yet it is unknown, how the TP expressed by vascular cells affects atherogenesis or 8-iso-PGF2α-related effects in mouse models of atherosclerosis. We studied Ldlr-deficient vascular endothelial-specific (EC) and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-specific TP knockout mice (TPECKO/Ldlr KO; TPVSMCKO/Ldlr KO) and corresponding wild-type littermates (TPWT/Ldlr KO). The mice were fed a Western-type diet for eight weeks and received either 8-iso-PGF2α or vehicle infusions via osmotic pumps. Subsequently, arterial blood pressure, atherosclerotic lesion formation, and lipid profiles were analyzed. We found that VSMC-, but not EC-specific TP deletion, attenuated atherogenesis without affecting blood pressure or plasma lipid profiles of the mice. In contrast to a previous report, 8-iso-PGF2α tended to reduce atherogenesis in TPWT/Ldlr KO and TPEC KO/Ldlr KO mice, again without significantly affecting blood pressure or lipid profiles of these mice. However, no further reduction in atherogenesis was observed in 8-iso-PGF2α-treated TPVSMC KO/Ldlr KO mice. Our work suggests that the TP expressed in VSMC but not the TP expressed in EC is involved in atherosclerotic lesion formation in Ldlr-deficient mice. Furthermore, we report an inhibitory effect of 8-iso-PGF2α on atherogenesis in this experimental atherosclerosis model, which paradoxically appears to be related to the presence of the TP in VSMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Braun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Hauke
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Robert Eckenstaler
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Markus Petermann
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anne Ripperger
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Niklas Kühn
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Edzard Schwedhelm
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Virginie Dubourg
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alma Zernecke
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ralf A Benndorf
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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Schreier B, Zipprich A, Uhlenhaut H, Gekle M. Mineralocorticoid receptor in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:3165-3177. [PMID: 34935140 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases are the fourth common death in Europe responsible for about 2 million death per year worldwide. Among the known detrimental causes for liver dysfunction are virus infections, intoxications and obesity. The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor activated by aldosterone or glucocorticoids but also by pathological milieu factors. Canonical actions of the MR take place in epithelial cells of kidney, colon and sweat glands and contribute to sodium reabsorption, potassium secretion and extracellular volume homeostasis. The non-canonical functions can be initiated by inflammation or an altered micro milieu leading to fibrosis, hypertrophy and remodeling in various tissues. This narrative review summarizes the evidence regarding the role of MR in portal hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, demonstrating that inhibition of the MR in vivo seems to be beneficial for liver function and not just for volume regulation. Unfortunately, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not completely understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Alexander Zipprich
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Henriette Uhlenhaut
- TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
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9
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Schreier B, Dubourg V, Hübschmann S, Rabe S, Mildenberger S, Gekle M. Synergy of epidermal growth factor (EGFR) and angiotensin II (AT1R) receptor determines composition and temporal pattern of transcriptome variation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:57. [PMID: 34921637 PMCID: PMC8738452 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04065-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The tyrosine kinase receptor EGFR and the G-protein-coupled receptor AT1R induce essential cellular responses, in part via receptor crosstalk with an unknown role in nuclear information transfer and transcription regulation. We investigated whether this crosstalk results in linear, EGFR-mediated nuclear signalling or in parallel, synergistic information transfer leading to qualitative and temporal variations, relevant for gene expression and environment interaction. AT1R and EGFR synergistically activate SRF via the ERK1/2-TCF and actin-MRTF pathways. Synergism, comprised of switch-like and graded single cell response, converges on the transcription factors AP1 and EGR, resulting in synergistic transcriptome alterations, in qualitative (over-additive number of genes), quantitative (over-additive expression changes of individual genes) and temporal (more late onset and prolonged expressed genes) terms. Gene ontology and IPA® pathway analysis indicate prolonged cell stress (e.g. hypoxia-like) and dysregulated vascular biology. Synergism occurs during separate but simultaneous activation of both receptors and during AT1R-induced EGFR transactivation. EGFR and AT1R synergistically regulate gene expression in qualitative, quantitative and temporal terms with (patho)physiological relevance, extending the importance of EGFR-AT1R crosstalk beyond cytoplasmic signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Virginie Dubourg
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Stefanie Hübschmann
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sindy Rabe
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sigrid Mildenberger
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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Knyrim M, Rabe S, Grossmann C, Gekle M, Schreier B. Influence of miR-221/222 on cardiomyocyte calcium handling and function. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:160. [PMID: 34404451 PMCID: PMC8369661 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00676-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Cardiac electrical remodeling including altered ion channel expression and imbalance of calcium homeostasis can have detrimental effects on cardiac function. While it has been extensively reported that miR-221/222 are involved in structural remodeling, their role in electrical remodeling still has to be evaluated. We previously reported that subunits of the L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) are direct targets of miR-221/222. Furthermore, HL-1 cells transfected with miR-221 or -222 mimics showed a reduction in LTCC current density while the voltage-dependence of activation was not altered. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of miR-221/222 on cardiomyocyte calcium handling and function. Results Transient transfection of HL-1 cells with miR-221/222 mimics led to slower depolarization-dependent Ca2+ entry and increased proportion of non-responding cells. Angiotensin II-induced Ca2+ release from the SR was not affected by miR-221/222. In miR-222-transfected neonatal cardiomyocytes the isoprenaline-induced positive inotropic effect on the intracellular Ca2+ transient was lost and the positive chronotropic effect on spontaneous beating activity was strongly reduced. This could have severe consequences for cardiomyocytes and could lead to a reduced contractility and systolic dysfunction of the whole heart. Conclusions This study adds a new role of miR-221/222 in cardiomyocytes by showing the impact on β-adrenergic regulation of LTCC function, calcium handling and beating frequency. Together with the previous report that miR-221/222 reduce GIRK1/4 function and LTCC current density, it expands our knowledge about the role of these miRs on cardiac ion channel regulation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-021-00676-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Knyrim
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Sindy Rabe
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Claudia Grossmann
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
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11
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Stroedecke K, Meinel S, Markwardt F, Kloeckner U, Straetz N, Quarch K, Schreier B, Kopf M, Gekle M, Grossmann C. The mineralocorticoid receptor leads to increased expression of EGFR and T-type calcium channels that support HL-1 cell hypertrophy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13229. [PMID: 34168192 PMCID: PMC8225817 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92284-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The EGF receptor (EGFR) has been extensively studied in tumor biology and recently a role in cardiovascular pathophysiology was suggested. The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is an important effector of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system and elicits pathophysiological effects in the cardiovascular system; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. Our aim was to investigate the importance of EGFR for MR-mediated cardiovascular pathophysiology because MR is known to induce EGFR expression. We identified a SNP within the EGFR promoter that modulates MR-induced EGFR expression. In RNA-sequencing and qPCR experiments in heart tissue of EGFR KO and WT mice, changes in EGFR abundance led to differential expression of cardiac ion channels, especially of the T-type calcium channel CACNA1H. Accordingly, CACNA1H expression was increased in WT mice after in vivo MR activation by aldosterone but not in respective EGFR KO mice. Aldosterone- and EGF-responsiveness of CACNA1H expression was confirmed in HL-1 cells by Western blot and by measuring peak current density of T-type calcium channels. Aldosterone-induced CACNA1H protein expression could be abrogated by the EGFR inhibitor AG1478. Furthermore, inhibition of T-type calcium channels with mibefradil or ML218 reduced diameter, volume and BNP levels in HL-1 cells. In conclusion the MR regulates EGFR and CACNA1H expression, which has an effect on HL-1 cell diameter, and the extent of this regulation seems to depend on the SNP-216 (G/T) genotype. This suggests that the EGFR may be an intermediate for MR-mediated cardiovascular changes and that SNP analysis can help identify subgroups of patients that will benefit most from MR antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Stroedecke
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Sandra Meinel
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Fritz Markwardt
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Udo Kloeckner
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Nicole Straetz
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Katja Quarch
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Michael Kopf
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Claudia Grossmann
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany.
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12
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Hupfeld J, Ernst M, Knyrim M, Binas S, Kloeckner U, Rabe S, Quarch K, Misiak D, Fuszard M, Grossmann C, Gekle M, Schreier B. miR-208b Reduces the Expression of Kcnj5 in a Cardiomyocyte Cell Line. Biomedicines 2021; 9:719. [PMID: 34201741 PMCID: PMC8301481 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) contribute to different aspects of cardiovascular pathology, among them cardiac hypertrophy and atrial fibrillation. Cardiac miR expression was analyzed in a mouse model with structural and electrical remodeling. Next-generation sequencing revealed that miR-208b-3p was ~25-fold upregulated. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of miR-208b on cardiac protein expression. First, an undirected approach comparing whole RNA sequencing data to miR-walk 2.0 miR-208b 3'-UTR targets revealed 58 potential targets of miR-208b being regulated. We were able to show that miR-208b mimics bind to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of voltage-gated calcium channel subunit alpha1 C and Kcnj5, two predicted targets of miR-208b. Additionally, we demonstrated that miR-208b mimics reduce GIRK1/4 channel-dependent thallium ion flux in HL-1 cells. In a second undirected approach we performed mass spectrometry to identify the potential targets of miR-208b. We identified 40 potential targets by comparison to miR-walk 2.0 3'-UTR, 5'-UTR and CDS targets. Among those targets, Rock2 and Ran were upregulated in Western blots of HL-1 cells by miR-208b mimics. In summary, miR-208b targets the mRNAs of proteins involved in the generation of cardiac excitation and propagation, as well as of proteins involved in RNA translocation (Ran) and cardiac hypertrophic response (Rock2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hupfeld
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.H.); (M.E.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (U.K.); (S.R.); (K.Q.); (C.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Maximilian Ernst
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.H.); (M.E.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (U.K.); (S.R.); (K.Q.); (C.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Maria Knyrim
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.H.); (M.E.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (U.K.); (S.R.); (K.Q.); (C.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Stephanie Binas
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.H.); (M.E.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (U.K.); (S.R.); (K.Q.); (C.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Udo Kloeckner
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.H.); (M.E.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (U.K.); (S.R.); (K.Q.); (C.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Sindy Rabe
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.H.); (M.E.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (U.K.); (S.R.); (K.Q.); (C.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Katja Quarch
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.H.); (M.E.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (U.K.); (S.R.); (K.Q.); (C.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Danny Misiak
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Charles Tanford Protein Center, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Matthew Fuszard
- Zentrum für Medizinische Grundlagenforschung, Core Facility—Proteomic Mass Spectrometry, Proteinzentrum Charles Tanford, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Claudia Grossmann
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.H.); (M.E.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (U.K.); (S.R.); (K.Q.); (C.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.H.); (M.E.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (U.K.); (S.R.); (K.Q.); (C.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.H.); (M.E.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (U.K.); (S.R.); (K.Q.); (C.G.); (M.G.)
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13
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Stern C, Schreier B, Nolze A, Rabe S, Mildenberger S, Gekle M. Knockout of vascular smooth muscle EGF receptor in a mouse model prevents obesity-induced vascular dysfunction and renal damage in vivo. Diabetologia 2020; 63:2218-2234. [PMID: 32548701 PMCID: PMC7476975 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-020-05187-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Obesity causes type 2 diabetes leading to vascular dysfunction and finally renal end-organ damage. Vascular smooth muscle (VSM) EGF receptor (EGFR) modulates vascular wall homeostasis in part via serum response factor (SRF), a major regulator of VSM differentiation and a sensor for glucose. We investigated the role of VSM-EGFR during obesity-induced renovascular dysfunction, as well as EGFR-hyperglycaemia crosstalk. METHODS The role of VSM-EGFR during high-fat diet (HFD)-induced type 2 diabetes was investigated in a mouse model with inducible, VSM-specific EGFR-knockout (KO). Various structural and functional variables as well as transcriptome changes, in vivo and ex vivo, were assessed. The impact of hyperglycaemia on EGFR-induced signalling and SRF transcriptional activity and the underlying mechanisms were investigated at the cellular level. RESULTS We show that VSM-EGFR mediates obesity/type 2 diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction, remodelling and transcriptome dysregulation preceding renal damage and identify an EGFR-glucose synergism in terms of SRF activation, matrix dysregulation and mitochondrial function. EGFR deletion protects the animals from HFD-induced endothelial dysfunction, creatininaemia and albuminuria. Furthermore, we show that HFD leads to marked changes of the aortic transcriptome in wild-type but not in KO animals, indicative of EGFR-dependent SRF activation, matrix dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction, the latter confirmed at the cellular level. Studies at the cellular level revealed that high glucose potentiated EGFR/EGF receptor 2 (ErbB2)-induced stimulation of SRF activity, enhancing the graded signalling responses to EGF, via the EGFR/ErbB2-ROCK-actin-MRTF pathway and promoted mitochondrial dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION VSM-EGFR contributes to HFD-induced vascular and subsequent renal alterations. We propose that a potentiated EGFR/ErbB2-ROCK-MRTF-SRF signalling axis and mitochondrial dysfunction underlie the role of EGFR. This advanced working hypothesis will be investigated in mechanistic depth in future studies. VSM-EGFR may be a therapeutic target in cases of type 2 diabetes-induced renovascular disease. DATA AVAILABILITY The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available in: (1) share_it, the data repository of the academic libraries of Saxony-Anhalt ( https://doi.org/10.25673/32049.2 ); and (2) in the gene expression omnibus database with the study identity GSE144838 ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE144838 ). Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Stern
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Alexander Nolze
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Sindy Rabe
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Sigrid Mildenberger
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle, Germany.
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14
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Binas S, Knyrim M, Hupfeld J, Kloeckner U, Rabe S, Mildenberger S, Quarch K, Strätz N, Misiak D, Gekle M, Grossmann C, Schreier B. miR-221 and -222 target CACNA1C and KCNJ5 leading to altered cardiac ion channel expression and current density. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:903-918. [PMID: 31312877 PMCID: PMC7058603 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03217-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) contribute to different aspects of cardiovascular pathology, among others cardiac hypertrophy and atrial fibrillation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of miR-221/222 on cardiac electrical remodeling. Cardiac miR expression was analyzed in a mouse model with altered electrocardiography parameters and severe heart hypertrophy. Next generation sequencing revealed 14 differentially expressed miRs in hypertrophic hearts, with miR-221 and -222 being the strongest regulated miR-cluster. This increase was restricted to cardiomyocytes and not observed in cardiac fibroblasts. Additionally, we evaluated the change of miR-221/222 in vivo in two models of pharmacologically induced heart hypertrophy (angiotensin II, isoprenaline), thereby demonstrating a stimulus-induced increase in miR-221/222 in vivo by angiotensin II but not by isoprenaline. Whole transcriptome analysis by RNA-seq and qRT-PCR validation revealed an enriched number of downregulated mRNAs coding for proteins located in the T-tubule, which are also predicted targets for miR-221/222. Among those, mRNAs were the L-type Ca2+ channel subunits as well as potassium channel subunits. We confirmed that both miRs target the 3'-untranslated regions of Cacna1c and Kcnj5. Furthermore, enhanced expression of these miRs reduced L-type Ca2+ channel and Kcnj5 channel abundance and function, which was analyzed by whole-cell patch clamp recordings or Western blot and flux measurements, respectively. miR-221 and -222 contribute to the regulation of L-type Ca2+ channels as well as Kcnj5 channels and, therefore, potentially contribute to disturbed cardiac excitation generation and propagation. Future studies will have to evaluate the pathophysiological and clinical relevance of aberrant miR-221/222 expression for electrical remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Binas
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Maria Knyrim
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Julia Hupfeld
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Udo Kloeckner
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Sindy Rabe
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Sigrid Mildenberger
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Katja Quarch
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Nicole Strätz
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Danny Misiak
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Heinrich-Damerow-Str. 1, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Claudia Grossmann
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany.
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15
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Grundmann SM, Schutkowski A, Schreier B, Rabe S, König B, Gekle M, Stangl GI. Vitamin D Receptor Deficiency Does Not Affect Blood Pressure and Heart Function. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1118. [PMID: 31555149 PMCID: PMC6727788 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D is thought to play a role in blood pressure regulation, which in turn can influence cardiovascular risk. Several meta-analyses of cohort studies found low serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D to be associated with increased blood pressure or increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the general population. Active vitamin D mediates its function via the vitamin D receptor (Vdr), which is a ligand-activated transcription factor. A suitable model to examine the causal role of vitamin D in blood pressure regulation and heart function is the Vdr knockout (Vdr–/–) mouse. To elucidate the role of vitamin D on blood pressure, heart function, and cardiac myocyte size, we conducted a long-term study using Vdr–/– mice and well-defined diets. Group 1 comprised Vdr–/– mice that received a high-calcium, high-phosphorus rescue diet to prevent hypocalcemia and a rickets phenotype. Groups 2 and 3 included Vdr+/+ mice that were fed either the rescue diet or a control diet containing normal amounts of these minerals. As Vdr is a nuclear factor that regulates transcription, we analyzed the renal mRNA expression and serum concentration of renin and found that the Vdr–/– group had an almost 50% higher renin mRNA expression in the kidney compared to both groups of Vdr+/+ mice. Additionally, serum concentration of renin in Vdr–/– mice was significantly higher than that of Vdr+/+ mice that received the rescue or control diet (+ 17%,+ 32%; P < 0.05). In contrast, renin activity was lower in Vdr–/– mice than in both groups of Vdr+/+ mice (P < 0.05). However, blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac myocyte sizes, and the expression of renal renin receptor, hepatic angiotensinogen and angiotensin II receptor, type 1, in kidney, liver and heart, did not differ between the three groups of mice. Additionally, data from transthoracic echocardiography did not indicate the role of Vdr on heart function, as the left ventricular ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and velocity of blood flow were comparable between the three groups. To conclude, the roles of Vdr and therefore most probably of vitamin D, in blood pressure regulation and heart function, were not confirmed by our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Grundmann
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Competence Cluster for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexandra Schutkowski
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Competence Cluster for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sindy Rabe
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bettina König
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Competence Cluster for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Competence Cluster for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Gabriele I Stangl
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Competence Cluster for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Schreier B, Wolf A, Hammer S, Pohl S, Mildenberger S, Rabe S, Gekle M, Zipprich A. The selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist eplerenone prevents decompensation of the liver in cirrhosis. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:2956-2967. [PMID: 29682743 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) contributes to fibrosis in various tissues, and MR antagonists, like eplerenone, are used to prevent fibrosis. The role of MR antagonists in hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis is unknown. Here, we investigated the role of MRs and eplerenone in cirrhosis development. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Liver fibrosis (5 weeks) and cirrhosis, without (8 weeks) and with ascites (12 weeks), were induced by CCl4 in rats and comprehensively analysed. The effect of eplerenone on the development of cirrhosis with ascites was assessed. MR expression, cellular and subcellular distribution and impact of hypoxia were investigated in vivo and ex vivo. Primary rat hepatocytes and cell lines were used to investigate MR trafficking and transcriptional activity mechanistically. KEY RESULTS In cirrhosis with ascites, MR mRNA and protein expressions were reduced in hepatocytes of hypoxic areas. While in normoxic areas MRs were mainly cytosolic, the remaining MRs in hypoxic areas were mainly localized in the nuclei, indicating activation followed by translocation and degradation. Accordingly, eplerenone treatment prevented nuclear MR translocation and the worsening of cirrhosis. Exposing hepatocytes ex vivo to hypoxia induced nuclear MR translocation and enhanced transcriptional MR activity at response elements of the NF-κB pathway. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We showed for the first time that hypoxia leads to a pathogenetic ligand-independent activation of hepatic MRs during cirrhosis resulting in their nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation of the NF-κB pathway. Treatment with eplerenone prevented the worsening of cirrhosis by blocking this ligand-independent activation of the MR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schreier
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Anja Wolf
- Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.,Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Stefanie Hammer
- Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sabine Pohl
- Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sigrid Mildenberger
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sindy Rabe
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Alexander Zipprich
- Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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Schreier B, Hünerberg M, Mildenberger S, Rabe S, Bethmann D, Wickenhauser C, Gekle M. Deletion of the EGF receptor in vascular smooth muscle cells prevents chronic angiotensin II-induced arterial wall stiffening and media thickening. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2018; 222. [PMID: 29152859 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
AIM In vivo vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) EGF receptor (EGFR) contributes to acute angiotensin II (AII) effects on vascular tone and blood pressure. The ubiquitously expressed EGFR has been implicated in vascular remodelling preceding end-organ damage by pharmacological inhibition, and AII signalling in cultured vascular cells is partly EGFR-dependent. However, the role of VSMC-EGFR in vivo during AII-induced pathophysiological processes is not known. METHODS This study assesses the in vivo relevance of VSMC-EGFR during chronic AII challenge without further stressors, using a mouse model with inducible, VSMC-specific EGFR knock out (VSMC-EGFR-KO). In these mice functional and structural vascular, renal and cardiac effects or biomarkers were investigated in vivo and ex vivo. RESULTS Vascular smooth muscle cell-EGFR-KO prevented AII-induced media hypertrophy of mesenteric arteries, renal arterioles and the aorta, VSMC ERK1/2-phosphorylation as well as the impairment of vascular compliance. Furthermore, induction of vascular fibrosis, creatinineamia, renal interstitial fibrosis as well as the increase in fractional water excretion was prevented. AII-induced increase in systolic blood pressure was mitigated. By contrast, endothelial dysfunction, induction of vascular inflammatory marker mRNA and albuminuria were not inhibited. Cardiac and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy were also not prevented by VSMC-EGFR-KO. CONCLUSION Vascular smooth muscle cell-EGFRs are relevant for pathological AII action in vivo. Our data show in vivo and ex vivo the necessity of VSMC-EGFR for AII-induced structural and functional vascular remodelling, not including endothelial dysfunction. Hereby, VSMC-EGFR gains importance for complete AII-induced renal end-organ damage succeeding vascular remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle Germany
| | - M. Hünerberg
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle Germany
| | - S. Mildenberger
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle Germany
| | - S. Rabe
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle Germany
| | - D. Bethmann
- Institute of Pathology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle Germany
| | - C. Wickenhauser
- Institute of Pathology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle Germany
| | - M. Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle Germany
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Schreier B, Schwerdt G, Heise C, Bethmann D, Rabe S, Mildenberger S, Gekle M. Substance-specific importance of EGFR for vascular smooth muscle cells motility in primary culture. Biochim Biophys Acta 2016; 1863:1519-33. [PMID: 27012600 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2016.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Besides their importance for the vascular tone, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) also contribute to pathophysiological vessel alterations. Various G-protein coupled receptor ligands involved in vascular dysfunction and remodeling can transactivate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) of VSMC, yet the importance of EGFR transactivation for the VSMC phenotype is incompletely understood. The aims of this study were (i) to characterize further the importance of the VSMC-EGFR for proliferation, migration and marker gene expression for inflammation, fibrosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis and (ii) to test the hypothesis that vasoactive substances (endothelin-1, phenylephrine, thrombin, vasopressin and ATP) rely differentially on the EGFR with respect to the abovementioned phenotypic alterations. In primary, aortic VSMC from mice without conditional deletion of the EGFR, proliferation, migration, marker gene expression (inflammation, fibrosis and ROS homeostasis) and cell signaling (ERK 1/2, intracellular calcium) were analyzed. VSMC-EGFR loss reduced collective cell migration and single cell migration probability, while no difference between the genotypes in single cell velocity, chemotaxis or marker gene expression could be observed under control conditions. EGF promoted proliferation, collective cell migration, chemokinesis and chemotaxis and leads to a proinflammatory gene expression profile in wildtype but not in knockout VSMC. Comparing the impact of five vasoactive substances (all reported to transactivate EGFR and all leading to an EGFR dependent increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation), we demonstrate that the importance of EGFR for their action is substance-dependent and most apparent for crowd migration but plays a minor role for gene expression regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112 Halle/Saale, Germany.
| | - Gerald Schwerdt
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Christian Heise
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Daniel Bethmann
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Sindy Rabe
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Sigrid Mildenberger
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112 Halle/Saale, Germany
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Bretschneider M, Busch B, Mueller D, Nolze A, Schreier B, Gekle M, Grossmann C. Activated mineralocorticoid receptor regulates micro-RNA-29b in vascular smooth muscle cells. FASEB J 2016; 30:1610-22. [PMID: 26728178 DOI: 10.1096/fj.15-271254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Inappropriately activated mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is a risk factor for vascular remodeling with unclear molecular mechanism. Recent findings suggest that post-transcriptional regulation by micro-RNAs (miRs) may be involved. Our aim was to search for MR-dependent miRs in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and to explore the underlying molecular mechanism and the pathologic relevance. We detected that aldosteroneviathe MR reduces miR-29bin vivoin murine aorta and in human primary and cultured VSMCs (ED50= 0.07 nM) but not in endothelial cells [quantitative PCR (qPCR), luciferase assays]. This effect was mediated by an increased decay of miR-29b in the cytoplasm with unchanged miR-29 family member or primary-miR levels. Decreased miR-29b led to an increase in extracellular matrix measured by ELISA and qPCR and enhanced VSMC migration in single cell-tracking experiments. Additionally, cell proliferation and the apoptosis/necrosis ratio (caspase/lactate dehydrogenase assay) was modulated by miR-29b. Enhanced VSMC migration by aldosterone required miR-29b regulation. Control experiments were performed with scrambled RNA and empty plasmids, by comparing aldosterone-stimulated with vehicle-incubated cells. Overall, our findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism of aldosterone-mediated vascular pathogenesis by identifying miR-29b as a pathophysiologic relevant target of activated MR in VSMCs and by highlighting the importance of miR processing for miR regulation.-Bretschneider, M., Busch, B., Mueller, D., Nolze, A., Schreier, B., Gekle, M., Grossmann, C. Activated mineralocorticoid receptor regulates micro-RNA-29b in vascular smooth muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bretschneider
- *Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Bianca Busch
- *Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Daniel Mueller
- *Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Alexander Nolze
- *Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- *Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- *Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Claudia Grossmann
- *Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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Schreier B, Rabe S, Winter S, Ruhs S, Mildenberger S, Schneider B, Sibilia M, Gotthardt M, Kempe S, Mäder K, Grossmann C, Gekle M. Moderate inappropriately high aldosterone/NaCl constellation in mice: cardiovascular effects and the role of cardiovascular epidermal growth factor receptor. Sci Rep 2014; 4:7430. [PMID: 25503263 PMCID: PMC4262830 DOI: 10.1038/srep07430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-physiological activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), e.g. by aldosterone under conditions of high salt intake, contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, although beneficial effects of aldosterone also have been described. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) contributes to cardiovascular alterations and mediates part of the MR effects. Recently, we showed that EGFR is required for physiological homeostasis and function of heart and arteries in adult animals. We hypothesize that moderate high aldosterone/NaCl, at normal blood pressure, affects the cardiovascular system depending on cardiovascular EGFR. Therefore we performed an experimental series in male and female animals each, using a recently established mouse model with EGFR knockout in vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes and determined the effects of a mild-high aldosterone-to-NaCl constellation on a.o. marker gene expression, heart size, systolic blood pressure, impulse conduction and heart rate. Our data show that (i) cardiac tissue of male but not of female mice is sensitive to mild aldosterone/NaCl treatment, (ii) EGFR knockout induces stronger cardiac disturbances in male as compared to female animals and (iii) mild aldosterone/NaCl treatment requires the EGFR in order to disturb cardiac tissue homeostasis whereas beneficial effects of aldosterone seem to be independent of EGFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sindy Rabe
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sabrina Winter
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Stefanie Ruhs
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sigrid Mildenberger
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Bettina Schneider
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Maria Sibilia
- Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Gotthardt
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | - Sabine Kempe
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Natural Sciences 1, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Karsten Mäder
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Natural Sciences 1, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Claudia Grossmann
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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Kempe S, Schreier B, Ruhs S, Wollert I, Teixeira MB, Gekle M, Mäder K. Development and Noninvasive Characterization of Hormone Releasing In Situ Forming Implants. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/masy.201300107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Kempe
- Martin Luther University; Institute of Pharmacy; W.-Langenbeck-Str. 4 06120 Halle (Saale) Germany
| | - B. Schreier
- Martin Luther University; Medical Faculty; Julius Bernstein Institute for Physiology; Magdeburger Str. 6 06112 Halle (Saale) Germany
| | - S. Ruhs
- Martin Luther University; Medical Faculty; Julius Bernstein Institute for Physiology; Magdeburger Str. 6 06112 Halle (Saale) Germany
| | - I. Wollert
- Martin Luther University; Institute of Pharmacy; W.-Langenbeck-Str. 4 06120 Halle (Saale) Germany
| | - M. B. Teixeira
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory CNEPM; Pólo II de Alta Tecnologia de Campinas Bairro; 13083-970 Campinas (São Paulo) Brasil
| | - M. Gekle
- Martin Luther University; Medical Faculty; Julius Bernstein Institute for Physiology; Magdeburger Str. 6 06112 Halle (Saale) Germany
| | - K. Mäder
- Martin Luther University; Institute of Pharmacy; W.-Langenbeck-Str. 4 06120 Halle (Saale) Germany
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Meinel S, Ruhs S, Schumann K, Strätz N, Trenkmann K, Schreier B, Grosse I, Keilwagen J, Gekle M, Grossmann C. Mineralocorticoid receptor interaction with SP1 generates a new response element for pathophysiologically relevant gene expression. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 41:8045-60. [PMID: 23821666 PMCID: PMC3783164 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is a ligand-induced transcription factor belonging to the steroid receptor family and involved in water-electrolyte homeostasis, blood pressure regulation, inflammation and fibrosis in the renocardiovascular system. The MR shares a common hormone-response-element with the glucocorticoid receptor but nevertheless elicits MR-specific effects including enhanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression via unknown mechanisms. The EGFR is a receptor tyrosine kinase that leads to activation of MAP kinases, but that can also function as a signal transducer for other signaling pathways. In the present study, we mechanistically investigate the interaction between a newly discovered MR- but not glucocorticoid receptor- responsive-element (=MRE1) of the EGFR promoter, specificity protein 1 (SP1) and MR to gain general insights into MR-specificity. Biological relevance of the interaction for EGFR expression and consequently for different signaling pathways in general is demonstrated in human, rat and murine vascular smooth muscle cells and cells of EGFR knockout mice. A genome-wide promoter search for identical binding regions followed by quantitative PCR validation suggests that the identified MR-SP1-MRE1 interaction might be applicable to other genes. Overall, a novel principle of MR-specific gene expression is explored that applies to the pathophysiologically relevant expression of the EGFR and potentially also to other genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Meinel
- Julius-Bernstein-Institut für Physiologie, Universität Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle/Saale, Germany, Institut für Informatik, Universität Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany and Abteilung Molekulare Genetik, Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzengenetik und Kulturpflanzenforschung (IPK), 06466 Gatersleben, Germany
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Hiebl B, Hopperdietzel C, Hünigen H, Dietze K, Klein S, Schreier B, Jung F. Influence of iodine-containing radiographic contrast media on the phenotype of erythrocytes from different laboratory animal species. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc 2013; 55:473-9. [DOI: 10.3233/ch-131784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B. Hiebl
- Center for Medical Basic Research, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - C. Hopperdietzel
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - H. Hünigen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - K. Dietze
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - S. Klein
- Clinic for Pediatric Cardiology, Heindrich Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - B. Schreier
- Julius Bernstein Institute for Physiology, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - F. Jung
- Institute of Biomaterial Science and Berlin-Brandenburg Centre for Regenerative Therapies, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Teltow, Germany
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Schreier B, Rabe S, Schneider B, Bretschneider M, Rupp S, Ruhs S, Neumann J, Rueckschloss U, Sibilia M, Gotthardt M, Grossmann C, Gekle M. Loss of epidermal growth factor receptor in vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes causes arterial hypotension and cardiac hypertrophy. Hypertension 2012; 61:333-40. [PMID: 23248150 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.112.196543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a receptor tyrosine kinase, contributes to parainflammatory dysregulation, possibly causing cardiovascular dysfunction and remodeling. The physiological role of cardiovascular EGFR is not completely understood. To investigate the physiological importance of EGFR in vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes, we generated a mouse model with targeted deletion of the EGFR using the SM22 (smooth muscle-specific protein 22) promoter. While the reproduction of knockout animals was not impaired, life span was significantly reduced. Systolic blood pressure was not different between the 2 genotypes-neither in tail cuff nor in intravascular measurements-whereas total peripheral vascular resistance, diastolic blood pressure, and mean blood pressure were reduced. Loss of vascular smooth muscle cell-EGFR results in a dilated vascular phenotype with minor signs of fibrosis and inflammation. Echocardiography, necropsy, and histology revealed a dramatic eccentric cardiac hypertrophy in knockout mice (2.5-fold increase in heart weight), with increased stroke volume and cardiac output as well as left ventricular wall thickness and lumen. Cardiac hypertrophy is accompanied by an increase in cardiomyocyte volume, a strong tendency to cardiac fibrosis and inflammation, as well as enhanced NADPH-oxidase 4 and hypertrophy marker expression. Thus, in cardiomyocytes, EGFR prevents excessive hypertrophic growth through its impact on reactive oxygen species balance, whereas in vascular smooth muscle cells EGFR contributes to the appropriate vascular wall architecture and vessel reactivity, thereby supporting a physiological vascular tone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.
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Schreier B, Döhler M, Rabe S, Schneider B, Schwerdt G, Ruhs S, Sibilia M, Gotthardt M, Gekle M, Grossmann C. Consequences of epidermal growth factor receptor (ErbB1) loss for vascular smooth muscle cells from mice with targeted deletion of ErbB1. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2011; 31:1643-52. [PMID: 21512163 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.111.223537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pathophysiological effects of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR or ErbB1) include vascular remodeling. EGFR transactivation is proposed to contribute significantly to heterologous signaling and remodeling in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). METHODS AND RESULTS We investigated the importance of EGFR in primary VSMC from aorta of mice with targeted deletion of the EGFR (EGFR(Δ/Δ VSMC)→VSMC(EGFR-/-) and EGFR(Δ/+ VSMC)→VSMC(EGFR+/-)) and the respective littermate controls (EGFR(+/+ VSMC)→VSMC(EGFR+/+)) with respect to survival, pentose phosphate pathway activity, matrix homeostasis, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, and Ca(2+) homeostasis. In VSMC(EGFR-/-), epidermal growth factor-induced signaling was abolished; VSMC(EGFR+/-) showed an intermediate phenotype. EGFR deletion enhanced spontaneous cell death, reduced pentose phosphate pathway activity, disturbed cellular matrix homeostasis (collagen III and fibronectin), and abolished epidermal growth factor sensitivity. In VSMC(EGFR-/-) endothelin-1- or α(1)-adrenoceptor-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and the fraction of Ca(2+) responders were significantly reduced, whereas responsive cells showed a significantly stronger Ca(2+) signal. Oxidative stress (H(2)O(2)) induced ERK1/2 activation in VSMC(EGFR+/+) and VSMC(EGFR+/-) but not in VSMC(EGFR-/-). The Ca(2+) signal was enhanced in VSMC(EGFR-/-), similar to purinergic stimulation by ATP. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, EGFR was found to be important for basal VSMC homeostasis and ERK1/2 activation by the tested G-protein-coupled receptors or radical stress. Ca(2+) signaling was modulated by EGFR differentially with respect to the fraction of responders and magnitude of the signal. Thus, EGFR seems to be Janus-faced for VSMC biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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Grossmann C, Husse B, Mildenberger S, Schreier B, Schuman K, Gekle M. Colocalization of mineralocorticoid and EGF receptor at the plasma membrane. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research 2010; 1803:584-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2010.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2009] [Revised: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Gargano LM, Schreier B, Hughes JM. Factors Influencing Emerging Infectious Diseases in the Southeastern United States. Emerg Infect Dis 2010; 16:e1. [DOI: 10.3201/eid1604.091910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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28
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Schreier B, Börner S, Völker K, Gambaryan S, Schäfer SC, Kuhlencordt P, Gassner B, Kuhn M. The heart communicates with the endothelium through the guanylyl cyclase-A receptor: acute handling of intravascular volume in response to volume expansion. Endocrinology 2008; 149:4193-9. [PMID: 18450968 PMCID: PMC2488219 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) regulates arterial blood pressure and volume. Its guanylyl cyclase-A (GC-A) receptor is expressed in vascular endothelium and mediates increases in cGMP, but the functional relevance is controversial. Notably, mice with endothelial-restricted GC-A deletion [EC GC-A knockout (KO) mice] exhibit significant chronic hypervolemic hypertension. The present study aimed to characterize the endothelial effects of ANP and their relevance for the acute regulation of intravascular fluid volume. We studied the effect of ANP on microvascular permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled albumin (BSA) using intravital microscopy on mouse dorsal skinfold chambers. Local superfusion of ANP (100 nm) increased microvascular fluorescein isothiocyanate-BSA extravasation in control but not EC GC-A KO mice. Intravenous infusion of synthetic ANP (500 ng/kg x min) caused immediate increases in hematocrit in control mice, indicating intravascular volume contraction. In EC GC-A KO mice, the hematocrit responses were not only abolished but even reversed. Furthermore, acute vascular volume expansion, which caused release of endogenous cardiac ANP, did not affect resting central venous pressure of control mice but rapidly and significantly increased central venous pressure of EC GC-A KO mice. In cultured lung endothelial cells, ANP provoked cGMP-dependent protein kinase I-mediated phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein. We conclude that ANP, via GC-A, enhances microvascular endothelial macromolecule permeability in vivo. This effect might be mediated by cGMP-dependent protein kinase I-dependent phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein. Modulation of transcapillary protein and fluid transport may represent one of the most important hypovolemic actions of ANP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schreier
- Institutes of Physiology, University of Würzburg, D-97070 Würzburg, Germany
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Schreier B, Gaßner B, Völker K, Gambaryan S, Kuhn M. ANP changes microvascular endothelial barrier function in vivo. BMC Pharmacol 2007. [DOI: 10.1186/1471-2210-7-s1-p53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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