p21-activated kinase 1 participates in vascular remodeling in vitro and in vivo

Vascular smooth muscle cell hypertrophy, proliferation, or migration occurs in hypertension, atherosclerosis, and restenosis after angioplasty, leading to pathophysiological vascular remodeling. Angiotensin II and platelet-derived growth factor are well-known participants of vascular remodeling and activate a myriad of downstream protein kinases, including p21-activated protein kinase (PAK1). PAK1, an effector kinase of small GTPases, phosphorylates several substrates to regulate cytoskeletal reorganization. However, the exact role of PAK1 activation in vascular remodeling remains to be elucidated. Here, we have hypothesized that PAK1 is a critical target of intervention for the prevention of vascular remodeling. Adenoviral expression of dominant-negative PAK1 inhibited angiotensin II-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cell migration. It also inhibited vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation induced by platelet-derived growth factor. PAK1 was activated in neointima of the carotid artery after balloon injury in the rat. Moreover, marked inhibition of the neointima hyperplasia was observed in a dominant-negative PAK1 adenovirus-treated carotid artery after the balloon injury. Taken together, these results suggest that PAK1 is involved in both angiotensin II and platelet-derived growth factor-mediated vascular smooth muscle cell remodeling, and inactivation of PAK1 in vivo could be effective in preventing pathophysiological vascular remodeling.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibits G12/13 and rho-kinase activated by the angiotensin II type-1 receptor: implication in vascular migration

BACKGROUND

Although, endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) is believed to antagonize vascular remodeling induced by the angiotensin II (AngII) type-1 receptor, the exact signaling mechanism remains unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

By expressing eNOS to vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) via adenovirus, we investigated a signal transduction mechanism of the eNOS gene transfer in preventing vascular remodeling induced by AngII. We found marked inhibition of AngII-induced Rho/Rho-kinase activation and subsequent VSMC migration by eNOS gene transfer whereas G(q)-dependent transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor by AngII remains intact. This could be explained by the specific inhibition of G(12/13) activation by eNOS-mediated G(12/13) phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

The eNOS/NO cascade specifically targets the Rho/Rho-kinase system via inhibition of G(12/13) to prevent vascular migration induced by AngII, representing a novel signal cross-talk in cardiovascular protection by NO.

Central role of Gq in the hypertrophic signal transduction of angiotensin II in vascular smooth muscle cells

The angiotensin II (AngII) type 1 receptor (AT(1)) plays a critical role in hypertrophy of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Although it is well known that G(q) is the major G protein activated by the AT(1) receptor, the requirement of G(q) for AngII-induced VSMC hypertrophy remains unclear. By using cultured VSMCs, this study examined the requirement of G(q) for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway, the Rho-kinase (ROCK) pathway, and subsequent hypertrophy. AngII-induced intracellular Ca(2+) elevation was completely inhibited by a pharmacological G(q) inhibitor as well as by adenovirus encoding a G(q) inhibitory minigene. AngII (100nm)-induced EGFR transactivation was almost completely inhibited by these inhibitors, whereas these inhibitors only partially inhibited AngII (100nm)-induced phosphorylation of a ROCK substrate, myosin phosphatase target subunit-1. Stimulation of VSMCs with AngII resulted in an increase of cellular protein and cell volume but not in cell number. The G(q) inhibitors completely blocked these hypertrophic responses, whereas a G protein-independent AT(1) agonist did not stimulate these hypertrophic responses. In conclusion, G(q) appears to play a major role in the EGFR pathway, leading to vascular hypertrophy induced by AngII. Vascular G(q) seems to be a critical target of intervention against cardiovascular diseases associated with the enhanced renin-angiotensin system.

Novel role of protein kinase C-delta Tyr 311 phosphorylation in vascular smooth muscle cell hypertrophy by angiotensin II

We have shown previously that activation of protein kinase C-delta (PKC delta) is required for angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Here, we have hypothesized that PKC delta phosphorylation at Tyr(311) plays a critical role in VSMC hypertrophy induced by Ang II. Immunoblotting was used to monitor PKC delta phosphorylation at Tyr(311), and cell size and protein measurements were used to detect hypertrophy in VSMCs. PKC delta was rapidly (0.5 to 10.0 minutes) phosphorylated at Tyr(311) by Ang II. This phosphorylation was markedly blocked by an Src family kinase inhibitor and dominant-negative Src but not by an epidermal growth factor receptor kinase inhibitor. Ang II-induced Akt phosphorylation and hypertrophic responses were significantly enhanced in VSMCs expressing PKC delta wild-type compared with VSMCs expressing control vector, whereas the enhancements were markedly diminished in VSMCs expressing a PKC delta Y311F mutant. Also, these responses were significantly inhibited in VSMCs expressing kinase-inactive PKC delta K376A compared with VSMCs expressing control vector. From these data, we conclude that not only PKC delta kinase activation but also the Src-dependent Tyr(311) phosphorylation contributes to Akt activation and subsequent VSMC hypertrophy induced by Ang II, thus signifying a novel molecular mechanism for enhancement of cardiovascular diseases induced by Ang II.

Angiotensin II signal transduction through the AT1 receptor: novel insights into mechanisms and pathophysiology

The intracellular signal transduction of AngII (angiotensin II) has been implicated in cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis and restenosis after injury. AT(1) receptor (AngII type-1 receptor), a G-protein-coupled receptor, mediates most of the physiological and pathophysiological actions of AngII, and this receptor is predominantly expressed in cardiovascular cells, such as VSMCs (vascular smooth muscle cells). AngII activates various signalling molecules, including G-protein-derived second messengers, protein kinases and small G-proteins (Ras, Rho, Rac etc), through the AT(1) receptor leading to vascular remodelling. Growth factor receptors, such as EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), have been demonstrated to be 'trans'-activated by the AT(1) receptor in VSMCs to mediate growth and migration. Rho and its effector Rho-kinase/ROCK are also implicated in the pathological cellular actions of AngII in VSMCs. Less is known about the endothelial AngII signalling; however, recent studies suggest the endothelial AngII signalling positively, as well as negatively, regulates the NO (nitric oxide) signalling pathway and, thereby, modulates endothelial dysfunction. Moreover, selective AT(1)-receptor-interacting proteins have recently been identified that potentially regulate AngII signal transduction and their pathogenic functions in the target organs. In this review, we focus our discussion on the recent findings and concepts that suggest the existence of the above-mentioned novel signalling mechanisms whereby AngII mediates the formation of cardiovascular diseases.

Activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase by the angiotensin II type 1 receptor

Enhanced angiotensin II (AngII) action has been implicated in endothelial dysfunction that is characterized as decreased nitric oxide availability. Although endothelial cells have been reported to express AngII type 1 (AT1) receptors, the exact role of AT1 in regulating endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activity remains unclear. We investigated the possible regulation of eNOS through AT1 in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) and its functional significance in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In BAECs infected with adenovirus encoding AT1 and in VSMCs infected with adenovirus encoding eNOS, AngII rapidly stimulated phosphorylation of eNOS at Ser1179. This was accompanied with increased cGMP production. These effects were blocked by an AT1 antagonist. The cGMP production was abolished by a NOS inhibitor as well. To explore the importance of eNOS phosphorylation, VSMCs were also infected with adenovirus encoding S1179A-eNOS. AngII did not stimulate cGMP production in VSMCs expressing S1179A. However, S1179A was able to enhance basal NO production as confirmed with cGMP production and enhanced vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation. Interestingly, S1179A prevented the hypertrophic response similar to wild type in VSMCs. From these data, we conclude that the AngII/AT1 system positively couples to eNOS via Ser1179 phosphorylation in ECs and VSMCs if eNOS and AT1 coexist. However, basal level NO production may be sufficient for prevention of AngII-induced hypertrophy by eNOS expression. These data demonstrate a novel molecular mechanism of eNOS regulation and function and thus provide useful information for eNOS gene therapy under endothelial dysfunction.

ADAM17 Mediates Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Transactivation and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Hypertrophy Induced by Angiotensin II

BACKGROUND

Angiotensin II (Ang II) promotes growth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) via epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) transactivation mediated through a metalloprotease-dependent shedding of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF). However, the identity of the metalloprotease responsible for this process remains unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To identify the metalloprotease required for Ang II-induced EGFR transactivation, primary cultured aortic VSMCs were infected with retrovirus encoding dominant negative (dn) mutant of ADAM10 or ADAM17. EGFR transactivation induced by Ang II was inhibited in VSMCs infected with dnADAM17 retrovirus but not with dnADAM10 retrovirus. However, Ang II comparably stimulated intracellular Ca2+ elevation and JAK2 tyrosine phosphorylation in these VSMCs. In addition, dnADAM17 inhibited HB-EGF shedding induced by Ang II in A10 VSMCs expressing the AT1 receptor. Moreover, Ang II enhanced protein synthesis and cell volume in VSMCs infected with control retrovirus, but not in VSMCs infected with dnADAM17 retrovirus.

CONCLUSIONS

ADAM17 activated by the AT1 receptor is responsible for EGFR transactivation and subsequent protein synthesis in VSMCs. These findings demonstrate a previously missing molecular mechanism by which Ang II promotes vascular remodeling.

ADAM17 Mediates Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Transactivation and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Hypertrophy Induced by Angiotensin II

Background— Angiotensin II (Ang II) promotes growth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) via epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) transactivation mediated through a metalloprotease-dependent shedding of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF). However, the identity of the metalloprotease responsible for this process remains unknown.

Methods and Results— To identify the metalloprotease required for Ang II-induced EGFR transactivation, primary cultured aortic VSMCs were infected with retrovirus encoding dominant negative (dn) mutant of ADAM10 or ADAM17. EGFR transactivation induced by Ang II was inhibited in VSMCs infected with dnADAM17 retrovirus but not with dnADAM10 retrovirus. However, Ang II comparably stimulated intracellular Ca 2+ elevation and JAK2 tyrosine phosphorylation in these VSMCs. In addition, dnADAM17 inhibited HB-EGF shedding induced by Ang II in A10 VSMCs expressing the AT 1 receptor. Moreover, Ang II enhanced protein synthesis and cell volume in VSMCs infected with control retrovirus, but not in VSMCs infected with dnADAM17 retrovirus.

Conclusion— ADAM17 activated by the AT 1 receptor is responsible for EGFR transactivation and subsequent protein synthesis in VSMCs. These findings demonstrate a previously missing molecular mechanism by which Ang II promotes vascular remodeling.

Current understanding of the mechanism and role of ROS in angiotensin II signal transduction

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are proposed to induce cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and hypertension, through several mechanisms. One such mechanism involves ROS acting as intracellular second messengers, which lead to induction of unique signal transductions. Angiotensin II (AngII), a potent cardiovascular pathogen, stimulates ROS production through vascular NADPH oxidases. The ROS production induced by AngII activates downstream ROS-sensitive kinases that are critical in mediating cardiovascular remodeling. Recent advances in gene transfer/knockout techniques have lead to numerous in vitro and in vivo studies that identify the potential components and mechanisms of ROS signal transduction by AngII which promote cardiovascular remodeling. In this review, we will focus our discussion on the signal transduction research elucidating ROS production and function induced by AngII using currently available molecular biotechnologies.

Antagonism or synergism. Role of tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2 in growth factor signaling

SHP-1 and SHP-2 are two Src homology 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatases with major pathological implications in cell growth regulating signaling. They share significant overall sequence identity, but their biological functions are often opposite. SHP-1 is generally considered as a negative signal transducer and SHP-2 as a positive one. However, the precise role of each enzyme in shared signaling pathways is not well defined. In this study, we investigated the interaction of these two enzymes in a single cell system by knocking down their expressions with small interfering RNAs and analyzing the effects on epidermal growth factor signaling. Interestingly, knockdown of either SHP-1 or SHP-2 caused significant reduction in the activation of ERK1/2 but not Akt. Furthermore, SHP-1, SHP-2, and Gab1 formed a signaling complex, and SHP-1 and SHP-2 interact with each other. The interaction of SHP-1 with Gab1 is mediated by SHP-2 because it was abrogated by knockdown of SHP-2, and SHP-2, but not SHP-1, binds directly to tyrosine-phosphorylated Gab1. Together, the data revealed that both SHP-1 and SHP-2 have a positive role in epidermal growth factor-induced ERK1/2 activation and that they act cooperatively rather than antagonistically. The interaction of SHP-1 and SHP-2 may be responsible for previously unexpected novel regulatory mechanism of cell signaling by tyrosine phosphatases.

Angiotensin II Regulates Vascular and Endothelial Dysfunction: Recent Topics of Angiotensin II Type-1 Receptor Signaling in the Vasculature

Accumulating evidence strongly implicates angiotensin II (AngII) intracellular signaling in mediating cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis and restenosis after vascular injury. In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), through its G-protein-coupled AngII Type 1 receptor (AT(1)), AngII activates various intracellular protein kinases, such as receptor or non-receptor tyrosine kinases, which includes epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), c-Src, PYK2, FAK, JAK2. In addition, AngII activates serine/threonine kinases such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, p70 S6 kinase, Akt/protein kinase B and various protein kinase C isoforms. In VSMCs, AngII also induces the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play critical roles in activation and modulation of above signal transduction. Less is known about endothelial cell (EC) AngII signaling than VSMCs, however, recent studies suggest that endothelial AngII signaling negatively regulates the nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway and thereby induces endothelial dysfunction. Moreover, in both VSMCs and ECs, AngII signaling cross-talk with insulin signaling might be involved in insulin resistance, an important risk factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases. In fact, clinical and pharmacological studies showed that AngII infusion induces insulin resistance and AngII converting enzyme inhibitors and AT(1) receptor blockers improve insulin sensitivity. In this review, we focus on the recent findings that suggest the existence of novel signaling mechanisms whereby AngII mediates processes, such as activation of receptor or non-receptor tyrosine kinases and ROS, as well as cross-talk between insulin and NO signal transduction in VSMCs and ECs.

Recent Progress in Signal Transduction Research of the Angiotensin II Type-1 Receptor: Protein Kinases, Vascular Dysfunction and Structural Requirement

Accumulating evidence strongly implicates the critical roles of intracellular signaling of angiotensin II (AngII) in mediating cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and restenosis after vascular injury. The importance of AngII signals has also been reported in endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance, two strong predictors of cardiovascular disease. Through its G protein-coupled AngII type-1 receptor (AT1), AngII activates various intracellular protein kinases, such as receptor or non-receptor tyrosine kinases and serine/threonine kinases. Activation of these kinases requires both G protein-dependent and independent pathways, reactive oxygen species and a metalloprotease, and each kinase could be involved specifically in mediating pathophysiological function of the AT1 receptor target organs. In fact, some of the kinases are indispensable for AngII-induced hypertrophy and migration. The role of these AT1-activated kinases in mediating vascular remodeling, vascular contractility, endothelial dysfunction, and insulin resistance will be discussed in this review. In addition, the AT1 receptor undergoes rapid phosphorylation, desensitization, and internalization upon AngII stimulation. Recent studies with site-directed mutagenesis of the AT1 receptor not only elucidated a G protein interaction and desensitization of the receptor, but also demonstrated a structural requirement of the receptor for downstream signal transduction. Thus, AT1 mutants have provided an excellent means to examine the mechanism of signal transduction and their significance in mediating AngII function. Taken together, in this review, we will focus our discussion on the recent findings of the signal transduction research elucidating novel signaling mechanisms of the AT1 receptor that are relevant to the vascular pathophysiology of AngII.

Redox-dependent protein kinase regulation by angiotensin II: mechanistic insights and its pathophysiology

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are proposed to induce cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, restenosis, and fibrosis, through several mechanisms. One such mechanism involves ROS acting as intracellular second messengers, which lead to induction of unique signal transductions. Angiotensin II (AngII), a potent cardiovascular pathogen, stimulates ROS production through the G protein-coupled AngII type 1 receptor expressed in its target organs, such as vascular tissues, heart, and kidney. Recent accumulating evidence indicates that through ROS production, AngII activates downstream ROS-sensitive kinases that are critical in mediating cardiovascular remodeling. Each of these ROS-sensitive kinases could potentially mediate its own specific function. In this review, we will focus our discussion on the current findings that suggest novel mechanisms of how AngII mediates activation of these redox-sensitive kinases in target organs, as well as the pathological significance of their activation.

Signal-Crosstalk Between Rho/ROCK and c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase Mediates Migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Stimulated by Angiotensin II

BACKGROUND

Rho and its effector Rho-kinase/ROCK mediate cytoskeletal reorganization as well as smooth muscle contraction. Recent studies indicate that Rho and ROCK are critically involved in vascular remodeling. Here, we tested the hypothesis that Rho/ROCK are critically involved in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) by mediating a specific signal cross-talk.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Immunoblotting demonstrated that Ang II stimulated phosphorylation of a ROCK substrate, regulatory myosin phosphatase targeting subunit (MYPT)-1. Phosphorylation of MYPT-1 as well as migration of VSMCs induced by Ang II was inhibited by dominant-negative Rho (dnRho) or ROCK inhibitor, Y27632. Ang II-induced c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, but extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation was not mediated through Rho/ROCK. Thus, infection of adenovirus encoding dnJNK inhibited VSMC migration by Ang II. We have further demonstrated that the Rho/ROCK activation by Ang II requires protein kinase C-delta (PKCdelta) and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2) activation, but not epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation. Also, VSMCs express PDZ-Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) and Ang II stimulated PYK2 association with tyrosine phosphorylated PDZ-RhoGEF.

CONCLUSIONS

PKCdelta/PYK2-dependent Rho/ROCK activation through PDZ-RhoGEF mediates Ang II-induced VSMC migration via JNK activation in VSMCs, providing a novel mechanistic role of the Rho/ROCK cascade that is involved in vascular remodeling.

The role of reactive oxygen species in insulin signaling in the vasculature

Although there is an abundance of evidence suggesting that insulin resistance plays a significant role in the vasculature, the precise mechanistic role involved still remains unclear. In this review, we discuss the current background of insulin resistance in the context of insulin signaling and action in the vasculature. Also, studies suggest that insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease all share a common involvement with oxidative stress. Recently, we reported that lysophosphatidylcholine, a major bioactive product of oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and angiotensin II, a vasoactive hormone and a potent inducer of reactive oxygen species (ROS), negatively regulate insulin signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In endothelial cells, insulin stimulates the release of nitric oxide, which results in VSMC relaxation and inhibition of atherosclerosis. Other data suggest that angiotensin II inhibits the vasodilator effects of insulin through insulin receptor substrate-1 phosphorylation at Ser312 and Ser616. Moreover, ROS impair insulin-induced vasorelaxation by neutralizing nitric oxide to form peroxynitrite. Thus, evidence is growing to enable us to better understand mechanistically the relationship between insulin/insulin resistance and ROS in the vasculature, and the impact they have on cardiovascular disease.

G protein coupling and second messenger generation are indispensable for metalloprotease-dependent, heparin-binding epidermal growth factor shedding through angiotensin II type-1 receptor

A G protein-coupled receptor agonist, angiotensin II (AngII), induces epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) transactivation possibly through metalloprotease-dependent, heparin-binding EGF (HB-EGF) shedding. Here, we have investigated signal transduction of this process by using COS7 cells expressing an AngII receptor, AT1. In these cells AngII-induced EGFR transactivation was completely inhibited by pretreatment with a selective HB-EGF inhibitor, or with a metalloprotease inhibitor. We also developed a COS7 cell line permanently expressing a HB-EGF construct tagged with alkaline phosphatase, which enabled us to measure HB-EGF shedding quantitatively. In the COS7 cell line AngII stimulated release of HB-EGF. This effect was mimicked by treatment either with a phospholipase C activator, a Ca2+ ionophore, a metalloprotease activator, or H2O2. Conversely, pretreatment with an intracellular Ca2+ antagonist or an antioxidant blocked AngII-induced HB-EGF shedding. Moreover, infection of an adenovirus encoding an inhibitor of G(q) markedly reduced EGFR transactivation and HB-EGF shedding through AT1. In this regard, AngII-stimulated HB-EGF shedding was abolished in an AT1 mutant that lacks G(q) protein coupling. However, in cells expressing AT1 mutants that retain G(q) protein coupling, AngII is still able to induce HB-EGF shedding. Finally, the AngII-induced EGFR transactivation was attenuated in COS7 cells overexpressing a catalytically inactive mutant of ADAM17. From these data we conclude that AngII stimulates a metalloprotease ADAM17-dependent HB-EGF shedding through AT1/G(q)/phospholipase C-mediated elevation of intracellular Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species production, representing a key mechanism indispensable for EGFR transactivation.

Signal transduction of betacellulin in growth and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) family ligands have been implicated in cardiovascular diseases because of their enhanced expression in vascular lesions and their promoting effects on growth and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Betacellulin (BTC), a novel EGF family ligand, has been shown to be expressed in atherosclerotic lesions and to be a potent growth factor of VSMCs. However, the molecular mechanisms downstream of BTC involved in mediating vascular remodeling remain largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of BTC on signal transduction, growth, and migration in VSMCs. We found that BTC stimulated phosphorylation of EGF receptor (EGFR) at Tyr1068, which was completely blocked by an EGFR kinase inhibitor, AG-1478. BTC also phosphorylated ErbB2 at Tyr877, Tyr1112, and Tyr1248 and induced association of ErbB2 with EGFR, suggesting their heterodimerization in VSMCs. In postreceptor signal transduction, BTC stimulated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, Akt, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Moreover, BTC stimulated proliferation and migration of VSMCs. ERK and Akt inhibitors suppressed migration markedly and proliferation partially, whereas the p38 inhibitor suppressed migration partially but not proliferation. In addition, we found the presence of endogenous BTC in conditioned medium of VSMCs and an increase of BTC on angiotensin II stimulation. In summary, BTC promotes growth and migration of VSMCs through activation of EGFR, ErbB2, and downstream serine/threonine kinases. Together with the expression and processing of endogenous BTC in VSMCs, our results suggest a critical involvement of BTC in vascular remodeling.

Metalloprotease-dependent ErbB ligand shedding in mediating EGFR transactivation and vascular remodelling

AngII (angiotensin II) and its G-protein-coupled AT(1) receptor play critical roles in mediating cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis and restenosis after vascular injury. It is widely believed that AngII promotes these diseases by inducing vascular remodelling that involves hypertrophy, hyperplasia and migration of VSMCs (vascular smooth muscle cells). We have shown that transactivation of an ErbB family receptor, EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor; ErbB1), is essential for VSMC hypertrophy and migration induced by AngII. However, the precise signal transduction mechanism by which AngII transactivates EGFR/ErbB1 and whether other ErbBs are also required for AngII function remains unclear. Recent studies suggest an involvement of a metalloprotease-dependent ErbB family ligand production in the transactivation. Here, we will discuss the roles and mechanisms of AngII/AT(1) receptor in promoting ErbB receptors transactivation in VSMCs. Further elucidation of this ErbB activation machinery not only will give us a better understanding of the critical molecular mechanism underlying vascular remodelling stimulated by AngII, but will also contribute to development of novel treatment strategies for cardiovascular diseases.

Activation of tyrosine kinases by reactive oxygen species in vascular smooth muscle cells: significance and involvement of EGF receptor transactivation by angiotensin II

Enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as H(2)O(2) and a failure in ROS removal by scavenging systems are hallmarks of several cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. ROS act as second messengers that play a prominent role in intracellular signaling and cellular function. In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), a vascular pathogen, angiotensin II, appears to initiate growth-promoting signal transduction through ROS-sensitive tyrosine kinases. However, the precise mechanisms by which tyrosine kinases are activated by ROS remain unclear. In this review, the current knowledge that suggests how certain tyrosine kinases are activated by ROS, along with their functional significance in VSMCs, will be discussed. Recent findings suggest that transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor by ROS requires metalloprotease-dependent heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor production, whereas other ROS-sensitive tyrosine kinases such as PYK2, JAK2, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor require activation of protein kinase C-delta. Each of these ROS-sensitive kinases could mediate specific signaling critical for pathophysiological responses. Detailed analysis of the mechanism of cross-talk and the downstream function of these various tyrosine kinases will yield new therapeutic interventions for cardiovascular disease.

Hydrogen peroxide inhibits insulin signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells

Both insulin resistance and reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been reported to play essential pathophysiological roles in cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. However, the mechanistic link between ROS, such as H2O2 and insulin resistance in the vasculature, remains undetermined. Akt, a Ser/Thr kinase, mediates various biological responses induced by insulin. In this study, we examined the effects of H2O2 on Akt activation in the insulin-signaling pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In VSMCs, insulin stimulates Akt phosphorylation at Ser473. Pretreatment with H2O2 concentration- and time-dependently inhibited insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation with significant inhibition observed at 50 microM for 10 min. A ROS inducer, diamide, also inhibited insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation. In addition, H2O2 inhibited insulin receptor binding partially and inhibited insulin receptor autophosphorylation almost completely. However, pretreatment with a protein kinase C inhibitor, GF109203X (2 microM), for 30 min did not block the inhibitory effects of H2O2 on insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation, suggesting that protein kinase C is not involved in the inhibition by H2O2. We conclude that ROS inhibit a critical insulin signal transduction component required for Akt activation in VSMCs, suggesting potential cellular mechanisms of insulin resistance, which would require verification in vivo.

Distinct mechanisms of receptor and nonreceptor tyrosine kinase activation by reactive oxygen species in vascular smooth muscle cells: role of metalloprotease and protein kinase C-delta

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in cardiovascular diseases. ROS, such as H2O2, act as second messengers to activate diverse signaling pathways. Although H2O2 activates several tyrosine kinases, including the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, JAK2, and PYK2, in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the intracellular mechanism by which ROS activate these tyrosine kinases remains unclear. Here, we identified two distinct signaling pathways required for receptor and nonreceptor tyrosine kinase activation by H2O2 involving a metalloprotease-dependent generation of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and protein kinase C (PKC)-delta activation, respectively. H2O2-induced EGF receptor tyrosine phosphorylation was inhibited by a metalloprotease inhibitor, whereas the inhibitor had no effect on H2O2-induced JAK2 tyrosine phosphorylation. HB-EGF neutralizing antibody inhibited H2O2-induced EGF receptor phosphorylation. In COS-7 cells expressing an HB-EGF construct tagged with alkaline phosphatase, H2O2 stimulates HB-EGF production through metalloprotease activation. By contrast, dominant negative PKC-delta transfection inhibited H2O2-induced JAK2 phosphorylation but not EGF receptor phosphorylation. Dominant negative PYK2 inhibited H2O2-induced JAK2 activation but not EGF receptor activation, whereas dominant negative PKC-delta inhibited PYK2 activation by H2O2. These data demonstrate the presence of distinct tyrosine kinase activation pathways (PKC-delta/PYK2/JAK2 and metalloprotease/HB-EGF/EGF receptor) utilized by H2O2 in VSMCs, thus providing unique therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases.

Insulin-induced Akt activation is inhibited by angiotensin II in the vasculature through protein kinase C-alpha

Insulin resistance is an important risk factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. However, the specific role of insulin resistance in the etiology of these diseases is poorly understood. Angiotensin (Ang) II is a potent vasculotrophic and vasoconstricting factor. We hypothesize that in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), Ang II interferes with insulin action by inhibiting Akt, a major signaling molecule implicated in the biological actions of insulin. By immunoblotting with a phospho-specific antibody for Akt, we found that Ang II inhibits insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of Ang II was blocked by a Ang II type 1 receptor antagonist, RNH6270. A protein kinase C (PKC) activator, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, also inhibited insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation. PKC inhibitors, including Go6976 (specific for alpha- and beta-isoforms), blocked the Ang II- and PMA-induced inhibition of Akt phosphorylation by insulin. Moreover, overexpression of PKC-alpha but not PKC-beta isoform by adenovirus inhibited insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation. By contrast, an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (AG1478), a p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase inhibitor (PD 598,059), and a p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB 203,580) did not block the Ang II-induced inhibition of Akt phosphorylation. From these data, we conclude that Ang II negatively regulates the insulin signal, Akt, in the vasculature specifically through PKC-alpha activation, providing an alternative molecular mechanism that may explain the association of hyperinsulinemia with cardiovascular diseases.

Fruit-juice concentrate of Asian plum inhibits growth signals of vascular smooth muscle cells induced by angiotensin II

Bainiku-ekisu, the fruit-juice concentrate of the Oriental plum (Prunus mume) has recently been shown to improve human blood fluidity. We have shown that angiotensin II (AngII) stimulates growth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) through epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor transactivation that involves reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. To better understanding the possible cardiovascular protective effect of Bainiku-ekisu, we have studied whether Bainiku-ekisu inhibits AngII-induced growth promoting signals in VSMCs. Bainiku-ekisu markedly inhibited AngII-induced EGF receptor transactivation. H(2)O(2)-induced EGF receptor transactivation was also inhibited by Bainiku-ekisu. Thus, Bainiku-ekisu markedly inhibited AngII-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation. However, EGF-induced ERK activation was not affected by Bainiku-ekisu. AngII stimulated leucine uptake in VSMCs that was significantly inhibited by Bainiku-ekisu. Also, Bainiku-ekisu possesses a potent antioxidant activity. Since the activation of EGF receptor, ERK and the production of ROS play central roles in mediating AngII-induced vascular remodeling, these data suggest that Bainiku-ekisu could exert a powerful cardiovascular protective effect with regard to cardiovascular diseases.

Ligand-independent trans-activation of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor by reactive oxygen species requires protein kinase C-delta and c-Src

Reactive oxygen species are involved in the mitogenic signal transduction cascades initiated by several growth factors and play a critical role in mediating cardiovascular diseases. Interestingly, H(2)O(2) induces tyrosine phosphorylation and trans-activation of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor and the epidermal growth factor receptor in many cell lines including vascular smooth muscle cells. To investigate the molecular mechanism by which reactive oxygen species contribute to vascular diseases, we have examined a signal transduction cascade involved in H(2)O(2)-induced platelet-derived growth factor receptor activation in vascular smooth muscle cells. We found that H(2)O(2) induced a ligand-independent phosphorylation of the platelet-derived growth factor-beta receptor at Tyr(1021), a phospholipase C-gamma binding site, involving the requirement of protein kinase C-delta and c-Src that is distinct from a ligand-dependent autophosphorylation. Also, H(2)O(2) induced the association of protein kinase C-delta with the platelet-derived growth factor-beta receptor and c-Src in vascular smooth muscle cells. These findings will provide new mechanistic insights by which enhanced reactive oxygen species production in vascular smooth muscle cells induces unique alleys of signal transduction distinct from those induced by endogenous ligands leading to an abnormal vascular remodeling process.

Angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and hypertension are attenuated by epidermal growth factor receptor antisense

BACKGROUND

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a vasoconstrictor but also a growth factor. However, the Ang II type 1 receptor does not have a tyrosine kinase domain that mediates the cellular signals for mitosis. We have shown that Ang II acts via "trans"-activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to induce activation of tyrosine kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). To examine whether EGFR is involved in the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), we inhibited EGFR with a specific antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to attenuate the Ang II-induced cardiovascular hypertrophic effects.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to EGFR (EGFR-AS) was designed and tested on Ang II-induced ERK activation in cultured VSMCs. We also investigated the effects of EGFR-AS on LVH and blood pressure (BP) in Ang II-infused hypertensive rats. In VSMCs, EGFR-AS (2.5 micromol/L) reduced EGFR expression and inhibited the Ang II-induced phosphorylation of ERK. In rats, Ang II (150 ng/h for 14 days) increased BP compared with controls (184+/-6 mm Hg versus 122+/-3 mm Hg; n=7; P<0.01). Continuous intravenous infusion of EGFR-AS (2 mg/kg) decreased BP (169+/-8 mm Hg; n=8; P<0.05). Ang II infusion increased the left ventricular/body weight (LV/BW) ratio compared with control rats (2.75+/-0.08 versus 2.33+/-0.07; P<0.01). EGFR-AS, but not EGFR-sense, normalized the LV/BW in Ang II-infused rats (2.32+/-0.06; P<0.01) and attenuated Ang II-enhanced EGFR expression and ERK phosphorylation.

CONCLUSION

Ang II requires EGFR to mediate ERK activation in VSMCs and the heart. EGFR plays a critical role in the LVH induced by Ang II.

Metalloprotease inhibitor blocks angiotensin II-induced migration through inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation

In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), angiotensin II (AngII) induces transactivation of the EGF receptor (EGFR) which involves a metalloprotease that stimulates processing of heparin-binding EGF from its precursor. However, the identity and pharmacological sensitivity of the metalloprotease remain unclear. Here, we screened the effects of several metalloprotease inhibitors on AngII-induced EGFR transactivation in VSMCs. We found that an N-phenylsulfonyl-hydroxamic acid derivative [2R-[(4-biphenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-hydroxy-3-phenylpropinamide] (BiPS), previously known as matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-2/9 inhibitor, markedly inhibited AngII-induced EGFR transactivation, whereas the MMP-2 or -9 inhibition by other MMP inhibitors failed to block the transactivation. BiPS markedly inhibited AngII-induced ERK activation and protein synthesis without affecting AngII-induced intracellular Ca2+ elevation. VSMC migration induced by AngII was also inhibited not only by an EGFR inhibitor but also by BiPS. Thus, BiPS is a specific candidate to block AngII-induced EGFR transactivation and subsequent growth and migration of VSMCs, suggesting its potency to prevent vascular remodeling.

Cyclosporin A inhibits angiotensin II-induced c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase activation but not protein synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cells

Angiotensin II activates three major mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in vascular smooth muscle cells. Although other angiotensin II-induced MAPKs activation require transactivation of a growth factor receptor, the detailed mechanism by which angiotensin II activates c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) remains unclear. Here, an immunosuppressant, cyclosporin A but not FK506, selectively inhibited angiotensin II-induced JNK activation in vascular smooth muscle cells. However, cyclosporin A had no inhibitory effect on angiotensin II-induced protein synthesis. Thus, angiotensin II-induced JNK activation but not protein synthesis is mediated by a mechanism sensitive to cyclosporin A, which is independent from calcineurin in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Requirement of Ca(2+) and PKCdelta for Janus kinase 2 activation by angiotensin II: involvement of PYK2

In vascular smooth muscle cells, angiotensin II (AngII) stimulates association of its G protein-coupled AngII type 1 (AT(1)) receptor with Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), resulting in the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins. Although the association and activation of subsequent signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins appear to prerequire JAK2 activation, the signaling mechanism by which the AT(1) receptor activates JAK2 remains uncertain. Here, we have examined the signaling mechanism required for JAK2 activation by AngII in vascular smooth muscle cells. We found that AngII, through the AT(1) receptor, rapidly stimulated JAK2 phosphorylation at Tyr(1007/1008), the critical sites for the kinase activation. By using selective agonists and inhibitors, we demonstrated that PLC and its derived signaling molecules, phosphatidylinositol triphosphate/Ca(2+) and diacylglycerol/PKC, were essential for AngII-induced JAK2 phosphorylation. The PKC isoform required for JAK2 activation appears to be PKCdelta since a selective PKCdelta but not PKCalpha/beta inhibitor and dominant-negative PKCdelta overexpression inhibited JAK2 activation. We further examined a link between JAK2 and a Ca(2+)/PKC-sensitive tyrosine kinase, PYK2. We found that PYK2 activation by AngII requires PKCdelta, and that PYK2 associates with JAK2 constitutively. Moreover, transfection of two distinct PYK2 dominant-negative mutants markedly inhibited AngII-induced JAK2 activation. From these data we conclude that AT(1)-derived signaling molecules, specifically Ca(2+) and PKCdelta, participate in AngII-induced JAK2 activation through PYK2. These data provide a new mechanistic insight by which the hormone AngII exerts its cytokine-like actions in mediating vascular remodeling.

Signaling mechanisms of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor in vascular smooth muscle cells

A host of growth factors have been implicated in vascular pathologies; one such factor is heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF). Although HB-EGF has been shown to stimulate mitogenesis and chemotaxis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), its signaling mechanism remains undefined. In this study, we examined possible signal transduction pathways by which HB-EGF leads to mitogenesis in cultured rat VSMC. HB-EGF induced phosphorylation of the EGF receptor (EGFR) with maximum phosphorylation at 0.5 to 1 minute, whereas erbB4, the other receptor to which HB-EGF binds, was not activated on HB-EGF stimulation. HB-EGF induced a time- and concentration-dependent phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK; p42/44 MAPK, extracellular signal-regulating kinase [ERK] 1/2). It also activated Akt and p70S6 kinase (p70S6K) but not p38 MAPK. HB-EGF-induced phosphorylation of these kinases was blocked by the EGFR kinase inhibitor AG1478. To investigate signaling molecules involved in HB-EGF-induced DNA synthesis, we pretreated VSMC with the specific ERK kinase mitogen-activated kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059 and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002. These inhibitors significantly blocked HB-EGF-induced DNA synthesis. PD98059 inhibited HB-EGF-induced ERK activation, whereas it had no effect on Akt activation by HB-EGF. By contrast, LY294002 inhibited HB-EGF-induced Akt and p70S6K activation without effecting ERK activation by HB-EGF. These results demonstrate that HB-EGF-induced mitogenesis requires both ERK and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (Akt and p70S6K) pathways activated through EGFR, thereby providing a new mechanistic insight by which HB-EGF contributes to vascular remodeling.

Lysophosphatidylcholine inhibits insulin-induced Akt activation through protein kinase C-alpha in vascular smooth muscle cells

To better understand the intracellular signaling mechanism that causes the association of insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia with cardiovascular diseases, we specifically looked at the ability of lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) to inhibit the Akt activation induced by insulin in cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. LysoPC inhibited the insulin-induced phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473, and the inhibition was concentration dependent. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, inhibited the insulin-induced phosphorylation of Akt. LysoPC stimulated PKC phosphorylation at Ser660, which was inhibited by the PKC inhibitor GF109203X. The PKC-alpha/beta-selective inhibitor Go6976 also blocked the PMA- and lysoPC-induced inhibition of Akt phosphorylation by insulin. PKC-alpha, but not PKC-beta, is expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells, and overexpression of PKC-alpha, but not PKC-beta or PKC-delta, inhibited insulin-induced Akt activation. LysoPC rapidly stimulated PKC-alpha translocation to the membrane. In contrast, pretreatment with the p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor PD98059 or the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor SB203580 did not block the lysoPC-induced inhibition of Akt phosphorylation by insulin. In addition, lysoPC inhibited the insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 but not that of the insulin receptor beta subunit or insulin binding. PMA treatment or PKC-alpha overexpression also inhibited the tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1. From these data, we conclude that lysoPC negatively regulates the insulin signal at the point of IRS-1 through PKC-alpha in the vasculature, which may explain the association of hyperlipidemia with hyperinsulinemia in cardiovascular diseases.

Protein kinase C inhibits insulin-induced Akt activation in vascular smooth muscle cells

Protein kinase C (PKC) activation, enhanced by hyperglycemia, is associated with many tissue abnormalities observed in diabetes. Akt is a serine/threonine kinase that mediates various biological responses induced by insulin. We hypothesized that the negative regulation of Akt in the vasculature by PKC could contribute to insulin resistant states and, may therefore play a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. In this study, we specifically looked at the ability of PKC to inhibit Akt activation induced by insulin in cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Activation of Akt was determined by immunoblotting with a phospho-Akt antibody that selectively recognizes Ser473 phosphorylated Akt. A PKC activator, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), inhibited insulin-dependent Akt phosphorylation. However, PMA did not inhibit platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced activation of Akt. We further showed that the PKC inhibitor, G06983, blocked the PMA-induced inhibition of Akt phosphorylation by insulin. In addition, we demonstrated that PMA inhibited the insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1). From these data, we conclude that PKC is a potent negative regulator of the insulin signal in the vasculature, which indicate an important role of PKC in the development of insulin resistance in cardiovascular disease.

Unique regulation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase by PYK2/CAK-beta in angiotensin II-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells

Activation of tyrosine kinases is believed to play a central role in angiotensin II (AngII) signaling. Here, we have investigated whether a tyrosine kinase, PYK2, is functionally involved in AngII-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Adenovirus expressing PYK2 kinase-inactive mutant K457A or a tyrosine phosphorylation site mutant Y402F was transfected in VSMCs. AngII-induced JNK phosphorylation was markedly enhanced by K457A, whereas it was suppressed by Y402F. Protein synthesis induced by AngII was also enhanced by K457A and inhibited by Y402F. In this regard, K457A suppressed PYK2 kinase activation by AngII, whereas it enhanced AngII-induced PYK2 Tyr(402) phosphorylation. By contrast, Y402F inhibited PYK2 Tyr(402) phosphorylation, whereas it markedly enhanced AngII-induced PYK2 kinase activation. Thus, we conclude that PYK2 kinase activity negatively regulates JNK activation and protein synthesis, whereas Tyr(402) phosphorylation positively regulates these events in AngII-stimulated VSMCs, suggesting a unique role of PYK2 in mediating vascular remodeling.

Activation of MAPKs by angiotensin II in vascular smooth muscle cells. Metalloprotease-dependent EGF receptor activation is required for activation of ERK and p38 MAPK but not for JNK

In cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), the vasculotrophic factor, angiotensin II (AngII) activates three major MAPKs via the G(q)-coupled AT1 receptor. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation by AngII requires Ca(2+)-dependent "transactivation" of the EGF receptor that may involve a metalloprotease to stimulate processing of an EGF receptor ligand from its precursor. Whether EGF receptor transactivation also contributes to activation of other members of MAPKs such as p38MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) by AngII remains unclear. In the present study, we have examined the effects of a synthetic metalloprotease inhibitor BB2116, and the EGF receptor kinase inhibitor AG1478 on AngII-induced activation of MAPKs in cultured VSMC. BB2116 markedly inhibited ERK activation induced by AngII or the Ca(2+) ionophore without affecting the activation by EGF or PDGF. BB2116 as well as HB-EGF neutralizing antibody inhibited the EGF receptor transactivation by AngII, suggesting a critical role of HB-EGF in the metalloprotease-dependent EGF receptor transactivation. In addition to the ERK activation, activation of p38MAPK and JNK by AngII was inhibited by an AT1 receptor antagonist, RNH6270. and EGF markedly activate p38MAPK, whereas but not EGF markedly activates JNK, indicating the possible contribution of the EGF receptor transactivation to the p38MAPK activation. The findings that both BB2116 and AG1478 specifically inhibited activation of p38MAPK but not JNK by AngII support this hypothesis. From these data, we conclude that ERK and p38MAPK activation by AngII requires the metalloprotease-dependent EGF receptor transactivation, whereas the JNK activation is regulated without involvement of EGF receptor transactivation.

N-acetylcysteine inhibits angiotensin ii-mediated activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and epidermal growth factor receptor

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is known to stimulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor transactivation to mediate growth-promoting signals such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, how ROS and EGF receptor interact to orchestrate these signals in VSMCs remains unclear. Here we found that an antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine, inhibited ERK activation and EGF receptor tyrosine phosphorylation induced by Ang II. Moreover, H(2)O(2) stimulates EGF receptor tyrosine phosphorylation and EGF receptor inhibitors attenuated H(2)O(2)-induced ERK activation. These data indicate that ROS mediate Ang II-induced EGF receptor transactivation, a critical mechanism for ERK-dependent growth in VSMCs.

Pyk2/Cakβ Negatively Regulates Angiotensin Ii-Induced Vascular Hypertrophy

P159

PYK2/CAKβis a Ca 2+ -dependent tyrosine kinase which has been shown to activate Src tyrosine kinase and downstream mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAPK depending on a cell-type. Although angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced activation of PYK2 has been implicated in vascular remodeling, the precise role of PYK2/CAKβin Ang II-induced MAPK family activation and cell growth in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) remain largely unclear. To resolve this question, cultured rat aortic VSMCs were transfected with adenoviral vector expressing either wild type rat PYK2/CAKβ(PykWT) or its dominant-negative K457A mutant (PykDN), and MAPK family activation and protein synthesis were compared. The activation of MAPKs was measured by immunoblotting with the phospho-specific antibodies that selectively recognize the activated MAPKs. Protein synthesis was determined by 3 H-leucine incorporation. Both PykWT and PykDN transfection had no effect on Ang II-induced ERK activation. By contrast, PykWT transfection inhibited Ang II-induced JNK and p38 MAPK activation, whereas PykDN transfection markedly enhanced their activation. Interestingly, Ang II-induced 3 H-leucine uptake was totally blocked by PykWT transfection. However, PykDN transfection had no effect on Ang II-induced 3 H-Leucine uptake. From these data, we conclude that PYK2/CAKβnegatively regulates Ang II-induced vascular hypertrophy possibly through its inhibitory effect on JNK and p38 MAPK, providing new insight into the signal transduction mechanism of vascular remodeling.

Pyk2 Is a Redox-Sensitive Tyrosine Kinase in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

P162

PYK2 is a focal adhesion kinase-related protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) and is implicated in downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. In cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), Ca 2+ and/or protein kinase C- (PKC) dependent PYK2 activation by angiotensin II and platelet-derived growth factor has been reported. Because reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to mediate mitogenic signals by these agonists in VSMCs, we hypothesized that PYK2 represents a redox-sensitive PTK used by vascular mitogens. Activation of PYK2 was assessed by three distinct methods: (1) immunoblotting with phospho-specific antibody against autophosphorylated PYK2 at Tyr 402 ; (2) immunoprecipitation of PYK2 by anti-PYK2 antibody and immunoblotting with anti-phosphotyrosine antibody; (3) measurement of PYK2’s kinase activity towards the tyrosine kinase specific substrate poly-[Glu 80 Tyr 20 ] after immunoprecipitating with anti-PYK2 antibody. In cultured rat VSMCs, H 2 O 2 concentration- and time- dependently induced PYK2 phosphorylation at its autophosphorylation site Tyr 402 . Maximal phosphorylation occurred using 10-20 μM H 2 O 2 at 5-10 min and the phosphorylated protein co-migrated with a major tyrosine-phosphorylated 120 kDa protein induced by H 2 O 2 . Diamide (1 mM), a thiol-oxidizing agent, gave similar results to that of H 2 O 2 . H 2 O 2 also increased tyrosine phosphorylation of PYK2 immunoprecipitated with anti PYK2 antibody. Moreover, treatment of VSMCs with 10 μM H 2 O 2 for 5 min increased PTK activity immunoprecipitated with anti PYK2 antibody. However, 10 μM H 2 O 2 had no effect on intracellular Ca 2+ concentration detected by the fluorescent dye, fura-2 and GF109203X, a PKC inhibitor, failed to inhibit H 2 O 2 -induced PYK2 phosphorylation indicating that ROS-dependent PYK2 activation does not require Ca 2+ or PKC. These data demonstrated for the first time that PYK2 represents a major redox-sensitive PTK in the vessel wall, suggesting its pivotal role in vascular remodeling.

Involvement of reactive oxygen species in the activation of tyrosine kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase by angiotensin II

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been proposed to mediate vascular hypertrophy induced by angiotensin II (Ang II). Recently, we and others have shown that growth-promoting signals by Ang II involve protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). However, whether ROS contribute to the Ang II-induced PTK and/or ERK activation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) remains largely unclear. Here, we have investigated the possible involvement of ROS in Ang II-induced PTK and ERK activation. In the presence of a NADH/NADPH oxidase inhibitor, diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) or an antioxidant, alpha-tocopherol, Ang II-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation of two major proteins (p120, p70) and ERK activation were markedly reduced, whereas ERK activation by epidermal growth factor was unaffected. DPI also inhibited Ang II-induced H2O2 production and PTK activation. In this regard, H2O2 and a membrane permeable thiol-oxidizing agent, diamide, stimulated protein tyrosine phosphorylation of p120 and p70, and ERK activation in VSMCs. H2O2 also enhanced PTK activity. From these data, we conclude that ROS play a critical role in the Ang II-induced PTK and ERK activation in VSMCs, thereby contributing to vascular growth associated with enhanced Ang II activity.

PYK2/CAKbeta represents a redox-sensitive tyrosine kinase in vascular smooth muscle cells

In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the focal adhesion kinase-related tyrosine kinase PYK2/CAKbeta is activated by vascular mitogens. Because reactive oxygen species (ROS) are assumed to mediate mitogenic signals by these agonists, we examined the possible link between ROS and PYK2 in cultured rat VSMCs. Here we present several lines of evidence showing that PYK2 is activated by ROS in VSMCs. The inhibitory effect of an antioxidant, N-acetyl-cysteine, on PYK2 activation by its specific agonists further suggests the pivotal role of PYK2 in vascular remodeling associated with enhanced ROS production.

Intracellular signaling of angiotensin II-induced p70 S6 kinase phosphorylation at Ser(411) in vascular smooth muscle cells. Possible requirement of epidermal growth factor receptor, Ras, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and Akt

Activation of p70 S6 kinase (p70(S6K)) by growth factors requires multiple signal inputs involving phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), its effector Akt, and an unidentified kinase that phosphorylates Ser/Thr residues (Ser(411), Ser(418), Ser(424), and Thr(421)) clustered at its autoinhibitory domain. However, the mechanism by which G protein-coupled receptors activate p70(S6K) remains largely uncertain. By using vascular smooth muscle cells in which we have demonstrated Ras/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation through Ca(2+)-dependent, epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor transactivation by G(q)-coupled angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor, we present a unique cross-talk required for Ser(411) phosphorylation of p70(S6K) by Ang II. Both p70(S6K) Ser(411) and Akt Ser(473) phosphorylation by Ang II appear to involve EGF receptor transactivation and were inhibited by dominant-negative Ras, whereas the phosphorylation of p70(S6K) and ERK but not Akt was sensitive to the MEK inhibitor. By contrast, the phosphorylation of p70(S6K) and Akt but not ERK was sensitive to PI3K inhibitors. Similar inhibitory pattern on these phosphorylation sites by EGF but not insulin was observed. Taken together with the inhibition of Ang II-induced p70(S6K) activation by dominant-negative Ras and the MEK inhibitor, we conclude that Ang II-initiated activation of p70(S6K) requires both ERK cascade and PI3K/Akt cascade that bifurcate at the point of EGF receptor-dependent Ras activation.

Epidermal growth factor receptor is indispensable for c-Fos expression and protein synthesis by angiotensin II

We have reported that angiotensin II induces the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor transactivation leading to extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation in rat vascular smooth muscle cells. Here, we report that the EGF receptor kinase inhibitor AG1478 and the ERK kinase inhibitor PD98059 markedly inhibited angiotensin II-induced c-Fos expression and protein synthesis but not c-Jun expression in these cells. These data suggest that the EGF receptor transactivation and subsequent ERK activation are indispensable for angiotensin II-mediated growth promotion of vascular smooth muscle cells providing a new mechanistic insight whereby angiotensin II contributes abnormal vascular remodeling.

The level of CD4 surface protein influences T cell selection in the thymus

During T cell development thymocytes are subjected to positive and negative selection criteria to ensure that the mature T cell repertoire is MHC restricted, yet self tolerant at the same time. The CD4 and CD8 coreceptors are thought to play a crucial role in this developmental process. To elucidate the role of CD4 in T cell selection, we have produced a mouse strain that expresses CD4 at a reduced level. We used homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells to insert neo into the 3' untranslated region of CD4. The resulting mice have a reduction in the percentage of CD4+ cells in the thymus and a concomitant increase in CD8+ cells. In addition, breeding two individual class II-restricted TCR transgenic mice onto the CD4low (low level of CD4) mutant background affects the selection of each TCR differentially. In one case (AND TCR transgenic), significantly fewer CD4+ cells with the transgenic TCR develop on the CD4low mutant background, whereas in the other (5C.C7 TCR transgenic), selection to the CD4 lineage is only slightly reduced. These data support the differential avidity model of positive and negative selection. With little or no avidity, the cell succumbs to programmed cell death, low to moderate avidity leads to positive selection, and an avidity above a certain threshold, presumably above one that would lead to autoreactivity in the periphery results in clonal deletion. These data also support the idea that a minimum avidity threshold for selection exists and that CD4 plays a crucial role in determining this avidity.

Content and binding characteristics of the mitochondrial ATPase inhibitor, IF1, in the tissues of several slow and fast heart-rate homeothermic species and in two poikilotherms

We determined the IF1 contents of pig, rabbit, rat, mouse, guinea pig, pigeon, turtle, and frog heart mitochondria and the effects of varying ionic strength upon the IF1-mediated inhibition of the ATPase activity of IF1-depleted rabbit heart mitochondrial particles (RHMP) by IF1-containing extracts from these same eight species. The IF1 binding experiments were run at both species-endogenous IF1 levels and at an IF1 level normalized to that present in rabbit heart mitochondria. When species-endogenous levels of rabbit heart IF1 or either species-endogenous or normalized levels of pig heart IF1 were incubated with RHMP over a range of KCl concentrations, increasing the [KCl] to 150 mM had relatively little effect on IF1-mediated ATPase inhibition. When either species-endogenous or normalized levels of guinea pig, pigeon, turtle, or frog heart IF1 were incubated with RHMP under the same conditions, increasing [KCl] to 150 mM nearly completely blocked IF1-mediated ATPase inhibition. While species-endogenous levels of rat and mouse heart IF1 inhibited the ATPase activity of RHMP virtually not at all at any [KCl] examined, normalized levels of rat and mouse IF1 inhibited the ATPase activity of RHMP to the same extents as species-endogenous levels of pig and rabbit heart IF1, respectively, in the presence of increasing [KCl]. These experiments suggest that, while pig and rabbit heart mitochondria contain a full complement of higher-affinity IF1, pigeon, guinea pig, turtle, and frog heart mitochondria cell contain essentially a full complement of a lower-affinity form of IF1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effects of MHC gene dosage and allelic variation on T cell receptor selection

In a T cell receptor transgenic mouse model of thymic selection, the efficiency of selection of the transgenic alpha beta heterodimer is significantly enhanced in animals that express higher densities of the relevant major histocompatibility complex molecule (I-Ek/b). These results imply that there is a stochastic component to positive selection in the thymus. Allelic variants of the original selecting I-Ek molecule are either less efficient (E alpha k:E beta b) or incapable (E alpha k:E beta s and I-Ed) of mediating the selection of transgenic alpha beta + T cells. Two of these three I-E variants appear to differ from I-Ek in amino acid residues of the peptide binding site and not in residues capable of contacting the T cell receptor, suggesting that specific peptides, or conformations of peptides, play a role in positive selection. In contrast, mice transgenic for only the beta chain of this T cell receptor show selection for CD4+ T cells in the presence of all four I-E variants tested.