scholarly journals Deficiency of MicroRNA-181a Results in Transcriptome-Wide Cell Specific Changes in the Kidney that Lead to Elevated Blood Pressure and Salt Sensitivity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeleine R. Paterson ◽  
Kristy L. Jackson ◽  
Malathi I. Dona ◽  
Gabriella E. Farrugia ◽  
Bruna Visniauskas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Knockout Mice ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Salt Sensitivity ◽  
Juxtaglomerular Cells ◽  
Renal Cells ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Knockout Mouse Model

AbstractMicroRNA miR-181a is down-regulated in the kidneys of hypertensive patients and hypertensive mice. In vitro, miR-181a is a posttranslational inhibitor of renin expression, but pleiotropic mechanisms by which miR-181a may influence blood pressure (BP) are unknown. Here we determined whether deletion of miR-181a/b-1 in vivo changes BP and the molecular mechanisms involved at the single-cell level. We developed a knockout mouse model lacking miR-181a/b-1 genes using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Radio-telemetry probes were implanted in twelve-week-old C57BL/6J wild-type and miR-181a/b-1 knockout mice. Systolic and diastolic BP were 4-5mmHg higher in knockout compared with wild-type mice over 24-hours (P<0.01). Compared with wild-type mice, renal renin was higher in the juxtaglomerular cells of knockout mice. BP was similar in wild-type mice on a high (3.1%) versus low (0.3%) sodium diet (+0.4±0.8mmHg) but knockout mice showed salt sensitivity (+3.3±0.8mmHg, P<0.001). Since microRNAs can target several mRNAs simultaneously, we performed single-nuclei RNA-sequencing in 6,699 renal cells. We identified 12 distinct types of renal cells, all of which had genes that were dysregulated. This included genes involved in renal fibrosis and inflammation such as Stat4, Col4a1, Cd81, Flt3l, Cxcl16, Smad4. We observed up-regulation of pathways related to the immune system, inflammatory response, reactive oxygen species and nerve development, consistent with higher tyrosine hydroxylase. In conclusion, downregulation of the miR-181a gene led to increased BP and salt sensitivity in mice. This is likely due to an increase in renin expression in juxtaglomerular cells, as well as microRNA-driven pleiotropic effects impacting renal pathways associated with hypertension.

Deficiency of MicroRNA-181a Results in Transcriptome-Wide Cell-Specific Changes in the Kidney and Increases Blood Pressure

Hypertension ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 1322-1334
Author(s):  
Madeleine R. Paterson ◽  
Kristy L. Jackson ◽  
Malathi S.I. Dona ◽  
Gabriella E. Farrugia ◽  
Bruna Visniauskas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Salt Sensitivity ◽  
Juxtaglomerular Cells ◽  
Renal Cells ◽  
Cell Level ◽  
Knockout Mouse Model ◽  
Nerve Development

MicroRNA miR-181a is downregulated in the kidneys of hypertensive patients and hypertensive mice. In vitro, miR-181a is a posttranslational inhibitor of renin expression, but pleiotropic mechanisms by which miR-181a may influence blood pressure (BP) are unknown. Here, we determined whether deletion of miR-181a/b-1 in vivo changes BP and the molecular mechanisms involved at the single-cell level. We developed a KO (knockout) mouse model lacking miR-181a/b-1 genes using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Radiotelemetry probes were implanted in 12-week-old C57BL/6J WT (wild type) and miR-181a/b-1 KO mice. Systolic and diastolic BP were 4- to 5-mm Hg higher in KO compared with WT mice over 24 hours ( P <0.01). Compared with WT mice, renal renin was higher in the juxtaglomerular cells of KO mice. BP was similar in WT mice on a high- (3.1%) versus low- (0.3%) sodium diet (+0.4±0.8 mm Hg), but KO mice showed salt sensitivity (+3.3±0.8 mm Hg; P <0.001). Since microRNAs can target several mRNAs simultaneously, we performed single-nuclei RNA sequencing in 6699 renal cells. We identified 12 distinct types of renal cells, all of which had genes that were dysregulated. This included genes involved in renal fibrosis and inflammation such as Stat4 , Col4a1 , Cd81 , Flt3l , Cxcl16 , and Smad4 . We observed upregulation of pathways related to the immune system, inflammatory response, reactive oxygen species, and nerve development, consistent with higher tyrosine hydroxylase in the kidney. In conclusion, downregulation of the miR-181a gene led to increased BP and salt sensitivity in mice. This is likely due to an increase in renin expression in juxtaglomerular cells, as well as microRNA-driven pleiotropic effects impacting renal pathways associated with hypertension.

Abstract 066: The Undescribed Protein Caskin2 Is a Novel Regulator of eNOS Phosphorylation and Systemic Blood Pressure

Hypertension ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 66 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah B Mueller ◽  
Susan B Gurley ◽  
Christopher D Kontos
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Systemic Blood Pressure ◽  
Regulatory Subunit ◽  
Systemic Blood ◽  
Homologous Expression ◽  
Ongoing Work ◽  
Inducing Factors

Disruptions in the function of the quiescent endothelial cells (ECs) that line mature vessels can both result in and contribute to the progression of numerous cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and disorders of vascular permeability. Despite recent attention, the signaling pathways that are active in quiescent ECs remain poorly characterized relative to those that regulate EC activation. In an effort to provide mechanistic insight into these pathways, we have characterized the previously undescribed protein Caskin2, which we hypothesize is a novel regulator of EC quiescence. Caskin2 is expressed in ECs throughout the vasculature, including the aorta, coronary arteries, and renal glomeruli. In vitro, Caskin2 promotes a quiescent EC phenotype characterized by decreased proliferation and increased resistance to apoptosis-inducing factors. Caskin2 knockout mice are viable and fertile. However, preliminary radiotelemetry measurements indicate that Caskin2 knockout (KO) mice have mildly elevated systemic blood pressure (BP). Compared to wild type (WT) littermates (n=8), Caskin2 KO mice (n=7) had increased mean arterial pressure (119+/-1 vs. 113+/-1, p=0.012), systolic BP (138+/-2 vs. 132+/-2, p=0.023), and diastolic BP (99+/-1 vs. 93+/-1, p=0.014) at baseline. To explore the molecular mechanisms of Caskin2’s effects, we used mass spectrometry to identify interacting proteins. Among the 67 proteins identified were the Ser/Thr phosphatase protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and eNOS. Using standard in vitro biochemical techniques, we demonstrated that Caskin2 acts as a PP1 regulatory subunit. Interestingly, homologous expression of Caskin2 in vitro resulted in a marked increase in phosphorylation of eNOS on S1177, which is known to promote eNOS activity, and a decrease in phosphorylation on T495, which is associated with eNOS inhibition. Finally, PP1 has been shown to dephosphorylate eNOS T495 in vitro, suggesting a molecular mechanism for our in vivo findings. Ongoing work aims to determine if the interaction of Caskin2 and PP1 is required for the Caskin2-induced increase in activating phosphorylation of eNOS and to characterize the physiological mechanisms responsible for Caskin2’s effects on BP in more detail.

scholarly journals Ficolins Promote Fungal Clearance in vivo and Modulate the Inflammatory Cytokine Response in Host Defense against Aspergillus fumigatus

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 579-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ninette Genster ◽  
Elisabeth Præstekjær Cramer ◽  
Anne Rosbjerg ◽  
Katrine Pilely ◽  
Jack Bernard Cowland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Host Defense ◽  
Knockout Mice ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Inflammatory Cells ◽  
Lectin Pathway ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen

Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes severe invasive infections in immunocompromised patients. Innate immunity plays a major role in protection against A. fumigatus. The ficolins are a family of soluble pattern recognition receptors that are capable of activating the lectin pathway of complement. Previous in vitro studies reported that ficolins bind to A. fumigatus, but their part in host defense against fungal infections in vivo is unknown. In this study, we used ficolin-deficient mice to investigate the role of ficolins during lung infection with A. fumigatus. Ficolin knockout mice showed significantly higher fungal loads in the lungs 24 h postinfection compared to wild-type mice. The delayed clearance of A. fumigatus in ficolin knockout mice could not be attributed to a compromised recruitment of inflammatory cells. However, it was revealed that ficolin knockout mice exhibited a decreased production of proinflammatory cytokines in the lungs compared to wild-type mice following A. fumigatus infection. The impaired clearance and cytokine production in ficolin knockout mice was independent of complement, as shown by equivalent levels of A. fumigatus-mediated complement activation in ficolin knockout mice and wild-type mice. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that ficolins are important in initial innate host defense against A. fumigatus infections in vivo.

Expression Of Mutant Spliceosomal Protein SF3B1 Results In Dysregulated Hematopoietic Maturation

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 2773-2773
Author(s):  
Alexander C. Minella ◽  
Oscar Ramirez ◽  
Yanfei Xu ◽  
Tushar Murthy ◽  
Xiaodong Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Erythroid Differentiation ◽  
Retroviral Vectors ◽  
Peptide Sequence ◽  
Causative Role ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Erythroid Maturation

Abstract Whole genome sequencing has recently revealed the prevalence of mutations in proteins directing splicing of RNA in up to half of the patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Mutations in the protein SF3B1 are particularly common in MDS patients with the phenotypic abnormality termed ring sideroblasts (dysplastic erythroid precursors with perinculear rings formed by iron-laden mitochondria). The most common SF3B1 mutation in MDS patients results in a change from lysine to glutamic acid at amino acid position 700 (K700E). Given that splicing of RNA is a ubiquitous phenomenon, it is unclear how these mutations result in clonal proliferation and dysplastic hematopoiesis; two hallmark features of MDS. Furthermore, direct experimental evidence demonstrating a causative role for SF3B1 mutations in MDS-related phenotypes is lacking. To better understand how mutations of spliceosomal proteins contribute to MDS pathogenesis, we sought to define how expression of mutant SF3B1 changes erythroid maturation in vitro and in vivo. Native SF3B1 cDNA constructs are not amenable to bacterial propagation due to toxicity of its HEAT-domain repeats. We overcame this problem by codon optimization (changing the DNA sequence while preserving the native peptide sequence). Human cord blood derived CD34+ cells were transduced with retroviral vectors to express either the wild-type or K700E mutant of SF3B1. After a week of expansion in cytokines (IL-3, SCF and IL6), cells were induced to erythroid differentiation by addition of erythropoietin (EPO) and analyzed for surface markers of erythroid differentiation (CD 71, CD117, CD105, CD45 and CD235A) at regular intervals. K700E mutant expressing cells were found to have significantly reduced expression of CD105 when compared to wild-type SF3B1-expressing cells (average 50% recuction, n =8). CD105 or endoglin is a TGF-beta receptor accessory receptor expressed at high levels during intermediate stages of erythroid maturation. A more modest reduction of CD71 expression was also noted in K700E-SF3B1 cells. MDS bone marrow is known to express low levels of both CD105 and CD71 making our results clinically relevant. To further characterize how mutant SF3B1 may cause dysplastic hematopoiesis, we studied transduced and transplanted murine progenitor cells in vivo and in colony forming assays. Murine data demonstrate significantly reduced K700E-transduced hematopoietic progenitors (as defined by flow-cytometry) in vivo and impaired erythroid colony formation in vitro. Together, our results suggest that enforced expression of K700E-SF3B1 induces aberrant erythroid maturation and impairs homeostasis of hematopoietic precursor cells. Thus, we provide direct evidence that MDS-associated SF3B1 mutations perturb normal hematopoiesis and offer rationale for using our complementary experimental approach as a platform for elucidating the molecular mechanisms through which mutations in RNA splicing factors promote hematologic disease. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The Ets-1 transcription factor is required for Stat1-mediated T-bet expression and IgG2a class switching in mouse B cells

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 119 (18) ◽  
pp. 4174-4181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hai Vu Nguyen ◽  
Enguerran Mouly ◽  
Karine Chemin ◽  
Romain Luinaud ◽  
Raymonde Despres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
B Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Transcriptional Enhancer ◽  
T Box ◽  
Class Switch ◽  
Ifn Γ

Abstract In response to antigens and cytokines, mouse B cells undergo class-switch recombination (CSR) and differentiate into Ig-secreting cells. T-bet, a T-box transcription factor that is up-regulated in lymphocytes by IFN-γ or IL-27, was shown to regulate CSR to IgG2a after T cell–independent B-cell stimulations. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling this process remain unclear. In the present study, we show that inactivation of the Ets-1 transcription factor results in a severe decrease in IgG2a secretion in vivo and in vitro. No T-bet expression was observed in Ets-1–deficient (Ets-1−/−) B cells stimulated with IFN-γ and lipopolysaccharide, and forced expression of T-bet in these cells rescued IgG2a secretion. Furthermore, we identified a transcriptional enhancer in the T-bet locus with an activity in B cells that relies on ETS-binding sites. After IFN-γ stimulation of Ets-1−/− B cells, activated Stat1, which forms a complex with Ets-1 in wild-type cells, no longer binds to the T-bet enhancer or promotes histone modifications at this site. These results demonstrate that Ets-1 is critical for IgG2a CSR and acts as an essential cofactor for Stat1 in the regulation of T-bet expression in B cells.

scholarly journals A role for the circadian clock protein Per1 in the regulation of aldosterone levels and renal Na+ retention

2013 ◽  
Vol 305 (12) ◽  
pp. F1697-F1704 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob Richards ◽  
Kit-Yan Cheng ◽  
Sean All ◽  
George Skopis ◽  
Lauren Jeffers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Circadian Clock ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Collecting Duct ◽  
Specific Rate ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Aldosterone Production

The circadian clock plays an important role in the regulation of physiological processes, including renal function and blood pressure. We have previously shown that the circadian protein period (Per)1 regulates the expression of multiple Na+ transport genes in the collecting duct, including the α-subunit of the renal epithelial Na+ channel. Consistent with this finding, Per1 knockout mice exhibit dramatically lower blood pressure than wild-type mice. We have also recently demonstrated the potential opposing actions of cryptochrome (Cry)2 on Per1 target genes. Recent work by others has demonstrated that Cry1/2 regulates aldosterone production through increased expression of the adrenal gland-specific rate-limiting enzyme 3β-dehydrogenase isomerase (3β-HSD). Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that Per1 plays a role in the regulation of aldosterone levels and renal Na+ retention. Using RNA silencing and pharmacological blockade of Per1 nuclear entry in the NCI-H295R human adrenal cell line, we showed that Per1 regulates 3β-HSD expression in vitro. These results were confirmed in vivo: mice with reduced levels of Per1 had decreased levels of plasma aldosterone and decreased mRNA expression of 3β-HSD. We postulated that mice with reduced Per1 would have a renal Na+-retaining defect. Indeed, metabolic cage experiments demonstrated that Per1 heterozygotes excreted more urinary Na+ compared with wild-type mice. Taken together, these data support the hypothesis that Per1 regulates aldosterone levels and that Per1 plays an integral role in the regulation of Na+ retention.

Niacin stimulates adiponectin secretion through the GPR109A receptor

2009 ◽  
Vol 296 (3) ◽  
pp. E549-E558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric P. Plaisance ◽  
Martina Lukasova ◽  
Stefan Offermanns ◽  
Youyan Zhang ◽  
Guoqing Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knockout Mice ◽  
Surface Expression ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Serum Adiponectin ◽  
Cell Surface Expression ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
In The Wild

Niacin (nicotinic acid) has recently been shown to increase serum adiponectin concentrations in men with the metabolic syndrome. However, little is known about the mechanism(s) by which niacin regulates the intracellular trafficking and secretion of adiponectin. Since niacin appears to exert its effects on lipolysis through receptor (GPR109A)-dependent and -independent pathways, the purpose of this investigation was to examine the role of the recently identified GPR109A receptor in adiponectin secretion. Initial in vivo studies in rats demonstrated that niacin (30 mg/kg po) acutely increases serum adiponectin concentrations, whereas it decreases NEFAs. Further in vitro studies demonstrated an increase in adiponectin secretion and a decrease in lipolysis in primary adipocytes following treatment with niacin or β-hydroxybutyrate (an endogenous ligand of the GPR109A receptor), but these effects were blocked when adipocytes were pretreated with pertussis toxin. Niacin had no effect on adiponectin secretion or lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, which have limited cell surface expression of the GPR109A receptor. To further substantiate these in vitro findings, wild-type and GPR109A receptor knockout mice were administered a single dose of niacin or placebo, and serum was obtained for the determination of adiponectin and NEFA concentrations. Serum adiponectin concentrations increased and serum NEFAs decreased in the wild-type mice within 10 min following niacin administration. However, niacin administration had no effect on adiponectin and NEFA concentrations in the GPR109A receptor knockout mice. These results demonstrate that the GPR109A receptor plays an important role in the dual regulation of adiponectin secretion and lipolysis.

scholarly journals Histone demethylase KDM4C controls tumorigenesis of glioblastoma by epigenetically regulating p53 and c-Myc

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Hoon Lee ◽  
Go Woon Kim ◽  
Jung Yoo ◽  
Sang Wu Lee ◽  
Yu Hyun Jeon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Suppressor Genes ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Target Gene ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Histone Demethylase ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
P53 Target Gene ◽  
The Stability

AbstractGlioblastoma is the most lethal brain tumor and its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. KDM4C is a histone H3K9 demethylase that contributes to epigenetic regulation of both oncogene and tumor suppressor genes and is often overexpressed in human tumors, including glioblastoma. However, KDM4C’s roles in glioblastoma and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we show that KDM4C knockdown significantly represses proliferation and tumorigenesis of glioblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo that are rescued by overexpressing wild-type KDM4C but not a catalytic dead mutant. KDM4C protein expression is upregulated in glioblastoma, and its expression correlates with c-Myc expression. KDM4C also binds to the c-Myc promoter and induces c-Myc expression. Importantly, KDM4C suppresses the pro-apoptotic functions of p53 by demethylating p53K372me1, which is pivotal for the stability of chromatin-bound p53. Conversely, depletion or inhibition of KDM4C promotes p53 target gene expression and induces apoptosis in glioblastoma. KDM4C may serve as an oncogene through the dual functions of inactivation of p53 and activation of c-Myc in glioblastoma. Our study demonstrates KDM4C inhibition as a promising therapeutic strategy for targeting glioblastoma.

scholarly journals Endothelial Sphingolipid De Novo Synthesis Controls Blood Pressure by Regulating Signal Transduction and NO via Ceramide

Hypertension ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (5) ◽  
pp. 1279-1288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Cantalupo ◽  
Linda Sasset ◽  
Antonella Gargiulo ◽  
Luisa Rubinelli ◽  
Ilaria Del Gaudio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Control Flow ◽  
Serine Palmitoyltransferase ◽  
Blood Pressure Homeostasis

Ceramides are sphingolipids that modulate a variety of cellular processes via 2 major mechanisms: functioning as second messengers and regulating membrane biophysical properties, particularly lipid rafts, important signaling platforms. Altered sphingolipid levels have been implicated in many cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes mellitus–related conditions; however, molecular mechanisms by which ceramides impact endothelial functions remain poorly understood. In this regard, we generated mice defective of endothelial sphingolipid de novo biosynthesis by deleting the Sptlc2 (long chain subunit 2 of serine palmitoyltransferase)—the first enzyme of the pathway. Our study demonstrated that endothelial sphingolipid de novo production is necessary to regulate (1) signal transduction in response to NO agonists and, mainly via ceramides, (2) resting eNOS (endothelial NO synthase) phosphorylation, and (3) blood pressure homeostasis. Specifically, our findings suggest a prevailing role of C16:0-Cer in preserving vasodilation induced by tyrosine kinase and GPCRs (G-protein coupled receptors), except for Gq-coupled receptors, while C24:0- and C24:1-Cer control flow-induced vasodilation. Replenishing C16:0-Cer in vitro and in vivo reinstates endothelial cell signaling and vascular tone regulation. This study reveals an important role of locally produced ceramides, particularly C16:0-, C24:0-, and C24:1-Cer in vascular and blood pressure homeostasis, and establishes the endothelium as a key source of plasma ceramides. Clinically, specific plasma ceramides ratios are independent predictors of major cardiovascular events. Our data also suggest that plasma ceramides might be indicative of the diseased state of the endothelium.

scholarly journals The salivary protein BPIFA2 differentially regulates sodium preference and blood pressure in male and female mice

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sven-Ulrik Gorr
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Knockout Mice ◽  
Salivary Protein ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Knockout Mouse Model ◽  
Spontaneously Hypertensive ◽  
Female Mice ◽  
Lps Binding

AbstractBPIFA2 (PSP, SPLUNC2, C20orf70) is a major salivary protein of uncertain physiological function. BPIFA2 is downregulated in salivary glands of spontaneously hypertensive rats, pointing to a role in blood pressure regulation. This study used a novel Bpifa2 knockout mouse model to test the role of BPIFA2 in sodium preference and blood pressure. Blood pressure did not differ between wild-type male and female mice but was significantly lower in male knockout mice compared to male wild-type mice. In contrast, blood pressure was increased in female knockout mice compared to female wild-type mice. Female wild-type mice showed a significant preference for 0.9% saline compared to male mice. This difference was reduced in the knockout mice. BPIFA2 is an LPS-binding protein but it remains to be determined if the reported effects are mediated by the LPS-binding activity of BPIFA2.

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