Abstract P501: Editing of Myosin Phosphatase Gene as a Novel Approach for Vasodilator Sensitization and Lowering of Blood Pressure

Hypertension ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariam Meddeb ◽  
Jeanine Ursitti ◽  
John Reho ◽  
Steven A Fisher

Myosin Phosphatase (MP) is the primary effector of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) relaxation and a key end target of signaling pathways that regulate vessel tone. Regulated splicing of alternative Exon24 (E24) of Myosin Phosphatase Regulatory/ Targeting subunit (MYPT1) sets vasodilator sensitivity. Skipping E24 codes for a Mypt1 isoform that contains a C-terminal leucine zipper (LZ) motif required for cGK1α binding and NO/cGMP activation of MP resulting in vasodilation. Inclusion of 31 nt E24 shifts the reading frame coding for a Mypt1 isoform with a distinct C-terminus (LZ-) that is unresponsive to NO/cGMP. We are using two editing approaches to test the function of Mypt1 E24 splice variants in the control of BP in vivo. First, LoxP sites were inserted in introns flanking E24, crossed with smMHCCre ER , and treated with Tamoxifen to achieve smooth muscle-specific cKO of E24 (SMcKO E24), thereby converting Mypt1 to the LZ+ isoform. E24 cKO mice had mean BP that was 15 + 3 mmHg lower than control (n=3-5; p<0.05). Mesenteric arteries from these mice were significantly more sensitive to DEA/NO mediated relaxation (EC 50 : 2.1+0.5 nM vs 18.2+5.6 μM; n=5-6, p<0.05). We now are developing CRISPR/CAS9 editing of Mypt1 for translation into humans with hypertension. Guide(g)RNAs targeting E24 were designed using Benchling.com and selected for further study based on predicted efficacy, specificity (>10%,>60%) and cross-species conservation. Plasmids were generated by sub-cloning of oligonucleotides into the parent pX601 plasmid for the purpose of co-expression of gRNA and saCas9. These plasmids were transfected into HEK293 cells singly and in combinations and Mypt1 gene editing assayed by PCR, Surveyor nuclease assays and sequencing of genomic DNA. Single gRNAs yielded deletions of 1-3 nt. Combinations yielded deletions of 104-334 nt that removed >80% of E24 with an efficiency of editing that varied from 10% (gRNAs 6+9 and 5+9) to 40% (gRNAs 6+11 and 5+11). We have now generated AAVgE24 and are testing their efficiency of editing of VSM in vivo. These studies support that AAV mediated CRISPR/Cas9 editing of Mypt1 E24 could be a novel strategy for vasodilator sensitization and effective lowering of blood pressure in humans.

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Fisher ◽  
J J Reho ◽  
M Meddeb ◽  
J Ursitti ◽  
M Htet

Abstract Background Despite the many drugs for treatment of hypertension, it remains inadequately treated in >50% of patients and the number one contributor to cardiovascular mortality world-wide. Thus new targets and treatment strategies are badly needed. Myosin Phosphatase (MP) is a viable target: it is the primary effector of vascular smooth muscle relaxation and a critical mediator of signaling pathways regulating vessel tone. Purpose We are using complementary/ translatable approaches to test the hypothesis: editing of the Myosin Phosphatase Regulatory (Targeting) subunit (MYPT1), by shifting the expression of naturally occurring isoforms, will sensitize vascular smooth muscle to NO/cGMP/ROS mediated vasorelaxation and thereby lower BP in models of hypertension. A further goal is to determine mechanisms by which these signals activate MP thereby causing vasorelaxation. Methods LoxP sites were inserted in introns flanking alternative Exon24 (E24) of Mypt1. Mice were crossed with smMHCCreER mice and treated with Tamoxifen for smooth muscle specific deletion of E24 (SMcKO E24).Skipping E24 codes for a Mypt1 isoform that contains a C-terminal leucine zipper (LZ) motif required for cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGK1) binding and NO/cGMP/ROS activation of MP. Second, we developed and tested guide RNAs for the purpose of AAV-CRISPR/CAS9 editing of Mypt1 E24 as a treatment for hypertension. Effect of editing is tested in otherwise normal mice and in the AngII sub-pressor model of hypertension. Results SMcKO E24 mice had mean BP that was 15+3 mmHg lower than control (n=5; p<0.05). Mesenteric arteries from these mice were significantly more sensitive to DEA/NO mediated relaxation (EC50: 2.1+0.5 nM vs 18.2+5.6 mM; n=5–6, p<0.05). Experiments testing response to AngII infusion are in progress and will be presented at the meeting. Preliminary biochemical assays support a 2-pool model, in which NO/cGMP/ROS activates the LZ+ pool, while contractile agonists inhibit the LZ- pool of MP, in the control of BP/ blood flow. We have generated a number of AAV Crispr/Cas9 gRNAs and validated their efficacy of editing of Mypt1 E24 in vitro. Experiments are in progress to test their efficacy and effect on BP in vivo. Conclusion These studies support that editing of Mypt1 E24 could be a novel strategy for vasodilator sensitization and effective lowering of blood pressure in humans with hypertension, thereby having a substantial impact on CV mortality world-wide. Acknowledgement/Funding NIH


2016 ◽  
Vol 310 (11) ◽  
pp. H1715-H1724 ◽  
Author(s):  
John J. Reho ◽  
Doreswamy Kenchegowda ◽  
Laureano D. Asico ◽  
Steven A. Fisher

The cGMP activated kinase cGK1α is targeted to its substrates via leucine zipper (LZ)-mediated heterodimerization and thereby mediates vascular smooth muscle (VSM) relaxation. One target is myosin phosphatase (MP), which when activated by cGK1α results in VSM relaxation even in the presence of activating calcium. Variants of MP regulatory subunit Mypt1 are generated by alternative splicing of the 31 nt exon 24 (E24), which, by changing the reading frame, codes for isoforms that contain or lack the COOH-terminal LZ motif (E24+/LZ−; E24−/LZ+). Expression of these isoforms is vessel specific and developmentally regulated, modulates in disease, and is proposed to confer sensitivity to nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP-mediated vasorelaxation. To test this, mice underwent Tamoxifen-inducible and smooth muscle-specific knockout of E24 (E24 cKO) after weaning. Deletion of a single allele of E24 (shift to Mypt1 LZ+) enhanced vasorelaxation of first-order mesenteric arteries (MA1) to diethylamine-NONOate (DEA/NO) and to cGMP in permeabilized and calcium-clamped arteries and lowered blood pressure. There was no further effect of deletion of both E24 alleles, indicating high sensitivity to shift of Mypt1 isoforms. However, a unique property of MA1s from homozygous E24 cKOs was significantly reduced force generation to α-adrenergic activation. Furthermore 2 wk of high-salt (4% NaCl) diet increased MA1 force generation to phenylephrine in control mice, a response that was markedly suppressed in the E24 cKO homozygotes. Thus Mypt1 E24 splice variants tune arterial reactivity and could be worthy targets for lowering vascular resistance in disease states.


2004 ◽  
Vol 286 (5) ◽  
pp. H1801-H1810 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael C. Payne ◽  
Hai-Ying Zhang ◽  
Yuichi Shirasawa ◽  
Yasuhiko Koga ◽  
Mitsuo Ikebe ◽  
...  

Myosin phosphatase is a target for signaling pathways that modulate calcium sensitivity of force production in smooth muscle. Myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1 (MYPT1) isoforms are generated by cassette-type alternative splicing of exons in the central and 3′ portion of the transcript. Exclusion of the 3′ alternative exon, coding for the leucine zipper (LZ)-positive MYPT1 isoform, is associated with the ability to desensitize to calcium (relax) in response to NO/cGMP-dependent signaling. We examined expression of MYPT1 isoforms and smooth muscle phenotype in normal rat vessels and in a prehepatic model of portal hypertension characterized by arteriolar dilation. The large capacitance vessels, aorta, pulmonary artery, and inferior vena cava expressed predominantly the 3′ exon-out/LZ-positive MYPT1 isoform. The first-order mesenteric resistance artery (MA1) and portal vein (PV) expressed severalfold higher levels of MYPT1 with predominance of the 3′ exon-included/LZ-negative isoform. There was minor variation in the presence of the MYPT1 central alternative exons. Myosin heavy and light chain splice variants in part cosegregated with MYPT1 isoforms. In response to portal hypertension induced by PV ligature, abundance of MYPT1 in PV and MA1 was significantly reduced and switched to the LZ-positive isoform. These changes were evident within 1 day of PV ligature and were maintained for up to 10 days before reverting to control values at day 14. Alteration of MYPT1 expression was part of a complex change in protein expression that can be generalized as a modulation from a phasic (fast) to a tonic (slow) contractile phenotype. Implications of vascular smooth muscle phenotypic diversity and reversible phenotypic modulation in portal hypertension with regards to regulation of blood flow are discussed.


2013 ◽  
Vol 305 (1) ◽  
pp. H104-H113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen Su ◽  
Zhongwen Xie ◽  
Shu Liu ◽  
Lindsay E. Calderon ◽  
Zhenheng Guo ◽  
...  

Recent data revealed that protein kinase C-potentiated myosin phosphatase inhibitor of 17 kDa (CPI-17), a myosin phosphatase inhibitory protein preferentially expressed in smooth muscle, is upregulated/activated in several diseases but whether this CPI-17 increase plays a causal role in pathologically enhanced vascular smooth muscle contractility and blood pressure remains unclear. To address this possibility, we generated a smooth muscle-specific CPI-17 transgenic mouse model (CPI-17-Tg) and demonstrated that the CPI-17 transgene was selectively expressed in smooth muscle-enriched tissues, including mesenteric arteries. The isometric contractions in the isolated second-order branch of mesenteric artery helical strips from CPI-17-Tg mice were significantly enhanced compared with controls in response to phenylephrine, U-46619, serotonin, ANG II, high potassium, and calcium. The perfusion pressure increases in isolated perfused mesenteric vascular beds in response to norepinephrine were also enhanced in CPI-17-Tg mice. The hypercontractility was associated with increased phosphorylation of CPI-17 and 20-kDa myosin light chain under basal and stimulated conditions. Surprisingly, the protein levels of rho kinase 2 and protein kinase Cα/δ were significantly increased in CPI-17-Tg mouse mesenteric arteries. Radiotelemetry measurements demonstrated that blood pressure was significantly increased in CPI-17-Tg mice. However, no vascular remodeling was detected by morphometric analysis. Taken together, our results demonstrate that increased CPI-17 expression in smooth muscle promotes vascular smooth muscle contractility and increases blood pressure, implicating a pathological significant role of CPI-17 upregulation.


2015 ◽  
Vol 308 (9) ◽  
pp. H1039-H1050 ◽  
Author(s):  
John J. Reho ◽  
Xiaoxu Zheng ◽  
Laureano D. Asico ◽  
Steven A. Fisher

Microcirculatory dysfunction may cause tissue malperfusion and progression to organ failure in the later stages of sepsis, but the role of smooth muscle contractile dysfunction is uncertain. Mice were given intraperitoneal LPS, and mesenteric arteries were harvested at 6-h intervals for analyses of gene expression and contractile function by wire myography. Contractile (myosin and actin) and regulatory [myosin light chain kinase and phosphatase subunits (Mypt1, CPI-17)] mRNAs and proteins were decreased in mesenteric arteries at 24 h concordant with reduced force generation to depolarization, Ca2+, and phenylephrine. Vasodilator sensitivity to DEA/nitric oxide (NO) and cGMP under Ca2+ clamp were increased at 24 h after LPS concordant with a switch to Mypt1 exon 24− splice variant coding for a leucine zipper (LZ) motif required for PKG-1α activation of myosin phosphatase. This was reproduced by smooth muscle-specific deletion of Mypt1 exon 24, causing a shift to the Mypt1 LZ+ isoform. These mice had significantly lower resting blood pressure than control mice but similar hypotensive responses to LPS. The vasodilator sensitivity of wild-type mice to DEA/NO, but not cGMP, was increased at 6 h after LPS. This was abrogated in mice with a redox dead version of PKG-1α (Cys42Ser). Enhanced vasorelaxation in early endotoxemia is mediated by redox signaling through PKG-1α but in later endotoxemia by myosin phosphatase isoform shifts enhancing sensitivity to NO/cGMP as well as smooth muscle atrophy. Muscle atrophy and modulation may be a novel target to suppress microcirculatory dysfunction; however, inactivation of inducible NO synthase, treatment with the IL-1 antagonist IL-1ra, or early activation of α-adrenergic signaling did not suppressed this response.


2007 ◽  
Vol 293 (1) ◽  
pp. H402-H408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin B. Atkins ◽  
Antoine Prezkop ◽  
James L. Park ◽  
Jharna Saha ◽  
Damon Duquaine ◽  
...  

We previously showed that GLUT4 expression is decreased in arterial smooth muscle of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats and that GLUT4-knockout mice have enhanced arterial reactivity. Therefore, we hypothesized that increased GLUT4 expression in vascular smooth muscle in vivo would prevent enhanced arterial reactivity and possibly reduce blood pressure in DOCA-salt hypertensive mice. Adult wild-type (WT) and GLUT4 transgenic (TG) mice were subjected to DOCA-salt hypertension with uninephrectomy or underwent uninephrectomy and remained normotensive. GLUT4 expression was increased more than twofold in the aortas of GLUT4 TG mice compared with WT aortas. Eight weeks after implantation of the DOCA pellets, GLUT4 expression decreased by 75% in aortas of WT hypertensive mice, but not in GLUT4 TG hypertensive aortas. Systolic blood pressure was significantly and similarly increased in WT and GLUT4 TG DOCA-salt mice compared with their respective sham-treated controls (159 vs. 111 mmHg). Responsiveness to the contractile agonist 5-HT was significantly increased in aortic rings from WT DOCA-salt mice but remained normal in GLUT4 TG DOCA mice. Phosphorylation of the myosin phosphatase targeting subunit MYPT1 was significantly enhanced in aortas of WT DOCA-salt mice, and this increase was prevented in GLUT4 TG mice. MYPT1 phosphorylation was also increased in nonhypertensive GLUT4-knockout mice. Myosin phosphatase, a major negative regulator of calcium sensitivity, is itself negatively regulated by phosphorylation of MYPT1. Therefore, our results show that preservation of GLUT4 expression prevents enhanced arterial reactivity in hypertension, possibly via effects on myosin phosphatase activity.


2016 ◽  
Vol 310 (7) ◽  
pp. H861-H872 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yujia Wang ◽  
Zenghui Wu ◽  
Eric Thorin ◽  
Johanne Tremblay ◽  
Julie L. Lavoie ◽  
...  

EPH kinases and their ligands, ephrins (EFNs), have vital and diverse biological functions, although their function in blood pressure (BP) control has not been studied in detail. In the present study, we report that Efnb3 gene knockout (KO) led to increased BP in female but not male mice. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were target cells for EFNB3 function in BP regulation. The deletion of EFNB3 augmented contractility of VSMCs from female but not male KO mice, compared with their wild-type (WT) counterparts. Estrogen augmented VSMC contractility while testosterone reduced it in the absence of EFNB3, although these sex hormones had no effect on the contractility of VSMCs from WT mice. The effect of estrogen on KO VSMC contractility was via a nongenomic pathway involving GPER, while that of testosterone was likely via a genomic pathway, according to VSMC contractility assays and GPER knockdown assays. The sex hormone-dependent contraction phenotypes in KO VSMCs were reflected in BP in vivo. Ovariectomy rendered female KO mice normotensive. At the molecular level, EFNB3 KO in VSMCs resulted in reduced myosin light chain kinase phosphorylation, an event enhancing sensitivity to Ca2+ flux in VSMCs. Our investigation has revealed previously unknown EFNB3 functions in BP regulation and show that EFNB3 might be a hypertension risk gene in certain individuals.


2018 ◽  
Vol 314 (1) ◽  
pp. G109-G118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jagmohan Singh ◽  
Ipsita Mohanty ◽  
Satish Rattan

In these studies, we developed a novel approach of in vivo magnetofection for localized delivery of nucleic acids such as micro-RNA-139-5p (miR-139-5p; which is known to target Rho kinase2) to the circular smooth muscle layer of the internal anal sphincter (IAS). The IAS tone is known to play a major role in the rectoanal continence via activation of RhoA-associated kinase (RhoA/ROCK2). These studies established an optimized protocol for efficient gene delivery using an assembly of equal volumes of in vivo PolyMag and miR139-5p or anti-miR-139-5p (100 nM each) injected in the circular smooth muscle layer in the pinpointed areas of the rat perianal region and then incubated for 20 min under magnetic field. Magnetofection efficiency was confirmed and analyzed by confocal microscopy of FITC-tagged siRNA. Using physiological and biochemical approaches, we investigated the effects of miR-139-5p and anti-miR-139-5p on basal intraluminal IAS pressure (IASP), fecal pellet count, IAS tone, agonist-induced contraction, contraction-relaxation kinetics, and RhoA/ROCK2 signaling. Present studies demonstrate that magnetofection-mediated miR-139-5p delivery significantly decreased RhoA/ROCK2, p-MYPT1, and p-MLC20 signaling, leading to decreases in the basal IASP and IAS tone and in rates of contraction and relaxation associated with increase in fecal pellet output. Interestingly, anti-miR-139-5p transfection had opposite effects on these parameters. Collectively, these data demonstrate that magnetofection is a promising novel method of in vivo gene delivery and of nucleotides to the internal anal sphincter for the site-directed and targeted therapy for rectoanal motility disorders. NEW & NOTEWORTHY These studies for the first time demonstrate the success of topical in vivo magnetofection (MF) of nucleic acids using perianal injections. To demonstrate its effectiveness, we used FITC-tagged siRNA via immunofluorescence microcopy and functional and biochemical evidence using miR-139-5p (which is known to target ROCK2). In conclusion, MF allows safe, convenient, efficient, and targeted delivery of oligonucleotides such as siRNAs and microRNAs. These studies have direct therapeutic implications in rectoanal motility disorders especially associated with IAS.


2008 ◽  
Vol 28 (8) ◽  
pp. 2590-2597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyeseon Cho ◽  
Chung Park ◽  
Il-Young Hwang ◽  
Sang-Bae Han ◽  
Dan Schimel ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT RGS5 is a potent GTPase-activating protein for Giα and Gqα that is expressed strongly in pericytes and is present in vascular smooth muscle cells. To study the role of RGS5 in blood vessel physiology, we generated Rgs5-deficient mice. The Rgs5 −/− mice developed normally, without obvious defects in cardiovascular development or function. Surprisingly, Rgs5 −/− mice had persistently low blood pressure, lower in female mice than in male mice, without concomitant cardiac dysfunction, and a lean body habitus. The examination of the major blood vessels revealed that the aortas of Rgs5 −/− mice were dilated compared to those of control mice, without altered wall thickness. Isolated aortic smooth muscle cells from the Rgs5 −/− mice exhibited exaggerated levels of phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein and extracellular signal-regulated kinase in response to stimulation with either sodium nitroprusside or sphingosine 1-phosphate. The results of this study, along with those of previous studies demonstrating that RGS5 stability is under the control of nitric oxide via the N-end rule pathway, suggest that RGS5 may balance vascular tone by attenuating vasodilatory signaling in vivo in opposition to RGS2, another RGS (regulator of G protein signaling) family member known to inhibit G protein-coupled receptor-mediated vasoconstrictor signaling. Blocking the function or the expression of RGS5 may provide an alternative approach to treat hypertension.


2002 ◽  
Vol 282 (1) ◽  
pp. H380-H388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Gros ◽  
Ryan Van Wert ◽  
Xiaomang You ◽  
Eric Thorin ◽  
Mansoor Husain

The myogenic response (MR) may represent an important physiological parameter underlying arterial blood pressure (BP). We studied the effects of age, gender, and BP on the MR of mesenteric arteries from 8- to 52-wk-old mice. Increasing age and BP are associated with an increase in the perfusion pressure at which tone develops (myogenic set point). An inverse correlation exists between age and extent (magnitude) of the MR in male ( r 2 = 0.93, P = 0.0087) and female mice ( r 2 = 0.90, P = 0.013) as well as between BP and extent of the MR in male ( r 2 = 0.96, P = 0.0036) and female ( r 2 = 0.90, P = 0.014) mice. In contrast, the strength of the MR (slope of active diameter-pressure relationship) and phenylephrine-mediated constriction did not differ among these groups. Although gender had no effect on MR at any perfusion pressure or age, only male mice showed significant salt-induced hypertension and an associated increase in the set point and reduction in the extent of the MR. The set point and extent of the MR is linked to the in vivo pressure during development and experimental hypertension.


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