scholarly journals Osteoprotegerin prompts cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via FAK/BECLIN1 mediated autophagy inhibition

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
anna shen ◽  
Dezhong Zheng ◽  
Tingrong Liu ◽  
Tao Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy ◽  
Rat Cardiomyocytes ◽  
Immunoprecipitation Assay ◽  
Hypertrophic Response ◽  
Cellular Hypertrophy ◽  
Si Rna ◽  
Autophagy Inhibition ◽  
Cultured Cardiomyocytes

Abstract Aim It has been reported that Osteoprotegerin (OPG) induces cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, but the mechanism remains unclear. This study was to investigate the role of Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) pathway in the OPG induced hypertrophy in cultured cardiomyocytes.Methods The H9C2 line of rat cardiomyocytes were treated with OPG at different concentrations and the cellular hypertrophy was evaluated. Meanwhile, the activity of FAK and other the phosphorylation kinases were detected. Autophagy flux assay was performed in absence and presence OPG. The interaction between proteins was analyses using Co-Immunoprecipitation assay.Results We found that OPG induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophic response, accompanied by dramatic increases a series of inflammatory factors and cytokines, as well as collagen synthesis. Also OPG inhibits autophagy and induces FAK phosphorylation. FAK silencing using si-RNA abrogates the effect of OPG on autophagy and cellular hypertrophy. Furthermore, Co-Immunoprecipitation assay reveals that OPG inhibits autophagy through enhancing the binding of FAK and Beclin1 Tyr 233.Conclusion The FAK/Beclin1 signal pathway is essential for the OPG induced autophagy inhibition and hypertrophic response in cultured H9C2 cells.

Role of adiponectin receptors in endothelin-induced cellular hypertrophy in cultured cardiomyocytes and their expression in infarcted heart

2006 ◽  
Vol 290 (6) ◽  
pp. H2409-H2416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daisuke Fujioka ◽  
Ken-ichi Kawabata ◽  
Yukio Saito ◽  
Tsuyoshi Kobayashi ◽  
Takamitsu Nakamura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy ◽  
Leucine Incorporation ◽  
Adiponectin Receptors ◽  
Cellular Hypertrophy ◽  
Globular Adiponectin ◽  
Interfering Rna ◽  
Cultured Cardiomyocytes

Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived protein, has cardioprotective actions. We elucidated the role of the adiponectin receptors AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 in the effects of adiponectin on endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced hypertrophy in cultured cardiomyocytes, and we examined the expression of adiponectin receptors in normal and infarcted mouse hearts. Recombinant full-length adiponectin suppressed the ET-1-induced increase in cell surface area and [3H]leucine incorporation into cultured cardiomyocytes compared with cells treated with ET-1 alone. Transfection of small interfering RNA (siRNA) specific for AdipoR1 or AdipoR2 reversed the suppressive effects of adiponectin on ET-1-induced cellular hypertrophy in cultured cardiomyocytes. Adiponectin induced phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibited ET-1-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which were also reversible by transfection of siRNA for AdipoR1 or AdipoR2 in cultured cardiomyocytes. Transfection of siRNA for α2-catalytic subunits of AMPK reduced the inhibitory effects of adiponectin on ET-1-induced cellular hypertrophy and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Effects of globular adiponectin were similar to those of full-length adiponectin, and siRNA for AdipoR1 reversed the actions of globular adiponectin. Compared with normal left ventricle, expression levels of AdipoR1 mRNA and protein were decreased in the remote, as well as the infarcted, area after myocardial infarction in mouse hearts. In conclusion, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 mediate the suppressive effects of full-length and globular adiponectin on ET-1-induced hypertrophy in cultured cardiomyocytes, and AMPK is involved in signal transduction through these receptors. AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 might play a role in the pathogenesis of ET-1-related cardiomyocyte hypertrophy after myocardial infarction.

scholarly journals PRMT7 Ablation in Cardiomyocytes Causes Cardiac Hypertrophy and Fibrosis Through β-Catenin Dysregulation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byeong-Yun Ahn ◽  
Myong-Ho Jeong ◽  
Jung-Hoon Pyun ◽  
Hyeon-Ju Jeong ◽  
Tuan Anh Vuong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Hypertrophy ◽  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Wnt Signaling Pathway ◽  
Rat Cardiomyocytes ◽  
Hypertrophic Response ◽  
Cellular Hypertrophy ◽  
Pathway Inhibition ◽  
Normal Cardiac Function ◽  
Inhibitor Treatment

Abstract Angiotensin II (AngII) has potent cardiac hypertrophic effects mediated through activation of hypertrophic signaling like Wnt/b-Catenin signaling. In the current study, we examined the role of protein arginine methyltransferase 7 (PRMT7) in cardiac function. PRMT7 was greatly decreased in hypertrophic hearts chronically infused with AngII and cardiomyocytes treated with AngII. PRMT7 depletion in rat cardiomyocytes resulted in hypertrophic responses. Consistently, mice lacking PRMT7 exhibited displayed the cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. PRMT7 overexpression abrogated the cellular hypertrophy elicited by AngII, while PRMT7 depletion exacerbated the hypertrophic response caused by AngII. Similar with AngII treatment, the cardiac transcriptome analysis of PRMT7-deficient hearts revealed the alteration in gene expression profile related to Wnt signaling pathway. Inhibition of PRMT7 by gene deletion or an inhibitor treatment enhanced the activity of b-Catenin. PRMT7 deficiency decreases symmetric dimethylation of b-Catenin. Mechanistic studies reveal that methylation of arginine residue 93 in b-Catenin decreases the activity of b-Catenin. Taken together, our data suggest that PRMT7 is important for normal cardiac function through suppression of b-Catenin activity.

Abstract 309: Small Heterodimer Partner Blocks Cardiac Hypertrophy By Interfering With GATA6 Signaling

2014 ◽  
Vol 115 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoon Seok Nam ◽  
Duk-Hwa Kwon ◽  
Gwang Hyeon Eom ◽  
Hyun Kook
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Hypertrophy ◽  
Heart Diseases ◽  
Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
Orphan Nuclear Receptor ◽  
Promoter Regions ◽  
Adult Heart ◽  
Hypertrophic Response ◽  
Small Heterodimer Partner

Rationale: Small heterodimer partner (SHP; NR0B2) is an atypical orphan nuclear receptor that lacks a conventional DNA binding domain. By interacting with other transcription factors, SHP regulates diverse biological events including glucose metabolism in liver. The role of SHP in adult heart diseases has not yet been demonstrated. Objective: We aimed to investigate the role of SHP in adult heart in association with cardiac hypertrophy. Methods and Results: The roles of SHP in cardiac hypertrophy were tested in primary cultured cardiomyocytes and in animal models. SHP null mice showed a hypertrophic phenotype. Hypertrophic stresses repressed the expression of SHP, whereas forced expression of SHP blocked the development of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. SHP reduced the protein amount of Gata6. By direct physical interaction with Gata6, SHP interfered with the binding of Gata6 to GATA binding elements in the promoter regions of natriuretic peptide precursor type A. Metformin, an anti-diabetic agent, induced SHP and suppressed cardiac hypertrophy. The metformin-induced anti-hypertrophic effect was attenuated either by SHP siRNA in cardiomyocytes or in SHP null mice. Conclusions: These results establish SHP as a novel anti-hypertrophic regulator that acts by interfering with GATA6 signaling. SHP may participate in the metformin-induced anti-hypertrophic response.

Abstract 16383: Inhibition of Egfr Signalling Promotes Maladaptive Cardiac Remodelling in Hypertensive Heart Disease

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanna Cooper ◽  
Zoe Haines ◽  
Viridiana Alcantara Alonso ◽  
Joshua J Cull ◽  
Feroz Ahmad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Egfr Inhibitors ◽  
Neonatal Rat ◽  
Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy ◽  
Rat Cardiomyocytes ◽  
Egfr Ligands ◽  
Cardiac Adaptation

Introduction: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors (EGFRs: ERBB1-4) are activated by a family of ligands (e.g. EGF, Hb-EGF, EREG, TGFa), signaling through ERK1/2 and Akt to promote cell division and cancer. Antibody-based inhibition of ERBB2 in breast cancer can cause heart failure, but the role of other receptors and EGFR ligands in the heart, and potential cardiotoxicity of generic EGFR inhibitors is unclear. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that EGFR ligands play an important role in cardiac adaptation to hypertension, acting through EGFRs to promote adaptive remodelling. Methods & Results: EGF ligand/receptor mRNA expression was assessed in human failing hearts and normal controls (n=12/8). EGFRs were expressed at similar levels, but ligand expression differed with significant up- or downregulation of EGF/Hb-EGF vs EREG/TGFa, respectively, in failing hearts (p<0.05). EGF potently activated ERK1/2 and Akt (assessed by immunoblotting) in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, leading to hypertrophy (p<0.05, n=4). The anti-cancer drug afatinib inhibits EGFRs. To assess the role of EGF signaling in cardiac adaptation to hypertension in vivo , C57Bl/6J mice (n=6) were treated with 0.8 mg/kg/d angiotensin II (AngII; 7d) ± 0.45 mg/kg/d afatinib. AngII promoted cardiac hypertrophy with increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness (WT) and decreased LV internal diameter (ID; assessed by echocardiography). Afatinib enhanced AngII-induced hypertrophy with significantly increased WT:ID ratios (1.30-fold and 1.54-fold in diastole and systole, respectively; p<0.05) but inhibited AngII-induced increases in Nppb mRNA expression and cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area (208.80±9.78 vs 161.10±3.87μm 2 ; p<0.05). In contrast, Col1a1 mRNA expression was enhanced by afatinib, along with interstitial and perivascular fibrosis (3.21±0.38 vs 5.61±0.46, 0.98±0.06 vs 1.45±0.18 % area; p<0.05). Conclusion: EGFR signaling is modulated in human heart failure, promotes cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and is required for cardiac adaptation to hypertension. Since EGFR inhibition in hypertension prevents adaptive cardiomyocyte hypertrophy whilst promoting fibrosis, EGFR inhibitors are likely to cause cardiac dysfunction and be cardiotoxic in hypertensive patients.

Abstract 541: Dyxin/Lmcd1, A Novel LIM Protein, Is Both Necessary And Sufficient For The Induction Of Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy

Circulation ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Derk Frank ◽  
Christiane Hanselmann ◽  
Rainer Will ◽  
Hugo A Katus ◽  
Norbert Frey
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Hypertrophy ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Neonatal Rat ◽  
Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy ◽  
Rat Cardiomyocytes ◽  
Hypertrophic Response ◽  
Lim Protein ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Necessary And Sufficient

Sustained cardiac hypertrophy may lead to heart failure and sudden death. While significant progress has been made in elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms, it is believed that several molecules that modulate cardiomyocyte growth remain elusive. To identify novel candidates involved in hypertrophic signalling, we conducted a genome-wide screening experiment by subjecting neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCM) to either biomechanical stretch or phenylephrine (PE) stimulation followed by microarray analyses. Among several other molecules (stretch: n=164; PE: n=238), the new LIM protein Dyxin/Lmcd1 was significantly upregulated both by stretch (5.6fold, p<0.001) and PE (2.5 fold, p<0.01). Moreover, Dyxin was markedly induced in hypertrophic hearts of transgenic mice overexpressing the phosphatase calcineurin (3.8fold on mRNA- and 2.9fold on protein level (both p<0.01)). To dissect the putative function of this novel molecule, we adenovirally overexpressed Dyxin in NRCM, which led to marked cellular hypertrophy (1.5fold increase in cell surface area, p<0.001) and induction of ANF (3.8fold, p<0.05). In addition, the calcineurin-responsive gene MCIP1.4 was found upregulated (3.2fold, p<0.001), suggesting that Dyxin activates the calcineurin pathway. In order to test whether Dyxin is also required for cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, we stimulated NRCVM with either PE or stretch and utilized adenovirus-encoded microRNAs to knock down Dyxin (−75% on protein, −85% on mRNA level). While both PE and stretch induced significant hypertrophy (+41% and +48%, p<0.001), the inhibition of Dyxin expression completely blunted the hypertrophic response to both stimuli (p<0.001). Consistently, induction of the “hypertrophic gene program” (including ANF, BNP, and alpha-skeletal actin) was abrogated. Likewise, PE-mediated upregulation of MCIP1.4 expression (7.3fold; p<0.001), was entirely prevented by the knockdown of Dyxin (0.8fold, p=n.s.). We show here that Dyxin, which has not been implicated in hypertrophy before, is significantly upregulated in cardiac hypertrophy. Moreover, it is both necessary and sufficient for cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and this effect is mediated, at least in part by modulation of calcineurin signalling.

scholarly journals Deletion of IGF-1 Receptors in Cardiomyocytes Attenuates Cardiac Aging in Male Mice

Endocrinology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 157 (1) ◽  
pp. 336-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sangmi Ock ◽  
Wang Soo Lee ◽  
Jihyun Ahn ◽  
Hyun Min Kim ◽  
Hyun Kang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Nuclear Factor Κb ◽  
Nuclear Factor ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Hypertrophic Response ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Receptor Activator ◽  
Phosphoinositide 3 Kinase ◽  
Cultured Cardiomyocytes

Abstract IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling is implicated in cardiac hypertrophy and longevity. However, the role of IGF-1R in age-related cardiac remodeling is only partially understood. We therefore sought to determine whether the deletion of the IGF-1R in cardiomyocytes might delay the development of aging-associated myocardial pathologies by examining 2-year-old male cardiomyocyte-specific IGF-1R knockout (CIGF1RKO) mice. Aging was associated with the induction of IGF-1R expression in hearts. Cardiomyocytes hypertrophied with age in wild-type (WT) mice. In contrast, the cardiac hypertrophic response associated with aging was blunted in CIGF1RKO mice. Concomitantly, fibrosis was reduced in aged CIGF1RKO compared with aged WT hearts. Expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand was increased in aged WT hearts, but this increase was attenuated in aged CIGF1RKO hearts. Phosphorylation of Akt was increased in aged WT, but not in aged CIGF1RKO, hearts. In cultured cardiomyocytes, IGF-1 induced senescence as demonstrated by increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining, and a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor inhibited this effect. Furthermore, inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase significantly prevented the increase in IL-1α, IL-1β, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, and p21 protein expression by IGF-1. These data reveal an essential role for the IGF-1-IGF-1R-Akt pathway in mediating cardiomyocyte senescence.

scholarly journals Differential activation of P-TEFb complexes in the development of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy following activation of distinct GPCRs

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan D. Martin ◽  
Yalin Sun ◽  
Sarah MacKinnon ◽  
Luca Cuccia ◽  
Viviane Pagé ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Elongation Factor ◽  
Neonatal Rat ◽  
Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy ◽  
Rat Cardiomyocytes ◽  
Hypertrophic Response ◽  
Specific Regulation ◽  
Brd4 Inhibition

AbstractPathological cardiac hypertrophy is driven by neurohormonal activation of specific G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in cardiomyocytes and is accompanied by large-scale changes in cardiomyocyte gene expression. These transcriptional changes require activity of positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb), which is recruited to target genes by the bromodomain protein Brd4 or the Super Elongation Complex (SEC). Here we describe GPCR-specific regulation of these P-TEFb complexes and a novel mechanism for activating Brd4 in primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. The SEC was required for the hypertrophic response downstream of either the α1-adrenergic receptor (α1-AR) or the endothelin receptor (ETR). In contrast, Brd4 inhibition selectively impaired the α1-AR response. This was corroborated by the finding that activation of α1-AR, but not ETR, increased Brd4 occupancy at promoters and super enhancers of hypertrophic genes. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that activation of both receptors initiated similar gene expression programs, but that Brd4 inhibition attenuated hypertrophic genes more robustly following α1-AR activation. Finally, we show that protein kinase A (PKA) is required for α1-AR stimulation of Brd4 chromatin occupancy. The differential role of the Brd4/P-TEFb complex in response to distinct GPCR pathways has potential clinical implications as therapies targeting this complex are currently being explored for heart failure.

Abstract P381: Ecklonia Stolonifera Okamura Extract Suppresses Hypertrophic Responses In Cardiomyocytes And Development Of Heart Failure By Inhibiting P300-HAT Activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 129 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takahiro Katagiri ◽  
Yoichi Sunagawa ◽  
Masafumi Funamoto ◽  
Yasufumi Katanasaka ◽  
Yusuke Miyazaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Gene Transcription ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Vehicle Group ◽  
Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy ◽  
Cell Diameter ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Ecklonia Stolonifera ◽  
Hypertrophic Response ◽  
Cultured Cardiomyocytes

Introduction: Heart failure is the leading cause of death in the world. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy is observed during the development of heart failure, suggesting that its inhibition is a potential target for the prevention and treatment of heart failure. In this study, we screened a natural compound library using cultured cardiomyocytes and found that Ecklonia stolonifera Okamura extract (ESE) suppressed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. ESE, a perennial brown alga, has been reported to have various bioactive effects, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, but its effect on heart failure is still unclear. Therefore, we investigated whether ESE has an inhibitory effect on cardiomyocyte hypertrophic response and on the progression of heart failure in post-myocardial infarction (MI) rats. Methods and Results: First, primary cultured cardiomyocytes from neonatal rats were treated with ESE and then stimulated with phenylephrine (PE) for 48 hours. ESE (1000 μg/mL) significantly suppressed PE-induced increases in cardiomyocyte surface area, hypertrophic response gene transcription, and acetylation of histone H3K9. An in vitro p300-HAT assay indicated that ESE directly inhibited p300-HAT activity (IC50: 505 μg/mL). Next, one week after the ligation of the left anterior descending artery, rats with moderate MI (left ventricular fractioning shorting (LVFS) <40%) were randomly assigned to three groups: vehicle (saline) (n=9), ESE (0.3 g/kg) (n=10), or ESE (1 g/kg) (n=10). Daily oral administration was repeated for 8 weeks. After treatment, LVFS was significantly higher in the ESE (1 g/kg) group (23.3 ± 0.7%, p<0.05) than in the vehicle group (16.6 ± 1.3%). Next, the hearts were isolated and histological analysis, evaluation of gene transcription, and measurement of histone H3K9 acetylation. were performed. ESE treatment significantly suppressed MI-induced increases both in myocardial cell diameter and in the mRNA levels of hypertrophic response genes. ESE also inhibited MI-induced perivascular fibrosis and the acetylation of histone H3K9. Conclusion: These results suggest that ESE suppresses both hypertrophic responses in cardiomyocytes and the development of heart failure by inhibiting p300-HAT activity. Further studies are needed to clarify the effectiveness of ESE for heart failure therapy.

Abstract P454: The Interaction Of P300 With Brg1 Acetylated The Histone H3 Globular Domain In Heart Failure

2021 ◽  
Vol 129 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
sho uehara ◽  
Tatsuya Morimoto
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy ◽  
Globular Domain ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Transcriptional Coactivator ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Hypertrophic Response ◽  
Cultured Cardiomyocytes

Background: Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms such as histone post-translational modifications are involved in the development of heart failure. Although the acetylation of tail domains, such as H3K9, has been extensively studied, that of H3K122, the globular domain, has received much less attention. Acetylation of the globular domain directly activates transcription by destabilizing histone-DNA binding. However, the acetylation of these domains during the transition from left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) to heart failure (HF) remains unknown. Methods and Results: Primary cultured cardiomyocytes prepared from neonatal rats were treated with phenylephrine (PE). PE increased the acetylation of H3K9 and H3K122. The acetylation of H3K9 and H3K122 on the promoters of ANF and BNP, which are hypertrophic reaction genes, was increased in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. To investigate whether the transcriptional coactivator p300 is involved in the acetylation of H3K9 and H3K122, p300 knockdown was used. p300 knockdown suppressed PE-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and the acetylation of H3K9 and H3K122. In Dahl-salt sensitive rats, in vivo chromatin-immunoprecipitation assays revealed that the acetylation of H3K9 on the promoter of the hypertrophic response genes was significantly increased in LVH, but the acetylation of H3K122 was not increased in LVH. However, H3K122 acetylation was significantly increased in HF. On the other hand, there was no difference in the amount of recruitment of p300 in LVH and HF. Interestingly, immunoprecipitation-WB showed that binding of p300 with BRG1, a key component of the SWI/SNF complex, was enhanced in HF. The recruitment of BRG1 increased significantly in HF compared to LVH. Moreover, PFI-3, a BRG1 inhibitor, significantly suppressed a PE-induced increase in cardiomyocyte surface area, the mRNA levels of ANF and BNP, and the acetylation of H3K9 and H3K122 in cultured cardiomyocytes. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the acetylation of H3K122 is enhanced via the interaction of p300 and BRG1 in heart failure, providing novel insights into the epigenetic regulatory mechanism governing transcriptional activity in these processes.

Abstract 199: Distinctive Roles of Linker Histone H1 Variants in the Hypertrophic Response of Cardiomyocytes

2013 ◽  
Vol 113 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle S Parvatiyar ◽  
Timothy D Lopez ◽  
Sarah Franklin ◽  
Thomas M Vondriska
Keyword(s):  
Histone H1 ◽  
Histone Variants ◽  
Linker Histone ◽  
Neonatal Rat ◽  
Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Hypertrophic Response ◽  
Linker Histone H1 ◽  
Knock Down

Heart failure results when cardiac output is insufficient to meet physiological requirements and is often preceded by development of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. As cardiac myocytes respond to hypertrophic stresses they re-express developmentally important genes, normally senescent in the adult. The chromatin structural events underlying this “fetal gene program” are unknown. We previously showed by proteomics that histones, components of the chromatin protein functional unit, the nucleosome, are altered during hypertrophic and failing phases of pressure overload in mouse: linker histone variants H1.2 and H1.5 decreased in hypertrophied myocardium while H1.0 increased during the transition to failure. The linker histone H1 family influences higher order chromatin structure and gene expression, although the role of this family in the heart is unknown. To assess the role of linker histones in hypertrophy, neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVMs) were transfected with siRNAs individually targeting six H1 variants. Loss of H1.3 and H1.4 respectively induced a significant 26.1% (76 of 90) and 13.5% (80 of 94) increase in cell size area (µm2). A role of H1 in the hypertrophic response is evidenced by its influence on myosin heavy chain (MHC) mRNA expression. Knock-down of individual H1 variants significantly altered the MHC isoform ratio: loss of H1.3 increased α-MHC levels 1.5 fold and decreased β-MHC 1.6 fold while H1.5 depletion decreased α-MHC 2.5 fold. Both H1.3 and H1.4 knock-down increased atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) 1.3 fold while H1.5 loss decreased ANF 6.2 fold shown by qRT-PCR. Treatment with hypertrophy-inducing agents Isoproterenol (1μM), Endothelin (2nM) or Phenylephrine (10μM), reduced H1 mRNA levels however with subtle effects on protein abundance. To evaluate whether H1 loss shifted NRVM nuclei from a predominantly heterochromatic toward euchromatic state favoring gene accessibility we examined distinct histone markers of chromatin states. Histone H1.5 knock-down significantly decreased H3K9Me3 levels, a silencing mark associated with heterochromatin, 1.7 fold. Therefore we conclude that variants package distinctive regions of the genome and that H1.3 and H1.4 controls genes involved in the hypertrophic response.

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