scholarly journals Novel Variants of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 of Shorter Molecular Size to Target the Kidney Renin Angiotensin System

Biomolecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 886 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Wysocki ◽  
Arndt Schulze ◽  
Daniel Batlle
Keyword(s):  
Glomerular Filtration ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Molecular Size ◽  
Specific Substrate ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Renin Angiotensin ◽  
C Terminus

ACE2 is a monocarboxypeptidase which generates Angiotensin (1–7) from Angiotensin II (1–8). Attempts to target the kidney Renin Angiotensin System using native ACE2 to treat kidney disease are hampered by its large molecular size, 100 kDa, which precludes its glomerular filtration and subsequent tubular uptake. Here, we show that both urine and kidney lysates are capable of digesting native ACE2 into shorter proteins of ~60–75 kDa and then demonstrate that they are enzymatically very active. We then truncated the native ACE2 by design from the C-terminus to generate two short recombinant (r)ACE2 variants (1-605 and 1-619AA). These two truncates have a molecular size of ~70 kDa, as expected from the amino acid sequence and as shown by Western blot. ACE2 enzyme activity, measured using a specific substrate, was higher than that of the native rACE2 (1-740 AA). When infused to mice with genetic ACE2 deficiency, a single i.v. injection of 1-619 resulted in detectable ACE2 activity in urine, whereas infusion of the native ACE2 did not. Moreover, ACE2 activity was recovered in harvested kidneys from ACE2-deficient mice infused with 1-619, but not in controls (23.1 ± 4.3 RFU/µg creatinine/h and 1.96 ± 0.73 RFU/µg protein/hr, respectively). In addition, the kidneys of ACE2-null mice infused with 1-619 studied ex vivo formed more Ang (1–7) from exogenous Ang II than those infused with vehicle (AUC 8555 ± 1933 vs. 3439 ± 753 ng/mL, respectively, p < 0.05) further demonstrating the functional effect of increasing kidney ACE2 activity after the infusion of our short ACE2 1-619 variant. We conclude that our novel short recombinant ACE2 variants undergo glomerular filtration, which is associated with kidney uptake of enzymatically active proteins that can enhance the formation of Ang (1–7) from Ang II. These small ACE2 variants may offer a potentially useful approach to target kidney RAS overactivity to combat kidney injury.

Activation of renal renin-angiotensin system in upstream stimulatory factor 2 transgenic mice

2009 ◽  
Vol 296 (2) ◽  
pp. F257-F265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lihua Shi ◽  
Dejan Nikolic ◽  
Shu Liu ◽  
Hong Lu ◽  
Shuxia Wang
Keyword(s):  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Mesangial Cells ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Renal Diseases ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Upstream Stimulatory Factor ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Renin Angiotensin ◽  
Stimulatory Factor

Previously we demonstrated that upstream stimulatory factor 2 (USF2) transgenic (Tg) mice developed nephropathy including albuminuria and glomerular hypertrophy, accompanied by increased transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and fibronectin accumulation in the glomeruli. However, the mechanisms by which overexpression of USF2 induces kidney injury are unknown. USF has been shown to regulate renin expression. Moreover, the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays important roles in renal diseases. Therefore, in the present studies the effects of USF2 on the regulation of RAS in the kidney as well as in mesangial cells from USF2 (Tg) mice were examined. The role of USF2-mediated regulation of RAS in TGF-β production in mesangial cells was also determined. Our data demonstrate that USF2 (Tg) mice exhibit increased renin and angiotensin (ANG) II levels in the kidney. In contrast, renal expression of other components of RAS such as renin receptor, angiotensinogen, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2, angiotensin type 1a (AT1a) receptor, and AT2 receptor was not altered in USF2 (Tg) mice. Similarly, mesangial cells isolated from USF2 (Tg) mice had increased renin and ANG II levels. Mesangial cells overexpressing USF2 also had increased TGF-β production, which was blocked by small interfering RNA-mediated renin gene knockdown or RAS blockade (enalapril or losartan). Collectively, these results suggest that USF2 promotes renal renin expression and stimulates ANG II generation, leading to activation of the intrarenal RAS. In addition, renin-dependent ANG II generation mediates the effect of USF2 on TGF-β production in mesangial cells, which may contribute to the development of nephropathy in USF2 (Tg) mice.

scholarly journals A Pilot Study to Assess the Circulating Renin-Angiotensin-System in COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Failure

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Clark Files ◽  
Kevin W. Gibbs ◽  
Christopher L. Schaich ◽  
Sean P. Collins ◽  
TanYa M. Gwathmey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Respiratory Failure ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Alternative Pathway ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Renin Angiotensin ◽  
Negative Controls

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is fundamental to COVID-19 pathobiology, due to the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) co-receptor for cellular entry. The prevailing hypothesis is that SARS-CoV-2-ACE2 interactions lead to an imbalance of the RAS, favoring pro-inflammatory Ang II related signaling at the expense of the anti-inflammatory Ang-(1-7) mediated alternative pathway. Indeed, multiple clinical trials targeting this pathway in COVID-19 are underway. Therefore, precise measurement of circulating RAS components is critical to understand the interplay of the RAS on COVID-19 outcomes. Multiple challenges exist in measuring the RAS in COVID-19 including improper patient controls, ex-vivo degradation and low concentrations of angiotensins, and unvalidated laboratory assays. Here, we conducted a prospective pilot study to enroll thirty-three moderate and severe COVID-19 patients and physiologically matched COVID-19 negative controls to quantify the circulating RAS. Our enrollment strategy led to physiologic matching of COVID-19 negative and positive moderate hypoxic respiratory failure cohorts, in contrast to the severe COVID-19 cohort which had increased severity of illness, prolonged ICU stay and increased mortality. Circulating Ang II and Ang-(1-7) levels were measured in the low picomolar (pM) range. We found no significant differences in circulating RAS peptides or peptidases between these three cohorts. The combined moderate and severe COVID-19 positive cohorts demonstrated a mild reduction in ACE activity compared to COVID-19 negative controls (2.2±0.9x105 vs. 2.9±0.8x105 RFU/mL, p=0.03). These methods may be useful in designing larger studies to physiologically match patients and quantify the RAS in COVID-19 RAS augmenting clinical trials.

scholarly journals A novel role for miR-133a in centrally mediated activation of the renin-angiotensin system in congestive heart failure

2017 ◽  
Vol 312 (5) ◽  
pp. H968-H979 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neeru M. Sharma ◽  
Shyam S. Nandi ◽  
Hong Zheng ◽  
Paras K. Mishra ◽  
Kaushik P. Patel
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Congestive Heart Failure ◽  
Paraventricular Nucleus ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Renin Angiotensin

An activated renin-angiotensin system (RAS) within the central nervous system has been implicated in sympathoexcitation during various disease conditions including congestive heart failure (CHF). In particular, activation of the RAS in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus has been recognized to augment sympathoexcitation in CHF. We observed a 2.6-fold increase in angiotensinogen (AGT) in the PVN of CHF. To elucidate the molecular mechanism for increased expression of AGT, we performed in silico analysis of the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of AGT and found a potential binding site for microRNA (miR)-133a. We hypothesized that decreased miR-133a might contribute to increased AGT in the PVN of CHF rats. Overexpression of miR-133a in NG108 cells resulted in 1.4- and 1.5-fold decreases in AGT and angiotensin type II (ANG II) type 1 receptor (AT1R) mRNA levels, respectively. A luciferase reporter assay performed on NG108 cells confirmed miR-133a binding to the 3′-UTR of AGT. Consistent with these in vitro data, we observed a 1.9-fold decrease in miR-133a expression with a concomitant increase in AGT and AT1R expression within the PVN of CHF rats. Furthermore, restoring the levels of miR-133a within the PVN of CHF rats with viral transduction resulted in a significant reduction of AGT (1.4-fold) and AT1R (1.5-fold) levels with a concomitant decrease in basal renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). Restoration of miR-133a also abrogated the enhanced RSNA responses to microinjected ANG II within the PVN of CHF rats. These results reveal a novel and potentially unique role for miR-133a in the regulation of ANG II within the PVN of CHF rats, which may potentially contribute to the commonly observed sympathoexcitation in CHF. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Angiotensinogen (AGT) expression is upregulated in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus through posttranscriptional mechanism interceded by microRNA-133a in heart failure. Understanding the mechanism of increased expression of AGT in pathological conditions leading to increased sympathoexcitation may provide the basis for the possible development of new therapeutic agents with enhanced specificity.

scholarly journals ACE2 Shedding and the Role in COVID-19

2022 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jieqiong Wang ◽  
Huiying Zhao ◽  
Youzhong An
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Viral Entry ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Transmembrane Glycoprotein

Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a transmembrane glycoprotein, is an important part of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). In the COVID-19 epidemic, it was found to be the receptor of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2). ACE2 maintains homeostasis by inhibiting the Ang II-AT1R axis and activating the Ang I (1-7)-MasR axis, protecting against lung, heart and kidney injury. In addition, ACE2 helps transport amino acids across the membrane. ACE2 sheds from the membrane, producing soluble ACE2 (sACE2). Previous studies have pointed out that sACE2 plays a role in the pathology of the disease, but the underlying mechanism is not yet clear. Recent studies have confirmed that sACE2 can also act as the receptor of SARS-COV-2, mediating viral entry into the cell and then spreading to the infective area. Elevated concentrations of sACE2 are more related to disease. Recombinant human ACE2, an exogenous soluble ACE2, can be used to supplement endogenous ACE2. It may represent a potent COVID-19 treatment in the future. However, the specific administration concentration needs to be further investigated.

scholarly journals The Biochemical Effects of Angiotensin-(1-7) on the Oxidative Stress Metabolism and Their Specific Parameters from the Temporal Lobe

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. 307-311
Author(s):  
Sorin Ungurianu ◽  
Constantin Trus ◽  
Roxana-Rosmary Enciu
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Temporal Lobe ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Renin Angiotensin ◽  
Angiotensin Peptides ◽  
Vascular Area ◽  
Ang Iv ◽  
The One

It is already known from a variety of previous reports that an independent brain renin�angiotensin system (RAS) exists, completely separated from the one in the periphery. This independent brain RAS has all the precursors and the enzymatic structures necessary for the generation of the angiotensin peptides. Thus, in the last few years various groups started focusing on the more central effects of less known angiotensins (e.g in comparison with Angiotensin (Ang) II), namely Ang III, Ang IV, Ang-(1�7) or Ang 5-8. One of these newly emerging angiotensins which has become an increased center of interest in many studies is Ang-(1-7), which is a heptapeptide previously described especially for its opposite effects to Ang II, in the peripheral vascular area, but also described for some opposite central functions vs. Ang II. These aspects are completed with the fact that it was recently suggested that the renin�angiotensin system could modulate the oxidative stress metabolism, and also it seems that the manifestations of Angiotensin-(1-7) on the basal oxidative stress status are contradictory, with a variety of reports describing controversial (e.g. both pro-oxidant and antioxidant actions) effects for this heptapeptide. Our results presented here are confirming a possible antioxidant effect of Ang-(1�7) administration on rat, as shown by the increased levels of antioxidant enzymes from the temporal lobe (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) and decreased levels of malondialdehyde, as an important lipid peroxidation parameter.

scholarly journals Functional expression of the renin-angiotensin system in human podocytes

2006 ◽  
Vol 290 (3) ◽  
pp. F710-F719 ◽  
Author(s):  
Max C. Liebau ◽  
D. Lang ◽  
J. Böhm ◽  
N. Endlich ◽  
Martin J. Bek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Functional Expression ◽  
Kidney Cortex ◽  
Receptor Subtypes ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Angiotensin Receptor ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Renin Angiotensin ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Glomerular Proteinuria

Experimental and clinical studies impressively demonstrate that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) significantly reduce proteinuria and retard progression of glomerular disease. The underlying intraglomerular mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. As podocyte injury constitutes a critical step in the pathogenesis of glomerular proteinuria, beneficial effects of ACEI and ARB may partially result from interference with a local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in podocytes. The knowledge of expression and function of a local RAS in podocytes is limited. In this study, we demonstrate functional expression of key components of the RAS in differentiated human podocytes: podocytes express mRNA for angiotensinogen, renin, ACE type 1, and the AT1 and AT2 angiotensin receptor subtypes. In Western blot experiments and immunostainings, expression of the AT1 and AT2 receptor was demonstrated both in differentiated human podocytes and in human kidney cortex. ANG II induced a concentration-dependent increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration via AT1 receptors in differentiated human podocytes, whereas it did not increase cAMP. Furthermore, ANG II secretion was detected, which was blocked by neither the ACEI captopril nor the renin inhibitor remikiren nor the chymase inhibitor chymostatin. ANG II secretion of podocytes was not increased by mechanical stress. Finally, ANG II was found to increase staurosporine-induced apoptosis in podocytes. We speculate that ACEI and ARB exert their beneficial effects, in part, by interfering with a local RAS in podocytes. Further experiments are required to identify the underlying molecular mechanism(s) of podocyte protection.

Abstract 227: The Protective Effect of Kidney-Specific ACE Inhibition Against Chronic Angiotensin II Infusions is Associated with Blunted Intrarenal Renin-Angiotensin System Activation

Hypertension ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge F Giani ◽  
Tea Djandjoulia ◽  
Nicholas Fetcher ◽  
Sebastien Fuchs ◽  
Dale M Seth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Ace Inhibition ◽  
Sham Operation ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Renin Angiotensin ◽  
Intrarenal Ras ◽  
Failed Induction

Introduction: The responses to chronic angiotensin (Ang) II infusions of gene-targeted mice lacking kidney angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), in terms of intrarenal Ang II accumulation, hypertension, sodium and water retention are all blunted or absent. The objective of this study was to determine if these reduced responses were associated with changes in the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system (RAS). METHODS: Mice lacking intrarenal ACE (ACE10/10) were generated by targeted homologous recombination placing the expression of ACE only in macrophages. As a result, these mice have normal circulating ACE levels, but no kidney ACE. Wild-type (WT) mice of the same background (C57Bl/J) served as controls. Mice were subjected to sham-operation or subcutaneous infusion of Ang II for two weeks (n=6-10, 400 ng/kg/min via osmotic minipump). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was followed by telemetry. At the end of the experiment, the kidneys were collected for analysis. Ang II content was measured by RIA. Renal abundance of ACE, angiotensinogen (AGT) and Ang II receptor type 1 (AT1R) were determined by Western Blot in total kidney homogenates. Results: At baseline, the MAP of WT and ACE 10/10 mice was similar 110 ± 4 mmHg vs. 109 ± 3 mmHg respectively (p>0.05). However, when subjected to chronic Ang II infusions, the hypertensive response was blunted in ACE 10/10 mice (129 ± 6 mmHg) vs. WT (146 ± 5 mmHg; P<0.05). Also, intrarenal Ang II accumulation was lower in ACE10/10 mice (724 ± 81 fmol/g) vs. WT (1130 ± 105 fmol/g, p<0.05). In non-treated mice, intrarenal RAS components analysis revealed that the absence of ACE in ACE10/10 mice was accompanied by a significant reduction in AGT (0.41 ± 0.06) and increased AT1R expression (1.32 ± 0.05) when compared to WT (normalized to 1.00, p<0.05 in both instances). Importantly, after chronic Ang II infusions, AGT, ACE and AT1R expression increased in WT (1.36, 1.26 and 1.17 fold increase respectively compared to non-treated WT, p<0.05) but not in the ACE10/10 mice (1.19, 1.06, 0.89 fold increase respectively compared to non-treated ACE10/10, p>0.05). Conclusion: The blunted hypertension and Ang II accumulation of mice devoid of kidney ACE in response to Ang II infusions is associated with a failed induction of renal AGT and the AT1R.

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