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Chen K, Deng Z, Zhu C, Zhang Q, Chen R, Li T, Luo J, Zhou Z, Zeng R, Zhang T, Zeng Z. LKB1 delays atherosclerosis by inhibiting phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Int J Cardiol 2024; 394:131363. [PMID: 37722454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.131363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Although liver kinase B1 (LKB1) is a well-known tumor suppressor gene, and its encoded protein has important biological functions, it is not clear whether LKB1 can inhibit atherosclerosis by regulating vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship among LKB1, VSMCs and atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS ApoE-/- mice with VSMCs-specific overexpression of LKB1 were constructed by adeno-associated virus transfection technique, and then fed with high-fat diet for eight weeks. The effect of LKB1 overexpression on atherosclerosis in mice was investigated by oil red O staining, HE staining, immunofluorescence and Western Blot. The results showed that the expression of LKB1 mRNA and protein in arterial tissue of mice increased significantly after overexpression of LKB1. The degree of atherosclerosis, smooth muscle fiber proliferation and lipid accumulation were significantly alleviated in the overexpression group. The results of Western Blot showed that the expression of α-SMA was increased, while the expression of OPN and CD68 was significantly decreased in the overexpression group (P < 0.05). The Immunofluorescence results of Image Pro Plus software analysis showed that the co-localization relationship between α-SMA and CD68 was more obvious in the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Our results suggested that LKB1 can delay the progression of atherosclerosis by inhibiting the phenotypic transition of VSMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaicong Chen
- Cardiovascular Department, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Foshan 528200, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Zhiwen Deng
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chunyan Zhu
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Rong Chen
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tudi Li
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Junqian Luo
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zihao Zhou
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Rui Zeng
- Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia.
| | - Tong Zhang
- Cardiovascular Department, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Foshan 528200, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Zhihuan Zeng
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong Province, China.
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2
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Stehle D, Barresi M, Schulz J, Feil R. Heterogeneity of cGMP signalling in tumour cells and the tumour microenvironment: Challenges and chances for cancer pharmacology and therapeutics. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 242:108337. [PMID: 36623589 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The second messenger cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is an important regulator of human (patho-)physiology and has emerged as an attractive drug target. Currently, cGMP-elevating drugs are mainly used to treat cardiovascular diseases, but there is also increasing interest in exploring their potential for cancer prevention and therapy. In this review article, we summarise recent findings in cancer-related cGMP research, with a focus on melanoma, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, glioma, and ovarian cancer. These studies indicate tremendous heterogeneity of cGMP signalling in tumour tissue. It appears that different tumour and stroma cells, and perhaps different sexes, express different cGMP generators, effectors, and degraders. Therefore, the same cGMP-elevating drug can lead to different outcomes in different tumour settings, ranging from inhibition to promotion of tumourigenesis or therapy resistance. These findings, together with recent evidence that increased cGMP signalling is associated with worse prognosis in several human cancers, challenge the traditional view that cGMP elevation generally has an anti-cancer effect. As cGMP pathways appear to be more stable in the stroma than in tumour cells, we suggest that cGMP-modulating drugs should preferentially target the tumour microenvironment. Indeed, there is evidence that phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors like sildenafil enhance anti-tumour immunity by acting on immune cells. Moreover, many in vivo results obtained with cGMP-modulating drugs could be explained by effects on the tumour vasculature rather than on the tumour cells themselves. We therefore propose a model that incorporates the NO/cGMP signalling pathway in tumour vessels as a key target for cancer therapy. Deciphering the multifaceted roles of cGMP in cancer is not only a challenge for basic research, but also provides a chance to predict potential adverse effects of cGMP-modulating drugs in cancer patients and to develop novel anti-tumour therapies by precision targeting of the relevant cells and molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Stehle
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie (IFIB), Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mariagiovanna Barresi
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie (IFIB), Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Schulz
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie (IFIB), Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert Feil
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie (IFIB), Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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Beñaldo FA, Araya-Quijada C, Ebensperger G, Herrera EA, Reyes RV, Moraga FA, Riquelme A, Gónzalez-Candia A, Castillo-Galán S, Valenzuela GJ, Serón-Ferré M, Llanos AJ. Cinaciguat (BAY-582667) Modifies Cardiopulmonary and Systemic Circulation in Chronically Hypoxic and Pulmonary Hypertensive Neonatal Lambs in the Alto Andino. Front Physiol 2022; 13:864010. [PMID: 35733986 PMCID: PMC9207417 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.864010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal pulmonary hypertension (NPHT) is produced by sustained pulmonary vasoconstriction and increased vascular remodeling. Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) participates in signaling pathways that induce vascular vasodilation and reduce vascular remodeling. However, when sGC is oxidized and/or loses its heme group, it does not respond to nitric oxide (NO), losing its vasodilating effects. sGC protein expression and function is reduced in hypertensive neonatal lambs. Currently, NPHT is treated with NO inhalation therapy; however, new treatments are needed for improved outcomes. We used Cinaciguat (BAY-582667), which activates oxidized and/or without heme group sGC in pulmonary hypertensive lambs studied at 3,600 m. Our study included 6 Cinaciguat-treated (35 ug kg−1 day−1x 7 days) and 6 Control neonates. We measured acute and chronic basal cardiovascular variables in pulmonary and systemic circulation, cardiovascular variables during a superimposed episode of acute hypoxia, remodeling of pulmonary arteries and changes in the right ventricle weight, vasoactive functions in small pulmonary arteries, and expression of NO-sGC-cGMP signaling pathway proteins involved in vasodilation. We observed a decrease in pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular resistance during the acute treatment. In contrast, the pulmonary pressure did not change in the chronic study due to increased cardiac output, resulting in lower pulmonary vascular resistance in the last 2 days of chronic study. The latter may have had a role in decreasing right ventricular hypertrophy, although the direct effect of Cinaciguat on the heart should also be considered. During acute hypoxia, the pulmonary vascular resistance remained low compared to the Control lambs. We observed a higher lung artery density, accompanied by reduced smooth muscle and adventitia layers in the pulmonary arteries. Additionally, vasodilator function was increased, and vasoconstrictor function was decreased, with modifications in the expression of proteins linked to pulmonary vasodilation, consistent with low pulmonary vascular resistance. In summary, Cinaciguat, an activator of sGC, induces cardiopulmonary modifications in chronically hypoxic and pulmonary hypertensive newborn lambs. Therefore, Cinaciguat is a potential therapeutic tool for reducing pulmonary vascular remodeling and/or right ventricular hypertrophy in pulmonary arterial hypertension syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe A. Beñaldo
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Fisiopatología del Desarrollo, Programa de Fisiopatología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Araya-Quijada
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Fisiopatología del Desarrollo, Programa de Fisiopatología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Germán Ebensperger
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Fisiopatología del Desarrollo, Programa de Fisiopatología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Emilio A. Herrera
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Fisiopatología del Desarrollo, Programa de Fisiopatología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- International Center for Andean Studies (INCAS), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Roberto V. Reyes
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Fisiopatología del Desarrollo, Programa de Fisiopatología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fernando A. Moraga
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Alexander Riquelme
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Fisiopatología del Desarrollo, Programa de Fisiopatología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Sebastián Castillo-Galán
- Laboratory of Nano-Regenerative Medicine, Research and Innovation Center Biomedical (CIIB), Faculty of Medicine, University of Los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Guillermo J. Valenzuela
- Department of Women’s Health, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | - María Serón-Ferré
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Fisiopatología del Desarrollo, Programa de Fisiopatología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Aníbal J. Llanos
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Fisiopatología del Desarrollo, Programa de Fisiopatología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- International Center for Andean Studies (INCAS), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- *Correspondence: Aníbal J. Llanos,
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Cysteine-Rich LIM-Only Protein 4 (CRP4) Promotes Atherogenesis in the ApoE -/- Mouse Model. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081364. [PMID: 35456043 PMCID: PMC9032522 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) can switch from their contractile state to a synthetic phenotype resulting in high migratory and proliferative capacity and driving atherosclerotic lesion formation. The cysteine-rich LIM-only protein 4 (CRP4) reportedly modulates VSM-like transcriptional signatures, which are perturbed in VSMCs undergoing phenotypic switching. Thus, we hypothesized that CRP4 contributes to adverse VSMC behaviours and thereby to atherogenesis in vivo. The atherogenic properties of CRP4 were investigated in plaque-prone apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and CRP4 double-knockout (dKO) as well as ApoE-deficient CRP4 wildtype mice. dKO mice exhibited lower plaque numbers and lesion areas as well as a reduced content of α-smooth muscle actin positive cells in the lesion area, while lesion-associated cell proliferation was elevated in vessels lacking CRP4. Reduced plaque volumes in dKO correlated with significantly less intra-plaque oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), presumably due to upregulation of the antioxidant factor peroxiredoxin-4 (PRDX4). This study identifies CRP4 as a novel pro-atherogenic factor that facilitates plaque oxLDL deposition and identifies the invasion of atherosclerotic lesions by VSMCs as important determinants of plaque vulnerability. Thus, targeting of VSMC CRP4 should be considered in plaque-stabilizing pharmacological strategies.
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5
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Lukowski R, Feil R. Recent developments in cGMP research: From mechanisms to medicines and back. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:2321-2327. [PMID: 35332531 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lukowski
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert Feil
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie (IFIB), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Luo L, Cai Y, Zhang Y, Hsu CG, Korshunov VA, Long X, Knight PA, Berk BC, Yan C. Role of PDE10A in vascular smooth muscle cell hyperplasia and pathological vascular remodelling. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 118:2703-2717. [PMID: 34550322 PMCID: PMC9890476 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Intimal hyperplasia is a common feature of vascular remodelling disorders. Accumulation of synthetic smooth muscle cell (SMC)-like cells is the main underlying cause. Current therapeutic approaches including drug-eluting stents are not perfect due to the toxicity on endothelial cells and novel therapeutic strategies are needed. Our preliminary screening for dysregulated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) in growing SMCs revealed the alteration of PDE10A expression. Herein, we investigated the function of PDE10A in SMC proliferation and intimal hyperplasia both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS RT-qPCR, immunoblot, and in situ proximity ligation assay were performed to determine PDE10A expression in synthetic SMCs and injured vessels. We found that PDE10A mRNA and/or protein levels are up-regulated in cultured SMCs upon growth stimulation, as well as in intimal cells in injured mouse femoral arteries. To determine the cellular functions of PDE10A, we focused on its role in SMC proliferation. The anti-mitogenic effects of PDE10A on SMCs were evaluated via cell counting, BrdU incorporation, and flow cytometry. We found that PDE10A deficiency or inhibition arrested the SMC cell cycle at G1-phase with a reduction of cyclin D1. The anti-mitotic effect of PDE10A inhibition was dependent on cGMP-dependent protein kinase Iα (PKGIα), involving C-natriuretic peptide (CNP) and particulate guanylate cyclase natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2). In addition, the effects of genetic depletion and pharmacological inhibition of PDE10A on neointimal formation were examined in a mouse model of femoral artery wire injury. Both PDE10A knockout and inhibition decreased injury-induced intimal thickening in femoral arteries by at least 50%. Moreover, PDE10A inhibition decreased ex vivo remodelling of cultured human saphenous vein segments. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that PDE10A contributes to SMC proliferation and intimal hyperplasia at least partially via antagonizing CNP/NPR2/cGMP/PKG1α signalling and suggest that PDE10A may be a novel drug target for treating vascular occlusive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfeng Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA,Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Yujun Cai
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Yishuai Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Chia G Hsu
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Vyacheslav A Korshunov
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Xiaochun Long
- Department of Vascular Biology Center and Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Peter A Knight
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Bradford C Berk
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Chen Yan
- Corresponding author. Tel: 585-276-7704, E-mail:
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7
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Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) play a critical role in controlling blood pressure and blood distribution, as well as maintaining the structural integrity of the blood vessel. SMC also participate in physiological and pathological vascular remodeling due to their remarkable ability to dynamically modulate their phenotype. During the past decade, the development of in vivo fate mapping systems for unbiased identification and tracking of SMC and their progeny has led to major discoveries as well as the reevaluation of well-established concepts about the contribution of vascular SMC in major vascular diseases including atherosclerosis. Lineage tracing studies revealed that SMC undergoes multiple phenotypic transitions characterized by the expression of markers of alternative cell types (eg, macrophage-like and mesenchymal-stem cell-like) and populate injured or diseased vessels by oligoclonal expansion of a limited number of medial SMC. With the development of high-throughput transcriptomics and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq), the field is moving forward towards in-depth SMC phenotypic characterization. Herein, we review the major observations put forth by lineage and clonality tracing studies and the evidence in support for SMC phenotypic diversity in healthy and diseased vascular tissue. We will also discuss the opportunities and remaining challenges of combining lineage tracing and single-cell transcriptomics technologies, as well as studying the functional relevance of SMC phenotypic transitions and identifying the mechanisms controlling them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjun Liu
- From the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, PA (M.L., D.G.).,Division of Cardiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA (M.L., D.G.)
| | - Delphine Gomez
- From the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, PA (M.L., D.G.).,Division of Cardiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA (M.L., D.G.)
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8
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Russwurm M, Koesling D. Measurement of cGMP-generating and -degrading activities and cGMP levels in cells and tissues: Focus on FRET-based cGMP indicators. Nitric Oxide 2018; 77:44-52. [PMID: 29684551 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular messenger molecule cGMP has an established function in the regulation of numerous physiological events. Yet for the identification of further biological cGMP-mediated functions, precise information whether a cGMP response exists in a certain cell type or tissue is mandatory. In this review, the techniques to measure cGMP i.e. cGMP-formation, -degradation or levels are outlined and discussed. As a superior method to measure cGMP, the article focusses on FRET-based cGMP indicators, describes the different cGMP indicators and discusses their advantages and drawbacks. Finally, the successful applications of these cGMP indicators to measure cGMP responses in cells and tissues are outlined and summarized. Hopefully, with the availability of the FRET-based cGMP indicators, the knowledge about the cGMP responses in special cells or tissues is going to increase thereby allowing to assess further cGMP-mediated functional responses and possibly to address their pathophysiology with the available guanylyl cyclase activators, stimulators and PDE inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Russwurm
- Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Medizinische Fakultät, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Doris Koesling
- Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Medizinische Fakultät, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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9
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Lehners M, Dobrowinski H, Feil S, Feil R. cGMP Signaling and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Plasticity. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2018; 5:jcdd5020020. [PMID: 29671769 PMCID: PMC6023364 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd5020020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic GMP regulates multiple cell types and functions of the cardiovascular system. This review summarizes the effects of cGMP on the growth and survival of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which display remarkable phenotypic plasticity during the development of vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis. Recent studies have shown that VSMCs contribute to the development of atherosclerotic plaques by clonal expansion and transdifferentiation to macrophage-like cells. VSMCs express a variety of cGMP generators and effectors, including NO-sensitive guanylyl cyclase (NO-GC) and cGMP-dependent protein kinase type I (cGKI), respectively. According to the traditional view, cGMP inhibits VSMC proliferation, but this concept has been challenged by recent findings supporting a stimulatory effect of the NO-cGMP-cGKI axis on VSMC growth. Here, we summarize the relevant studies with a focus on VSMC growth regulation by the NO-cGMP-cGKI pathway in cultured VSMCs and mouse models of atherosclerosis, restenosis, and angiogenesis. We discuss potential reasons for inconsistent results, such as the use of genetic versus pharmacological approaches and primary versus subcultured cells. We also explore how modern methods for cGMP imaging and cell tracking could help to improve our understanding of cGMP’s role in vascular plasticity. We present a revised model proposing that cGMP promotes phenotypic switching of contractile VSMCs to VSMC-derived plaque cells in atherosclerotic lesions. Regulation of vascular remodeling by cGMP is not only an interesting new therapeutic strategy, but could also result in side effects of clinically used cGMP-elevating drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Lehners
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Hyazinth Dobrowinski
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Susanne Feil
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Robert Feil
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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Proatherosclerotic Effect of the α1-Subunit of Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase by Promoting Smooth Muscle Phenotypic Switching. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2016; 186:2220-2231. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2016.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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11
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Soluble guanylyl cyclase-activated cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase inhibits arterial smooth muscle cell migration independent of VASP-serine 239 phosphorylation. Cell Signal 2016; 28:1364-1379. [PMID: 27302407 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) accounts for over half of all cardiovascular disease-related deaths. Uncontrolled arterial smooth muscle (ASM) cell migration is a major component of CAD pathogenesis and efforts aimed at attenuating its progression are clinically essential. Cyclic nucleotide signaling has long been studied for its growth-mitigating properties in the setting of CAD and other vascular disorders. Heme-containing soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) synthesizes cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and maintains vascular homeostasis predominantly through cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) signaling. Considering that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can interfere with appropriate sGC signaling by oxidizing the cyclase heme moiety and so are associated with several CVD pathologies, the current study was designed to test the hypothesis that heme-independent sGC activation by BAY 60-2770 (BAY60) maintains cGMP levels despite heme oxidation and inhibits ASM cell migration through phosphorylation of the PKG target and actin-binding vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP). First, using the heme oxidant ODQ, cGMP content was potentiated in the presence of BAY60. Using a rat model of arterial growth, BAY60 significantly reduced neointima formation and luminal narrowing compared to vehicle (VEH)-treated controls. In rat ASM cells BAY60 significantly attenuated cell migration, reduced G:F actin, and increased PKG activity and VASP Ser239 phosphorylation (pVASP·S239) compared to VEH controls. Site-directed mutagenesis was then used to generate overexpressing full-length wild type VASP (FL-VASP/WT), VASP Ser239 phosphorylation-mimetic (FL-VASP/239D) and VASP Ser239 phosphorylation-resistant (FL-VASP/239A) ASM cell mutants. Surprisingly, FL-VASP/239D negated the inhibitory effects of FL-VASP/WT and FL-VASP/239A cells on migration. Furthermore, when FL-VASP mutants were treated with BAY60, only the FL-VASP/239D group showed reduced migration compared to its VEH controls. Intriguingly, FL-VASP/239D abrogated the stimulatory effects of FL-VASP/WT and FL-VASP/239A cells on PKG activity. In turn, pharmacologic blockade of PKG in the presence of BAY60 reversed the inhibitory effect of BAY60 on naïve ASM cell migration. Taken together, we demonstrate for the first time that BAY60 inhibits ASM cell migration through cGMP/PKG/VASP signaling yet through mechanisms independent of pVASP·S239 and that FL-VASP overexpression regulates PKG activity in rat ASM cells. These findings implicate BAY60 as a potential pharmacotherapeutic agent against aberrant ASM growth disorders such as CAD and also establish a unique mechanism through which VASP controls PKG activity.
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12
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Feil R. Viagra releases the brakes on melanoma growth. Mol Cell Oncol 2016; 4:e1188874. [PMID: 29057299 DOI: 10.1080/23723556.2016.1188874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Use of the phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) blocker sildenafil (Viagra) has been linked to an increased risk of melanoma. In a recent study we discovered a growth-promoting cGMP pathway in melanoma cells. cGMP degradation via PDE5 acts as a brake on this pathway. Inhibition of PDE5 releases this brake, providing a mechanism for the promelanoma effects of sildenafil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Feil
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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13
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Dhayade S, Kaesler S, Sinnberg T, Dobrowinski H, Peters S, Naumann U, Liu H, Hunger RE, Thunemann M, Biedermann T, Schittek B, Simon HU, Feil S, Feil R. Sildenafil Potentiates a cGMP-Dependent Pathway to Promote Melanoma Growth. Cell Rep 2016; 14:2599-610. [PMID: 26971999 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Sildenafil, an inhibitor of the cGMP-degrading phosphodiesterase 5 that is used to treat erectile dysfunction, has been linked to an increased risk of melanoma. Here, we have examined the potential connection between cGMP-dependent signaling cascades and melanoma growth. Using a combination of biochemical assays and real-time monitoring of melanoma cells, we report a cGMP-dependent growth-promoting pathway in murine and human melanoma cells. We document that C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), a ligand of the membrane-bound guanylate cyclase B, enhances the activity of cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (cGKI) in melanoma cells by increasing the intracellular levels of cGMP. Activation of this cGMP pathway promotes melanoma cell growth and migration in a p44/42 MAPK-dependent manner. Sildenafil treatment further increases intracellular cGMP concentrations, potentiating activation of this pathway. Collectively, our data identify this cGMP-cGKI pathway as the link between sildenafil usage and increased melanoma risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Dhayade
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Kaesler
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Sinnberg
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hyazinth Dobrowinski
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Peters
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Naumann
- Hertie-Institut für klinische Hirnforschung, Abteilung Vaskuläre Neurologie, Labor für Molekulare Neuroonkologie, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - He Liu
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Robert E Hunger
- Department of Dermatology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin Thunemann
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tilo Biedermann
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Technische Universität München, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Birgit Schittek
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hans-Uwe Simon
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Feil
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert Feil
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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14
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Feil S, Fehrenbacher B, Lukowski R, Essmann F, Schulze-Osthoff K, Schaller M, Feil R. Transdifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells to macrophage-like cells during atherogenesis. Circ Res 2014; 115:662-7. [PMID: 25070003 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.115.304634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 376] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Atherosclerosis is a widespread and devastating disease, but the origins of cells within atherosclerotic plaques are not well defined. OBJECTIVE To investigate the specific contribution of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) to atherosclerotic plaque formation by genetic inducible fate mapping in mice. METHODS AND RESULTS Vascular SMCs were genetically pulse-labeled using the tamoxifen-dependent Cre recombinase, CreER(T2), expressed from the endogenous SM22α locus combined with Cre-activatable reporter genes that were integrated into the ROSA26 locus. Mature SMCs in the arterial media were labeled by tamoxifen treatment of young apolipoprotein E-deficient mice before the development of atherosclerosis and then their fate was monitored in older atherosclerotic animals. We found that medial SMCs can undergo clonal expansion and convert to macrophage-like cells that have lost classic SMC marker expression and make up a major component of advanced atherosclerotic lesions. CONCLUSIONS This study provides strong in vivo evidence for smooth muscle-to-macrophage transdifferentiation and supports an important role of SMC plasticity in atherogenesis. Targeting this type of SMC phenotypic conversion might be a novel strategy for the treatment of atherosclerosis, as well as other diseases with a smooth muscle component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Feil
- From the Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie (S.F., F.E., K.S.-O., R.F.), Department of Dermatology (B.F., M.S.), and Pharmakologie, Toxikologie und Klinische Pharmazie (R.L.), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Birgit Fehrenbacher
- From the Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie (S.F., F.E., K.S.-O., R.F.), Department of Dermatology (B.F., M.S.), and Pharmakologie, Toxikologie und Klinische Pharmazie (R.L.), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert Lukowski
- From the Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie (S.F., F.E., K.S.-O., R.F.), Department of Dermatology (B.F., M.S.), and Pharmakologie, Toxikologie und Klinische Pharmazie (R.L.), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Frank Essmann
- From the Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie (S.F., F.E., K.S.-O., R.F.), Department of Dermatology (B.F., M.S.), and Pharmakologie, Toxikologie und Klinische Pharmazie (R.L.), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Klaus Schulze-Osthoff
- From the Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie (S.F., F.E., K.S.-O., R.F.), Department of Dermatology (B.F., M.S.), and Pharmakologie, Toxikologie und Klinische Pharmazie (R.L.), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Martin Schaller
- From the Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie (S.F., F.E., K.S.-O., R.F.), Department of Dermatology (B.F., M.S.), and Pharmakologie, Toxikologie und Klinische Pharmazie (R.L.), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert Feil
- From the Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie (S.F., F.E., K.S.-O., R.F.), Department of Dermatology (B.F., M.S.), and Pharmakologie, Toxikologie und Klinische Pharmazie (R.L.), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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15
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Genetic inducible fate mapping in adult mice using tamoxifen-dependent Cre recombinases. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1194:113-39. [PMID: 25064100 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1215-5_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Cre/lox site-specific recombination system allows the control of gene activity in space and time in almost any tissue of the mouse. A major technical advance was the development of tamoxifen-dependent Cre recombinases, such as CreER(T2), that can be activated by administration of tamoxifen to the animal. This powerful tool greatly facilitates the study of gene functions and the generation of more realistic animal models of sporadic human diseases. Another important application of tamoxifen-dependent Cre recombinases is genetic inducible fate mapping (GIFM). In GIFM studies, the inducible Cre/lox system is used to genetically label a defined cell population at a selected time by irreversible activation of the expression of a Cre-responsive reporter transgene. Then, marked cells are detected at later time points to determine how the originally labeled progenitors contribute to specific structures and cell types during pre- and postnatal development. GIFM was initially applied during mouse embryogenesis, but is now increasingly used for cell lineage tracing in adult mice under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Here we describe the design of GIFM experiments in adult mice as exemplified by CreER(T2)-assisted tracing of vascular smooth muscle cells during the development of atherosclerotic lesions. First, we give an overview of reporter transgenes available for genetic cell marking that are expressed from the Rosa26 locus, such as β-galactosidase and fluorescent proteins. Then we present detailed protocols for the generation of experimental mice for GIFM studies, the induction of cell labeling by tamoxifen treatment, and the detection of marked cells in fixed and live tissues. Each section also provides a discussion of limitations and common pitfalls of GIFM experiments. Most of the protocols can be easily adapted to other developmental stages, cell types, Cre recombinases, and reporter transgenes and, thus, can be used as general guidelines for GIFM studies in mice.
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16
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Abstract
At least 468 individual genes have been manipulated by molecular methods to study their effects on the initiation, promotion, and progression of atherosclerosis. Most clinicians and many investigators, even in related disciplines, find many of these genes and the related pathways entirely foreign. Medical schools generally do not attempt to incorporate the relevant molecular biology into their curriculum. A number of key signaling pathways are highly relevant to atherogenesis and are presented to provide a context for the gene manipulations summarized herein. The pathways include the following: the insulin receptor (and other receptor tyrosine kinases); Ras and MAPK activation; TNF-α and related family members leading to activation of NF-κB; effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on signaling; endothelial adaptations to flow including G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and integrin-related signaling; activation of endothelial and other cells by modified lipoproteins; purinergic signaling; control of leukocyte adhesion to endothelium, migration, and further activation; foam cell formation; and macrophage and vascular smooth muscle cell signaling related to proliferation, efferocytosis, and apoptosis. This review is intended primarily as an introduction to these key signaling pathways. They have become the focus of modern atherosclerosis research and will undoubtedly provide a rich resource for future innovation toward intervention and prevention of the number one cause of death in the modern world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul N Hopkins
- Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
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17
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Kato S, Zhang R, Roberts JD. Proprotein convertases play an important role in regulating PKGI endoproteolytic cleavage and nuclear transport. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2013; 305:L130-40. [PMID: 23686857 PMCID: PMC3726948 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00391.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide and cGMP modulate vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype by regulating cell differentiation and proliferation. Recent studies suggest that cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (PKGI) cleavage and the nuclear translocation of a constitutively active kinase fragment, PKGIγ, are required for nuclear cGMP signaling in SMC. However, the mechanisms that control PKGI proteolysis are unknown. Inspection of the amino acid sequence of a PKGI cleavage site that yields PKGIγ and a protease database revealed a putative minimum consensus sequence for proprotein convertases (PCs). Therefore we investigated the role of PCs in regulating PKGI proteolysis. We observed that overexpression of PCs, furin and PC5, but not PC7, which are all expressed in SMC, increase PKGI cleavage in a dose-dependent manner in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. Moreover, furin-induced proteolysis of mutant PKGI, in which alanines were substituted into the putative PC consensus sequence, was decreased in these cells. In addition, overexpression of furin increased PKGI proteolysis in LoVo cells, which is an adenocarcinoma cell line expressing defective furin without PC activity. Also, expression of α1-PDX, an engineered serpin-like PC inhibitor, reduced PC activity and decreased PKGI proteolysis in HEK293 cells. Last, treatment of low-passage rat aortic SMC with membrane-permeable PC inhibitor peptides decreased cGMP-stimulated nuclear PKGIγ translocation. These data indicate for the first time that PCs have a role in regulating PKGI proteolysis and the nuclear localization of its active cleavage product, which are important for cGMP-mediated SMC phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Kato
- Cardiovascular Research Center of the General Medical Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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18
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Wolfertstetter S, Huettner JP, Schlossmann J. cGMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Inhibitors in Health and Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2013; 6:269-86. [PMID: 24275951 PMCID: PMC3816681 DOI: 10.3390/ph6020269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
cGMP-dependent protein kinases (PKG) exhibit diverse physiological functions in the mammalian system e.g., in vascular and gastrointestinal smooth muscles, in platelets, in kidney, in bone growth, nociception and in the central nervous system. Furthermore, PKG were found in insects and in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Two different genes of PKG exist: a) the PKG-I gene that is expressed as cytosolic PKG-Iα or PKG-Iβ isoform, and b) the PKG-II gene, which expresses the membrane associated PKG-II protein. The enzyme kinetics, the localization and the substrates of these PKG enzymes differ utilizing different physiological functions. Various inhibitors of PKG were developed directed against diverse functional regions of the kinase. These inhibitors of PKG have been used to analyse the specific functions of these enzymes. The review article will summarize these different inhibitors regarding their specificity and their present applications in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, it will be discussed that the distinct inhibition of the PKG enzymes could be used as a valuable pharmacological target e.g., in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, diarrhea, cancer or malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Wolfertstetter
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, University Regensburg, Universitätsstr. 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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19
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Rateri DL, Moorleghen JJ, Knight V, Balakrishnan A, Howatt DA, Cassis LA, Daugherty A. Depletion of endothelial or smooth muscle cell-specific angiotensin II type 1a receptors does not influence aortic aneurysms or atherosclerosis in LDL receptor deficient mice. PLoS One 2012; 7:e51483. [PMID: 23236507 PMCID: PMC3517567 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whole body genetic deletion of AT1a receptors in mice uniformly reduces hypercholesterolemia and angiotensin II-(AngII) induced atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). However, the role of AT1a receptor stimulation of principal cell types resident in the arterial wall remains undefined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether deletion of AT1a receptors in either endothelial cells or smooth muscle cells influences the development of atherosclerosis and AAAs. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS AT1a receptor floxed mice were developed in an LDL receptor -/- background. To generate endothelial or smooth muscle cell specific deficiency, AT1a receptor floxed mice were bred with mice expressing Cre under the control of either Tie2 or SM22, respectively. Groups of males and females were fed a saturated fat-enriched diet for 3 months to determine effects on atherosclerosis. Deletion of AT1a receptors in either endothelial or smooth muscle cells had no discernible effect on the size of atherosclerotic lesions. We also determined the effect of cell-specific AT1a receptor deficiency on atherosclerosis and AAAs using male mice fed a saturated fat-enriched diet and infused with AngII (1,000 ng/kg/min). Again, deletion of AT1a receptors in either endothelial or smooth muscle cells had no discernible effects on either AngII-induced atherosclerotic lesions or AAAs. CONCLUSIONS Although previous studies have demonstrated whole body AT1a receptor deficiency diminishes atherosclerosis and AAAs, depletion of AT1a receptors in either endothelial or smooth muscle cells did not affect either of these vascular pathologies.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/etiology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/pathology
- Atherosclerosis/etiology
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Blood Pressure
- Chromatography, Gel
- Crosses, Genetic
- Diet, High-Fat
- Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Female
- Genotype
- Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle, Smooth/metabolism
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/deficiency
- Receptors, LDL/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra L. Rateri
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Jessica J. Moorleghen
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Victoria Knight
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Anju Balakrishnan
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Deborah A. Howatt
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Lisa A. Cassis
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Pharmacology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Alan Daugherty
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Pharmacology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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20
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Müller PM, Gnügge R, Dhayade S, Thunemann M, Krippeit-Drews P, Drews G, Feil R. H₂O₂ lowers the cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration via activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase Iα. Free Radic Biol Med 2012; 53:1574-83. [PMID: 22922339 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2012.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2012] [Revised: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (cGKI) is a key mediator of cGMP signaling, but the specific functions of its two isoforms, cGKIα and cGKIβ, are poorly understood. Recent studies indicated a novel cGMP-independent role for cGKIα in redox sensing. To dissect the effects of oxidative stress on the cGKI isoforms, we used mouse embryonic fibroblasts and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) expressing both, one, or none of them. In cGKIα-expressing cells, but not in cells expressing only cGKIβ, incubation with H₂O₂ induced the formation of a disulfide bond between the two identical subunits of the dimeric enzyme. Oxidation of cGKIα was associated with increased phosphorylation of its substrate, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein. H₂O₂ did not stimulate cGMP production, indicating that it activates cGKIα directly via oxidation. Interestingly, there was a mutual influence of H₂O₂ and cGMP on cGKI activity and disulfide bond formation, respectively; preoxidation of the kinase with H₂O₂ slightly impaired its activation by cGMP, whereas preactivation of the enzyme with cGMP attenuated its oxidation by H₂O₂. To evaluate the functional relevance of the noncanonical H₂O₂-cGKIα pathway, we studied the regulation of the cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺](i)). H₂O₂ suppressed norepinephrine-induced Ca²⁺ transients in cGKIα-expressing VSMCs and, to a lower extent, in VSMCs expressing only cGKIβ or none of the isoforms. Thus, H₂O₂ lowers [Ca²⁺](i) mainly via a cGKIα-dependent pathway. These results indicate that oxidative stress selectively targets the cGKIα isoform, which then modulates cellular processes in a cGMP-independent manner. A decrease in [Ca²⁺](i) in VSMCs via activation of cGKIα might be a major mechanism of H₂O₂-induced vasodilation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Calcium/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Cyclic GMP/metabolism
- Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Type I/metabolism
- Cytosol/metabolism
- Disulfides/metabolism
- Embryo, Mammalian/cytology
- Embryo, Mammalian/drug effects
- Embryo, Mammalian/enzymology
- Female
- Fibroblasts/cytology
- Fibroblasts/drug effects
- Fibroblasts/enzymology
- Hydrogen Peroxide/pharmacology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/enzymology
- Oxidants/pharmacology
- Signal Transduction
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Markus Müller
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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21
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Chen CN, Watson G, Zhao L. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate signalling pathway in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Vascul Pharmacol 2012; 58:211-8. [PMID: 22982057 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Revised: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
During the last decade, it emerged that cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is a novel drug target for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). cGMP regulates many cellular functions, ranging from contractility to growth, of relevance to the disease. Generated from guanylyl cyclases in response to natriuretic peptides or nitric oxide (NO), cGMP transduces its effects through a number of cGMP effectors, including cGMP-regulated phosphodiesterases and protein kinases. Furthermore, the cGMP concentration is modulated by cGMP-degrading phosphodiesterases. Data to date demonstrate that increasing intracellular cGMP through stimulation of GCs, inhibition of PDEs, or both is a valid therapeutic strategy in drug development for PAH. New advances in understanding of cGMP are unravelled, as well as the pathobiology of PAH. cGMP remains an attractive future PAH drug target. This review makes a more detailed examination of cGMP signalling with particular reference to PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-nien Chen
- Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 0NN, UK
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22
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Nagasu H, Satoh M, Kidokoro K, Nishi Y, Channon KM, Sasaki T, Kashihara N. Endothelial dysfunction promotes the transition from compensatory renal hypertrophy to kidney injury after unilateral nephrectomy in mice. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2012; 302:F1402-8. [PMID: 22378818 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00459.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of functional nephrons associated with chronic kidney disease induces glomerular hyperfiltration and compensatory renal hypertrophy. We hypothesized that the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) [soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)] protein kinase G (PKG) pathway plays an important role in compensatory renal hypertrophy after unilateral nephrectomy. Analysis of mice subjected to unilateral nephrectomy showed increases in kidney weight-to-body weight and total protein-to-DNA ratios in wild-type but not eNOS knockout (eNOSKO) mice. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen increased after nephrectomy in eNOSKO but not in wild-type mice. Furthermore, Bay 41-2272, an sGC stimulator, induced compensatory renal hypertrophy in eNOSKO mice and rescued renal function. The NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and Bay 41-2272 stimulated PKG activity and induced phosphorylation of Akt protein in human proximal tubular cells. GSNO also induced phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein and ribosomal protein S6. Our results highlight the importance of the eNOS-NO-PKG pathway in compensatory renal hypertrophy and suggest that reduced eNOS-NO bioavailability due to endothelial dysfunction is the underlying mechanism of failure of compensatory hypertrophy and acceleration of progressive renal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Nagasu
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan.
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23
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Protein kinase G activity prevents pathological-level nitric oxide-induced apoptosis and promotes DNA synthesis/cell proliferation in vascular smooth muscle cells. Cardiovasc Pathol 2010; 19:e221-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2009.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2009] [Revised: 08/26/2009] [Accepted: 11/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Subramanian V, Golledge J, Ijaz T, Bruemmer D, Daugherty A. Pioglitazone-induced reductions in atherosclerosis occur via smooth muscle cell-specific interaction with PPAR{gamma}. Circ Res 2010; 107:953-8. [PMID: 20798360 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.110.219089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ agonists attenuate atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). PPARγ, a nuclear receptor, is expressed on many cell types including smooth muscle cells (SMCs). OBJECTIVE To determine whether a PPARγ agonist reduces angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced atherosclerosis and AAAs via interaction with SMC-specific PPARγ. METHODS AND RESULTS Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR)(-/-) mice with SMC-specific PPARγ deficiency were developed using PPARγ floxed (PPARγ(f/f)) and SM22 Cre(+) mice. PPARγ(f/f) littermates were generated that did not express Cre (Cre(0/0)) or were hemizygous for Cre (Cre(+/0)). To assess the contribution of SMC-specific PPARγ in ligand-mediated attenuation of Ang II-induced atherosclerosis and AAAs, both male and female Cre(0/0) and Cre(+/0) mice were fed a fat-enriched diet with or without the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone (Pio) (20 mg/kg per day) for 5 weeks. After 1 week of feeding modified diets, mice were infused with Ang II (1000 ng/kg per minute) for 4 weeks. SMC-specific PPARγ deficiency or Pio administration had no effect on plasma cholesterol concentrations. Pio administration attenuated Ang II-increased systolic blood pressure equivalently in both Cre(0/0) and Cre(+/0) groups. SMC-specific PPARγ deficiency increased atherosclerosis in male mice. Pio administration reduced atherosclerosis in only the Cre(0/0) mice, but not in mice with SMC-specific PPARγ deficiency. SMC-specific PPARγ deficiency or Pio administration had no effect on Ang II-induced AAA development. Pio also did not attenuate Ang II-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 production in PPARγ-deficient SMCs. CONCLUSIONS Pio attenuates Ang II-induced atherosclerosis via the interaction with SMC-specific PPARγ, but has no effect on the development of AAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkateswaran Subramanian
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, BBSRB, Room B243, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0509, USA
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25
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Schade D, Kotthaus J, Clement B. Modulating the NO generating system from a medicinal chemistry perspective: Current trends and therapeutic options in cardiovascular disease. Pharmacol Ther 2010; 126:279-300. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2010.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/10/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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26
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Roumeguère T, Zouaoui Boudjeltia K, Babar S, Nuyens V, Rousseau A, Van Antwerpen P, Ducobu J, Wespes E, Vanhaeverbeek M. Effects of Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors on the Inflammatory Response of Endothelial Cells Stimulated by Myeloperoxidase-Modified Low-Density Lipoprotein or Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha. Eur Urol 2010; 57:522-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2009.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2008] [Accepted: 01/13/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Cyclic GMP kinase and RhoA Ser188 phosphorylation integrate pro- and antifibrotic signals in blood vessels. Mol Cell Biol 2009; 29:6018-32. [PMID: 19737918 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00225-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular fibrosis is a major complication of hypertension and atherosclerosis, yet it is largely untreatable. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) repress fibrogenic activation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), but the intracellular mechanism mediating this effect remains undetermined. Here we show that inhibition of RhoA through phosphorylation at Ser188, the site targeted by the NP effector cyclic GMP (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase I (cGK I), is critical to fully exert antifibrotic potential. cGK I(+/-) mouse blood vessels exhibited an attenuated P-RhoA level and concurrently increased RhoA/ROCK signaling. Importantly, cGK I insufficiency caused dynamic recruitment of ROCK into the fibrogenic programs, thereby eliciting exaggerated vascular hypertrophy and fibrosis. Transgenic expression of cGK I-unphosphorylatable RhoA(A188) in VSMCs augmented ROCK activity, vascular hypertrophy, and fibrosis more prominently than did that of wild-type RhoA, consistent with the notion that RhoA(A188) escapes the intrinsic inhibition by cGK I. Additionally, VSMCs expressing RhoA(A188) became refractory to the antifibrotic effects of NPs. Our results identify cGK I-mediated Ser188 phosphorylation of RhoA as a converging node for pro- and antifibrotic signals and may explain how diminished cGMP signaling, commonly associated with vascular malfunction, predisposes individuals to vascular fibrosis.
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Vermeersch P, Buys E, Sips P, Pokreisz P, Marsboom G, Gillijns H, Pellens M, Dewerchin M, Bloch KD, Brouckaert P, Janssens S. Gender-specific modulation of the response to arterial injury by soluble guanylate cyclase α1. Open Cardiovasc Med J 2009; 3:98-104. [PMID: 19771174 PMCID: PMC2743853 DOI: 10.2174/1874192400903010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2009] [Revised: 07/24/2009] [Accepted: 07/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), a heterodimer composed of alpha and beta subunits, synthesizes cGMP in response to nitric oxide (NO). NO modulates vascular tone and structure but the relative contributions of cGMP-dependent versus cGMP-independent mechanisms remain uncertain. We studied the response to vascular injury in male (M) and female (F) mice with targeted deletion of exon 6 of the sGCα1 subunit (sGCα1(-/-)), resulting in a non-functional heterodimer. METHODS We measured aortic cGMP levels and mRNA transcripts encoding sGC α1, α2, and β1 subunits in wild type (WT) and sGCa1(-/-) mice. To study the response to vascular injury, BrdU-incorporation and neointima formation (maximum intima to media (I/M) ratio) were determined 5 and 28 days after carotid artery ligation, respectively. RESULTS Aortic cGMP levels were 4-fold higher in F than in M mice in both genotypes, and, within each gender, 4-fold higher in WT than in sGCa1(-/-). In contrast, sGCα1, sGCα2, and sGCβ1 mRNA expression did not differ between groups. ³H-thymidine incorporation in cultured sGCa1(-/-) smooth muscle cells (SMC) was 27%±12% lower than in WT SMC and BrdU-incorporation in carotid arteries 5 days after ligation was significantly less in sGCa1(-/-) M than in WT M. Neointima area and I/M 28 days after ligation were 65% and 62% lower in sGCa1(-/-) M than in WT M mice (p<0,05 for both) but were not different in F mice. CONCLUSION Functional deletion of sGCa1 resulted in reduced cGMP levels in male sGCa1(-/-) mice and a gender-specific effect on the adaptive response to vascular injury.
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Luft FC. Aneurysm formation and bradykinin. J Mol Med (Berl) 2009; 87:941-3. [PMID: 19707733 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-009-0517-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2009] [Accepted: 08/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Merino VF, Todiras M, Mori MA, Sales VMT, Fonseca RG, Saul V, Tenner K, Bader M, Pesquero JB. Predisposition to atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysms in mice deficient in kinin B1 receptor and apolipoprotein E. J Mol Med (Berl) 2009; 87:953-63. [PMID: 19618151 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-009-0501-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2008] [Revised: 05/20/2009] [Accepted: 06/29/2009] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Kinin B1 receptor is involved in chronic inflammation and expressed in human atherosclerotic lesions. However, its significance for lesion development is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effect of kinin B1 receptor deletion on the development of atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysms in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mice. Mice deficient both in ApoE and in kinin B1 receptor (ApoE(-/-)-B(1)(-/-)) were generated and analyzed for their susceptibility to atherosclerosis and aneurysm development under cholesterol rich-diet (western diet) and angiotensin II infusion. Kinin B1 receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was significantly increased in ApoE(-/-) mice after Western-type diet. Although no difference in serum cholesterol was found between ApoE(-/-)-B(1)(-/-) and ApoE(-/-) mice under Western-type diet, aortic lesion incidence was significantly higher in ApoE(-/-)-B(1)(-/-) after this treatment. In accordance, we observed increased endothelial dysfunction in these mice. The mRNA expression of cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase I, CD-11, F4/80, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were increased in the aorta of double-deficient mice following Western-type diet, whereas the levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma protein and the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity were decreased. In addition to the increased atherosclerotic lesions, the lack of kinin B(1) receptor also increased the incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysms after angiotensin II infusion. In conclusion, our results show that kinin B(1) receptor deficiency aggravates atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysms under cholesterolemic conditions, supporting an antiatherogenic role for the kinin B(1) receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa F Merino
- Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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31
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Dey NB, Busch JL, Francis SH, Corbin JD, Lincoln TM. Cyclic GMP specifically suppresses Type-Ialpha cGMP-dependent protein kinase expression by ubiquitination. Cell Signal 2009; 21:859-66. [PMID: 19168131 PMCID: PMC2673574 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2009.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2008] [Accepted: 01/03/2009] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Type I cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG-I) mediates nitric oxide (NO) and hormone dependent smooth muscle relaxation and stimulates smooth muscle cell-specific gene expression. Expression of PKG-I in cultured smooth muscle cells depends on culture conditions and is inhibited by inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-I and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which are known to stimulate Type II NO synthase (iNOS) expression. We report here that the suppression of PKG-I protein levels in smooth muscle cells is triggered by the ubiquitin/26S proteasome pathway. Incubation of vascular smooth muscle cells with phosphodiesterase-resistant cyclic GMP analogs (e.g., 8-bromo-cGMP) decreases PKG-I protein level in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. To study this process, we tested the effects of 8-Br-cGMP on PKG-I protein level in Cos7 cells, which do not express endogenous type I PKG mRNA. 8-Br-cGMP induced the ubiquitination and down-regulation of PKG-Ialpha, but not PKG-Ibeta. Treatment of cells with the 26S proteasome inhibitor, MG-132, increased ubiquitination of PKG. Blocking PKG-I catalytic activity using the cell-permeant specific PKG-I inhibitor, DT-2, inhibited cGMP-induced PKG-I ubiquitination and down-regulation, suggesting that PKG catalytic activity and autophosphorylation were required for suppression of PKG-I level. Mutation of the known autophosphorylation sites of PKG-Ialpha to alanine uncovered a specific role for autophosphorylation of serine-64 in cGMP-dependent ubiquitination and suppression of PKG-I level. The results suggest that chronic elevation of cGMP, as seen in inflammatory conditions, triggers ubiquitination and degradation of PKG-Ialpha in smooth muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nupur B. Dey
- The Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Busch
- The Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Sharron H. Francis
- The Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jackie D. Corbin
- The Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Thomas M. Lincoln
- The Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
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Abstract
The Cre/lox site-specific recombination system has emerged as an important tool for the generation of conditional somatic mouse mutants. This method allows one to control gene activity in space and time in almost any tissue of the mouse, thus opening new avenues for studying gene function and for establishing sophisticated animal models of human diseases. A major technical advance in terms of in vivo inducibility was the development of ligand-dependent Cre recombinases that can be activated by administration of tamoxifen to the animal. Here we describe how tamoxifen-dependent Cre recombinases, so-called CreER recombinases, work and how they can be used to generate time- and tissue-specific mouse mutants. The focus will be on the CreER(T2) recombinase, which is currently the most successful CreER version. We will give an overview of available CreER(T2) transgenic mouse lines and present protocols that detail the generation of experimental mice for inducible gene knockout studies, the induction of recombination by tamoxifen treatment, and the analysis of the quality and quantity of recombination by reporter gene and target gene studies. Most of the protocols can also be used as general guidelines for the generation and characterization of Cre/lox-mediated genome modifications in mice.
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Aicher A, Heeschen C, Feil S, Hofmann F, Mendelsohn ME, Feil R, Dimmeler S. cGMP-dependent protein kinase I is crucial for angiogenesis and postnatal vasculogenesis. PLoS One 2009; 4:e4879. [PMID: 19287493 PMCID: PMC2654072 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2008] [Accepted: 02/10/2009] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endothelium-derived nitric oxide plays an important role for the bone marrow microenvironment. Since several important effects of nitric oxide are mediated by cGMP-dependent pathways, we investigated the role of the cGMP downstream effector cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (cGKI) on postnatal neovascularization. Methodology/Principal Findings In a disc neovascularization model, cGKI−/− mice showed an impaired neovascularization as compared to their wild-type (WT) littermates. Infusion of WT, but not cGKI−/− bone marrow progenitors rescued the impaired ingrowth of new vessels in cGKI-deficient mice. Bone marrow progenitors from cGKI−/− mice showed reduced proliferation and survival rates. In addition, we used cGKIα leucine zipper mutant (LZM) mice as model for cGKI deficiency. LZM mice harbor a mutation in the cGKIα leucine zipper that prevents interaction with downstream signaling molecules. Consistently, LZM mice exhibited reduced numbers of vasculogenic progenitors and impaired neovascularization following hindlimb ischemia compared to WT mice. Conclusions/Significance Our findings demonstrate that the cGMP-cGKI pathway is critical for postnatal neovascularization and establish a new role for cGKI in vasculogenesis, which is mediated by bone marrow-derived progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Aicher
- Department of Internal Medicine III, J. W. Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- * E-mail: (AA); (SD)
| | - Christopher Heeschen
- Department of Internal Medicine III, J. W. Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Susanne Feil
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Franz Hofmann
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Michael E. Mendelsohn
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Robert Feil
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Dimmeler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, J. W. Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- * E-mail: (AA); (SD)
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Abstract
Cyclic guanosine 3', 5'-monophosphate (cGMP) plays an integral role in the control of vascular function. Generated from guanylate cyclases in response to the endogenous ligands, nitric oxide (NO) and natriuretic peptides (NPs), cGMP influences a number of vascular cell types and regulates vasomotor tone, endothelial permeability, cell growth and differentiation, as well as platelet and blood cell interactions. Reciprocal regulation of the NO-cGMP and NP-cGMP pathways is evident in the vasculature such that one cGMP generating system may compensate for the dysfunction of the other. Indeed, aberrant cGMP production and/or signalling accompanies many vascular disorders such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease and diabetic complications. This chapter highlights the main vascular functions of cGMP, its role in disease and the resulting current and potential therapeutic applications. With respect to pulmonary hypertension, heart failure and erectile dysfunction, as well as cGMP signal transduction, the reader is specifically referred to other dedicated chapters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Kemp-Harper
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne (Clayton), VIC, 3800, Australia.
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Valtcheva N, Nestorov P, Beck A, Russwurm M, Hillenbrand M, Weinmeister P, Feil R. The commonly used cGMP-dependent protein kinase type I (cGKI) inhibitor Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS can activate cGKI in vitro and in intact cells. J Biol Chem 2008; 284:556-562. [PMID: 19008225 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m806161200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Small-molecule modulators of cGMP signaling are of interest to basic and clinical research. The cGMP-dependent protein kinase type I (cGKI) is presumably a major mediator of cGMP effects, and the cGMP analogue Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS (Rp-PET) (chemical name: beta-phenyl-1,N2-etheno-8-bromoguanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, Rp-isomer) is currently considered one of the most permeable, selective, and potent cGKI inhibitors available for intact cell studies. Here, we have evaluated the properties of Rp-PET using cGKI-expressing and cGKI-deficient primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), purified cGKI isozymes, and an engineered cGMP sensor protein. cGKI activity in intact VSMCs was monitored by cGMP/cGKI-stimulated cell growth and phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein. Unexpectedly, Rp-PET (100 microm) did not efficiently antagonize activation of cGKI by the agonist 8-Br-cGMP (100 microm) in intact VSMCs. Moreover, in the absence of 8-Br-cGMP, Rp-PET (100 microm) stimulated cell growth in a cGKIalpha-dependent manner. Kinase assays with purified cGKI isozymes confirmed the previously reported inhibition of the cGMP-stimulated enzyme by Rp-PET in vitro. However, in the absence of the agonist cGMP, Rp-PET partially activated the cGKIalpha isoform. Experiments with a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based construct harboring the cGMP binding sites of cGKI suggested that binding of Rp-PET induces a conformational change similar to the agonist cGMP. Together, these findings indicate that Rp-PET is a partial cGKIalpha agonist that under certain conditions stimulates rather than inhibits cGKI activity in vitro and in intact cells. Data obtained with Rp-PET as cGKI inhibitor should be interpreted with caution and not be used as sole evidence to dissect the role of cGKI in signaling processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadejda Valtcheva
- Interfakulta¨res Institut fu¨r Biochemie, Universita¨t Tu¨bingen, 72076 Tu¨bingen, the Zentrum fu¨r Klinische Massenspektrometrie GmbH, 74076 Heilbronn, the Institut fu¨r Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universita¨t Bochum, 44780 Bochum, and the Institut fu¨r Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Technische Universita¨t Mu¨nchen, 80802 Mu¨nchen Germany
| | - Peter Nestorov
- Interfakulta¨res Institut fu¨r Biochemie, Universita¨t Tu¨bingen, 72076 Tu¨bingen, the Zentrum fu¨r Klinische Massenspektrometrie GmbH, 74076 Heilbronn, the Institut fu¨r Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universita¨t Bochum, 44780 Bochum, and the Institut fu¨r Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Technische Universita¨t Mu¨nchen, 80802 Mu¨nchen Germany
| | - Alexander Beck
- Interfakulta¨res Institut fu¨r Biochemie, Universita¨t Tu¨bingen, 72076 Tu¨bingen, the Zentrum fu¨r Klinische Massenspektrometrie GmbH, 74076 Heilbronn, the Institut fu¨r Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universita¨t Bochum, 44780 Bochum, and the Institut fu¨r Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Technische Universita¨t Mu¨nchen, 80802 Mu¨nchen Germany
| | - Michael Russwurm
- Interfakulta¨res Institut fu¨r Biochemie, Universita¨t Tu¨bingen, 72076 Tu¨bingen, the Zentrum fu¨r Klinische Massenspektrometrie GmbH, 74076 Heilbronn, the Institut fu¨r Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universita¨t Bochum, 44780 Bochum, and the Institut fu¨r Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Technische Universita¨t Mu¨nchen, 80802 Mu¨nchen Germany
| | - Matthias Hillenbrand
- Interfakulta¨res Institut fu¨r Biochemie, Universita¨t Tu¨bingen, 72076 Tu¨bingen, the Zentrum fu¨r Klinische Massenspektrometrie GmbH, 74076 Heilbronn, the Institut fu¨r Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universita¨t Bochum, 44780 Bochum, and the Institut fu¨r Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Technische Universita¨t Mu¨nchen, 80802 Mu¨nchen Germany
| | - Pascal Weinmeister
- Interfakulta¨res Institut fu¨r Biochemie, Universita¨t Tu¨bingen, 72076 Tu¨bingen, the Zentrum fu¨r Klinische Massenspektrometrie GmbH, 74076 Heilbronn, the Institut fu¨r Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universita¨t Bochum, 44780 Bochum, and the Institut fu¨r Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Technische Universita¨t Mu¨nchen, 80802 Mu¨nchen Germany
| | - Robert Feil
- Interfakulta¨res Institut fu¨r Biochemie, Universita¨t Tu¨bingen, 72076 Tu¨bingen, the Zentrum fu¨r Klinische Massenspektrometrie GmbH, 74076 Heilbronn, the Institut fu¨r Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universita¨t Bochum, 44780 Bochum, and the Institut fu¨r Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Technische Universita¨t Mu¨nchen, 80802 Mu¨nchen Germany.
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Weinmeister P, Lukowski R, Linder S, Traidl-Hoffmann C, Hengst L, Hofmann F, Feil R. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase I promotes adhesion of primary vascular smooth muscle cells. Mol Biol Cell 2008; 19:4434-41. [PMID: 18685080 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e08-04-0370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/cGMP-dependent protein kinase type I (cGKI) pathway regulates many cellular functions. The current study shows that 8-Br-cGMP stimulates the number of attached primary but not that of subcultured murine vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). These effects of 8-Br-cGMP require the presence of cGKI. In agreement with previous studies, cGKI inhibited the number of cells in repeatedly passaged murine VSMCs. Activation of the cGMP/cGKI pathway in freshly isolated primary VSMCs slightly decreased apoptosis and strongly increased cell adhesion. The stimulation of cell adhesion by cGKI involves an inhibition of the RhoA/Rho kinase pathway and increased exposure of beta(1) and beta(3) integrins on the cell surface. Together, these results identify a novel proadhesive function of cGMP/cGKI signaling in primary VSMCs and suggest that the opposing effects of this pathway on VSMC number depend on the phenotypic context of the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Weinmeister
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Technischen Universiät München, D-80802 München, Germany.
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Schleicher M, Sessa WC. Are the mechanisms for NO-dependent vascular remodeling different from vasorelaxation in vivo? Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2008; 28:1207-8. [PMID: 18565841 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.108.167403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Sugiura T, Nakanishi H, Roberts JD. Proteolytic processing of cGMP-dependent protein kinase I mediates nuclear cGMP signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells. Circ Res 2008; 103:53-60. [PMID: 18535260 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.108.176321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic GMP modulates gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in part by stimulating cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (PKGI) and the phosphorylation of transcription factors. In some cells, cGMP increases nuclear translocation of PKGI and PKGI-dependent phosphorylation of transcription regulators; however, these observations have been variable, and the mechanisms mediating nuclear PKGI translocation are incompletely understood. We tested the hypothesis that proteolytic cleavage of PKGI is required for cGMP-stimulated nuclear compartmentation of PKGI and phosphorylation of transcription factors. We detected an NH(2)-terminal PKGI fragment with leucine zipper domain immunoreactivity in the cytosol and endoplasmic reticulum of SMCs, but only a COOH-terminal PKGI fragment containing the catalytic region (now termed PKGIgamma) was observed in the Golgi apparatus (GA) and nucleoplasm. Posttranslational PKGI processing in the GA was critical for nuclear compartmentation of PKGIgamma because GA disruption with nocodazol or brefeldin A inhibited PKGIgamma nuclear localization. PKGIgamma immunoreactivity was particularly abundant in the nucleolus of interphase SMCs where its colocalization with the nucleolar dense fibrillar component protein fibrillarin closely matched the level of nucleolar assembly. Purified nucleolar PKGIgamma enzyme activity was insensitive to cGMP stimulation, which is consistent with its lack of the NH(2)-terminal autoinhibitory domain. Mutation of a putative proteolytic cleavage region in PKGI inhibited cGMP-mediated phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein, cAMP response element-dependent transcription, and nuclear localization of PKGIgamma. These observations suggest that posttranslational modification of PKGI critically influences the nuclear translocation of PKGI and activities of cGMP in SMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Sugiura
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Departments of Anesthesia, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston and Harvard Medical School, USA
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Abstract
To explore the functional significance of cGMP-dependent protein kinase type I (cGKI) in the regulation of erythrocyte survival, gene-targeted mice lacking cGKI were compared with their control littermates. By the age of 10 weeks, cGKI-deficient mice exhibited pronounced anemia and splenomegaly. Compared with control mice, the cGKI mutants had significantly lower red blood cell count, packed cell volume, and hemoglobin concentration. Anemia was associated with a higher reticulocyte number and an increase of plasma erythropoietin concentration. The spleens of cGKI mutant mice were massively enlarged and contained a higher fraction of Ter119(+) erythroid cells, whereas the relative proportion of leukocyte subpopulations was not changed. The Ter119(+) cGKI-deficient splenocytes showed a marked increase in annexin V binding, pointing to phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure at the outer membrane leaflet, a hallmark of suicidal erythrocyte death or eryptosis. Compared with control erythrocytes, cGKI-deficient erythrocytes exhibited in vitro a higher cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration, a known trigger of eryptosis, and showed increased PS exposure, which was paralleled by a faster clearance in vivo. Together, these results identify a role of cGKI as mediator of erythrocyte survival and extend the emerging concept that cGMP/cGKI signaling has an antiapoptotic/prosurvival function in a number of cell types in vivo.
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Lukowski R, Weinmeister P, Bernhard D, Feil S, Gotthardt M, Herz J, Massberg S, Zernecke A, Weber C, Hofmann F, Feil R. Role of smooth muscle cGMP/cGKI signaling in murine vascular restenosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2008; 28:1244-50. [PMID: 18420996 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.108.166405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitric oxide (NO) is of crucial importance for smooth muscle cell (SMC) function and exerts numerous, and sometimes opposing, effects on vascular restenosis. Although cGMP-dependent protein kinase type I (cGKI) is a principal effector of NO, the molecular pathway of vascular NO signaling in restenosis is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the functional role of the smooth muscle cGMP/cGKI signaling cascade in restenosis of vessels. METHODS AND RESULTS Tissue-specific mouse mutants were generated in which the cGKI protein was ablated in SMCs. We investigated whether the absence of cGKI in SMCs would affect vascular remodeling after carotid ligation or removal of the endothelium. No differences were detected between the tissue-specific cGKI mutants and control mice at different time points after vascular injury on a normolipidemic or apoE-deficient background. In line with these results, chronic drug treatment of injured control mice with the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil elevated cGMP levels but had no influence on the ligation-induced remodeling. CONCLUSIONS The genetic and pharmacological manipulation of the cGMP/cGKI signaling indicates that this pathway is not involved in the protective effects of NO, suggesting that NO affects vascular remodeling during restenosis via alternative mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lukowski
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie der TUM, Biedersteiner Str. 29, D-80802 München, Germany.
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41
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Abstract
The second messenger cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) controls many cellular functions ranging from growth to contractility. Generated from guanylyl cyclases in response to natriuretic peptides or nitric oxide, cGMP transduces its effects through a number of cGMP effectors, including cGMP-regulated phosphodiesterases and protein kinases. Drugs that modulate cGMP levels are emerging as promising therapies, particularly for cardiovascular disorders. This report summarizes new data on the molecular mechanisms, (patho)physiological relevance, and therapeutic potential of the cGMP signaling system that were presented at the 3rd cGMP meeting held in June 2007 in Dresden, Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Kemp-Harper
- Department of Pharmacology and Centre for Vascular Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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42
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Doran AC, Meller N, McNamara CA. Role of smooth muscle cells in the initiation and early progression of atherosclerosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2008; 28:812-9. [PMID: 18276911 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.107.159327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 602] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The initiation of atherosclerosis results from complex interactions of circulating factors and various cell types in the vessel wall, including endothelial cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Recent reviews highlight the role of activated endothelium and inflammatory cell recruitment in the initiation of and progression of early atherosclerosis. Yet, human autopsy studies, in vitro mechanistic studies, and in vivo correlative data suggest an important role for SMCs in the initiation of atherosclerosis. SMCs are the major producers of extracellular matrix within the vessel wall and in response to atherogenic stimuli can modify the type of matrix proteins produced. In turn, the type of matrix present can affect the lipid content of the developing plaque and the proliferative index of the cells that are adherent to it. SMCs are also capable of functions typically attributed to other cell types. Like macrophages, SMCs can express a variety of receptors for lipid uptake and can form foam-like cells, thereby participating in the early accumulation of plaque lipid. Like endothelial cells, SMCs can also express a variety of adhesion molecules such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 to which monocytes and lymphocytes can adhere and migrate into the vessel wall. In addition, through these adhesion molecules, SMCs can also stabilize these cells against apoptosis, thus contributing to the early cellularity of the lesion. Like many cells within the developing plaque, SMCs also produce many cytokines such as PDGF, transforming growth factor-beta, IFNgamma, and MCP-1, all of which contribute to the initiation and propagation of the inflammatory response to lipid. Recent advances in SMC-specific gene modulation have enhanced our ability to determine the role of SMCs in early atherogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Doran
- Cardiovascular Division/Department of Medicine, the Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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Vignini A, Nanetti L, Moroni C, Testa R, Sirolla C, Marra M, Manfrini S, Fumelli D, Marcheselli F, Mazzanti L, Rabini RA. A study on the action of vitamin E supplementation on plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 and platelet nitric oxide production in type 2 diabetic patients. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2008; 18:15-22. [PMID: 17949955 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2007.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2006] [Revised: 12/18/2006] [Accepted: 01/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients show decreased fibrinolysis, mainly linked to high plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) production, together with a reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide and an impairment in Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity possibly involved in increased cardiovascular risk. Vitamin E is the major natural lipid-soluble antioxidant in human plasma. The present work was conducted in order to measure PAI-1, ICAM and VCAM-1 plasma levels, platelet nitric oxide production and membrane Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity in type 2 diabetic subjects treated with vitamin E (500 IU/day) for 10 weeks and then followed for other 20 weeks. METHODS AND RESULTS Thirty-seven T2DM patients (24 males and 13 females) were studied. None of them were affected by any other disease or diabetic complications. Significant differences were detected for PAI-1 antigen (p<0.001), PAI-1 activity (p<0.001), nitric oxide (NO) production (p<0.001), and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity (p<0.001) among the 4 phases of the study. A significant decrease both in ICAM and VCAM-1 plasma levels was also found at the 10th week compared with baseline (respectively p<0.001 and p<0.05). CONCLUSION Our data suggest that vitamin E counteracts endothelial activation in T2DM patients possibly representing a new tool for endothelial protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Vignini
- Institute of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via P. Ranieri 65, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
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Albinsson S, Nordström I, Swärd K, Hellstrand P. Differential dependence of stretch and shear stress signaling on caveolin-1 in the vascular wall. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2007; 294:C271-9. [PMID: 17989209 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00297.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The role of caveolae in stretch- versus flow-induced vascular responses was investigated using caveolin 1-deficient [knockout (KO)] mice. Portal veins were stretched longitudinally for 5 min (acute) or 72 h (organ culture). Basal ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation were increased in organ-cultured KO veins, as were protein synthesis and vessel wall cross sections. Stretch stimulated acute phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and long-term phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and cofilin but did not affect Akt phosphorylation. Protein synthesis, and particularly synthesis of smooth muscle differentiation markers, was increased by stretch. These effects did not differ in portal veins from KO and control mice, which also showed the same contractile response to membrane depolarization and inhibition by the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632. KO carotid arteries had increased wall cross sections and responded to pressurization (120 mmHg) for 1 h with increased ERK1/2 but not Akt phosphorylation, similar to control arteries. Shear stress by flow for 15 min, on the other hand, increased phosphorylation of Akt in carotids from control but not KO mice. In conclusion, caveolin 1 contributes to low basal ERK1/2 and Akt activity and is required for Akt-dependent signals in response to shear stress (flow) but is not essential for trophic effects of stretch (pressure) in the vascular wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Albinsson
- Vascular Physiology Group, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC D12, Lund SE-221 84, Sweden.
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Zhang T, Zhuang S, Casteel DE, Looney DJ, Boss GR, Pilz RB. A cysteine-rich LIM-only protein mediates regulation of smooth muscle-specific gene expression by cGMP-dependent protein kinase. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:33367-33380. [PMID: 17878170 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m707186200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) undergo phenotypic modulation, changing from a differentiated, contractile to a de-differentiated, synthetic phenotype; the change is associated with decreased expression of smooth muscle (SM)-specific genes and loss of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), but transfection of PKG into de-differentiated VSMCs restores SM-specific gene expression. We show that small interference RNA-mediated down-regulation or pharmacologic inhibition of PKG reduced SM-specific gene expression in differentiated VSMCs and provide a mechanism for cGMP/PKG regulation of SM-specific genes involving the cysteine-rich LIM-only protein CRP4. PKG associated with CRP4 and phosphorylated the protein in intact cells. CRP4 had no intrinsic transcriptional activity, but exhibited adaptor function, because it acted synergistically with serum response factor (SRF) and GATA6 to activate the SM-alpha-actin promoter. cGMP stimulation of the promoter required PKG and CRP4 co-expression with SRF and GATA6. A phosphorylation-deficient mutant CRP4 and a CRP4 deletion mutant deficient in PKG binding did not support cGMP/PKG stimulation of the SM-alpha-actin promoter. In the presence of wild-type but not mutant CRP4, cGMP/PKG enhanced SRF binding to a probe encoding the distal SM-alpha-actin promoter CArG (CC(AT)(6)GG) element. CRP4 and SRF associated with CArG elements of endogenous SM-specific genes in intact chromatin. Small interference RNA-mediated down-regulation of CRP4 prevented the positive effects of cGMP/PKG on SM-specific gene expression. In the presence of CRP4, cGMP/PKG increased SRF- and GATA6-dependent expression of endogenous SM-specific genes in pluripotent 10T1/2 cells. Thus, CRP4 mediates cGMP/PKG stimulation of SM-specific gene expression, and PKG plays an important role in regulating the phenotype of VSMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, 92093
| | - Shunhui Zhuang
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, 92093
| | - Darren E Casteel
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, 92093
| | - David J Looney
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, 92093; Veterans Administration Medical Center, La Jolla, California 92161
| | - Gerry R Boss
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, 92093; Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, California 92093
| | - Renate B Pilz
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, 92093; Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, California 92093.
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Abstract
This article briefly reviews the background of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, describes the nitric oxide/cGMP/protein kinase pathway and its role in modulating pulmonary vascular tone and remodeling, and describes three approaches that target the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway in the treatment of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Klinger
- Division of Pulmonary Sleep and Critical Care Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA.
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Zhou W, Dasgupta C, Negash S, Raj JU. Modulation of pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype in hypoxia: role of cGMP-dependent protein kinase. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2007; 292:L1459-66. [PMID: 17322285 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00143.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hypoxia triggers pulmonary vascular remodeling, which is associated with a modulation of the vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype from a contractile, differentiated to a synthetic, dedifferentiated state. We previously reported that acute hypoxia represses cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) expression in ovine fetal pulmonary venous SMCs (FPVSMCs). Therefore, we tested if altered expression of PKG could explain SMC phenotype modulation after exposure to hypoxia. Hypoxia-induced reduction in PKG protein expression strongly correlated with the repressed expression of SMC phenotype markers, myosin heavy chain (MHC), calponin, vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA), and thrombospondin (TSP), indicating that hypoxic exposure of SMC induced phenotype modulation to dedifferentiated state, and PKG may be involved in SMC phenotype modulation. PKG-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection in FPVSMCs significantly attenuated calponin, vimentin, and MHC expression, with no effect on alphaSMA and TSP. Treatment with 30 microM Drosophila Antennapedia (DT-3), a membrane-permeable peptide inhibitor of PKG, attenuated the expression of TSP, MHC, alphaSMA, vimentin, and calponin. The results from PKG siRNA and DT-3 studies indicate that hypoxia-induced reduction in protein expression was also similarly impacted by PKG inhibition. Overexpression of PKG in FPVSMCs by transfection with a full-length PKG construct tagged with green fluorescent fusion protein (PKG-GFP) reversed the effect of hypoxia on the expression of SMC phenotype marker proteins. These results suggest that PKG could be one of the determinants for the expression of SMC phenotype marker proteins and may be involved in the maintenance of the differentiated phenotype in pulmonary vascular SMCs in hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilin Zhou
- Division of Neonatology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA, 1124 West Carson St., Torrance, CA 90502, USA.
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Abstract
In the last decade, site-specific recombinases (SSRs), such as Cre and Flp, have emerged as indispensable tools for the precise in vivo manipulation of the mouse genome. It is now feasible to control, in space and time, the onset of gene knockouts in almost any tissue of the mouse, thus greatly facilitating the creation of sophisticated animal models for human disease and drug development. This review describes the basic principles and current status of the SSR technology, with a focus on strategies for conditional somatic mutagenesis using the Cre/lox system and ligand-activated Cre recombinases. Practical hints for generating and analysing conditional mouse mutants will be given and exciting novel applications of the SSR technology will be discussed, such as cell fate mapping and the combined use of Cre, Flp and other biotechnological tools. It will be shown how genetic manipulation of the mouse by site-specific recombination can provide new solutions to old problems in the analysis of human physiology and pathophysiology and how it can be employed for drug discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Feil
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, Universität Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 4, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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Evgenov OV, Pacher P, Schmidt PM, Haskó G, Schmidt HHHW, Stasch JP. NO-independent stimulators and activators of soluble guanylate cyclase: discovery and therapeutic potential. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2006; 5:755-68. [PMID: 16955067 PMCID: PMC2225477 DOI: 10.1038/nrd2038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 533] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) is a key signal-transduction enzyme activated by nitric oxide (NO). Impaired bioavailability and/or responsiveness to endogenous NO has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and other diseases. Current therapies that involve the use of organic nitrates and other NO donors have limitations, including non-specific interactions of NO with various biomolecules, lack of response and the development of tolerance following prolonged administration. Compounds that activate sGC in an NO-independent manner might therefore provide considerable therapeutic advantages. Here we review the discovery, biochemistry, pharmacology and clinical potential of haem-dependent sGC stimulators (including YC-1, BAY 41-2272, BAY 41-8543, CFM-1571 and A-350619) and haem-independent sGC activators (including BAY 58-2667 and HMR-1766).
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg V Evgenov
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, CLN 309, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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