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Katsu Y, Zhang J, Baker ME. Lysine-Cysteine-Serine-Tryptophan inserted into the DNA-binding domain of human mineralocorticoid receptor increases transcriptional activation by aldosterone. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 243:106548. [PMID: 38821293 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106548] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Due to alternative splicing in an ancestral DNA-binding domain (DBD) of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), humans contain two almost identical MR transcripts with either 984 amino acids (MR-984) or 988 amino acids (MR-988), in which their DBDs differ by only four amino acids, Lys,Cys,Ser,Trp (KCSW). Human MRs also contain mutations at two sites, codons 180 and 241, in the amino terminal domain (NTD). Together, there are five distinct full-length human MR genes in GenBank. Human MR-984, which was cloned in 1987, has been extensively studied. Human MR-988, cloned in 1995, contains KCSW in its DBD. Neither this human MR-988 nor the other human MR-988 genes have been studied for their response to aldosterone and other corticosteroids. Here, we report that transcriptional activation of human MR-988 by aldosterone is increased by about 50 % compared to activation of human MR-984 in HEK293 cells transfected with the TAT3 promoter, while the half-maximal response (EC50) is similar for aldosterone activation of MR-984 and MR-988. Transcriptional activation of human MR also depends on the amino acids at codons 180 and 241. Interestingly, in HEK293 cells transfected with the MMTV promoter, transcriptional activation by aldosterone of human MR-988 is similar to activation of human MR-984, indicating that the promoter has a role in the regulation of the response of human MR-988 to aldosterone. The physiological responses to aldosterone and other corticosteroids in humans with MR genes containing KCSW and with differences at codons 180 and 241 in the NTD warrant investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinao Katsu
- Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Jiawen Zhang
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Michael E Baker
- Division of Nephrology-Hypertension, Department of Medicine, 0693, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA; Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny (CARTA) University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA.
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2
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Eric Deuter C, Sommerfeld J, Kristina Kuehl L, Otte C, Wingenfeld K. Acute stress and blockade of mineralocorticoid or glucocorticoid receptors: Effects on working memory. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2024; 215:107986. [PMID: 39251038 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2024.107986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Although early studies were able to demonstrate a negative impact of stress on working memory performance, present research findings are heterogeneous. Numerous further studies found no effects or even improved performance, with the direction of these stress effects likely depending on the underlying biological mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate receptor-specific effects, as part of the stress-induced cortisol response, on working memory performance. Healthy, male participants (N=318, mean age 25.4 ± 5.1y) were exposed to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), a social-evaluative stress manipulation, or a non-stress control condition after they had received either spironolactone (blockade of the mineralocorticoid receptor, MR) or mifepristone (blockade of the glucocorticoid receptor, GR) or a placebo. Both substances are potent antagonists with high affinity for the respective receptors. To assess working memory, we implemented the n-back task subsequent to stress exposure, number of correct responses and reaction times served as outcome measures. We did not find effects of stress on working memory for any outcome measure, i.e. correct responses and reaction times. Yet, post hoc tests revealed that the group that received mifepristone exhibited longer reaction times under medium load conditions when compared to the placebo group, which might be an indication of the GR's involvement in task performance. We conclude that working memory performance is not affected by acute stress, at least under these prevalent conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Eric Deuter
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Janine Sommerfeld
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Linn Kristina Kuehl
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany; MSB (Medical School Berlin), Germany
| | - Christian Otte
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Wingenfeld
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site Berlin, Germany
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3
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Katsu Y, Zhang J, Baker ME. Novel Evolution of Mineralocorticoid Receptor in Humans Compared to Chimpanzees, Gorillas, and Orangutans. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:767. [PMID: 38927703 PMCID: PMC11203319 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We identified five distinct full-length human mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) genes containing either 984 amino acids (MR-984) or 988 amino acids (MR-988), which can be distinguished by the presence or absence of Lys, Cys, Ser, and Trp (KCSW) in their DNA-binding domain (DBD) and mutations at codons 180 and 241 in their amino-terminal domain (NTD). Two human MR-KCSW genes contain either (Val-180, Val-241) or (Ile-180, Val-241) in their NTD, and three human MR-984 genes contain either (Ile-180, Ala-241), (Val-180, Val-241), or (Ile-180, Val-241). Human MR-KCSW with (Ile-180, Ala-241) has not been cloned. In contrast, chimpanzees contain four MRs: two MR-988s with KCSW in their DBD, or two MR-984s without KCSW in their DBD. Chimpanzee MRs only contain (Ile180, Val-241) in their NTD. A chimpanzee MR with either (Val-180, Val-241) or (Ile-180, Ala-241) in the NTD has not been cloned. Gorillas and orangutans each contain one MR-988 with KCSW in the DBD and one MR-984 without KCSW, and these MRs only contain (Ile-180, Val-241) in their NTD. A gorilla MR or orangutan MR with either (Val-180, Val-241) or (Ile-180, Ala-241) in the NTD has not been cloned. Together, these data suggest that human MRs with (Val-180, Val-241) or (Ile-180, Ala-241) in the NTD evolved after humans and chimpanzees diverged from their common ancestor. Considering the multiple functions in human development of the MR in kidney, brain, heart, skin, and lungs, as well as MR activity in interaction with the glucocorticoid receptor, we suggest that the evolution of human MRs that are absent in chimpanzees may have been important in the evolution of humans from chimpanzees. Investigation of the physiological responses to corticosteroids mediated by the MR in humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans may provide insights into the evolution of humans and their closest relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinao Katsu
- Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan;
| | - Jiawen Zhang
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan;
| | - Michael E. Baker
- Division of Nephrology-Hypertension, Department of Medicine, 0693, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny (CARTA), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Fettweis G, Johnson TA, Almeida‐Prieto B, Weller‐Pérez J, Presman DM, Hager GL, Alvarez de la Rosa D. The mineralocorticoid receptor forms higher order oligomers upon DNA binding. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e4890. [PMID: 38160317 PMCID: PMC10868434 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The prevailing model of steroid hormone nuclear receptor function assumes ligand-induced homodimer formation followed by binding to DNA hormone response elements (HREs). This model has been challenged by evidence showing that the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) forms tetramers upon ligand and DNA binding, which then drive receptor-mediated gene transactivation and transrepression. GR and the closely-related mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) interact to transduce corticosteroid hormone signaling, but whether they share the same quaternary arrangement is unknown. Here, we used a fluorescence imaging technique, Number & Brightness, to study oligomerization in a cell system allowing real-time analysis of receptor-DNA interactions. Agonist-bound MR forms tetramers in the nucleoplasm and higher order oligomers upon binding to HREs. Antagonists form intermediate-size quaternary arrangements, suggesting that large oligomers are essential for function. Divergence between MR and GR quaternary structure is driven by different functionality of known and new multimerization interfaces, which does not preclude formation of heteromers. Thus, influencing oligomerization may be important to selectively modulate corticosteroid signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Fettweis
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene ExpressionNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
- Present address:
Laboratory of Gene Expression and Cancer, GIGA‐Molecular Biology of DiseaseUniversity of LiègeLiègeBelgium
| | - Thomas A. Johnson
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene ExpressionNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Brian Almeida‐Prieto
- Departmento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas and Instituto de Tecnologías BiomédicasUniversidad de La LagunaLa LagunaSpain
| | - Julián Weller‐Pérez
- Departmento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas and Instituto de Tecnologías BiomédicasUniversidad de La LagunaLa LagunaSpain
| | - Diego M. Presman
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET‐Universidad de Buenos AiresFacultad de Ciencias Exactas y NaturalesBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Gordon L. Hager
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene ExpressionNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Diego Alvarez de la Rosa
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene ExpressionNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
- Departmento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas and Instituto de Tecnologías BiomédicasUniversidad de La LagunaLa LagunaSpain
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5
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Deuter CE, Kaczmarczyk M, Hellmann-Regen J, Kuehl LK, Wingenfeld K, Otte C. The influence of pharmacological mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptor blockade on the cortisol response to psychological stress. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 129:110905. [PMID: 38043634 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110905] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid cortisol is the end product of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and crucial for the stress response in humans. Cortisol regulates numerous biological functions by binding to two different types of receptors: the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Both receptors are found in the brain where they are crucially involved in various mental functions and in feedback inhibition of cortisol release. The precise role of both receptors in the human stress response is not completely understood. In this study, we examined the effects of pharmacological blockade of the MR or the GR on stress-induced cortisol release in a sample of 318 healthy young men (M = 25.42, SD = 5.01). Participants received the MR antagonist spironolactone (300 mg), the GR antagonist mifepristone (600 mg), or a placebo and were subjected 90 min later to a social-evaluative stressor (Trier Social Stress Test) or a non-stressful control condition. We found significantly higher stress-induced cortisol release in the spironolactone group, whereas participants after mifepristone administration did not differ from the control groups. These results suggest that MR blockade results in attenuated fast negative feedback processes and emphasize the important role of the MR during the early phase of the stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian E Deuter
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Michael Kaczmarczyk
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julian Hellmann-Regen
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany; DZPG (German Center for Mental Health), Germany
| | | | - Katja Wingenfeld
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany; DZPG (German Center for Mental Health), Germany
| | - Christian Otte
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany; DZPG (German Center for Mental Health), Germany
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6
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Soltani A, Chugaeva UY, Ramadan MF, Saleh EAM, Al-Hasnawi SS, Romero-Parra RM, Alsaalamy A, Mustafa YF, Zamanian MY, Golmohammadi M. A narrative review of the effects of dexamethasone on traumatic brain injury in clinical and animal studies: focusing on inflammation. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:2955-2971. [PMID: 37843641 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01361-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of brain injury resulting from a sudden physical force to the head. TBI can range from mild, such as a concussion, to severe, which might result in long-term complications or even death. The initial impact or primary injury to the brain is followed by neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, and oxidative stress, which are the hallmarks of the secondary injury phase, that can further damage the brain tissue. Dexamethasone (DXM) has neuroprotective effects. It reduces neuroinflammation, a critical factor in secondary injury-associated neuronal damage. DXM can also suppress the microglia activation and infiltrated macrophages, which are responsible for producing pro-inflammatory cytokines that contribute to neuroinflammation. Considering the outcomes of this research, some of the effects of DXM on TBI include: (1) DXM-loaded hydrogels reduce apoptosis, neuroinflammation, and lesion volume and improves neuronal cell survival and motor performance, (2) DXM treatment elevates the levels of Ndufs2, Gria3, MAOB, and Ndufv2 in the hippocampus following TBI, (3) DXM decreases the quantity of circulating endothelial progenitor cells, (4) DXM reduces the expression of IL1, (5) DXM suppresses the infiltration of RhoA + cells into primary lesions of TBI and (6) DXM treatment led to an increase in fractional anisotropy values and a decrease in apparent diffusion coefficient values, indicating improved white matter integrity. According to the study, the findings show that DXM treatment has neuroprotective effects in TBI. This indicates that DXM is a promising therapeutic approach to treating TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsaneh Soltani
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- USERN Office, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Uliana Y Chugaeva
- Department of Pediatric, Preventive Dentistry and Orthodontics, Institute of Dentistry, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Ebraheem Abdu Musad Saleh
- Department of Chemistry, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, College of Arts and Science, 11991, Wadi Al-Dawasir, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Ali Alsaalamy
- College of Technical Engineering, Imam Ja'afar Al-Sadiq University, Al-Muthanna, 66002, Iraq
| | - Yasser Fakri Mustafa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul, 41001, Iraq
| | - Mohammad Yasin Zamanian
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, 6718773654, Iran.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, 6718773654, Iran.
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, 6718773654, Iran.
| | - Maryam Golmohammadi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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7
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Pince CL, Whiting KE, Wang T, Lékó AH, Farinelli LA, Cooper D, Farokhnia M, Vendruscolo LF, Leggio L. Role of aldosterone and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in addiction: A scoping review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 154:105427. [PMID: 37858908 PMCID: PMC10865927 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical and human studies suggest a role of aldosterone and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in addiction. This scoping review aimed to summarize (1) the relationship between alcohol and other substance use disorders (ASUDs) and dysfunctions of the aldosterone and MR, and (2) how pharmacological manipulations of MR may affect ASUD-related outcomes. Our search in four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) indicated that most studies focused on the relationship between aldosterone, MR, and alcohol (n = 30), with the rest focused on opioids (n = 5), nicotine (n = 9), and other addictive substances (n = 9). Despite some inconsistencies, the overall results suggest peripheral and central dysregulations of aldosterone and MR in several species and that these dysregulations depended on the pattern of drug exposure and genetic factors. We conclude that MR antagonism may be a promising target in ASUD, yet future studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Pince
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Stress & Addiction Neuroscience Unit, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Kimberly E Whiting
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Tammy Wang
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - András H Lékó
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Center on Compulsive Behaviors, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lisa A Farinelli
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Diane Cooper
- Office of Research Services, Division of Library Services, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mehdi Farokhnia
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Leandro F Vendruscolo
- Stress & Addiction Neuroscience Unit, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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8
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Verdoorn TA, Parry TJ, Pinna G, Lifshitz J. Neurosteroid Receptor Modulators for Treating Traumatic Brain Injury. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:1603-1615. [PMID: 37653253 PMCID: PMC10684848 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-023-01428-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) triggers wide-ranging pathology that impacts multiple biochemical and physiological systems, both inside and outside the brain. Functional recovery in patients is impeded by early onset brain edema, acute and chronic inflammation, delayed cell death, and neurovascular disruption. Drug treatments that target these deficits are under active development, but it seems likely that fully effective therapy may require interruption of the multiplicity of TBI-induced pathological processes either by a cocktail of drug treatments or a single pleiotropic drug. The complex and highly interconnected biochemical network embodied by the neurosteroid system offers multiple options for the research and development of pleiotropic drug treatments that may provide benefit for those who have suffered a TBI. This narrative review examines the neurosteroids and their signaling systems and proposes directions for their utility in the next stage of TBI drug research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd A Verdoorn
- NeuroTrauma Sciences, LLC, 2655 Northwinds Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30009, USA.
| | - Tom J Parry
- NeuroTrauma Sciences, LLC, 2655 Northwinds Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30009, USA
| | - Graziano Pinna
- Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, 1601 W. Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jonathan Lifshitz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, 475 N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
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9
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Akhter MS, Goodwin JE. Endothelial Dysfunction in Cardiorenal Conditions: Implications of Endothelial Glucocorticoid Receptor-Wnt Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14261. [PMID: 37762564 PMCID: PMC10531724 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The endothelium constitutes the innermost lining of the blood vessels and controls blood fluidity, vessel permeability, platelet aggregation, and vascular tone. Endothelial dysfunction plays a key role in initiating a vascular inflammatory cascade and is the pivotal cause of various devastating diseases in multiple organs including the heart, lung, kidney, and brain. Glucocorticoids have traditionally been used to combat vascular inflammation. Endothelial cells express glucocorticoid receptors (GRs), and recent studies have demonstrated that endothelial GR negatively regulates vascular inflammation in different pathological conditions such as sepsis, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Mechanistically, the anti-inflammatory effects of GR are mediated, in part, through the suppression of Wnt signaling. Moreover, GR modulates the fatty acid oxidation (FAO) pathway in endothelial cells and hence can influence FAO-mediated fibrosis in several organs including the kidneys. This review summarizes the relationship between GR and Wnt signaling in endothelial cells and the effects of the Wnt pathway in different cardiac and renal diseases. Available data suggest that GR plays a significant role in restoring endothelial integrity, and research on endothelial GR-Wnt interactions could facilitate the development of novel therapies for many cardiorenal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Shohel Akhter
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Julie Elizabeth Goodwin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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10
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MacKenzie SM, Birch LA, Lamprou S, Rezvanisanijouybari P, Fayad M, Zennaro MC, Davies E. MicroRNAs in aldosterone production and action. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 124:137-163. [PMID: 38408798 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Aldosterone is a cardiovascular hormone with a key role in blood pressure regulation, among other processes, mediated through its targeting of the mineralocorticoid receptor in the renal tubule and selected other tissues. Its secretion from the adrenal gland is a highly controlled process subject to regulatory influence from the renin-angiotensin system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. MicroRNAs are small endogenous non-coding RNA molecules capable of regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally through stimulation of mRNA degradation or suppression of translation. Several studies have now identified that microRNA levels are changed in cases of aldosterone dysregulation and that microRNAs are capable of regulating the expression of various genes involved in aldosterone production and action. In this article we summarise the major studies concerning this topic. We also discuss the potential role for circulating microRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for primary aldosteronism, a highly treatable form of secondary hypertension, which would be highly desirable given the current underdiagnosis of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M MacKenzie
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| | - Lara A Birch
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Stelios Lamprou
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Parisa Rezvanisanijouybari
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - May Fayad
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Université Paris Cité, PARCC, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Maria-Christina Zennaro
- Université Paris Cité, PARCC, INSERM, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Service de Génétique, Paris, France
| | - Eleanor Davies
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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11
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Fettweis G, Johnson TA, Almeida-Prieto B, Presman DM, Hager GL, Alvarez de la Rosa D. The mineralocorticoid receptor forms higher order oligomers upon DNA binding. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.26.525752. [PMID: 36789424 PMCID: PMC9928021 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.26.525752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The prevailing model of steroid hormone nuclear receptor function assumes ligand-induced homodimer formation followed by binding to DNA hormone response elements (HREs). This model has been challenged by evidence showing that the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) forms tetramers upon ligand and DNA binding, which then drive receptor-mediated gene transactivation and transrepression. GR and the closely-related mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) interact to transduce corticosteroid hormone signaling, but whether they share the same quaternary arrangement is unknown. Here, we used a fluorescence imaging technique, Number & Brightness, to study oligomerization in a cell system allowing real-time analysis of receptor-DNA interactions. Agonist-bound MR forms tetramers in the nucleoplasm and higher order oligomers upon binding to HREs. Antagonists form intermediate quaternary arrangements, suggesting that large oligomers are essential for function. Divergence between MR and GR quaternary structure is driven by different functionality of known and new multimerization interfaces, which does not preclude formation of heteromers. Thus, influencing oligomerization may be important to selectively modulate corticosteroid signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Fettweis
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-5055, USA
| | - Thomas A. Johnson
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-5055, USA
| | - Brian Almeida-Prieto
- Departmento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas and Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna 38200, Spain
| | - Diego M. Presman
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Gordon L. Hager
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-5055, USA
| | - Diego Alvarez de la Rosa
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-5055, USA
- Departmento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas and Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna 38200, Spain
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12
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Yang H, Narayan S, Schmidt MV. From Ligands to Behavioral Outcomes: Understanding the Role of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Brain Function. Stress 2023; 26:2204366. [PMID: 37067948 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2023.2204366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress is a normal response to situational pressures or demands. Exposure to stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and leads to the release of corticosteroids, which act in the brain via two distinct receptors: mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR). Persistent HPA axis overactivation or dysregulation can disrupt an individual's homeostasis, thereby contributing to an increased risk for mental illness. On the other hand, successful coping with stressful events involves adaptive and cognitive processes in the brain that render individuals more resilient to similar stressors in the future. Here we review the role of the MR in these processes, starting with an overview of the physiological structure, ligand binding, and expression of MR, and further summarizing its role in the brain, its relevance to psychiatric disorders, and related rodent studies. Given the central role of MR in cognitive and emotional functioning, and its importance as a target for promoting resilience, future research should investigate how MR modulation can be used to alleviate disturbances in emotion and behavior, as well as cognitive impairment, in patients with stress-related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanqing Yang
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Sowmya Narayan
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Department Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Mathias V Schmidt
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
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13
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Mancini GF, Meijer OC, Campolongo P. Stress in adolescence as a first hit in stress-related disease development: Timing and context are crucial. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 69:101065. [PMID: 37001566 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
The two-hit stress model predicts that exposure to stress at two different time-points in life may increase or decrease the risk of developing stress-related disorders later in life. Most studies based on the two-hit stress model have investigated early postnatal stress as the first hit with adult stress as the second hit. Adolescence, however, represents another highly sensitive developmental window during which exposure to stressful events may affect programming outcomes following exposure to stress in adulthood. Here, we discuss the programming effects of different types of stressors (social and nonsocial) occurring during adolescence (first hit) and how such stressors affect the responsiveness toward an additional stressor occurring during adulthood (second hit) in rodents. We then provide a comprehensive overview of the potential mechanisms underlying interindividual and sex differences in the resilience/susceptibility to developing stress-related disorders later in life when stress is experienced in two different life stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia F Mancini
- Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Patrizia Campolongo
- Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy.
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14
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Fluid homeostasis induced by sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors: novel insight for better cardio-renal outcomes in chronic kidney disease. Hypertens Res 2023; 46:1195-1201. [PMID: 36849579 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-023-01220-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Hypertension in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is a risk factor for end-stage renal disease, cardiovascular events, and mortality. Thus, the prevention and appropriate management of hypertension in these patients are essential strategies for better cardio-renal outcomes. In this review, we show novel risk factors for hypertension with CKD, several promising prognostic markers and treatment for cardio-renal outcomes. Of note, the clinical use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors has recently expanded to non-diabetic patients with CKD and heart failure as well as diabetic patients. SGLT2 inhibitors have an antihypertensive effect, but are also associated with a low risk of hypotension. This unique mechanism of blood pressure regulation by SGLT2 inhibitors may partially depend on body fluid homeostasis, which is mediated by the autoregulation property between "accelerator" (diuretic action) and "brake" (increase in anti-diuretic hormone vasopressin and fluid intake). Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) blockers are used in the treatment of essential hypertension and hyperaldosteronism. Recently, a new MR blocker, finerenone, has been launched as a treatment for CKD with type 2 diabetes. These advances in relation to hypertension in CKD may contribute to the reduction of renal and cardiovascular events.
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15
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Pérez-Gordillo FL, Serrano-Morillas N, Acosta-García LM, Aranda MT, Passeri D, Pellicciari R, Pérez de Vega MJ, González-Muñiz R, Alvarez de la Rosa D, Martín-Martínez M. Novel 1,4-Dihydropyridine Derivatives as Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032439. [PMID: 36768761 PMCID: PMC9917360 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) belongs to the steroid receptor subfamily of nuclear receptors. MR is a transcription factor key in regulating blood pressure and mineral homeostasis. In addition, it plays an important role in a broad range of biological and pathological conditions, greatly expanding its interest as a pharmacological target. Non-steroidal MR antagonists (MRAs) are of particular interest to avoid side effects and achieve tissue-specific modulation of the receptor. The 1,4-dihydropyridine (1,4-DHP) ring has been identified as an appropriate scaffold to develop non-steroidal MRAs. We report the identification of a novel series of 1,4-DHP that has been guided by structure-based drug design, focusing on the less explored DHP position 2. Interestingly, substituents at this position might interfere with MR helix H12 disposition, which is essential for the recruitment of co-regulators. Several of the newly synthesized 1,4-DHPs show interesting properties as MRAs and have a good selectivity profile. These 1,4-DHPs promote MR nuclear translocation with less efficiency than the natural agonist aldosterone, which explains, at least in part, its antagonist character. Molecular dynamic studies are suggestive of several derivatives interfering with the disposition of H12 in the agonist-associated conformation, and thus, they might stabilize an MR conformation unable to recruit co-activators.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalia Serrano-Morillas
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas and Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Spain
| | - Luz Marina Acosta-García
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas and Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Spain
| | - María Teresa Aranda
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Diego Alvarez de la Rosa
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas and Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Spain
- Correspondence: (D.A.d.l.R.); (M.M.-M.)
| | - Mercedes Martín-Martínez
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (D.A.d.l.R.); (M.M.-M.)
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16
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Lother A, Jaisser F, Wenzel UO. Emerging fields for therapeutic targeting of the aldosterone-mineralocorticoid receptor signaling pathway. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:3099-3102. [PMID: 35174485 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Achim Lother
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, University Heart Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Frédéric Jaisser
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,INSERM, Clinical Investigation Centre 1433, French-Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (F-CRIN) INI-CRCT, Nancy, France
| | - Ulrich O Wenzel
- III. Medizinische Klinik, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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