Regulation of natriuretic peptide receptor A and B expression by transforming growth factor-beta 1 in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells

Ligand-Dependent Downregulation of Guanylyl Cyclase/Natriuretic Peptide Receptor-A: Role of miR-128 and miR-195

Cardiac hormones act on the regulation of blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular homeostasis. These hormones include atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP, BNP) and activate natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPRA), which enhance natriuresis, diuresis, and vasorelaxation. In this study, we established the ANP-dependent homologous downregulation of NPRA using human embryonic kidney-293 (HEK-293) cells expressing recombinant receptor and MA-10 cells harboring native endogenous NPRA. The prolonged pretreatment of cells with ANP caused a time- and dose-dependent decrease in ¹²⁵I-ANP binding, Guanylyl cyclase (GC) activity of receptor, and intracellular accumulation of cGMP leading to downregulation of NPRA. Treatment with ANP (100 nM) for 12 h led to an 80% decrease in ¹²⁵I-ANP binding to its receptor, and BNP decreased it by 62%. Neither 100 nM c-ANF (truncated ANF) nor C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) had any effect. ANP (100 nM) treatment also decreased GC activity by 68% and intracellular accumulation cGMP levels by 45%, while the NPRA antagonist A71915 (1 µM) almost completely blocked ANP-dependent downregulation of NPRA. Treatment with the protein kinase G (PKG) stimulator 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cGMP (CPT-cGMP) (1 µM) caused a significant increase in ¹²⁵I-ANP binding, whereas the PKG inhibitor KT 5823 (1 µM) potentiated the effect of ANP on the downregulation of NPRA. The transfection of miR-128 significantly reduced NPRA protein levels by threefold compared to control cells. These results suggest that ligand-dependent mechanisms play important roles in the downregulation of NPRA in target cells.

Angiotensin II represses Npr1 expression and receptor function by recruitment of transcription factors CREB and HSF-4a and activation of HDACs

The two vasoactive hormones, angiotensin II (ANG II; vasoconstrictive) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP; vasodilatory) antagonize the biological actions of each other. ANP acting through natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPRA) lowers blood pressure and blood volume. We tested hypothesis that ANG II plays critical roles in the transcriptional repression of Npr1 (encoding NPRA) and receptor function. ANG II significantly decreased NPRA mRNA and protein levels and cGMP accumulation in cultured mesangial cells and attenuated ANP-mediated relaxation of aortic rings ex vivo. The transcription factors, cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) and heat-shock factor-4a (HSF-4a) facilitated the ANG II-mediated repressive effects on Npr1 transcription. Tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitor, genistein and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K) inhibitor, wortmannin reversed the ANG II-dependent repression of Npr1 transcription and receptor function. ANG II enhanced the activities of Class I histone deacetylases (HDACs 1/2), thereby decreased histone acetylation of H3K9/14ac and H4K8ac. The repressive effect of ANG II on Npr1 transcription and receptor signaling seems to be transduced by TK and PI-3K pathways and modulated by CREB, HSF-4a, HDACs, and modified histones. The current findings suggest that ANG II-mediated repressive mechanisms of Npr1 transcription and receptor function may provide new molecular targets for treatment and prevention of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Sacubitril/Valsartan Decreases Cardiac Fibrosis in Left Ventricle Pressure Overload by Restoring PKG Signaling in Cardiac Fibroblasts

Background Heart failure (HF) is invariably accompanied by development of cardiac fibrosis, a form of scarring that increases muscular tissue rigidity and decreases cardiac contractility. Cardiac fibrosis arises from a pathological attempt to repair tissue damaged during maladaptive remodeling. Treatment options to block or reverse fibrosis have proven elusive. Neprilysin is an endopeptidase that degrades vasoactive peptides, including atrial natriuretic peptide. Thus, neprilysin inhibition reduces hypertension, ultimately limiting maladaptive cardiac remodeling. LCZ696, which consists of an angiotensin receptor blocker (valsartan [VAL]) and a neprilysin inhibitor (sacubitril [SAC]), was shown to be well tolerated and significantly reduced the risk of death and hospitalization in HF patients with reduced ejection fraction. We hypothesized that SAC/VAL directly inhibits fibroblast activation and development of pathological fibrosis. Methods and Results We used a mouse model of left ventricle pressure overload coupled to in vitro studies in primary mouse and human cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) to study the impact of SAC/VAL on CF activation and cardiac fibrosis. SAC/VAL significantly ameliorated pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis by blocking CF activation and proliferation, leading to functional improvement. Mechanistically, the beneficial impact of SAC/VAL at least partially stemmed from restoration of PKG (protein kinase G) signaling in HF patient-derived CF, which inhibited Rho activation associated with myofibroblast transition. Conclusions This study reveals that SAC/VAL acts directly on CF to prevent maladaptive cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction during pressure overload-induced hypertrophy and suggests that SAC/VAL should be evaluated as a direct antifibrotic therapeutic for conditions such as HF with preserved ejection fraction.

C-type Natriuretic Peptide: A Multifaceted Paracrine Regulator in the Heart and Vasculature

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is an autocrine and paracrine mediator released by endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts that regulates vital physiological functions in the cardiovascular system. These roles are conveyed via two cognate receptors, natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B) and natriuretic peptide receptor C (NPR-C), which activate different signalling pathways that mediate complementary yet distinct cellular responses. Traditionally, CNP has been deemed the endothelial component of the natriuretic peptide system, while its sibling peptides, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), are considered the endocrine guardians of cardiac function and blood volume. However, accumulating evidence indicates that CNP not only modulates vascular tone and blood pressure, but also governs a wide range of cardiovascular effects including the control of inflammation, angiogenesis, smooth muscle and endothelial cell proliferation, atherosclerosis, cardiomyocyte contractility, hypertrophy, fibrosis, and cardiac electrophysiology. This review will focus on the novel physiological functions ascribed to CNP, the receptors/signalling mechanisms involved in mediating its cardioprotective effects, and the development of therapeutics targeting CNP signalling pathways in different disease pathologies.

Is Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) and Natriuretic Peptide Receptor-A (NPR-A) Expression in Human Placenta and Decidua Normal?

Background

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a cardiac hormone that regulates blood pressure and the salt-water balance in the blood. It acts through natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR), and the major biologically active ANP receptor is natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPR-A). Aberrant forms of ANP and its receptors have been reported in patients with preeclampsia. However, whether aberrant forms of ANP or NPR-A are present in preeclamptic placenta, and what their role is in preeclampsia pathogenesis, has not yet been elucidated clearly. The aim of this study was to assess the expression of ANP and NPR-A in the placenta and decidua and its role in preeclampsia development.

Material/Methods

The expression of ANP and NPR-A in the first-trimester villous and decidua, full-term placenta, and preeclamptic placenta was determined using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. The HTR8/SVneo cell line was used to investigate the role of NPR-A in proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion using Cell Counting Kit-8 analysis, flow cytometry analysis, and a Transwell invasion assay, respectively.

Results

ANP and NPR-A were localized in the syncytiotrophoblasts, cytotrophoblasts, and trophoblast columns of human first-trimester villous trophoblast cells of decidua, and in the glandular epithelium and extravillous trophoblast cells of decidua. ANP-positive and NPR-A-positive cells in the decidual stroma were clustered around and infiltrated into the vascular wall of the spiral artery undergoing remodeling. NPR-A expression was significantly reduced in preeclamptic placentas, and NPR-A knockdown significantly impaired the invasion ability of HTR8/SVneo cells, although it had no effect on cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Conclusions

ANP and NPR-A are involved in human placental development. Decreased levels of NPR-A may contribute to the development of preeclampsia.

Transforming growth factor β1 antagonizes the transcription, expression and vascular signaling of guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor A - role of δEF1

The objective of this study was to determine the role of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in transcriptional regulation and function of the guanylyl cyclase A/natriuretic peptide receptor A gene (Npr1) and whether cross-talk exists between these two hormonal systems in target cells. After treatment of primary cultured rat thoracic aortic vascular smooth muscle cells and mouse mesangial cells with TGF-β1, the Npr1 promoter construct containing a δ-crystallin enhancer binding factor 1 (δEF1) site showed 85% reduction in luciferase activity in a time- and dose-dependent manner. TGF-β1 also significantly attenuated luciferase activity of the Npr1 promoter by 62%, and decreased atrial natriuretic peptide-mediated relaxation of mouse denuded aortic rings ex vivo. Treatment of cells with TGF-β1 increased the protein levels of δEF1 by 2.4-2.8-fold, and also significantly enhanced the phosphorylation of Smad 2/3, but markedly reduced Npr1 mRNA and receptor protein levels. Over-expression of δEF1 showed a reduction in Npr1 promoter activity by 75%, while deletion or site-directed mutagenesis of δEF1 sites in the Npr1 promoter eliminated the TGF-β1-mediated repression of Npr1 transcription. TGF-β1 significantly increased the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type I α2 in rat thoracic aortic vascular smooth muscle cells, which was markedly attenuated by atrial natriuretic peptide in cells over-expressing natriuretic peptide receptor A. Together, the present results suggest that an antagonistic cascade exists between the TGF-β1/Smad/δEF1 pathways and Npr1 expression and receptor signaling that is relevant to renal and vascular remodeling, and may be critical in the regulation of blood pressure and cardiovascular homeostasis.

Guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor-A signaling antagonizes phosphoinositide hydrolysis, Ca(2+) release, and activation of protein kinase C

Thus far, three related natriuretic peptides (NPs) and three distinct sub-types of cognate NP receptors have been identified and characterized based on the specific ligand binding affinities, guanylyl cyclase activity, and generation of intracellular cGMP. Atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP) specifically bind and activate guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor-A (GC-A/NPRA), and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) shows specificity to activate guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor-B (GC-B/NPRB). All three NPs bind to natriuretic peptide receptor-C (NPRC), which is also known as clearance or silent receptor. The NPRA is considered the principal biologically active receptor of NP family; however, the molecular signaling mechanisms of NP receptors are not well understood. The activation of NPRA and NPRB produces the intracellular second messenger cGMP, which serves as the major signaling molecule of all three NPs. The activation of NPRB in response to CNP also produces the intracellular cGMP; however, at lower magnitude than that of NPRA, which is activated by ANP and BNP. In addition to enhanced accumulation of intracellular cGMP in response to all three NPs, the levels of cAMP, Ca²⁺ and inositol triphosphate (IP₃) have also been reported to be altered in different cells and tissue types. Interestingly, ANP has been found to lower the concentrations of cAMP, Ca²⁺, and IP₃; however, NPRC has been proposed to increase the levels of these metabolic signaling molecules. The mechanistic studies of decreased and/or increased levels of cAMP, Ca²⁺, and IP₃ in response to NPs and their receptors have not yet been clearly established. This review focuses on the signaling mechanisms of ANP/NPRA and their biological effects involving an increased level of intracellular accumulation of cGMP and a decreased level of cAMP, Ca²⁺, and IP₃ in different cells and tissue systems.

Guanylyl cyclase / atrial natriuretic peptide receptor-A: role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular regulation

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), also known as atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), is an endogenous and potent hypotensive hormone that elicits natriuretic, diuretic, vasorelaxant, and anti-proliferative effects, which are important in the control of blood pressure and cardiovascular events. One principal locus involved in the regulatory action of ANP and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is guanylyl cyclase / natriuretic peptide receptor-A (GC-A/NPRA). Studies on ANP, BNP, and their receptor, GC-A/NPRA, have greatly increased our knowledge of the control of hypertension and cardiovascular disorders. Cellular, biochemical, and molecular studies have helped to delineate the receptor function and signaling mechanisms of NPRA. Gene-targeted and transgenic mouse models have advanced our understanding of the importance of ANP, BNP, and GC-A/NPRA in disease states at the molecular level. Importantly, ANP and BNP are used as critical markers of cardiac events; however, their therapeutic potentials for the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, heart failure, and stroke have just begun to be realized. We are now just at the initial stage of molecular therapeutics and pharmacogenomic advancement of the natriuretic peptides. More investigations should be undertaken and ongoing ones be extended in this important field.

The functional genomics of guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor-A: perspectives and paradigms

The cardiac hormones atrial natriuretic peptide and B-type natriuretic peptide (brain natriuretic peptide) activate guanylyl cyclase (GC)-A/natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPRA) and produce the second messenger cGMP. GC-A/NPRA is a member of the growing family of GC receptors. The recent biochemical, molecular and genomic studies on GC-A/NPRA have provided important insights into the regulation and functional activity of this receptor protein, with a particular emphasis on cardiac and renal protective roles in hypertension and cardiovascular disease states. The progress in this field of research has significantly strengthened and advanced our knowledge about the critical roles of Npr1 (coding for GC-A/NPRA) in the control of fluid volume, blood pressure, cardiac remodeling, and other physiological functions and pathological states. Overall, this review attempts to provide insights and to delineate the current concepts in the field of functional genomics and signaling of GC-A/NPRA in hypertension and cardiovascular disease states at the molecular level.

Upregulation of ANP and NPR-C mRNA in the kidney and heart of eNOS knockout mice

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present studywas to examine the question of whether the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) system is altered by endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS).

METHODS

Male eNOS-deficient mice (eNOS-/-) and wild type control mice (eNOS+/+, C57B1/6J) were used. Blood pressure was measured in anesthetized mice by tail cuff plethysmography and renal function was measured. Expression of ANP, natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR)-A, NPR-C, and tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein (TonEBP) mRNA was determined by real-time PCR. Localization of (125)I-ANP binding sites was measured using in vitro autoradiography.

RESULTS

In eNOS-/- mice, systolic blood pressure increased and left ventricular hypertrophy was observed. Urine volume and osmolarity did not change. Expression of ANP markedly increased in the heart and kidney of eNOS-/- mice. Expression of NPR-A and NPR-C increased in the heart and tended to increase in the kidney of eNOS-/- mice. In the renal medulla in particular, increased expression of NPR-C was more prominent. Expression of TonEBP mRNA was markedly decreased in the renal medulla, but not in the renal cortex. Maximum binding capacity (B(max)) of ANP and C-ANP increased in the renal medulla in eNOS-/- mice.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the eNOS-NO system may be partly involved in regulation of ANP, NPR-A, -C, and TonEBP mRNA expression in the kidney.

Ligand-mediated endocytosis and intracellular sequestration of guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptors: role of GDAY motif

The guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor-A (GC-A/NPRA), also referred to as GC-A, is a single polypeptide molecule having a critical function in blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular homeostasis. GC-A/NPRA, which resides in the plasma membrane, consists of an extracellular ligand-binding domain, a single transmembrane domain, and an intracellular cytoplasmic region containing a protein kinase-like homology domain (KHD) and a guanylyl cyclase (GC) catalytic domain. After binding with atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP), GC-A/NPRA is internalized and sequestered into intracellular compartments. Therefore, GC-A/NPRA is a dynamic cellular macromolecule that traverses different subcellular compartments through its lifetime. This review describes the roles of short-signal sequences in the internalization, trafficking, and intracellular redistribution of GC-A/NPRA from cell surface to cell interior. Evidence indicates that, after internalization, the ligand-receptor complexes dissociate inside the cell and a population of GC-A/NPRA recycles back to the plasma membrane. Subsequently, the disassociated ligands are degraded in the lysosomes. However, a small percentage of the ligand escapes the lysosomal degradative pathway, and is released intact into culture medium. Using pharmacologic and molecular perturbants, emphasis has been placed on the cellular regulation and processing of ligand-bound GC-A/NPRA in terms of receptor trafficking and down-regulation in intact cells. The discussion is concluded by examining the functions of short-signal sequence motifs in the cellular life-cycle of GC-A/NPRA, including endocytosis, trafficking, metabolic processing, inactivation, and/or down-regulation in model cell systems.

Regulation of natriuretic peptide receptor-A gene expression and stimulation of its guanylate cyclase activity by transcription factor Ets-1

ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide) exerts its biological effects by binding to GC (guanylate cyclase)-A/NPR (natriuretic peptide receptor)-A, which generates the second messenger cGMP. The molecular mechanism mediating Npr1 (coding for GC-A/NPRA) gene regulation and expression is not well understood. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the mechanism by which Ets-1 [Ets (E twenty-six) transformation-specific sequence] contributes to the regulation of Npr1 gene transcription and expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and gel-shift assays confirmed the in vivo and in vitro binding of Ets-1 to the Npr1 promoter. Overexpression of Ets-1 enhanced significantly Npr1 mRNA levels, protein expression, GC activity and ANP-stimulated intracellular accumulation of cGMP in transfected cells. Depletion of endogenous Ets-1 by siRNA (small interfering RNA) dramatically decreased promoter activity by 80%. Moreover, methylation of the Npr1 promoter region (-356 to +55) reduced significantly the promoter activity and hypermethylation around the Ets-1 binding sites directly reduced Ets-1 binding to the Npr1 promoter. Collectively, the present study demonstrates that Npr1 gene transcription and GC activity of the receptor are critically controlled by Ets-1 in target cells.

Transcriptional regulation of guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor-A gene

Activation of natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPRA) produces the second messenger cGMP, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining blood pressure and cardiovascular homeostasis. In the present study, we have examined the role of trans-acting factor Ets-1 in transcriptional regulation of Npr1 gene (coding for NPRA). Using deletional analysis of the Npr1 promoter, we have defined a 400 base pair (bp) region as the core promoter, which contains consensus binding sites for transcription factors including: Ets-1, Lyf-1, and GATA-1/2. Overexpression of Ets-1 in mouse mesangial cells (MMCs) enhanced Npr1 gene transcription by 12-fold. However, overexpression of GATA-1 or Lyf-1 repressed Npr1 basal promoter activity by 50% and 80%, respectively. The constructs having a mutant Ets-1 binding site or lacking this site failed to respond to Ets-1 activation of Npr1 gene transcription. Collectively, the present results demonstrate that Ets-1 greatly stimulates Npr1 gene promoter activity, implicating its critical role in the regulation and function of NPRA at the molecular level.

C-type natriuretic Peptide down-regulates expression of its cognate receptor in rat aortic smooth muscle cells

The C-type natriuretic (CNP) peptide signals through the type B natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR-B) in vascular smooth muscle cells to activate the particulate guanylyl cyclase activity intrinsic to that receptor and raise cellular cyclic GMP levels. In the present study, we demonstrate that CNP down-regulates the expression of this receptor leading to a reduction in NPR-B activity. Pretreatment of rat aortic smooth muscle cells with CNP reduces NPR-B activity, NPR-B protein levels, NPR2 (NPR-B gene) mRNA levels, and NPR2 promoter activity. The decrease in NPR2 promoter activity is dependent on DNA sequence present between -441 and -134 relative to the transcription start site. The reduction in NPR2 gene expression appears to operate through generation of cyclic GMP. 8-Bromo cyclic GMP, a membrane-permeable cyclic GMP analog, reduced NPR2 mRNA levels and NPR2 promoter activity. Atrial natriuretic peptide, which signals through the type A natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR-A) to increase cyclic GMP levels in these cells, also reduced NPR-B mRNA levels and inhibited NPR-B promoter activity; however, this inhibition was not additive with that produced by CNP, implying that the two ligands traffic over a common signal transduction pathway. This report provides the first documentation that CNP is capable of autoregulating the expression of its cognate receptor.

Biology of natriuretic peptides and their receptors

Increasing evidence suggests that natriuretic peptides (NPs) play diverse roles in mammals, including renal hemodynamics, neuroendocrine, and cardiovascular functions. Collectively, NPs are classified as hypotensive hormones; the main actions of NPs are implicated in eliciting natriuretic, diuretic, steroidogenic, antiproliferative, and vasorelaxant effects, important factors in the control of body fluid volume and blood pressure homeostasis. One of the principal loci involved in the regulatory actions of NPs is their cognate plasma membrane receptor molecules, which are activated by binding with specific NPs. Interaction of NPs with their receptors plays a central role in physiology and pathophysiology of hypertension and cardiovascular disorders. Gaining insight into the intricacies of NPs-specific receptor signaling pathways is of pivotal importance for understanding both hormone-receptor biology and the disease states arising from abnormal hormone receptor interplay. During the last decade there has been a surge in interest in NP receptors; consequently, a wealth of information has emerged concerning molecular structure and function, signaling mechanisms, and use of transgenics and gene-targeted mouse models. The objective of this present review is to summarize and document the previous findings and recent discoveries in the field of the natriuretic peptide hormone family and receptor systems with emphasis on the structure-function relationship, signaling mechanisms, and the physiological and pathophysiological significance in health and disease.

Regulation of guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor-A gene expression

Natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPRA) is the biological receptor of the peptide hormones atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). The level and activity of this receptor determines the biological effects of ANP and BNP in different tissues mainly directed towards the maintenance of salt and water homeostasis. The core transcriptional machinery of the TATA-less Npr1 gene, which encodes NPRA, consists of three SP1 binding sites and the inverted CCAAT box. This promoter region of Npr1 gene has been shown to contain several putative binding sites for the known transcription factors, but the functional significance of most of these regulatory sequences is yet to be elucidated. The present review discusses the current knowledge of the functional significance of the promoter region of Npr1 gene and its transcriptional regulation by a number of factors including different hormones, growth factors, changes in extracellular osmolarity, and certain physiological and patho-physiological conditions.

Regulation of the guanylyl cyclase-B receptor by alternative splicing

Guanylyl cyclase-B (GC-B) is a single transmembrane receptor that binds C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). The ligand/receptor appears critical in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation where it acts as an adversary of mitogenic signaling pathways. We have isolated three guanylyl cyclase-B isoforms generated from a single gene by alternative splicing and termed them GC-B1, GC-B2, and GC-B3. GC-B1 is full-length and responds maximally to CNP, GC-B2 contains a 25-amino acid deletion in the protein kinase homology domain, and GC-B3 only retains a part of the extracellular ligand-binding domain. GC-B2 binds CNP, but the ligand fails to activate the cyclase, while GC-B3 fails to bind ligand. When GC-B2 or GC-B3 is expressed coincident with GC-B1, they act as dominant negative isoforms by virtue of blocking formation of active GC-B1 homodimers. Relative expression levels of GC-B1, GC-B2, and GC-B3 vary across tissues and as a function of in vitro culture; the relative amount of GC-B2 to GC-B1 is repressed in cultured smooth muscle cells relative to endogenous ratios in the medial layer cells of the aorta. Thus, GC-B isoform levels can be independently regulated. Given that the splice variants serve as dominant negative forms, these will serve as regulators of the full-length GC-B.

Angiotensin II-mediated negative regulation of Npr1 promoter activity and gene transcription

Atrial natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPRA) plays important role(s) in the control of extracellular fluid volume and blood pressure homeostasis. We have determined and analyzed the functional promoter region of Npr1 gene (coding for NPRA) and studied the effect of angiotensin (Ang) II on its promoter activity and expression in cultured mouse mesangial cells. The promoter analysis of Npr1 gene revealed the presence of positive regulatory cis-elements in the regions -1982 to -1841 bp and -916 to -496 bp and of the repressor elements in the regions -1841 to -916 bp and 56 to 382 bp relative to transcription start site. The Ang II pretreatment of cultured mouse mesangial cells transiently transfected with the promoter construct pNPRA-luc1 significantly inhibited the promoter activity in a time- and dose-dependent manner, with a maximum inhibition at 24 hours. The Ang II-dependent repression of Npr1 promoter activity was partially blocked by both angiotensin type 1 and type 2 antagonists candesartan and PD 123,319, respectively. The mRNA level of NPRA was also downregulated by Ang II treatment as determined by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay. The deletion analysis showed that the promoter region approximately 916 bp upstream of transcription start site contains the cis-elements involved in Ang II-mediated repression of transcription of Npr1 gene. The present study thus reveals the presence of functional cis-regulatory elements in the promoter region of the murine Npr1 gene and its transcriptional downregulation by vasoactive peptide Ang II.

TA repeat variation, Npr1 expression, and blood pressure: impact of the Ace locus

The activity of the atrial natriuretic peptide receptor (Npr1) is altered in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) in relation to its mRNA levels, suggesting abnormal transcriptional control in hypertension. A single-stranded conformational polymorphism caused by a repetitive dinucleotide segment of 10 TA in BN-Lx and of 40 TA in SHR was localized at position -943 relative to the transcription start site of the Npr1 gene, downstream of a putative cGMP-regulatory region, and was the only sequence difference noted between the two strains. Transient transfections of -1520 to -920 Npr1 promoter-SV40-luciferase fusion vector showed that the construct from BN-Lx stimulated the SV40 promoter, whereas that from SHR slightly inhibited it. In contrast to the BN-Lx construct, the activity of the SHR fragment was refractory to downregulation by atrial natriuretic peptide. Genotype-phenotype correlation studies in recombinant inbred strains (RIS) derived from BN-Lx and SHR crosses revealed significant correlations of the TA repeat with basal guanylyl cyclase activity and Npr1 mRNA levels. The correlations were heightened by a locus on chromosome 10 containing the Ace gene. The highest basal guanylyl cyclase activity and Npr1 mRNA values were found in RIS with both genes (Npr1/Ace) of BN genotypes, whereas the lowest were recorded in RIS, with the SHR genotypes at both loci. This was inversely correlated with diastolic blood pressure in these strains. In conclusion, the longer TA repeat unit in the promoter of Npr1 of SHR, in tandem with a putative cGMP responsive element, regulates the transcription of the Npr1 gene with consequences on diastolic blood pressure.

Osmoregulation of natriuretic peptide receptor signaling in inner medullary collecting duct. A requirement for p38 MAPK

In the inner medullary collecting duct of the terminal nephron, the type A natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR-A) plays a major role in determining urinary sodium content. This nephron segment, by virtue of its medullary location, is subject to very high levels of extracellular tonicity. We have examined the ability of medium tonicity to regulate the activity and expression of this receptor in cultured rat inner medullary collecting duct cells. We found that NaCl (75 mm) and sucrose (150 mm), but not urea (150 mm), increased natriuretic peptide receptor activity, gene expression, and promoter activity. The osmotic stimulus also activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK). In the latter instance the beta isoform was selectively activated. Inhibition of p38 MAPK with SB203580 blocked the osmotic induction of receptor activity and expression, as well as receptor gene promoter activity, whereas inhibition of ERK with PD98059 had no effect. Cotransfection of p38 beta MAPK together with the receptor gene promoter resulted in amplification of the osmotic stimulation of the latter, whereas cotransfection of dominant negative MKK6, but not dominant-negative MEK, completely blocked the osmotic induction of receptor promoter activity. Collectively, the data indicate that extracellular osmolality stimulates receptor activity and receptor gene expression through a specific p38 beta-dependent mechanism, raising the possibility that changes in medullary tonicity could play an important role in the regulation of renal sodium handling in the terminal nephron.

Pulmonary natriuretic peptide system during rat development

Maturational changes in the rat lung natriuretic peptide system were studied postnatally in 1-, 4-, and 22-day-old rats. Lung atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) content increased significantly from day 1 to day 4 (712+/-188 vs. 1905+/-520 pg/mg protein; p<0.01) but decreased to 532+/-41 pg/mg protein, on day 22. These changes paralleled ANF messenger RNA (mRNA) detected by reverse transcribed polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Rat pulmonary development also was associated with quantitative and qualitative alterations in ANF receptors. Competitive-binding radioreceptor assays of lung membranes with 125I-ANF and increasing concentrations of unlabeled ANF revealed that the natriuretic peptide receptor-binding sites (Bmax) progressively increased with age from 112 +/-21 fmol/mg protein at day 1 to 211+/-16 (p<0.02) and 326+/-62 fmol/mg protein (p<0.04) in 4- and 22-day-old rats, respectively. Autoradiographic studies of 125I-tyr(0)CNP binding to lung sections revealed that the levels of the natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B) were undetectable. On the other hand, binding of 125I-ANF increased with age, and the higher binding at 4 days was mainly due to increased density of the clearance receptor-C (NPR-C), and at 22 days due to increased natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPR-A). The increase in natriuretic peptide binding was confirmed at the level of synthesis, where RT-PCR revealed that NPR-A mRNA significantly increased (p<0.01) in 22-day-old rats. In conclusion, these studies demonstrate that the rat pulmonary natriuretic peptide system is altered during development. The altered synthesis of lung natriuretic peptides and their receptors may play a role in the postnatal adaptation of pulmonary circulation.

Human A-type ANP receptor upregulation by PACAP and carbachol in neuroblastoma cells

Pituitary adenylyl cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP-27), forskoline and carbachol increased type A atrial natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR-A) density, as well as NPR-A mRNA level, in the human neuroblastoma NB-OK-1 cell line. TPA did not have any effect per se, but blunted the effect of PACAP-27 on both NPR-A density and NPR-A mRNA. The half-life of the NPR-A mRNA was not modified by any of the agents tested. Our data support an original transcriptional upregulation of human NPR-A in response to cAMP-induced agents, and in response to carbachol.

Atrial natriuretic peptide provokes a dramatic increase in cyclic GMP formation and markedly inhibits muscarinic-stimulated Ca2+ mobilisation in SV-40 transformed cat iris sphincter smooth muscle (SV-CISM-2) cells

We investigated the effects of cGMP-elevating agents, including atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), on cGMP accumulation and on carbachol (CCh)-stimulated intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) mobilisation in SV-40 transformed cat iris sphincter smooth muscle (SV-CISM-2) cells and in primary cultured cat iris sphincter smooth muscle (CISM) cells. The stimulatory effects of the natriuretic peptides on cGMP production correlated well with their inhibitory effects on CCh-induced [Ca+1]i mobilisation, and these effects were significantly more pronounced in the SV-CISM-2 cells than in the CISM cells. Thus, ANP (1 microM) increased cGMP production in the SV-CISM-2 cells and CISM cells by 487- and 1.7-fold, respectively, and inhibited CCh-induced [Ca2+]i mobilisation by 95 and 3%, respectively. In the SV-CISM-2 cells, ANP and CNP dose dependently inhibited CCh-induced [Ca2+]i mobilisation with IC50 values of 156 and 412 nM, respectively, and dose dependently stimulated cGMP formation with EC50 values of 24 and 88 nM, respectively, suggesting that the inhibitory actions of the peptides are mediated through cGMP. Both ANP and CNP stimulated cGMP accumulation in a time-dependent manner. The potency of the cGMP-elevating agents were in the following order: ANP>>CNP>>SNP; these agents had no effect on cAMP accumulation. The inhibitory effects of the natriuretic peptides were mimicked by 8-Br-cGMP, a selective activator of cGMP-dependent protein kinase. LY83583, a soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, significantly inhibited SNP-induced cGMP formation but had no effect on those of ANP and CNP. The basal activities of the guanylyl cyclase and the dissociation constant (Kd) and total receptor density (Bmax) values of the natriuretic peptide receptor for [125I]ANP binding were not significantly different between the two cell types. The cGMP system, as with the cAMP system, has a major inhibitory influence on the muscarinic responses in the iris sphincter smooth muscle cells, and SV-CISM-2 cells can serve as an excellent model for investigating the cross talk between cGMP and the Ca2+ signalling system.

Positive chronotropic and inotropic effects of C-type natriuretic peptide in dogs

We have recently reported that C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) has a positive chronotropic effect in dogs. We further investigated the effect of CNP on canine cardiac functions: 1) in situ, by exploring the effects of isoproterenol (10 microg), angiotensin II (ANG II, 5 microg), and CNP (40 microg) injections (n = 8) on computerized epicardial mapping of atrial activation to detect a shift in pacemaker location; 2) by examining the presence of natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR)-A and -B mRNAs in atrial and nodal tissues using semiquantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction; 3) in vitro, using spontaneously beating right atrial preparations (n = 6), by recording the transmembrane potentials of sinoatrial node (SAN) cells before and after injection of CNP (25 microg); and 4) by observing the effects of CNP (25 microg) on contractile force of paced isolated right atrial preparations (n = 6). The results indicate that 1) the site of earliest extracellular electrical activation in the SAN remains mostly unchanged in response to CNP, whereas it shifts to the superior region of the SAN after isoproterenol and ANG II injections; 2) NPR-A and -B mRNAs are present in atrial and nodal tissues; 3) CNP significantly increases the maximal rate of diastolic depolarization and decreases the action potential duration at 75 and 90% of repolarization; and 4) CNP significantly increases atrial contractile force. These results suggest that CNP modifies cardiac ionic currents to produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects by stimulation of NPR-B receptors, located in the SAN region, and that CNP plays a role in the modulation of cardiac function.

Ethinylestradiol does not enhance the expression of nitric oxide synthase in bovine endothelial cells but increases the release of bioactive nitric oxide by inhibiting superoxide anion production

Estradiol is known to exert a protective effect against the development of atherosclerosis, but the mechanism by which this protection is mediated is unclear. Since animal studies strongly suggest that production of endothelium-derived relaxing factor is enhanced by estradiol, we have examined the effect of estrogens on nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) activity, protein, and mRNA in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells. In reporter cells rich in guanylate cyclase, it has been observed that long-term treatment (> or = 24 hr) with ethinylestradiol (EE2) dose-dependently increased guanylate cyclase-activating factor activity in the conditioned medium of endothelial cells. However, conversion of L-[14C]arginine to L-[14C]citrulline by endothelial cell homogenate or quantification of nitrite and nitrate released by intact cells in the conditioned medium did not reveal any change in NOS activity induced by EE2 treatment. Similarly, Western and Northern blot analyses did not reveal any change in the endothelial NOS protein and mRNA content in response to EE2. However, EE2 dose- and time-dependently decreased superoxide anion production in the conditioned medium of endothelial cells with an EC50 value (0.1 nM) close to that which increased guanylate cyclase-activating factor activity (0.5 nM). Both of these effects were completely prevented by the antiestrogens tamoxifen and RU54876. Thus, endothelium exposure to estrogens appears to induce a receptor-mediated antioxidant effect that enhances the biological activity of endothelium-derived NO. These effects could account at least in part for the vascular protective properties of these hormones.

Natriuretic peptide system in the rat submaxillary gland

Natriuretic peptides and their receptors were characterized in rat submaxillary glands (SGs). Reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of rat SGs extracts revealed the presence of the 28-amino-acid (AA) circulating peptide ANP (Ser99-Tyr126) and the 126-AA prohormone (Asn1-Tyr126). The presence of ANP prohormone indicated that SGs are a site of ANP synthesis. Indeed, ANP mRNAs were demonstrated. ANP mRNA was 10 times lower than in the lung and only about 7 times lower than in the hypothalamus. ANP content in SG was determined as 30 +/- 8 ng/mg of protein (n = 7). In addition the presence of another member of the natriuretic peptide family, C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), was found in SG. The CNP level of 293 +/- 38 pg/mg protein was significantly higher than in the lungs (44 +/- 6 pg/mg protein, P < 0.001, n = 5), but about 15 times lower than in hypothalamus (4.5 +/- 0.6 ng/mg protein, P < 0.001, n = 6). Both guanylyl cyclase and clearance receptors were expressed in SG. The presence of natriuretic peptide transcripts and their receptors suggests a role in rat SG functions.

Regulation of endothelial production of C-type natriuretic peptide in coculture with vascular smooth muscle cells. Role of the vascular natriuretic peptide system in vascular growth inhibition

Recently, we have demonstrated that C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is produced in vascular endothelial cells (ECs). In the present study, we investigated the interaction of ECs and vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) for endothelial production of CNP and its action on vascular growth, using the EC/SMC coculture system. The concentration of CNP-like immunoreactivity in the medium was increased 60-fold within 48 hours in the EC/SMC coculture with direct contact compared with that in EC alone. Northern blot analysis revealed the augmented expression of CNP mRNA in the EC/SMC coculture. The accumulation of intracellular cGMP in the coculture was concomitantly increased, and this response was blocked by anti-CNP monoclonal antibody and HS-142-1, a nonpeptide atrial natriuretic peptide receptor antagonist. The concentration of biologically active transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in the culture medium of the coculture with direct contact of ECs and SMCs was elevated to the level to stimulate endothelial production of CNP. Actually, the neutralizing antibody against TGF-beta abrogated the cGMP accumulation in the coculture. These results show that endothelial production of CNP in the EC/SMC coculture is at least in part regulated by TGF-beta. Furthermore, the conditioned medium from ECs stimulated by TGF-beta was demonstrated to have a growth-inhibitory effect on SMCs, which was abolished by anti-CNP monoclonal antibody and HS-142-1. The treatment with anti-CNP monoclonal antibody and HS-142-1 also significantly increased the cell number of the EC/SMC coculture. The present study reveals the pathophysiological significance of endothelial CNP as a paracrine/autocrine vascular regulator for vascular growth in the interaction of ECs and SMCs.

Renal atrial natriuretic factor receptors in hamster cardiomyopathy

Hamsters with cardiomyopathy (CMO), an experimental model of congestive heart failure, display stimulated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and enhanced sympathetic nervous activity, all factors that lead to sodium retention, volume expansion and subsequent elevation of plasma atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) by the cardiac atria. However, sodium and water retention persist in CMO, indicating hyporesponsiveness to endogenous ANF. These studies were undertaken to fully characterize renal ANF receptor subtypes in normal hamsters and to evaluate whether alterations in renal ANF receptors may contribute to renal resistance to ANF in cardiomyopathy. Transcripts of the guanylyl cyclase-A (GC-A) and guanylyl cyclase B (GC-B) receptors were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in renal cortex, and outer and inner medullas. Compared to normal controls, the cardiomyopathic hamster's GC-A mRNA was similar in cortex but significantly increased in outer and inner medulla. Levels of GC-B mRNA were not altered by the disease. On the other hand, competitive binding studies, autoradiography, and affinity cross-linking demonstrated the absence of functional GC-B receptors in the kidney glomeruli and inner medulla. Also, C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), the natural ligand for the GC-B receptors, failed to stimulate glomerular production of its second messenger cGMP. In CMO, sodium and water excretion were significantly reduced despite elevated plasma ANF (50.5 +/- 11.1 vs. 309.4 +/- 32.6 pg/ml, P < 0.001). Competitive binding studies of renal glomerular ANF receptors revealed no change in total receptor density, Bmax (369.6 +/- 27.4 vs. 282.8 +/- 26.2 fmol/mg protein), nor in dissociation constant, Kd (647.4 +/- 79.4 vs. 648.5 +/- 22.9 pM). Also, ANF-C receptor density (254.3 +/- 24.8 vs. 233.8 +/- 23.5 fmol/mg protein), nor affinity were affected by heart failure. Inner medullary receptors were exclusively of the GC-A subtype with Bmax (153.2 +/- 26.4 vs. 134.5 +/- 21.2 fmol/mg protein) and Kd (395.7 +/- 148.0 vs. 285.8 +/- 45.0 pM) not altered by cardiomyopathy. The increase in ANF-stimulated glomerular cGMP production was similar in normal and CMO hamsters (94- vs. 75-fold). These results demonstrate that renal ANF receptors do not contribute to the attenuated renal responses to ANF in hamster cardiomyopathy.

Alternative splicing of natriuretic peptide A and B receptor transcripts in the rat brain

1. In the present study we searched for variants of alternative splicing of guanylyl cyclase A and B mRNA in rats in vivo. 2. Guanylyl cyclase A2 and guanylyl cyclase B2 isoforms of guanylyl cyclase produced by alternative splicing leading to the deletion of exon 9 of both transcripts were quantified in several rat organs. 3. Only one alternative splicing was found in the regulatory domain, encoded by exons 8-15. 4. Quantification of the guanylyl cyclase B2 isoform in different rat organs and in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells showed that this alternative splicing was tissue-specific and occurred predominantly in the central nervous system where the alternatively spliced variant represented more than 50% of the guanylyl cyclase B mRNA. 5. The same alternative splicing existed for guanylyl cyclase A mRNA but at very low levels in the organs studied. 6. Alternative splicing of guanylyl cyclase B exon 9 in the brain may play an important role in signal transduction, since the expressed protein possesses a constitutionally active guanylyl cyclase acting independently of C-type natriuretic peptide regulation.

Regional expression of natriuretic peptide receptors during the formation of arterial neointima in the rabbit

In vitro evidence suggests that natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR)-B and NPR-C inhibit vascular smooth muscle (VSM) proliferation. NPR-B is guanylate cyclase-coupled and selectively activated by C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP)-(1-22). NPR-C is not guanylate cyclase-coupled and, unlike NPR-B, avidly binds atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)-(1-28) as well as CNP-(1-22). Here, we investigate these receptors during the VSM proliferation and neointimal formation found 5, 7, and 20 days after compressing the central ear artery of the rabbit. Receptors were mapped autoradiographically using [125I-Tyr0]CNP-(1-22), which binds NPR-B and NPR-C, and 125I-ANP-(1-28), which binds NPR-C and NPR-A, another guanylate cyclase-coupled receptor. Normal tunica media had NPR-B-like binding sites, and the level of these did not change significantly after compression. Consistent with this, CNP-(1-22) stimulated cGMP production equally with membranes from normal or damaged arteries and was more effective than ANP-(1-28). Neointima, which became evident 5 to 7 days after arterial damage, expressed NPR-C-like sites and no detectable NPR-B-like binding. NPR-C-like sites also appeared on the media for the first time between 5 and 7 days after compression. Immunohistochemistry for proliferating cell nuclear antigen revealed widespread mitosis in VSM at 5 days after compression, but mitosis was virtually restricted to the neointima at and beyond 7 days after compression. Thus, whereas levels of NPR-B did not change significantly after arterial injury and NPR-A was not detected, NPR-C-like receptors were upregulated as mitosis declined in the media and as a prominent neointima formed.

Atrial natriuretic peptide suppresses the transcription of its guanylyl cyclase-linked receptor

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) treatment of rat aortic smooth muscle cells suppressed both 125I-ANP binding and ANP-dependent cGMP accumulation, suggesting reductions in the type C (NPR-C) and type A (NPR-A) natriuretic peptide receptor populations, respectively. NPR-A, but not NPR-C, mRNA levels were reduced in a dose-dependent fashion by ANP. The latter effect appeared to be due, at least in part, to suppression of NPR-A gene promoter activity. ANP effected a dose- and time-dependent reduction in a transiently transfected NPR-A luciferase reporter (-1575LUC). Analysis of 5' deletion mutants of the NPR-A promoter demonstrated that the ANP-dependent sequence lies between -1575 and -1290 relative to the transcription start site. Inhibition of the ANP promoter was also effected by brain natriuretic peptide, type C natriuretic peptide, and 8-bromo-cGMP, but not by the NPR-C-selective ligand cANF. In the case of 8-bromo-cGMP, the responsive element(s) was localized to the same 285-base pair region linked to the ANP effect above. These findings indicate that ANP autoregulates its own receptors in these cells and, at least in the case of NPR-A, it does so through suppression of receptor gene expression and receptor synthesis. This suppression may operate through a cGMP-dependent element located more than a kilobase upstream from the transcription start site.