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Gumusoglu SB, Kiel MD, Gugel A, Schickling BM, Weaver KR, Lauffer MC, Sullivan HR, Coulter KJ, Blaine BM, Kamal M, Zhang Y, Devor EJ, Santillan DA, Gantz SC, Santillan MK. Anti-angiogenic mechanisms and serotonergic dysfunction in the Rgs2 knockout model for the study of psycho-obstetric risk. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:864-875. [PMID: 37848733 PMCID: PMC10948883 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01749-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric and obstetric diseases are growing threats to public health and share high rates of co-morbidity. G protein-coupled receptor signaling (e.g., vasopressin, serotonin) may be a convergent psycho-obstetric risk mechanism. Regulator of G Protein Signaling 2 (RGS2) mutations increase risk for both the gestational disease preeclampsia and for depression. We previously found preeclampsia-like, anti-angiogenic obstetric phenotypes with reduced placental Rgs2 expression in mice. Here, we extend this to test whether conserved cerebrovascular and serotonergic mechanisms are also associated with risk for neurobiological phenotypes in the Rgs2 KO mouse. Rgs2 KO exhibited anxiety-, depression-, and hedonic-like behaviors. Cortical vascular density and vessel length decreased in Rgs2 KO; cortical and white matter thickness and cell densities were unchanged. In Rgs2 KO, serotonergic gene expression was sex-specifically changed (e.g., cortical Htr2a, Maoa increased in females but all serotonin targets unchanged or decreased in males); redox-related expression increased in paraventricular nucleus and aorta; and angiogenic gene expression was changed in male but not female cortex. Whole-cell recordings from dorsal raphe serotonin neurons revealed altered 5-HT1A receptor-dependent inhibitory postsynaptic currents (5-HT1A-IPSCs) in female but not male KO neurons. Additionally, serotonin transporter blockade by the SSRI sertraline increased the amplitude and time-to-peak of 5-HT1A-IPSCs in KO neurons to a greater extent than in WT neurons in females only. These results demonstrate behavioral, cerebrovascular, and sertraline hypersensitivity phenotypes in Rgs2 KOs, some of which are sex-specific. Disruptions may be driven by vascular and cell stress mechanisms linking the shared pathogenesis of psychiatric and obstetric disease to reveal future targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena B Gumusoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Michaela D Kiel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Aleigha Gugel
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Brandon M Schickling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Kaylee R Weaver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Marisol C Lauffer
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
- Neural Circuits and Behavior Core, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Hannah R Sullivan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Kaylie J Coulter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Brianna M Blaine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Mushroor Kamal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Yuping Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Eric J Devor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Donna A Santillan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Stephanie C Gantz
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Mark K Santillan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA.
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Sun B, Smith N, Dixon AJ, Osei-Owusu P. Phosphodiesterases Mediate the Augmentation of Myogenic Constriction by Inhibitory G Protein Signaling and is Negatively Modulated by the Dual Action of RGS2 and 5. FUNCTION 2024; 5:zqae003. [PMID: 38486977 PMCID: PMC10935470 DOI: 10.1093/function/zqae003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein regulation by regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins play a key role in vascular tone maintenance. The loss of Gi/o and Gq/11 regulation by RGS2 and RGS5 in non-pregnant mice is implicated in augmented vascular tone and decreased uterine blood flow (UBF). RGS2 and 5 are closely related and co-expressed in uterine arteries (UA). However, whether and how RGS2 and 5 coordinate their regulatory activities to finetune G protein signaling and regulate vascular tone are unclear. Here, we determined how the integrated activity of RGS2 and 5 modulates vascular tone to promote UBF. Using ultrasonography and pressure myography, we examined uterine hemodynamics and myogenic tone (MT) of UA of wild type (WT), Rgs2-/-, Rgs5-/-, and Rgs2/5 dbKO mice. We found that MT was reduced in Rgs5-/- relative to WT or Rgs2-/- UA. Activating Gi/o with dopamine increased, whereas exogenous cAMP decreased MT in Rgs5-/- UA to levels in WT UA. Dual deletion of Rgs2 and 5 abolished the reduced MT due to the absence of Rgs5 and enhanced dopamine-induced Gi/o effects in Rgs2/5 dbKO UA. Conversely, and as in WT UA, Gi/o inhibition with pertussis toxin or exogenous cAMP decreased MT in Rgs2/5 dbKO to levels in Rgs5-/- UA. Inhibition of phosphodiesterases (PDE) concentration-dependently decreased and normalized MT in all genotypes, and blocked dopamine-induced MT augmentation in Rgs2-/-, Rgs5-/-, and Rgs2/5 dbKO UA. We conclude that Gi/o augments UA MT in the absence of RGS2 by a novel mechanism involving PDE-mediated inhibition of cAMP-dependent vasodilatation..
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Sun
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Nia Smith
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Alethia J Dixon
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Patrick Osei-Owusu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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3
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Dixon AJ, Osei-Owusu P. Elastin haploinsufficiency accelerates age-related structural and functional changes in the renal microvasculature and impairment of renal hemodynamics in female mice. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1141094. [PMID: 37179824 PMCID: PMC10167050 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1141094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related decline in functional elastin is associated with increased arterial stiffness, a known risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease. While the contribution of elastin insufficiency to the stiffening of conduit arteries is well described, little is known about the impact on the structure and function of the resistance vasculature, which contributes to total peripheral resistance and the regulation of organ perfusion. In this study, we determined how elastin insufficiency impinges on age-related changes in the structure and biomechanical properties of the renal microvasculature, altering renal hemodynamics and the response of the renal vascular bed to changes in renal perfusion pressure (RPP) in female mice. Using Doppler ultrasonography, we found that resistive index and pulsatility index were elevated in young Eln +/- and aged mice. Histological examination showed thinner internal and external elastic laminae, accompanied by increased elastin fragmentation in the medial layer without any calcium deposits in the small intrarenal arteries of kidneys from young Eln +/- and aged mice. Pressure myography of interlobar arteries showed that vessels from young Eln +/- and aged mice had a slight decrease in distensibility during pressure loading but a substantial decline in vascular recoil efficiency upon pressure unloading. To examine whether structural changes in the renal microvasculature influenced renal hemodynamics, we clamped neurohumoral input and increased renal perfusion pressure by simultaneously occluding the superior mesenteric and celiac arteries. Increased renal perfusion pressure caused robust changes in blood pressure in all groups; however, changes in renal vascular resistance and renal blood flow (RBF) were blunted in young Eln +/- and aged mice, accompanied by decreased autoregulatory index, indicating greater impairment of renal autoregulation. Finally, increased pulse pressure in aged Eln +/- mice positively correlated with high renal blood flow. Together, our data show that the loss of elastin negatively affects the structural and functional integrity of the renal microvasculature, ultimately worsening age-related decline in kidney function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alethia J Dixon
- Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Patrick Osei-Owusu
- Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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4
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Workalemahu T, Avery C, Lopez S, Blue NR, Wallace A, Quinlan AR, Coon H, Warner D, Varner MW, Branch DW, Jorde LB, Silver RM. Whole-genome sequencing analysis in families with recurrent pregnancy loss: A pilot study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281934. [PMID: 36800380 PMCID: PMC9937472 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
One to two percent of couples suffer recurrent pregnancy loss and over 50% of the cases are unexplained. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis has the potential to identify previously unrecognized causes of pregnancy loss, but few studies have been performed, and none have included DNA from families including parents, losses, and live births. We conducted a pilot WGS study in three families with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss, including parents, healthy live births, and losses, which included an embryonic loss (<10 weeks' gestation), fetal deaths (10-20 weeks' gestation) and stillbirths (≥ 20 weeks' gestation). We used the Illumina platform for WGS and state-of-the-art protocols to identify single nucleotide variants (SNVs) following various modes of inheritance. We identified 87 SNVs involving 75 genes in embryonic loss (n = 1), 370 SNVs involving 228 genes in fetal death (n = 3), and 122 SNVs involving 122 genes in stillbirth (n = 2). Of these, 22 de novo, 6 inherited autosomal dominant and an X-linked recessive SNVs were pathogenic (probability of being loss-of-function intolerant >0.9), impacting known genes (e.g., DICER1, FBN2, FLT4, HERC1, and TAOK1) involved in embryonic/fetal development and congenital abnormalities. Further, we identified inherited missense compound heterozygous SNVs impacting genes (e.g., VWA5B2) in two fetal death samples. The variants were not identified as compound heterozygous SNVs in live births and population controls, providing evidence for haplosufficient genes relevant to pregnancy loss. In this pilot study, we provide evidence for de novo and inherited SNVs relevant to pregnancy loss. Our findings provide justification for conducting WGS using larger numbers of families and warrant validation by targeted sequencing to ascertain causal variants. Elucidating genes causing pregnancy loss may facilitate the development of risk stratification strategies and novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsegaselassie Workalemahu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Cecile Avery
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Sarah Lopez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Nathan R. Blue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
- Intermountain Healthcare, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Amelia Wallace
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Aaron R. Quinlan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Hilary Coon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Derek Warner
- DNA Sequencing Core, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Michael W. Varner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
- Intermountain Healthcare, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - D. Ware Branch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
- Intermountain Healthcare, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Lynn B. Jorde
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Robert M. Silver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
- Intermountain Healthcare, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
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Dahlen SA, Bernadyn TF, Dixon AJ, Sun B, Xia J, Owens EA, Osei-Owusu P. Dual loss of regulator of G protein signaling 2 and 5 exacerbates ventricular myocyte arrhythmias and disrupts the fine-tuning of G i/o signaling. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2022; 170:34-46. [PMID: 35661621 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2022.05.009] [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] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Cardiac contractility, essential to maintaining proper cardiac output and circulation, is regulated by G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling. Previously, the absence of regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) 2 and 5, separately, was shown to cause G protein dysregulation, contributing to modest blood pressure elevation and exaggerated cardiac hypertrophic response to pressure-overload. Whether RGS2 and 5 redundantly control G protein signaling to maintain cardiovascular homeostasis is unknown. Here we examined how the dual absence of RGS2 and 5 (Rgs2/5 dbKO) affects blood pressure and cardiac structure and function. METHODS AND RESULTS We found that Rgs2/5 dbKO mice showed left ventricular dilatation at baseline by echocardiography. Cardiac contractile response to dobutamine stress test was sex-dependently reduced in male Rgs2/5 dbKO relative to WT mice. When subjected to surgery-induced stress, male Rgs2/5 dbKO mice had 75% mortality within 72-96 h after surgery, accompanied by elevated baseline blood pressure and decreased cardiac contractile function. At the cellular level, cardiomyocytes (CM) from Rgs2/5 dbKO mice showed augmented Ca2+ transients and increased incidence of arrhythmia without augmented contractile response to electrical field stimulation (EFS) and activation of β-adrenergic receptors (βAR) with isoproterenol. Dual loss of Rgs2 and 5 suppressed forskolin-induced cAMP production, which was restored by Gi/o inactivation with pertussis toxin that also reduced arrhythmogenesis during EFS or βAR stimulation. Cardiomyocyte NCX and PMCA mRNA expression was unaffected in Rgs2/5 dbKO male mice. However, there was an exaggerated elevation of EFS-induced cytoplasmic Ca2+ in the presence of SERCA blockade with thapsigargin. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that RGS2 and 5 promote normal ventricular rhythm by coordinating their regulatory activity towards Gi/o signaling and facilitating cardiomyocyte calcium handling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby A Dahlen
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States of America
| | - Tyler F Bernadyn
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, United States of America
| | - Alethia J Dixon
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States of America
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States of America
| | - Jingsheng Xia
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A Owens
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, United States of America
| | - Patrick Osei-Owusu
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States of America; Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, United States of America.
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6
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Opichka MA, Rappelt MW, Gutterman DD, Grobe JL, McIntosh JJ. Vascular Dysfunction in Preeclampsia. Cells 2021; 10:3055. [PMID: 34831277 PMCID: PMC8616535 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a life-threatening pregnancy-associated cardiovascular disorder characterized by hypertension and proteinuria at 20 weeks of gestation. Though its exact underlying cause is not precisely defined and likely heterogenous, a plethora of research indicates that in some women with preeclampsia, both maternal and placental vascular dysfunction plays a role in the pathogenesis and can persist into the postpartum period. Potential abnormalities include impaired placentation, incomplete spiral artery remodeling, and endothelial damage, which are further propagated by immune factors, mitochondrial stress, and an imbalance of pro- and antiangiogenic substances. While the field has progressed, current gaps in knowledge include detailed initial molecular mechanisms and effective treatment options. Newfound evidence indicates that vasopressin is an early mediator and biomarker of the disorder, and promising future therapeutic avenues include mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction, excess oxidative stress, and the resulting inflammatory state. In this review, we provide a detailed overview of vascular defects present during preeclampsia and connect well-established notions to newer discoveries at the molecular, cellular, and whole-organism levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A. Opichka
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (M.A.O.); (D.D.G.); (J.L.G.)
| | - Matthew W. Rappelt
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
| | - David D. Gutterman
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (M.A.O.); (D.D.G.); (J.L.G.)
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Justin L. Grobe
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (M.A.O.); (D.D.G.); (J.L.G.)
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
- Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Comprehensive Rodent Metabolic Phenotyping Core, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Jennifer J. McIntosh
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (M.A.O.); (D.D.G.); (J.L.G.)
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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7
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Mesa AM, Mao J, Medrano TI, Bivens NJ, Jurkevich A, Tuteja G, Cooke PS, Rosenfeld CS. Spatial Transcriptomics analysis of uterine gene expression in enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (Ezh2) conditional knockout mice. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:1126-1139. [PMID: 34344022 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone proteins undergo various modifications that alter chromatin structure, including addition of methyl groups. Enhancer of homolog 2 (EZH2), is a histone methyltransferase that methylates lysine residue 27, and thereby, suppresses gene expression. EZH2 plays integral role in the uterus and other reproductive organs. We have previously shown that conditional deletion of uterine EZH2 results in increased proliferation of luminal and glandular epithelial cells, and RNAseq analyses reveal several uterine transcriptomic changes in Ezh2 conditional (c) knockout (KO) mice that can affect estrogen signaling pathways. To pinpoint the origin of such gene expression changes, we used the recently developed spatial transcriptomics (ST) method with the hypotheses that Ezh2cKO mice would predominantly demonstrate changes in epithelial cells and/or ablation of this gene would disrupt normal epithelial/stromal gene expression patterns. Uteri were collected from ovariectomized adult WT and Ezh2cKO mice and analyzed by ST. Asb4, Cxcl14, Dio2, and Igfbp5 were increased, Sult1d1, Mt3, and Lcn2 were reduced in Ezh2cKO uterine epithelium vs. WT epithelium. For Ezh2cKO uterine stroma, differentially expressed key hub genes included Cald1, Fbln1, Myh11, Acta2, and Tagln. Conditional loss of uterine Ezh2 also appears to shift the balance of gene expression profiles in epithelial vs. stromal tissue toward uterine epithelial cell and gland development and proliferation, consistent with uterine gland hyperplasia in these mice. Current findings provide further insight into how EZH2 may selectively affect uterine epithelial and stromal compartments. Additionally, these transcriptome data might provide the mechanistic understanding and valuable biomarkers for human endometrial disorders with epigenetic underpinnings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Mesa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,Grupo de Investigación en Agrociencias, Biodiversidad y Territorio - GAMMA, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 N° 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jiude Mao
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Theresa I Medrano
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Nathan J Bivens
- Genomics Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Alexander Jurkevich
- Advanced Light Microscopy Core Facility, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Geetu Tuteja
- Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Paul S Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.,Data Science and Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia; MO 65211, USA.,Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
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8
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McNabb HJ, Zhang Q, Sjögren B. Emerging Roles for Regulator of G Protein Signaling 2 in (Patho)physiology. Mol Pharmacol 2020; 98:751-760. [PMID: 32973086 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.120.000111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Since their discovery in the mid-1990s, regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins have emerged as key regulators of signaling through G protein-coupled receptors. Among the over 20 known RGS proteins, RGS2 has received increasing interest as a potential therapeutic drug target with broad clinical implications. RGS2 is a member of the R4 subfamily of RGS proteins and is unique in that it is selective for Gα q Despite only having an RGS domain, responsible for the canonical GTPase activating protein activity, RGS2 can regulate additional processes, such as protein synthesis and adenylate cyclase activity, through protein-protein interactions. Here we provide an update of the current knowledge of RGS2 function as it relates to molecular mechanisms of regulation as well as its potential role in regulating a number of physiologic systems and pathologies, including cardiovascular disease and central nervous system disorders, as well as various forms of cancer. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins represent an exciting class of novel drug targets. RGS2, in particular, could have broad clinical importance. As more details are emerging on the regulation of RGS2 in various physiological systems, the potential utility of this small protein in therapeutic development is increasing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison J McNabb
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Benita Sjögren
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
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9
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Koch JN, Dahlen SA, Owens EA, Osei-Owusu P. Regulator of G Protein Signaling 2 Facilitates Uterine Artery Adaptation During Pregnancy in Mice. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 8:e010917. [PMID: 31030617 PMCID: PMC6512123 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.118.010917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Decreased uterine blood flow is known to contribute to pregnancy complications such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Previously, we showed that the loss of regulator of G protein signaling 2 ( RGS 2), a GTP ase activating protein for Gq/11 and Gi/o class G proteins, decreases uterine blood flow in the nonpregnant state in mice. Here, we examined the effects of the absence of RGS 2 and 5 on uterine blood flow and uterine vascular structure and function at early, mid, and late gestation, as well as peripartum period in mice. Methods and Results Abdominal Doppler ultrasonography was performed on adult female wild-type, Rgs2-/-, and Rgs5-/- mice at pre-pregnancy, gestational days 10, 15, and 18, and postpartum day 3. Uterine artery structure and function were also assessed by vessel myograph studies. At mid-pregnancy, uterine blood flow decreased in both Rgs2-/- and Rgs5-/- mice, whereas resistive index increased only in Rgs2-/- mice. In uterine arteries from wild-type mice, mRNA expression of RGS 2 and 4 increased, whereas RGS 5 expression remained elevated at mid-pregnancy. These changes in gene expression were unique to uterine arteries because they were absent in mesenteric arteries and the aorta of wild-type mice. In Rgs2-/- mice, uterine artery medial cross-sectional area and G protein-coupled receptor-mediated vasoconstriction increased in mid-pregnancy, implicating a role for RGS 2 in structural and functional remodeling of uterine arteries during pregnancy. In contrast, RGS 5 absence increased vasoconstriction only in the peripartum period. Conclusions These data together indicate that RGS 2 plays a critical role in the structural and functional remodeling of uterine arteries to impact uterine blood flow during pregnancy. Targeting the signaling pathway regulated by RGS 2 may therefore be a therapeutic strategy for ameliorating utero-placental perfusion disorders during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer N Koch
- 1 Department of Pharmacology and Physiology Drexel University College of Medicine Philadelphia PA
| | - Shelby A Dahlen
- 1 Department of Pharmacology and Physiology Drexel University College of Medicine Philadelphia PA
| | - Elizabeth A Owens
- 1 Department of Pharmacology and Physiology Drexel University College of Medicine Philadelphia PA
| | - Patrick Osei-Owusu
- 1 Department of Pharmacology and Physiology Drexel University College of Medicine Philadelphia PA
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Li Y, Lin M, Wang K, Zhan Y, Gu W, Gao G, Huang Y, Chen Y, Huang T, Wang J. A module of multifactor-mediated dysfunction guides the molecular typing of coronary heart disease. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 8:e1415. [PMID: 32743916 PMCID: PMC7549572 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CHD) is the most common cardiovascular disease and has become a leading cause of death globally. Various molecular typing methods are available for the diagnosis and treatment of tumors. However, molecular typing results are not routinely used for CHD. Methods and Results Aiming to uncover the underlying molecular features of different types of CHD, we screened the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with CHD based on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data and expanded those with the NCBI‐gene and OMIM databases to finally obtain 2021 DEGs. The weighted gene co‐expression analysis (WGCNA) was performed on the candidate genes, and six distinctive WGCNA modules were identified, two of which were associated with CHD. Moreover, DEGs were mined as key genes for co‐expression based on the module network relationship. Furthermore, the differentially expressed miRNAs in CHD and interactions in the database were mined in the GEO data set to build a multifactor regulatory network of key genes for co‐expression. Based on the network, the CHD samples were further classified into five clusters and we defined FTH1, HCAR3, RGS2, S100A9, and TYROBP as the top genes of the five subgroups. Finally, the mRNA levels of FTH1, S100A9, and TYROBP were found to be significantly increased, while the expression of HCAR3 was decreased in the blood of CHD patients. We did not detect measurable levels of RGS2. Conclusion The screened core clusters of genes may be a target for the diagnosis and treatment of CHD as a molecular typing module.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuewei Li
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia in Guangdong Province, Guangdong, China
| | - Maohuan Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia in Guangdong Province, Guangdong, China
| | - Kangjie Wang
- Division of Vascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - YaQing Zhan
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenli Gu
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia in Guangdong Province, Guangdong, China
| | - Guanghao Gao
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia in Guangdong Province, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuna Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia in Guangdong Province, Guangdong, China
| | - Yangxin Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia in Guangdong Province, Guangdong, China
| | - Tucheng Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia in Guangdong Province, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingfeng Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia in Guangdong Province, Guangdong, China
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