Exercise increases MEF2A abundance in rat cardiac muscle by downregulating microRNA-223-5p

Exercise plays an important role in cardiac health and enhances the transport of glucose in cardiac muscle by increasing the glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) content at the cell membrane. The GLUT4 gene is a target of myocyte enhancer transcription factor 2A (MEF2A). Several transcription factors are regulated by microRNAs (miRs), small non-coding RNAs that control gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. In this study we tested the hypothesis that exercise regulates the expression of miR-223 and that MEF2A is a direct target of miR-223. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot experiments showed that GLUT4 gene expression and protein abundance increased by 30 and 23%, respectively, in the microsomal fraction immediately after exercise, and had returned to control levels after 18 h. In contrast, the increase in GLUT4 in the membrane fraction was delayed. Exercise also increased the protein abundance of transcription factors involved in GLUT4 expression. Immediately after exercise, the protein abundance of MEF2A, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) increased by 18, 30, and 40%, respectively. qRT-PCR experiments showed that miR-223-3p and miR-223-5p expression decreased immediately after exercise by 60 and 30%, respectively, and luciferase assays indicated that MEF2A is a target of the 5p strand of miR-223. Overexpression of miR-223-5p in H9c2 cells decreased the protein abundance of MEF2A. Our results suggest that the exercise-induced increase in GLUT4 content in cardiac muscle is partly due to the posttranscriptional increase in MEF2A protein abundance caused by the decrease in miR-223-5p expression. The exercise-induced decrease in miR-223-3p expression likely contributes to the increases in NRF1 and FOXO1 abundance and GLUT4 content.

The mitochondrial K-ATP channel opener diazoxide upregulates STIM1 and Orai1 via ROS and the MAPK pathway in adult rat cardiomyocytes

Background

Openers of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-dependent potassium (mKATP) channels like diazoxide increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cardiac cells and reduce Ca²⁺ elevations produced by ischemia–reperfusion, protecting the heart from damage. In this study we tested the hypothesis that opening mKATP channels regulates expression of the major components of store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) STIM1 and Orai1.

Results

Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot experiments showed that diazoxide increased expression of STIM1 and Orai1 at the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, in adult rat cardiomyocytes. Immunofluorescence analyses revealed that diazoxide also disrupted the striated distribution pattern of STIM1. These effects were prevented by the ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), the mKATP channel antagonist 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD), or the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX). Confocal microscopy revealed that diazoxide also led to nuclear translocation of the transcription factors c-Fos and NFκB, which was also blocked by NAC or 5-HD. Finally, the MAPK pathway inhibitor UO126 attenuated diazoxide-induced upregulation of STIM1 and Orai1 expression.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that opening mitochondrial potassium ATP channels with diazoxide upregulates the expression of STIM1 and Orai1 by de novo synthesis by a mechanism that involves NFkB, c-Fos, and ROS via MAPK/ERK signaling.

Pharmacological Preconditioning Using Diazoxide Regulates Store-Operated Ca2 + Channels in Adult Rat Cardiomyocytes

Voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels and store-operated Ca²⁺ channels (SOCs) are the major routes of Ca²⁺ entry into mammalian cells. Previously, we reported that pharmacological preconditioning (PPC) leads to a decrease in the amplitude of L-type calcium channel current in the heart. In this study, we examined PPC-associated changes in SOC function. We measured adult cardiomyocyte membrane currents using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, and we evaluated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and intracellular Ca²⁺ levels in cardiomyocytes using fluorescent probes. Diazoxide (Dzx) and thapsigargin (Tg) were used to induce PPC and to deplete internal stores of Ca²⁺, respectively. Ca²⁺ store depletion generated inward currents with strong rectification, which were suppressed by the SOC blocker GSK-7975-A. These currents were completely abolished by PPC, an effect that could be countered with 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD; a selective mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K⁺ channel blocker), an intracellular mitochondrial energizing solution, or Ni²⁺ [a blocker of sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX)]. Buffering of ROS and intracellular Ca²⁺ also prevented PPC effects on SOC currents. Refilling of intracellular stores was largely suppressed by PPC, as determined by measuring intracellular Ca²⁺ with a fluorescent Ca²⁺ indicator. These results indicate that influx of Ca²⁺ through SOCs is inhibited by their ROS and Ca²⁺-dependent inactivation during PPC and that NCX is a likely source of PPC-inactivating Ca²⁺. We further showed that NCX associates with Orai1. Down-regulation of SOCs by PPC may play a role in cardioprotection following ischemia-reperfusion.

Protective Action of Diazoxide on Isoproterenol-Induced Hypertrophy Is Mediated by Reduction in MicroRNA-132 Expression

INTRODUCTION AND METHODS

The effects of diazoxide on cardiac hypertrophy and miR-132 expression were characterized in adult rats and in cardiomyocytes. Diazoxide effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and on the cAMP-response element binding (CREB) transcription factor's abundance in cardiomyocytes were also analyzed. ROS measurements used a fluorescent dye. Western blot analysis and quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction were used to measure phosphorylated form of CREB (pCREB) abundance and miR-132 expression, respectively.

RESULTS

Isoproterenol (ISO) induced cardiac hypertrophy, an effect that was mitigated by diazoxide. The rate of ROS production, CREB phosphorylation, and miR-132 expression increased after the addition of ISO. H2O2 increased pCREB abundance and miR-132 expression; upregulation of miR-132 was blocked by the specific inhibitor of CREB transcription, 666-15. Consistent with a role of ROS on miR-132 expression, diazoxide prevented the increase in ROS production, miR-132 expression, and pCREB abundance produced by ISO. Phosphorylation of CREB by ISO was prevented by U0126, an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data first demonstrate that diazoxide mitigates hypertrophy by preventing an increase in miR-132 expression. The mechanism likely involves less ROS production leading to less phosphorylation of CREB. Our data further show that ROS enhance miR-132 transcription, and that ISO effects are probably mediated by the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.

MiR-132 Regulates Rem Expression in Cardiomyocytes During Long-Term β-Adrenoceptor Agonism

Aims: To characterize the effects of long-term β-adrenergic receptor stimulation on Rem protein and mRNA expression in rat heart and possible involvement of miR-132. Methods: Adult rats were treated with isoproterenol (ISO, 150 µg.kg.h-1) for 2 d and Rem, miR-132, and α1c (the principal subunit of Cav1.2 channels) were measured at protein and mRNA levels with western blot and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) experiments, respectively. Ca2+ currents and intracellular Ca2+ signals were evaluated in isolated cardiomyocytes. Results: Systemic administration of ISO led to decreases in Rem protein and mRNA levels (down to 49%). Furthermore, levels of the microRNAs (miRs) miR-132 and miR-214 were upregulated 5- and 9-fold, respectively. Transfection of miR-132, but not miR-214, into HEK293 cells reduced the expression of a luciferase reporter gene controlled by a conserved 3´-untranslated region (UTR) of Rem by half. Chronic ISO administration also led to a 25% decrease in the amplitude of peak L-type Ca2+ currents, a 40% decrease in α1c subunit protein abundance at the membrane level, and a 60% decrease in expression of α1c channel subunit mRNA. Conclusions: These results suggest that Rem expression is down-regulated posttranscriptionally by miR-132 in response to long-term activation of β-adrenergic signaling, but this down-regulation does not produce a larger Ca2+ influx through Cav1.2 channels.

Parvalbumin is overexpressed in the late phase of pharmacological preconditioning in skeletal muscle

Pharmacological preconditioning (PPC) with mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K(+) channel openers such as diazoxide, provides protection against ischemia in cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, and other tissues. Effects on Ca(2+) homeostasis during the late phase of PPC have been described in cardiomyocytes, but no information is available regarding intracellular Ca(2+) changes in skeletal muscle fibers during late PPC. Intracellular Ca(2+) signals were measured in single fibers of adult mouse skeletal muscle, with fluorescent probes, 48 h after the administration of diazoxide. Parvalbumin levels in the myofibers were quantitated by Western blot. Diazoxide induction of late PPC was confirmed by partial protection of muscles from peroxide-induced damage. Late PPC was associated with a significant decrease in the duration of Ca(2+) signals during single twitches and tetanus with no changes in peak values. This effect was prevented by the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger tiron. Late PPC was accompanied by a 30% increase in parvalbumin levels, and this effect was also blocked by tiron. Our data show, for the first time, a role of parvalbumin in late PPC in skeletal muscle.

Posttranscriptional regulation of the β2-subunit of cardiac L-type Ca2+ channels by MicroRNAs during long-term exposure to isoproterenol in rats

INTRODUCTION AND METHODS

The effects of long-term β-adrenergic administration on the expression levels of the cardiac L-type Ca channel β2 subunit, which regulates channel trafficking and function, were characterized in adult rats.

RESULTS

Systemic administration of isoproterenol (150 mg·kg·h) for 2 d led to a 50% increase in the ventricular wet weight-to-body weight ratio (mg/g) and of more than two-fold in the expression of actin protein. In contrast, β2 subunit protein levels decreased (down to 49%), while mRNA levels remained unchanged. Furthermore, levels of microRNAs (miRs), including miR-21 and miR-132, were upregulated (7.2 and 7.9 fold, respectively). Transfection of these miRs into HEK293 cells attenuated expression of a luciferase reporter gene controlled by a conserved 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of the β2 subunit (down to 67% and 56%, respectively). Systemic administration of isoproterenol also led to briefer intracellular Ca transients during action potentials measured in isolated cardiomyocytes (down to 65%).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that cardiac L-type Ca channel β2 subunit protein expression may be downregulated by miRs in response to long-term activation of β-adrenergic signaling, possibly as an adaptive response in cardiac hypertrophy and sustained β-adrenergic states.

Expression of multiple CaV1.2 transcripts in rat tissues mediated by different promoters

The expression of two different transcripts for Ca(V)1.2 in rat tissues mirrors that which has previously been described for human tissue, in that expression of transcripts expressing exon 1a is predominant only in heart, whereas expression of transcripts expressing exon 1b is greater in smooth muscle rich tissues such as aorta and intestine. Transcripts expressing exon 1b also predominate in brain and in diaphragm. Western blots indicate that the N-terminus coded for by exon 1b is present in much of the protein in all these tissues except heart. The promoter just upstream of exon 1b has been cloned, sequenced and utilized to drive expression of luciferase in smooth muscle A7r5 cells, cardiac HL-1 cells, skeletal muscle L6 cells and neuronal PC12 cells. The nucleotide sequence of the promoter exhibits 80% identity with the equivalent promoter previously identified in humans and 94% identity with the sequence of the equivalent region of the mouse genome. Evidence in favor of still another promoter upstream of exon 2 has been uncovered.