In diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia promotes the osteogenic transdifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to enhance medial vascular calcification, a common complication strongly ...associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality. The mechanisms involved are, however, still poorly understood. Therefore, the present study explored the potential role of serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) during vascular calcification promoted by hyperglycemic conditions. Exposure to high-glucose conditions up-regulated the SGK1 expression in primary human aortic VSMCs. High glucose increased osteogenic marker expression and activity and, thus, promoted the osteogenic transdifferentiation of VSMCs, effects significantly suppressed by additional treatment with the SGK1 inhibitor EMD638683. Moreover, high glucose augmented the mineralization of VSMCs in the presence of calcification medium, effects again significantly reduced by SGK1 inhibition. Similarly, SGK1 knockdown blunted the high glucose-induced osteogenic transdifferentiation of VSMCs. The osteoinductive signaling promoted by high glucose required SGK1-dependent NF-kB activation. In addition, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) increased the SGK1 expression in VSMCs, and SGK1 inhibition was able to interfere with AGEs-induced osteogenic signaling. In conclusion, SGK1 is up-regulated and mediates, at least partly, the osteogenic transdifferentiation and calcification of VSMCs during hyperglycemic conditions. Thus, SGK1 inhibition may reduce the development of vascular calcification promoted by hyperglycemia in diabetes.
Vascular calcification resulting from hyperphosphatemia is a major determinant of mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Vascular calcification is driven by aldosterone-sensitive osteogenic ...transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We show that even in absence of exogenous aldosterone, silencing and pharmacological inhibition (spironolactone, eplerenone) of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) ameliorated phosphate-induced osteo-/chondrogenic transformation of primary human aortic smooth muscle cells (HAoSMCs). High phosphate concentrations up-regulated aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) expression in HAoSMCs. Silencing and deficiency of CYP11B2 in VSMCs ameliorated phosphate-induced osteogenic reprogramming and calcification. Phosphate treatment was followed by nuclear export of APEX1, a CYP11B2 transcriptional repressor. APEX1 silencing up-regulated CYP11B2 expression and stimulated osteo-/chondrogenic transformation. APEX1 overexpression blunted the phosphate-induced osteo-/chondrogenic transformation and calcification of HAoSMCs. Cyp11b2 expression was higher in aortic tissue of hyperphosphatemic klotho-hypomorphic (kl/kl) mice than in wild-type mice. In adrenalectomized kl/kl mice, spironolactone treatment still significantly ameliorated aortic osteoinductive reprogramming. Our findings suggest that VSMCs express aldosterone synthase, which is up-regulated by phosphate-induced disruption of APEX1-dependent gene suppression. Vascular CYP11B2 may contribute to stimulation of VSMCs osteo-/chondrogenic transformation during hyperphosphatemia.
PIKfyve Sensitivity of hERG Channels Pakladok, Tatsiana; Almilaji, Ahmad; Munoz, Carlos ...
Cellular physiology and biochemistry,
01/2013, Letnik:
31, Številka:
6
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Background/Aims: Human ether-a-go-go (hERG) channels contribute to cardiac repolarization and participate in the regulation of tumor cell proliferation. Mutations in hERG channels may cause long QT ...syndrome and sudden cardiac death due to ventricular arrhythmias. HERG channel activity is up-regulated by the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase isoforms SGK1 and SGK3. Related kinases are protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) isoforms. SGK´s and PKB/Akt´s activate phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate-5-kinase PIKfyve, which in turn up-regulates several carriers and channels. An effect of PIKfyve on hERG channels, has, however, never been shown. The present study thus explored the putative influence of PIKfyve on hERG channel expression and activity. Methods: hERG channels were expressed in Xenopus oocytes with or without PIKfyve and/or PKB, expression of endogenous and injected hERG quantified by RT-PCR, and hERG channel activity determined utilizing dual electrode voltage clamp. Moreover, hERG protein abundance in the cell membrane was visualized utilizing specific antibody binding and subsequent confocal microscopy and quantified by chemiluminescence. Results: Coexpression of wild type PIKfyve increased hERG channel activity in hERG-expressing Xenopus oocytes. hERG channel activity was further increased by coexpression of PKB, an effect augmented by additional coexpression of PIKfyve, but not by additional coexpression of PKB/Akt-resistant PIKfyve mutant PIKfyveS318A. Coexpression of PIKfyve increased hERG channel protein abundance in the cell membrane. Inhibition of hERG channel insertion into the cell membrane by Brefeldin A (5 µM) resulted in a decline of current, which was similar in Xenopus oocytes expressing hERG together with PIKfyve and in Xenopus oocytes expressing hERG alone. Conclusion: hERG is up-regulated by PIKfyve, which is in turn activated by PKB/Akt.
Diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) both trigger vascular osteogenic signaling and calcification leading to early death by cardiovascular events. Osteogenic signaling involves upregulation of ...the transcription factors CBFA1, MSX2, and SOX9, as well as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an enzyme fostering calcification by degrading the calcification inhibitor pyrophosphate. In CKD, osteogenic signaling is triggered by hyperphosphatemia, which upregulates the serum and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase SGK1, a strong stimulator of the Ca
2+
-channel ORAI1. The channel is activated by STIM1 and accomplishes store-operated Ca
2+
-entry (SOCE). The present study explored whether exposure of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HAoSMCs) to high extracellular glucose concentrations similarly upregulates ORAI1 and/or STIM1 expression, SOCE, and osteogenic signaling. To this end, HAoSMCs were exposed to high extracellular glucose concentrations (15 mM, 24 h) without or with additional exposure to the phosphate donor ß-glycerophosphate. Transcript levels were estimated using qRT-PCR, protein abundance using Western blotting, ALP activity using a colorimetric assay kit, calcium deposits utilizing Alizarin red staining, cytosolic Ca
2+
-concentration (Ca
2+
i
) by Fura-2-fluorescence, and SOCE from increase of Ca
2+
i
following re-addition of extracellular Ca
2+
after store depletion with thapsigargin (1 μM). As a result, glucose enhanced the transcript levels of
SGK1
and
ORAI1
,
ORAI2
, and
STIM2
, protein abundance of ORAI1, SOCE, the transcript levels of
CBFA1
,
MSX2
,
SOX9
, and
ALPL
, as well as calcium deposits. Moreover, glucose significantly augmented the stimulating effect of ß-glycerophosphate on transcript levels of
SGK1
and
ORAI1
, SOCE, the transcript levels of osteogenic markers, as well as calcium deposits. ORAI1 inhibitor MRS1845 (10 μM) significantly blunted the glucose-induced upregulation of the
CBFA1
and
MSX2
transcript levels
.
In conclusion, the hyperglycemia of diabetes stimulates expression of SGK1 and ORAI1, thus, augmenting store-operated Ca
2+
-entry and osteogenic signaling in HAoSMCs.
Background/Aims: Vasopressin is a powerful stimulator of vascular calcification, augmenting osteogenic signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) including upregulation of transcription ...factors such as core-binding factor α-1 (CBFA1), msh homeobox 2 (MSX2), and SRY-Box 9 (SOX9), as well as of tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (ALPL). Vasopressin-induced osteogenic signaling and calcification require the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1). Known effects of SGK1 include upregulation of Na + /H + exchanger 1 (NHE1). NHE1 further participates in the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). NHE1 has been shown to participate in the orchestration of bone mineralization. The present study, thus, explored whether vasopressin modifies NHE1 expression and ROS generation, as well as whether pharmacological inhibition of NHE1 disrupts vasopressin-induced osteogenic signaling and calcification in VSMCs. Methods: Human aortic smooth muscle cells (HAoSMCs) were treated with vasopressin in the absence or presence of SGK1 silencing, SGK1 inhibitor GSK-650394, and NHE1 blocker cariporide. Transcript levels were determined by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, protein abundance by Western blotting, ROS generation with 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate fluorescence, and ALP activity and calcium content by using colorimetric assays. Results: Vasopressin significantly enhanced the NHE1 transcript and protein levels in HAoSMCs, effects significantly blunted by SGK1 inhibition with GSK-650394 or SGK1 silencing. Vasopressin increased ROS accumulation, an effect significantly blocked by the NHE1 inhibitor cariporide. Vasopressin further significantly increased osteogenic markers CBFA1, MSX2, SOX9, and ALPL transcript levels, as well as ALP activity and calcium content in HAoSMCs, all effects significantly blunted by SGK1 silencing or in the presence of GSK-650394 or cariporide. Conclusion: Vasopressin stimulates NHE1 expression and ROS generation, an effect dependent on SGK1 and required for vasopressin-induced stimulation of osteogenic signaling and calcification of VSMCs.
Background: The voltage gated K+ channel Kv1.5 participates in the repolarization of a wide variety of cell types. Kv1.5 is downregulated during hypoxia, which is known to stimulate the ...energy-sensing AMP-activated serine/threonine protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is a powerful regulator of nutrient transport and metabolism. Moreover, AMPK is known to downregulate several ion channels, an effect at least in part due to stimulation of the ubiquitin ligase Nedd4- 2. The present study explored whether AMPK regulates Kv1.5. Methods: cRNA encoding Kv1.5 was injected into Xenopus oocytes with and without additional injection of wild-type AMPK (α1 β 1γ1), of constitutively active γR70QAMPK (α1 β 1γ1(R70Q)), of inactive mutant αK45RAMPK (α1(K45R)β1γ1), or of Nedd4-2. Kv1.5 activity was determined by two-electrode voltage-clamp. Moreover, Kv1.5 protein abundance in the cell membrane was determined by chemiluminescence and immunostaining with subsequent confocal microscopy. Results: Coexpression of wild-type AMPKWT and constitutively active AMPKγR70Q, but not of inactive AMPKαK45R significantly reduced Kv1.5-mediated currents. Coexpression of constitutively active AMPKγR70Q further reduced Kv1.5 K+ channel protein abundance in the cell membrane. Co-expression of Nedd4-2 similarly downregulated Kv1.5-mediated currents. Conclusion: AMPK is a potent regulator of Kv1.5. AMPK inhibits Kv1.5 presumably in part by activation of Nedd4- 2 with subsequent clearance of channel protein from the cell membrane.
In diabetic patients, medial vascular calcification is common and associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Excessive glucose concentrations can activate the nuclear factor ...kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cells (NF-kB) and trigger pro-calcific effects in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which may actively augment vascular calcification. Zinc is able to mitigate phosphate-induced VSMC calcification. Reduced serum zinc levels have been reported in diabetes mellitus. Therefore, in this study the effects of zinc supplementation were investigated in primary human aortic VSMCs exposed to excessive glucose concentrations. Zinc treatment was found to abrogate the stimulating effects of high glucose on VSMC calcification. Furthermore, zinc was found to blunt the increased expression of osteogenic and chondrogenic markers in high glucose-treated VSMCs. High glucose exposure was shown to activate NF-kB in VSMCs, an effect that was blunted by additional zinc treatment. Zinc was further found to increase the expression of TNFα-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3) in high glucose-treated VSMCs. The silencing of TNFAIP3 was shown to abolish the protective effects of zinc on high glucose-induced NF-kB-dependent transcriptional activation, osteogenic marker expression, and the calcification of VSMCs. Silencing of the zinc-sensing receptor G protein-coupled receptor 39 (GPR39) was shown to abolish zinc-induced
expression and the effects of zinc on high glucose-induced osteogenic marker expression. These observations indicate that zinc may be a protective factor during vascular calcification in hyperglycemic conditions.
Background/Aims: Excessive phosphate concentrations trigger vascular calcification, an active process promoted by osteoinduction of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) with increased expression and ...activity of transcription factor RUNX2 (Core-binding factor α1, CBFA1), alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), TGFß1, transcription factor NFAT5, and NFAT5-sensitive transcription factor SOX9. The osteoinductive signaling and vascular calcification of hyperphosphatemic klotho-hypomorphic mice could be reversed by treatment with NH4Cl, effects involving decrease of TGFß1 and inhibition of NFAT5-dependent osteoinductive signaling. Known effects of NH4Cl include alkalinization of acidic cellular compartments. The present study explored whether osteo-/chondrogenic signaling could be influenced by alkalinization of acidic cellular compartments following inhibition of the vacuolar H+ ATPase with bafilomycin A1 or following dissipation of the pH gradient across the membranes of acidic cellular compartments with methylamine. Methods: Primary human aortic smooth muscle cells (HAoSMCs) were treated with high phosphate to trigger osteo-/chondrogenic signaling and calcification in the absence or presence of bafilomycin A1 or methylamine. Calcium content was determined using a QuantiChrom Calcium assay, ALP activity by a colorimetric assay and transcript levels by quantitative RT-PCR. Results: High phosphate increased significantly the calcium deposition, CBFA1 and ALPL mRNA expression as well as alkaline phosphatase activity in HAoSMCs, all effects ameliorated by both, bafilomycin A1 and methylamine. High phosphate further significantly up-regulated the mRNA levels of TGFB1, NFAT5 and SOX9, effects significantly blunted by additional treatment with bafilomycin A1 or methylamine. Treatment of HAoSMCs with human TGFß1 protein or high phosphate up-regulated NFAT5, SOX9, CBFA1 and ALPL mRNA expression to similarly high levels which could not be further increased by combined treatment with high phosphate and TGFß1. Bafilomycin A1 failed to reverse the osteo-/chondrogenic signaling triggered by high phosphate together with TGFß1. Conclusions: Inhibition of the vacuolar H+ ATPase or dissipation of the pH gradient across the membranes of acidic cellular compartments both disrupt osteo-/chondrogenic signaling and calcium deposition in VSMCs, observations supporting the hypothesis that vascular calcification requires acidic cellular compartments.
Klotho, a transmembrane protein, protease and hormone has been shown to exert a profound effect on phosphate metabolism. Klotho overexpression lowers and Klotho deficiency increases the plasma ...phosphate concentration, effects in part attributed to an inhibitory effect of Klotho on the formation of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH) 2D3), the active form of Vitamin D. Beyond that Klotho has been shown to decrease renal tubular phosphate transport more directly. The influence of Klotho on the plasma phosphate concentration contributes to the profound effect of Klotho on ageing and life span. The present study explored whether Klotho influences the major renal tubular (NaPi-IIa) and the major intestinal (NaPi-IIb) phosphate transporters. For functional analysis NaPi-IIa or NaPi-IIb were expressed in Xenopus oocytes both, without or with additional coexpression of Klotho and electrogenic phosphate transport was estimated from the phosphate-induced current (Ip). According to RT-PCR Klotho is expressed in the murine kidney and intestine. Coexpression of Klotho decreased Ip in both NaPi-IIa- and NaPi-IIb-expressing oocytes. Klotho decreased the maximal Ip without appreciably affecting the concentration required for halfmaximal Ip. Treatment of NaPi-IIa- or NaPi-IIb-expressing oocytes with Klotho protein similarly decreased Ip. In conclusion, Klotho down regulates both, renal (NaPi-IIa) and intestinal (NaPi-IIb) phosphate transporters.
Clinical and experimental studies indicate a possible link between high serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), phosphate, and parathyroid hormone (PTH), deficiency of active vitamin D ...(1,25D) and klotho with the development of pathological cardiac remodeling, i.e., left ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis, but a causal link has not been established so far. Here, we investigated the cardiac phenotype in klotho hypomorphic (
) mice and
mice, two mouse models of elevated FGF23 levels and klotho deficiency, but differing in parameters of mineral metabolism, by using histology, quantitative real-time PCR, immunoblot analysis, and serum and urine biochemistry. Additionally, the specific impact of calcium, phosphate, PTH, and 1,25D on hypertrophic growth of isolated neonatal rat cardiac myocytes was investigated
.
mice displayed high serum Fgf23 levels, increased relative heart weight, enhanced cross-sectional area of individual cardiac myocytes, activated cardiac Fgf23/Fgf receptor (Fgfr) 4/calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) signaling, and induction of pro-hypertrophic NFAT target genes including
, brain natriuretic peptide (
), and atrial natriuretic peptide (
) as compared to corresponding wild-type (WT) mice. Investigation of fibrosis-related molecules characteristic for pathological cardiac remodeling processes demonstrated ERK1/2 activation and enhanced expression of Tgf-β1,
, and Mmp2 in
mice than in WT mice. In contrast, despite significantly elevation of serum and cardiac Fgf23, and reduced renal
expression,
mice showed no signs of pathological cardiac remodeling.
mice showed enhanced serum calcium and phosphate levels, while
mice showed unchanged serum calcium levels, lower serum phosphate, and elevated serum iPTH concentrations compared to corresponding WT mice. In cultured cardiac myocytes, treatment with both calcium or phosphate significantly upregulated endogenous
mRNA expression and stimulated hypertrophic cell growth and expression of pro-hypertrophic genes. The treatment with PTH induced hypertrophic cell growth only, and stimulation with 1,25D had no significant effects. In conclusion, our data indicate that
mice, in contrast to
mice appear to be protected from pathological cardiac remodeling during conditions of high FGF23 levels and klotho deficiency, which may be due, at least in part, to differences in mineral metabolism alterations, i.e., hypophosphatemia and lack of hypercalcemia.