Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0020538 (hypertension)
 170,190 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are important targets for medicinal agents. Four different G protein families, G(s), G(i), G(q), and G(12), engage in their linkage to activation of receptor-specific signal transduction pathways. G(12) proteins were more recently studied, and upon activation by GPCRs they mediate activation of RhoGTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs), which in turn activate the small GTPase RhoA. RhoA is involved in many cellular and physiological aspects, and a dysfunction of the G(12/13)-Rho pathway can lead to hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, impaired wound healing and immune cell functions, cancer progression and metastasis, or asthma. In this study, regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) domain-containing RhoGEFs were tagged with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) to detect their subcellular localization and translocation upon receptor activation. Constitutively active Galpha(12) and Galpha(13) mutants induced redistribution of these RhoGEFs from the cytosol to the plasma membrane. Furthermore, a pronounced and rapid translocation of p115-RhoGEF from the cytosol to the plasma membrane was observed upon activation of several G(12/13)-coupled GPCRs in a cell type-independent fashion. Plasma membrane translocation of p115-RhoGEF stimulated by a GPCR agonist could be completely and rapidly reversed by subsequent application of an antagonist for the respective GPCR, that is, p115-RhoGEF relocated back to the cytosol. The translocation of RhoGEF by G(12/13)-linked GPCRs can be quantified and therefore used for pharmacological studies of the pathway, and to discover active compounds in a G(12/13)-related disease context.
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PMID:Reversible translocation of p115-RhoGEF by G(12/13)-coupled receptors. 1832 May 79

The Rho-associated kinases (ROCKs) can regulate cell shape and function by modulating the actin cytoskeleton. ROCKs are serine-threonine protein kinases that can phosphorylate adducin, ezrin-radixin-moesin proteins, LIM kinase, and myosin light chain phosphatase. In the cardiovascular system, the RhoA/ROCK pathway has been implicated in angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, cerebral and coronary vasospasm, cerebral ischemia, hypertension, myocardial hypertrophy, and neointima formation after vascular injury. ROCKs consist of two isoforms: ROCK1 and ROCK2. They share overall 65% homology in their amino acid sequence and 92% homology in their amino kinase domains. However, these two isoforms have different subcellular localizations and exert biologically different functions. In particular, ROCK1 appears to be more important for immunological functions, whereas ROCK2 is more important for endothelial and vascular smooth muscle function. Thus, the ability to measure ROCK activity in tissues and cells would be important for understanding mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease. This chapter describes a method for measuring ROCK activity in peripheral blood, tissues, and cells.
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PMID:A method for measuring Rho kinase activity in tissues and cells. 1837 65

The small G protein Rho signaling pathways are recognized as major regulators of cardiovascular functions, and activation of Rho proteins appears to be a common component for the pathogenesis of hypertension and vascular proliferative disorders. Recent evidence suggests that modulation of Rho protein signaling by phosphorylation of Rho proteins provides an additional simple mechanism for coordinating Rho protein functions. Phosphorylation of RhoA by cAMP- or cGMP-activated kinase on Ser188 induces cytosolic sequestration of RhoA through increased interaction with guanine dissociation inhibitor, thereby resulting in inhibition of RhoA-dependent functions. Here we show that stimulation of angiotensin II (Ang II) type 2 receptor (AT(2)R) in vascular smooth muscle cells induces Ser188 phosphorylation of RhoA independently of cAMP- or cGMP-activated kinase. We identify the Ser/Thr kinase Ste20-related kinase SLK as a new kinase phosphorylating RhoA on Ser188. Activation of the signaling cascade involving Src homology 2 domain-containing protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1, casein kinase II and SLK is responsible for RhoA phosphorylation and inhibition of RhoA-mediated arterial contraction induced by AT(2)R activation. These results thus identify the molecular mechanism linking AT(2)R to RhoA inhibition and vasodilation.
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PMID:Ste20-related kinase SLK phosphorylates Ser188 of RhoA to induce vasodilation in response to angiotensin II Type 2 receptor activation. 1849 11

Phospholipase C (PLC) and the small G protein RhoA are vital elements for the contraction of vascular smooth muscle cells. The available evidence points to altered PLC-delta1 activity as an element determining enhanced vascular tone in hypertension; however, the factor(s) responsible for increased PLC activity remains unknown. There is the data indicating that RhoA inhibits PLC-delta1 and factors downmodulating RhoA activate phospholipase. In the present study, we explore an impact of a newly identified human ARHGAP6 protein possessing GTPase stimulating activity for RhoA on the catalytic properties of PLC-delta1. Under in vitro conditions, ARHGAP6 protein activated PLC-delta1. ARHGAP6 protein bound PLC-delta1 and regulated its activity by masking the binding sites for inhibitory phospholipids. Moreover, ARHGAP6 increased the V(max) of PLC-delta1 and enhanced its response to Ca(2+) stimulation. A Western blot of immunoprecipitates from Cos-7 cells transfected with pcDNA3-ARHGAP6 and pcDNA3-PLCdelta1 showed the presence of ARHGAP6/PLC-delta1 complexes. The activity of PLC in cells overexpressing ARHGAP6 increased approximately 6-fold compared to control cells. The examination of ARHGAP6 expression in mononuclear cells isolated from the blood of patients with hypertension showed increased ARHGAP6 mRNA and protein levels compared to age-matched normotensive subjects. Enhanced expression of ARHGAP6 was associated with an elevated level of PLC activity and increased levels of IP(3) (1.6-fold) and DAG (2.3-fold). In summary, our data indicate that ARHGAP6 protein binds to and up regulates PLC-delta1 both under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Moreover, the elevated expression of ARHGAP6 provides possible explanation for the altered activity of PLC-delta1 in hypertension.
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PMID:Regulation of phospholipase C-delta1 by ARGHAP6, a GTPase-activating protein for RhoA: possible role for enhanced activity of phospholipase C in hypertension. 1843 37

This study examined the effects of increasing the thiazide diuretic dose in a fixed-dose ARB/diuretic combination in patients with uncontrolled hypertension despite 6 weeks' open-label treatment with the ARB/diuretic combination, telmisartan 80 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg (T80/H12.5). 713 patients with trough seated DBP =90 mmHg were then randomized to 8 weeks' double-blind treatment with telmisartan 80 mg and an increased dose of 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide (T80/H25) or T80/H12.5. Adjusted mean seated DBP changes from baselines of 95.3 (T80/H25) and 95.0 mmHg (T80/H12.5) were -7.1 and --5.5 mmHg (difference: 1.6 mm Hg), respectively (P=.0012). Changes in systolic blood pressure from 147.9 mmHg (T80/H25) and 147.4 mmHg (T80/H12.5) were -9.8 and -7.1 mmHg (difference: 2.7 mm Hg) (P=.0003). Adverse events occurred in 31.5% (T80/H25) and 29.6% (T80/H12.5), with serious events in 1.4% and 0.8%, respectively. Hypokalemia was rare. These results show that higher-dose thiazide diuretic in combination with T80 in patients with hypertension uncontrolled by T80/H12.5 provides additional blood pressure reductions and is well tolerated.
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PMID:Results of increasing doses of hydrochlorothiazide in combination with an angiotensin receptor blocker in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. 1877 43

Mutations in bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor II (BMPRII) are associated with pulmonary artery endothelial cell (PAEC) apoptosis and the loss of small vessels seen in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Given the low penetrance of BMPRII mutations, abnormalities in other converging signaling pathways may be necessary for disease development. We hypothesized that BMPRII supports normal PAEC function by recruiting Wingless (Wnt) signaling pathways to promote proliferation, survival, and motility. In this study, we report that BMP-2, via BMPRII-mediated inhibition of GSK3-beta, induces beta-catenin (beta-C) accumulation and transcriptional activity necessary for PAEC survival and proliferation. At the same time, BMP-2 mediates phosphorylated Smad1 (pSmad1) or, with loss of BMPRII, pSmad3-dependent recruitment of Disheveled (Dvl) to promote RhoA-Rac1 signaling necessary for motility. Finally, using an angiogenesis assay in severe combined immunodeficient mice, we demonstrate that both beta-C- and Dvl-mediated RhoA-Rac1 activation are necessary for vascular growth in vivo. These findings suggest that the recruitment of both canonical and noncanonical Wnt pathways is required in BMP-2-mediated angiogenesis.
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PMID:Bone morphogenetic protein 2 induces pulmonary angiogenesis via Wnt-beta-catenin and Wnt-RhoA-Rac1 pathways. 1913 64

Exposure to ambient air pollution has been associated with increases in blood pressure. We have previously demonstrated activation of the Rho/Rho kinase pathway in experimental hypertension in rats. In this investigation, we evaluated the effects of particulate matter of < 2.5 microm (PM(2.5)) exposure on cardiovascular responses and remodeling and tested the effect of Rho kinase inhibition on these effects. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to concentrated ambient PM(2.5) or filtered air for 12 wk followed by a 14-day ANG II infusion in conjunction with fasudil, a Rho kinase antagonist, or placebo treatment. Blood pressure was monitored, followed by analysis of vascular function and ventricular remodeling indexes. PM(2.5) exposure potentiated ANG II-induced hypertension, and this effect was abolished by fasudil treatment. Cardiac and vascular RhoA activation was enhanced by PM(2.5) exposure along with increased expression of the guanine exchange factors (GEFs) PDZ-RhoGEF and p115 RhoGEF in PM(2.5)-exposed mice. Parallel with increased RhoA activation, PM(2.5) exposure increased ANG II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and collagen deposition, with these increases being normalized by fasudil treatment. In conclusion, PM(2.5) potentiates cardiac remodeling in response to ANG II through RhoA/Rho kinase-dependent mechanisms. These findings have implications for the chronic cardiovascular health effects of air pollution.
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PMID:Air pollution and cardiac remodeling: a role for RhoA/Rho-kinase. 1928 43

RhoA-activated kinase (ROK) is involved in the disorders of smooth muscle contraction found in hypertension model animals and patients. We examined whether the alpha1-adrenergic receptor agonist-induced ROK signal is perturbed in resistance small mesentery artery (SMA) of Lyon genetically hypertensive (LH) rats, using a ROK antagonist, Y27632. Smooth muscle strips of SMA and aorta were isolated from LH and Lyon normotensive (LN) rats. After Ca(2+)-depletion and pre-treatment with phenylephrine (PE), smooth muscle contraction was induced by serial additions of CaCl(2). In LH SMA Ca(2+) permeated cells to a lesser extent as compared with LN SMA, while CaCl(2)-induced contraction of LH SMA was greater than that of LN SMA, indicating a higher ratio of force to Ca(2+) in LH SMA contraction (Ca(2+) sensitization). No hyper-contraction was observed in LH aorta tissues. Treatment of LH SMA with Y27632 restored both Ca(2+) permeability and Ca(2+)-force relationship to levels seen for LN SMA. In response to PE stimulation, phosphorylation of CPI-17, a phosphorylation-dependent myosin phosphatase inhibitor protein, and MYPT1 at Thr853, the inhibitory phosphorylation site of the myosin phosphatase regulatory subunit, was increased in LN SMA, but remained unchanged in LH SMA. These results suggest that the disorder in ROK-dependent Ca(2+) permeability and Ca(2+)-force relationship is responsible for LH SMA hyper-contraction. Unlike other hypertensive models, the ROK-induced hyper-contractility of LH SMA is independent of MYPT1 and CPI-17 phosphorylation, which suggests that ROK-mediated inhibition of myosin phosphatase does not affect SMA hyper-contractility in LH SMA cells.
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PMID:Y27632, a Rho-activated kinase inhibitor, normalizes dysregulation in alpha1-adrenergic receptor-induced contraction of Lyon hypertensive rat artery smooth muscle. 1929 34

Recent advances in basic and clinical research have identified Rho kinase as an important target potentially implicated in a variety of cardiovascular diseases. Rho kinase is a downstream mediator of RhoA that leads to stress fiber formation, membrane ruffling, smooth muscle contraction, and cell motility. Increased Rho-kinase activity is associated with vasoconstriction and elevated blood pressure. We identified a novel inhibitor of Rho kinase (SAR407899) and characterized its effects in biochemical, cellular, tissue-based, and in vivo assays. SAR407899 is an ATP-competitive Rho-kinase inhibitor, equipotent against human and rat-derived Rho-kinase 2 with inhibition constant values of 36 nM and 41 nM, respectively. It is highly selective in panel of 117 receptor and enzyme targets. SAR407899 is approximately 8-fold more active than fasudil. In vitro, SAR407899 demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of Rho-kinase-mediated phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase, thrombin-induced stress fiber formation, platelet-derived growth factor-induced proliferation, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1-stimulated chemotaxis. SAR407899 potently (mean IC(50) values: 122 to 280 nM) and species-independently relaxed precontracted isolated arteries of different species and different vascular beds. In vivo, over the dose range 3 to 30 mg/kg PO, SAR407899 lowered blood pressure in a variety of rodent models of arterial hypertension. The antihypertensive effect of SAR407899 was superior to that of fasudil and Y-27632. In conclusion, SAR407899 is a novel and potent selective Rho-kinase inhibitor with promising antihypertensive activity.
Hypertension 2009 Sep
PMID:Pharmacological characterization of SAR407899, a novel rho-kinase inhibitor. 1959 37

Fructose feeding has been shown to induce insulin resistance and hypertension. Renal protein expression for the cytochrome P (CYP) 450 arachidonic acid metabolizing enzymes has been shown to be altered in other models of diet-induced hypertension. Of special interest is CYP4A, which produces the potent vasoconstrictor, 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and CYP2C, which catalyzes the formation of the potent dilators epoxyeicosatrienoic acids as well as soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) which metabolizes the latter to dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids. The RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway is downstream of arachidonic acid and is reported to mediate metabolic-cardio-renal dysfunctions in some experimental models of insulin resistance and diabetes. The aim of the present study was to determine the expression of CYP4A, CYP2C23, CYP2C11, sEH, RhoA, ROCK-1, ROCK-2, and phospho-Lin-11/Isl-1/Mec-3 kinase (LIMK) in kidneys of fructose-fed (F) rats. Male Wistar rats were fed a high fructose diet for 8 weeks. Body weight, systolic blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, and renal expression of the aforementioned proteins were assessed. No change was observed in the body weight of F rats; however, euglycemia and hyperinsulinemia implicating impaired glucose tolerance and significant elevation in systolic blood pressure were observed. Renal expression of CYP4A and CYP2C23 was significantly increased while that of CYP2C11 and sEH was not changed in F rats. Equal expression for RhoA in both control and F rats and an enhanced level of ROCK-1 and ROCK-2 constitutively activate 130 kDa cleavage fragments as well as phospho-LIMK. These data suggest that the kidneys could be actively participating in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance-induced hypertension through the arachidonic acid CYP 450-RhoA/Rho kinase pathway(s).
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PMID:Renal expression of arachidonic acid metabolizing enzymes and RhoA/Rho kinases in fructose insulin resistant hypertensive rats. 1963 17


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