Central GRK5 modulation of Angiotensin II receptor expression in heart failure

University Of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE

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Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This proposal will address the following specific aims: (1) Determine the role(s) of central GRK5 in the regulation of AT1R (Angiotensin II type 1 Receptor) expression under normal conditions and during Chronic Heart Failure (CHF). (2) Identify the mechanism(s) of modulation of central AT1R and GRK5 following Exercise Training (ExT) in CHF animals. (3) Determine the role of cytosolic and nuclear GRK5 in the transcriptional regulation of AT1R by I?B¿ and NF-?B. In Specific Aim 1 we will induce CHF by coronary artery ligation. Overexpression of GRK5 will be targeted to the RVLM or PVN by lentiviral injection. To determine the effects of GRK5 knockdown on AT1R expression and changes in sympatho-excitation, we will utilize both commercially available GRK5 KO mice and lentiviral packaged siRNA against GRK5 that will be injected into the RVLM or PVN. Urinary excretion of norepinephrine (NE), plasma NE and Ang II will be measured in all animal groups. Arterial pressure and heart rate will be continuously recorded in order to derive additional indices of sympatho-excitation and to determine arterial baroreflex function. Sympathetic nerve activity will be directly recorded under anesthesia in terminal experiments. In all animals cardiac function will be evaluated serially by high-frequency echocardiography. In Specific Aim 2, we will induce CHF in GRK5KO mice that are either sedentary or ExT as well as utilize CHF rats in which GRK5 has been silenced in the PVN or RVLM using siRNA lentivirus. Following ExT, sympathetic and baroreflex function will be evaluated in a similar fashion as in Specific Aim 1. We will test Specific Aim 3 in CATH.a neurons, utilizing both overexpression and silencing techniques with a GRK5 plasmid and siRNA to examine the subcellular localization of AT1R, I?B¿, NF-?B, and GRK5 following Ang II stimulation. We will also perform parallel studies using a K215R dominant negative GRK5 construct to determine if the GRK5/AT1R/I?B¿/NF-?B interaction is kinase-dependent.