RationalePulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe, progressive disease characterized by increased pulmonary arterial pressure and resistance due in part to uncontrolled vascular remodeling. The mechanisms contributing to vascular remodeling in PAH are poorly understood and involve rampant pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation. We recently demonstrated the important role of sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1), a lipid kinase producing pro-proliferative sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), in the development of pulmonary vascular remodeling in PAH. However, the regulatory processes involved in upregulation of SphK1 in this disease are unknown.ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to identify novel molecular mechanisms governing the regulation of SphK1 expression, with a focus on microRNA (miR). Using both in vitro studies in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and an in vivo mouse model of experimental hypoxia-mediated pulmonary hypertension (HPH), we explored the role of miR in controlling SphK1 expression in the development of pulmonary vascular remodeling.Methods and ResultsIn silico analysis identified hsa-miR-1-3p (miR-1) as a candidate targeting SphK1. We demonstrate miR-1 is down-regulated by hypoxia in human PASMCs and in lung tissues of mice with HPH, coinciding with upregulation of SphK1 expression. PASMCs isolated from patients with PAH had significantly reduced expression of miR-1. Transfection of human PASMCs with miR-1 mimics significantly attenuated activity of a SphK1-3'-UTR luciferase reporter construct and SphK1 protein expression. miR-1 overexpression in human PASMCs also inhibited proliferation and migration under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, both important in pathogenic vascular remodeling in PAH. Finally, we demonstrated that intravenous administration of miR-1 mimics prevents the development of experimental HPH in mice and attenuates induction of SphK1 in PASMCs.ConclusionThese data demonstrate that miR-1 expression in reduced in PASMCs from PAH patients, is modulated by hypoxia, and regulates the expression of SphK1. Key phenotypic aspects of vascular remodeling are influenced by miR-1 and its overexpression can prevent the development of HPH in mice. These studies further our understanding of the mechanisms underlying pathogenic pulmonary vascular remodeling in PAH and could lead to novel therapeutic targets.Supported by grants NIH/NHLBI R01 HL127342 and R01 HL111656 to RFM, NIH/NHLBI P01 HL98050 and R01 HL127342 to VN, American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship (15PRE2190004) to JRS, and NIH/NLHBI NRSA F30 Fellowship (FHL128034A) to JRS.

The hemoglobin S mutation, a glutamic acid to valine substitution in the β-globin chain, results in hemoglobin polymerization under hypoxic conditions and leads to vaso-occlusion and hemolysis. Homozygous inheritance (Hb SS; sickle cell anemia) affects 1 in 500 African Americans and is consistently associated with an increased risk for kidney disease which may be due to cell-free hemoglobin toxicity, ischemic injury, or hyperfiltration-mediated damage to the kidney. Heterozygous inheritance (Hb AS; sickle cell trait) affects 1 in 8 African Americans and has also been associated with an increased risk for kidney disease, although not in all cohorts and the mechanisms are not well understood.We investigated whether inheritance of the Hb S mutation resulted in incremental kidney damage in Hb AS and Hb SS mice compared to Hb AA mice by histology, proteinuria, and candidate gene expression using transgenic sickle mice ≥6 months of age (Townes model, Jackson Laboratory). Values are presented as mean±standard error and analyses are adjusted for age.Using Masson trichrome stained sections of the kidney, progressive patterns of mesangial expansion were observed in age-matched Hb AS and Hb SS mice versus Hb AA mice by renal pathologists blinded to the hemoglobin genotype (figure 1). Hb AS mice had diffuse (>50% of the glomeruli per slide being involved) mesangial expansion while Hb SS mice had diffuse and global (>50% of the individual glomerulus being involved) mesangial expansion. Glomerular perimeters were measured using NanoZoomer Whole Slide Imaging in 26 randomly selected glomeruli from 2 age-matched mice per genotype. Using the upper quartile as the definition for an enlarged glomerulus, the proportion of enlarged glomeruli progressively increased from Hb AA (15%) to Hb AS (31%) to Hb SS mice (58%) (Cochran's test of linear trend, P=0.001) (figure 2). Progressively higher kidney weights were also observed from Hb AA (429±28 mg, n=8) to Hb AS (446±27 mg, n=18) to Hb SS (567±19 mg, n=5) mice (Test for linear trend, P=0.047). We then measured urine protein and urine creatinine concentrations using the Bio-Rad dye method and Jaffé reaction, respectively. Progressively higher urine protein-to-creatinine ratios were observed from Hb AA to Hb AS to Hb SS mice (figure 3) (Test for linear trend, P=0.09). Gene expression of candidate genes (TGFB1, IL6, MMP9, Klotho, HMOX1, and SHROOM3) was determined by rt-PCR from kidneys of age-matched, female Hb AA and Hb AS mice (n=5). Increased expression of Klotho (P=0.09) was observed in Hb AS mice (figure 4). Klotho is a β-glucoronidase that is highly expressed in the kidney and acts as a cofactor that increases the affinity of the FGF23 ligand for the FGF receptor.In conclusion, we observed progressive glomerular injury, determined by mesangial expansion, proportion of enlarged glomeruli, and urine protein concentrations in Hb AS and Hb SS mice compared to Hb AA mice. Klotho was upregulated in Hb AS mice and may play a role in the pathophysiology of kidney damage in Hb AS which will r...

RationaleWe have previously shown that Nampt, which regulates intracellular NAD levels and cellular redox state, regulates histone deacetylases and inhibits apoptosis, is significantly upregulated in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The aims of this study were to determine (1) whether Nampt+/− mice are protected from hypoxia-mediated pulmonary hypertension (HPH), (2) whether pharmacological inhibition of Nampt could attenuate monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) in rats. In addition, we hypothesized that Nampt secreted from pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) or overexpressing Nampt in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) may promote PASMC proliferation via upregulation of calcium signaling pathway, which plays a role in cell proliferation and vascular constriction.MethodsNampt+/− mice and their WT siblings (male, 7-wk old) were exposed to a hypoxia chamber with 10% O2 for four weeks. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=6 per group) received one dose of MCT (60 mg/kg), IP. They were administrated with FK866 (an inhibitor of Nampt enzymatic activity) (2.5 mg/kg, IP, twice daily for 2wks) two weeks after MCT. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was determined with a pressure transducer catheter. The right ventricle: left ventricle+septum (RV/LV+S) ratio was calculated. In a cell culture model, hPASMCs were stimulated with recombinant Nampt (25 mg/ml) for 6 hrs and 48 hrs. [Ca2+]cyt was measured in PASMC loaded with flura-2/AM (4mM) in a fluorescence microscope and cyclepiazonic acid (CPA, a specific Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor) was used to induce store-operated calcium entry (SOCE). In addition, BrdU assays were conducted to examine rNampt or overexpressing Nampt can promote PASMC proliferation or Nampt secreted from PAECs isolated from PAH patients stimulates more PASMC proliferation than from healthy controls.ResultsAdministration of FK866 reversed established PH (RVSP [mm Hg] 19.77±0.80 [control] vs 51.24±4.35 [MCT] vs 34.45±3.49 [MCT+FK866], p<0.05 ) and RVH (0.25±0.0013 vs 0.60±0.019 vs 0.43±0.022, p<0.01). In PASMCs, short (6 hrs) and long (48 hrs) treatment with recombinant PBEF enhanced SOCE which is involved in sustained pulmonary vasoconstriction and PASMC proliferation. rNampt promotes PASMC proliferation in a dose dependent manner. PAECs from PAH patients secreted more Nampt which stimulates more PASMC proliferation compared to healthy controls. Overexpressed Nampt promotes PASMC proliferation. Inhibition of Nampt via FK866 attenuates rNampt-, Nampt overexpressed or PAEC-secreted Nampt – mediated PASMC proliferation.ConclusionInhibition of Nampt attenuates hypoxia-mediated PH in mice or MCT-induced PH in rats. Nampt may play a role in vascular remodeling via regulation of calcium signaling pathway. These data suggest that Nampt inhibition could be a potential therapeutic target for PH.