Donate Help Contact The AHA Sign In Home
American Heart Association
Circulation Research
Search: search_blue_button Advanced Search
Circulation Research. 2005;97:227-235
Published online before print July 7, 2005, doi: 10.1161/01.RES.0000176025.57706.1e
This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Data Supplement
Right arrow All Versions of this Article:
97/3/227    most recent
01.RES.0000176025.57706.1ev1
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow Request Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Lawrie, A.
Right arrow Articles by Rabinovitch, M.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Lawrie, A.
Right arrow Articles by Rabinovitch, M.
Related Collections
Right arrow Pulmonary circulation and disease
Right arrow Cell signalling/signal transduction
Right arrow Smooth muscle proliferation and differentiation
(Circulation Research. 2005;97:227.)
© 2005 American Heart Association, Inc.


Molecular Medicine

Interdependent Serotonin Transporter and Receptor Pathways Regulate S100A4/Mts1, a Gene Associated With Pulmonary Vascular Disease

Allan Lawrie, Edda Spiekerkoetter, Eliana C. Martinez, Noona Ambartsumian, W. John Sheward, Margaret R. MacLean, Anthony J. Harmar, Ann-Marie Schmidt, Eugene Lukanidin, Marlene Rabinovitch

From the Department of Pediatrics (A.L., E.S., E.C.M., M.R.), Stanford University School of Medicine, Calif; the Department of Molecular Cancer Biology (N.A., E.L.), Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Neuroscience (W.J.S., A.J.H.), University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom; the Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences (M.R.M.), University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; and the Department of Physiology (A.-M.S.), Columbia University, New York. The present address for A.L. is the Division of Clinical Sciences (North), University of Sheffield, United Kingdom.

Correspondence to Dr Marlene Rabinovitch, Stanford University School of Medicine, CCSR Rm 2245B, 269 Campus Dr, Stanford, CA 93405-5162. E-mail marlener{at}stanford.edu


*    Abstract
up arrowTop
*Abstract
down arrowIntroduction
down arrowMaterials and Methods
down arrowResults
down arrowDiscussion
down arrowReferences
 
Heightened expression of the S100 calcium–binding protein, S100A4/Mts1, is observed in pulmonary vascular disease. Loss of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) receptors or of the serotonin transporter (SERT) attenuates pulmonary hypertension in animals, and polymorphisms causing gain of SERT function are linked to clinical pulmonary vascular disease. Because 5-HT induces release of S100ß, we investigated the codependence of 5-HT receptors and SERT in regulating S100A4/Mts1 in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (hPA-SMC). 5-HT elevated S100A4/Mts1 mRNA levels and increased S100A4/Mts1 protein in hPA-SMC lysates and culture media. S100A4/Mts1 in the culture media stimulated proliferation and migration of hPA-SMC in a manner dependent on the receptor for advanced glycation end products. Treatment with SB224289 (selective antagonist of 5-HT1B), fluoxetine (SERT inhibitor), SERT RNA-interference, and iproniazid (monoamine oxidase-A inhibitor), blocked 5-HT–induced S100A4/Mts1. 5-HT signaling mediated phosphorylation (p) of extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2), but pERK1/2 nuclear translocation depended on SERT, monoamine oxidase activity, and reactive oxygen species. Nuclear translocation of pERK1/2 was required for pGATA-4–mediated transcription of S100A4/Mts1. These data provide evidence for a mechanistic link between the 5-HT pathway and S100A4/Mts1 in pulmonary hypertension and explain how the 5-HT1B receptor and SERT are codependent in regulating S100A4/Mts1.


Key Words: smooth muscle cells • pulmonary hypertension • S100A4/Mts1 • serotonin • ERK1/2


*    Introduction
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
*Introduction
down arrowMaterials and Methods
down arrowResults
down arrowDiscussion
down arrowReferences
 
Aberrations in serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT])–mediated signaling events have been linked to pulmonary vascular disease (PVD).1,2 Studies in transgenic mice indicate that both the serotonin transporter (SERT)2,3 and 5-HT receptors4–6 are necessary in the development of pulmonary hypertension (PAH). An insertion/deletion polymorphism in the SERT promoter, resulting in 2- to 3-fold higher levels of SERT gene transcription, has been observed in 65% of idiopathic PAH (IPAH) versus 27% of control patients.7 Additional studies have shown that patients using the anorectic drug dexfenfluramine, a 5-HT uptake inhibitor and SERT substrate that results in increased circulating 5-HT levels and exaggerated receptor signaling,8 have a 23-fold increased risk of developing IPAH.9 Similarly, patients with abnormal 5-HT platelet storage and elevated circulating 5-HT levels10 similar to the Fawn-hooded rat,11 are at increased risk of developing PAH.

A recent study has linked SERT-mediated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 to phosphorylation of the transcription factor GATA-4 and to heightened expression of cyclin D2, a gene expressed in proliferating cells.12 Transport of serotonin via SERT results in monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) activity, necessary for Rho kinase (ROCK)-mediated nuclear translocation of ERK1/2.13 How SERT interacts with 5-HT receptor signaling in regulating genes specifically associated with PVD has not been addressed.

In astrocytes, 5-HT mediates the release of S100ß, a member of the S100 family of small calcium-binding proteins.14 We recently reported heightened expression of another S100 family member, S100A4/Mts1, in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (hPA-SMC) within the neointima and adventitia of occlusive lesions in patients with grade III to IV PVD.15 Additionally, {approx}5% of transgenic mice ubiquitously overexpressing S100A4/Mts1 develop occlusive pulmonary arterial lesions similar to those seen in patients with PVD.15 S100A4/Mts1 has also been implicated in the heightened proliferation and motility of cancer cells,16 in angiogenesis17 and endothelial cell invasion,18 and in epithelial–mesenchymal transformation in the lung.19 A specific S100A4/Mts1 receptor had not been defined. However, S100ß mediates neurite outgrowth through the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE).20 RAGE is upregulated in vascular disease21 and is expressed on both endothelial and SMC surfaces.20

These observations led us to hypothesize that 5-HT receptors and SERT cooperatively mediate signaling pathways required for gene expression and release of S100A4/Mts1, which, in turn, binds to RAGE, leading to vascular cell migration and proliferation, features associated with progressive PVD.


*    Materials and Methods
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
*Materials and Methods
down arrowResults
down arrowDiscussion
down arrowReferences
 
Cell Culture and Functional Assays
Before stimulation with 5-HT (Sigma Aldrich, St Louis, Mo), hPA-SMC (described in the online data supplement available at http://circres.ahajournals.org) were incubated in DMEM containing penicillin, streptomycin, amphotericin B solution and 0.2% FBS for 48 hours. Pretreatment with all inhibitors was performed for 30 minutes before 5-HT stimulation. Cell proliferation was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay (American Type Culture Collection) and confirmed by Coulter Counting; measurement of migration was performed using a Boyden chamber assay as previously described.22 Conditioned media were concentrated using YM-3 filters (Chemicon, Temecula, Calif).

5-HT- and S100A4/Mts1-Related Reagents
5-HT- and S100A4/Mts1-related reagents are described in the online data supplement.

TaqMan RT-PCR
RNA was isolated with Trizol (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif) from hPA-SMC or lung tissue and reverse transcribed using Superscript II (Invitrogen). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on a 7900HT Sequence Detection System with TaqMan Assays on Demand gene expression probes (system and probes from Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif) for S100A4/Mts1 (human: assay ID Hs00243201_m1; mouse: assay ID Mm00803372_g1), SERT (assay ID Hs00169010_m1), and GATA-4 (assay ID Hs00171403_m1) using the comparative delta-CT method with ß2-microglobulin as the endogenous control.

Western Immunoblots, Immunoprecipitation, and ELISA
Cell lysates and nuclear and cytoplasmic extracts were prepared for Western immunoblots as described in the online data supplement. Analysis of ERK1/2 phosphorylation by ELISA was performed using antibodies recognizing ERK1/2 pERK1/2 (pTpY185/187) and ERK1/2 (total) (Biosource International).

Immunofluorescence and Confocal Microscopy
hPA-SMC were seeded into 8-well chamber slides at 5x103 cells per well and stimulated as described above. The cells were fixed using 3% (weight/volume) paraformaldehyde before incubation with monoclonal mouse anti–phosphorylated ERK1/2 antibody (1:400) (Cell Signaling Technologies). Immunofluorescent detection was performed as described on the online data supplement.

Lentiviral Overexpression System
To overexpress human SERT, the full-length cDNA (a kind gift from Dr R. Blakely, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn), was cloned into the pLenti6/V5 expression plasmid via the Directional TOPO Cloning kit (Invitrogen). Lentivirus was propagated and cells transfected as described in the online data supplement. SERT expression was monitored at 48 hours by Western immunoblot and quantitative RT-PCR.

RNA-Interference Transfections
RNA-interference was induced by transient transfection using 100 nmol/L short-interfering RNA (siRNA) oligonucleotides complexed with Lipofectamine 2000 (Invitrogen) according to the instructions of the manufacturer. The design of the oligonucleotides is given in the online data supplement.

Statistical Analyses
Statistical analysis was performed using a repeated-measure ANOVA followed by the Newman–Keuls post hoc test with a 95% confidence level where P<0.05 was deemed statistically significant.


*    Results
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
up arrowMaterials and Methods
*Results
down arrowDiscussion
down arrowReferences
 
5-HT Induces S100A4/Mts1 Expression and Release
Quiescent hPA-SMC were stimulated for 24 hours with a dose range of 0.001 to 10 µmol/L 5-HT.23,24 A significant elevation in S100A4/Mts1 mRNA level was seen at 10 µmol/L, although incremental trends were apparent with all the lower doses (Figure 1A); 10 µmol/L 5-HT was used in all subsequent studies. The S100A4/Mts1 mRNA level, as measured by TaqMan PCR, was increased by 6 hours following 5-HT stimulation, with the maximal response ({approx}3-fold) seen at 24 hours (Figure 1B). A comparable increase in S100A4/Mts1 protein was documented at the same time points by densitometric evaluation of Western immunoblots from whole cell lysates (Figure 1C). The level of S100A4/Mts1 protein in concentrated conditioned media (CM) 24 hour following 5-HT stimulation, was similarly increased relative to unstimulated control cells (Figure 1D).



View larger version (24K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 1. 5-HT induces S100A4/Mts1 (Mts1) expression and release. Human PA-SMC were serum starved for 48 hours before stimulation with 10 µmol/L 5-HT. A, Representative Western immunoblot (top) and densitometric analysis (bottom) of S100A4/Mts1 (11 kDa) protein in cell lysates following stimulation with increasing concentrations of 5-HT for 24 hours. B, S100A4/Mts1 mRNA levels were measured by TaqMan PCR and normalized to ß2-microglobulin (ß2M) using the comparative CT method. C, Representative Western immunoblot (top) and densitometric analysis (bottom) of S100A4/Mts1 (11 kDa) protein in cell lysates. Densitometry values are normalized to tubulin (50 kDa) as a loading control and expressed as a fold-increase over unstimulated cells at 0 hour. D, Secreted levels of S100A4/Mts1 (11 kDa) protein in concentrated CM at 24 hours, relative to control. Bars represent mean±SEM from 4 different experiments. *P<0.05 vs non–5-HT–treated control cells.

Conditioned Medium From 5-HT–Stimulated Cells Induces Proliferation and Migration of PA-SMC via S100A4/Mts1 and RAGE
An increase in cell counts 48 hours following stimulation with 500 ng/mL recombinant S100A4/Mts1 (rS100A4/Mts1) was repressed by preincubation with a soluble form of RAGE (sRAGE) (2.5 µg/mL), in contrast to a similar degree of cell proliferation achieved with 10 ng/mL platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) (Figure 2A). CM collected from PA-SMC 24 hours after 5-HT stimulation were added to serum-starved PA-SMC and induced a 7-fold increase in proliferation, similar to that achieved following stimulation with 10 ng/mL PDGF-BB or 500 ng/mL recombinant S100A4/Mts1 (rS100A4/Mts1) as judged by the MTT assay at 24 hours. Preincubation of the CM with sRAGE (2.5 µg/mL) or preincubation of the cells with an anti-RAGE (1.25 µg/mL) or anti-S100A4/Mts1 antibody (1.25 µg/mL) reduced the proliferation observed in response to rS100A4/Mts1 or to the CM from 5-HT stimulated cells but had no effect on the PDGF-BB mediated response (Figure 2B). Similar results were observed when we examined the effect of CM from 5-HT–stimulated hPA-SMC on hPA-SMC migration assessed in Boyden chamber assays (Figure 2C). These studies indicated that 5-HT–mediated production and release of S100A4/Mts1 induce proliferation and migration of hPA-SMC in a RAGE-dependent fashion.



View larger version (28K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 2. Conditioned media from 5-HT–stimulated cells induces proliferation and migration of hPA-SMC via S100A4/Mts1 and RAGE. Human PA-SMC were serum starved for 48 hours before stimulation with 10 µmol/L 5-HT, and CM was collected after 24 hours for the proliferation and migration studies. A, Cells were stimulated with 10 ng/mL PDGF-BB or 500 ng/mL rMts1 in the presence or absence of sRAGE. Cell counts were performed by Coulter Counter 48 hours after stimulation. B, Cells were stimulated with 10 ng/mL PDGF-BB, 500 ng/mL recombinant S100A4/Mts1 (rMts1), or CM (5-HT CM). To block RAGE, cells or the CM were preincubated with an anti-RAGE antibody or with sRAGE, and, to specifically neutralize S100A4/Mts1, an anti-S100A4/Mts1 antibody (1.25 ng/mL) was used. Proliferation was measured using the MTT assay and normalized relative to control, unstimulated cells at 24 hours. C, Cells were treated as in B, migration was measured at 6 hours using a Boyden Chamber assay, and cells were normalized relative to control, unstimulated cells. Bars represent mean±SEM from 4 different experiments. ***P<0.0001 compared with non–5-HT serum-free control cells (SF), ++P<0.01 and +++P<0.001 relative to stimulated control. Inc. indicates increase.

5-HT induced SERT expression in pLenti-lacZ cells and further increased SERT expression in cells infected with pLenti-hSERT (Figure 3A). This correlated with an elevated S100A4/Mts1 protein level in the cell lysates of pLenti-hSERT–infected cells (Figure 3B) and a further increase following stimulation with 5-HT (Figure 3B). S100A4/Mts1 mRNA measured by TaqMan PCR in lungs of transgenic mice overexpressing human SERT (5HTT+/+)2 was increased 2-fold compared with littermate controls (Figure 3C).



View larger version (23K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 3. SERT overexpression further enhances S100A4/Mts1 expression. Human PA-SMC were infected with pLenti-hSERT or pLenti-lacZ before serum starvation and simulation with 10 µmol/L 5-HT. A, Representative Western immunoblot (top) and densitometric analysis (bottom) of SERT protein (70 kDa) normalized to tubulin (50 kDa). B, Representative Western immunoblot (top) and densitometric analysis (bottom) of S100A4/Mts1 (Mts1) protein (11 kDa) expression normalized to tubulin (50 kDa). C, S100A4/Mts1 (Mts1) mRNA isolated from the lungs of SERT overexpressing transgenic mice (5-HTT+/+), measured by TaqMan PCR (normalized to the 18S ribosomal RNA using the comparative CT method) when compared with nontransgenic littermate controls. Bars represent mean±SEM from 4 replicate experiments in A and B and from 4 transgenic and 5 littermate control mice in C. *P<0.05 compared with non–5-HT–treated pLenti-lacZ control cells, **P<0.01 compared with littermate controls, #P<0.05 compared with non–5-HT–treated SERT control. Inc. indicates increase.

SERT and 5-HT Receptors Are Both Required for 5-HT–Induced S100A4Mts1 Expression
Human PA-SMC transfected with siRNA oligonucleotides targeting SERT reduced levels by {approx}90% as measured by TaqMan RT-PCR at 48 hours (data not shown) and to barely detectable levels in cell lysates 72 hours posttransfection (Figure 4A). 5-HT stimulation of the SERT siRNA–transfected cells failed to increase S100A4/Mts1 expression, in contrast to control hPA-SMC or cells transfected with a scrambled SERT siRNA sequence or a nonsilencing siRNA oligonucleotide encoding luciferase (Figure 4B). Further experiments showed that inhibition of SERT activity using fluoxetine25 also failed to induce S100A4/Mts1 in response to 5-HT (Figure 4C). Inhibition of MAO-A with iproniazid demonstrated that suppression of events downstream of SERT, such as 5-HT breakdown by MAO-A activity,26 also prevented induction of S100A4/Mts1 in response to 5-HT (Figure 4C). A similar inability of 5-HT to induce production of S100A4/Mts1 was observed by blocking 5-HT receptors with ketanserin23 (Figure 4C), and selective inhibitors revealed the specific involvement of the 5HT1B receptor in mediating production of S100A4/Mts1. Figure 4D shows that the 5-HT–induced increase in S100A4/Mts1 protein expression in cell lysates is not blocked by ketanserin at 0.1 µmol/L (selective for 5-HT2A) but is reduced by 1 µmol/L and 10 µmol/L (likely to antagonize 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT1B). This response is not blocked by 0.2 µmol/L SB204741 (selective for 5-HT2B; Sigma) but is blocked by 0.1 µmol/L SB224289 (Sigma, selective for 5-HT1B) (Figure 4D).6



View larger version (15K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 4. SERT and 5-HT receptors are both required for 5-HT–induced S100A4/Mts1 expression. A and B, hPA-SMC were transfected with 100 nmol/L scrambled siRNA (SCR si), luciferase siRNA (Luc si), or SERT siRNA (SERT si) oligos and serum starved for 48 hours before stimulation with serum for 24 hours. A, Representative Western immunoblot of SERT protein (70 kDa) following siRNA transfection. Ctrl indicates control. B, Representative Western immunoblot (top) and densitometric analysis (bottom) of S100A4/Mts1 (Mts1) protein (11 kDa). C, 5-HT–mediated S100A4/Mts1 (Mts1) (11 kDa) expression in cells treated with 10 µmol/L fluoxetine (Fluo), a SERT inhibitor, 10 µmol/L ketanserin (Ket), a 5-HT receptor antagonist, and 0.1 mmol/L iproniazid (IPR), an MAO inhibitor, and with DMSO (vehicle) alone. D, 5-HT–induced increase in S100A4/Mts1 protein expression in cell lysates is not blocked by ketanserin at 0.1 µmol/L (selective for 5-HT2A) but is reduced by 1 µmol/L and 10 µmol/L (likely to antagonize 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT1B). This response is not blocked by 0.2 µmol/L SB204741 (selective for 5-HT2B; Sigma) but is blocked by 0.1 µmol/L SB224289 (selective for 5-HT1B; Sigma).1 Bars represent mean±SEM from 4 replicate experiments, normalized as described in Figure 1. *P<0.05 vs non–5-HT–treated control cells. Ctrl indicates control; Inc., increase.

5-HT Receptor–Mediated ERK1/2 Phosphorylation Is Necessary to Induce S100A4/Mts1
Serotonin-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation (pERK) has been implicated in the induction of genes involved in SMC proliferation, such as cyclin D2.12 In keeping with these observations, concurrent treatment with 5-HT and the pERK inhibitor PD98059 (100 µmol/L) prevented the induction of S100A4/Mts1 mRNA (Figure 5A) and protein in cell lysates (Figure 5B) compared with treatment with 5-HT alone. A 4-fold increase in pERK was observed 5 minutes after 5-HT (10 µmol/L) stimulation, as assessed by ELISA and verified by Western immunoblot (Figure 5C). This increase in pERK was blocked by the 5-HT receptor antagonist ketanserin, but not by inhibitors of SERT (fluoxetine) or MAO-A activity (iproniazid), when compared with treatment with vehicle alone (DMSO) (Figure 5C).



View larger version (26K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 5. 5-HT receptor–mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation is necessary to induce S100A4/Mts1 expression. A, hPA-SMC were treated with the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 (100 µmol/L), and 5-HT–mediated S100A4/Mts1 (Mts1) mRNA expression was measured by TaqMan PCR. B, Representative Western immunoblot (top) and densitometric analysis (bottom) of S100A4/Mts1 (Mts1) protein (11 kDa) in cell lysates assessed by Western immunoblot, as described in Figure 1. C, Analysis of pERK1/2 185/187 was performed by ELISA normalized to an additional ELISA measurement of total ERK1/2 following 10 µmol/L 5-HT stimulation in the presence of 10 µmol/L fluoxetine (Fluo), 10 µmol/L ketanserin (Ket), and 0.1 mmol/L iproniazid (IPR). D, Representative immunoblot of pERK1/2 202/204 and tERK1/2 (both p44 and p42 isoforms are seen) shows a pattern of phosphorylation in keeping with C. Bars represent mean±SEM from 4 replicate experiments normalized as in Figure 1. *P<0.05 vs non–5-HT–treated controls, #P<0.05 vs 5-HT–treated controls. Ctrl indicates control; Inc., increase.

The antibody used in the pERK ELISA identified tyrosine/threonine phosphorylation at amino acids 185/187. To rule out the possibility that the SERT pathway initiates phosphorylation of an alternate site, at amino acids 202/204, we compared our findings by ELISA with those on Western immunoblot using a monoclonal antibody recognizing pERK202/204, but results were similar (Figure 5D).

Blockade of SERT and MAO Reduces the Nuclear Translocation of pERK1/2
We therefore determined whether SERT, MAO-A activity, or generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediate pERK1/2 nuclear translocation. Following 5-HT stimulation, pERK was significantly increased in the nuclear fraction (Figure 6), but this was prevented following treatment with fluoxetine, ketanserin, iproniazid, and the free radical (ROS) scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) (Figure 6A). No cytoplasmic pERK remained following 5-HT treatment alone or with the inhibitor vehicle (DMSO), consistent with nuclear translocation (Figure 6B), but treatment with fluoxetine, iproniazid, or NAC resulted in persistent pERK in the cytoplasmic extracts (Figure 6B). Ketanserin, the 5-HT receptor blocker, repressed pERK in both nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions.



View larger version (29K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 6. Blockade of SERT and MAO reduces nuclear translocation of ERK1/2. Human PA-SMC were stimulated with 5-HT in combination with inhibitors as described in Figure 5 before isolation of both nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions. As in Figure 5, cells were harvested 5 minutes after 5-HT stimulation. A, pERK (both p44 and p42 isoforms, as indicated) in the nuclear fractions following 5-HT treatment alone or in combination with vehicle (DMSO) or treatment with 10 µmol/L fluoxetine (Fluo), 0.1 mmol/L ipronaizid (IPR), the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 (PD), or 1 mmol/L NAC. B, Cytoplasmic pERK under the conditions described in A. Bars represent mean±SEM from 3 replicate experiments normalized as in Figure 1. *P<0.05 vs non–5-HT–treated controls. C, Immunofluorescence viewed at x100 magnification (Bar=10 µm), and representative of 3 different experiments, shows clear punctuate nuclear localization of pERK1/2 following stimulation with 5-HT compared with control cells. Treatment with 10 µmol/L fluoxetine (Fluo) or 0.1 mmol/L iproniazid (IPR) reduced the nuclear translocation with more cytoplasmic pERK1/2 evident. Little nuclear pERK1/2 was observed in cells treated with 10 µmol/L ketanserin (Ket). Ctrl indicates control; Inc., increase.

Immunofluorescent staining of hPA-SMC provided further evidence that a signal from the 5-HT receptor causes phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and that SERT, MAO-A, and ROS-mediated events result in nuclear translocation of pERK (Figure 6C). Clear punctuate nuclear localization of pERK1/2 was observed following stimulation with 5-HT compared with unstimulated control cells. Inhibition of SERT and MAO-A (fluoxetine and iproniazid, respectively) reduced the nuclear translocation of pERK1/2, with enhanced cytoplasmic pERK1/2 evident. Little nuclear pERK1/2 was observed in cells treated with either the 5-HT receptor antagonist ketanserin (Figure 6C) or with PD98059 (data not shown).

Phosphorylation of GATA-4 Is Required for 5-HT–Induced S100A4/Mts1 Expression
Serotonin-induced expression of cyclin D2 in PA-SMC has been previously attributed to pERK-mediated phosphorylation of the transcription factor GATA-4,12 and analysis of the promoter region of the S100A4/Mts1 gene revealed a GATA-4 binding site. We, therefore, used siRNA-targeting GATA-4 and achieved a 90% knock down in GATA-4 mRNA (data not shown) and pGATA-4 protein (Figure 7A). We subsequently showed that this level of reduction in GATA-4 prevented 5-HT–induced S100A4/Mts1 expression in cell lysates (Figure 7B). 5-HT–induced phosphorylation of GATA-4 was blocked with ketanserin, as well as with fluoxetine, iproniazid, and the inhibitor of pERK1/2, PD98059 (Figure 7C).



View larger version (15K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 7. Phosphorylation of GATA-4 is required for 5-HT–induced S100A4/Mts1 expression. Human PA-SMC were transfected with 100 nmol/L cyclophilin B (Cyclo si), luciferase (LUC si), or GATA-4 siRNA oligonucleotides. A, Representative Western immunoblot of pGATA-4 (46 kDa) in control and siRNA treated hPA-SMC. B, Representative Western immunoblot (top) and densitometric evaluation (bottom) of S100A4/Mts1 protein (11 kDa), as in A. C, Representative Western immunoblot (top) of pGATA-4 (46 kDa) and densitometric analysis (bottom) 6 hours following 10 µmol/L 5-HT stimulation and treatment with 10 µmol/L ketanserin (Ket), 10 µmol/L fluoxetine (Fluo), 0.1 mmol/L iproniazid (IPR), or 100 µmol/L PD98059 (PD). Bars represent mean±SEM from 4 replicate experiments normalized as in Figure 1. *P<0.05 vs non–5-HT–treated controls. Ctrl indicates control; Inc., increase.


*    Discussion
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
up arrowMaterials and Methods
up arrowResults
*Discussion
down arrowReferences
 
There is an increase in a SERT polymorphism in PAH patients7 that results in SERT overexpression, and 5-HT receptor and SERT knockout transgenic mice are equally protected against the development of PAH.3,4 This study shows how a 5-HT receptor and SERT cooperatively interact to regulate S100A4/Mts1, a gene induced in clinical PAH.15 The use of selective 5-HT receptor blockers identified the 5-HT1B receptor as involved in the regulation of S100A4/Mts1, and this receptor has been implicated in PAH.6,27–29

S100A4/Mts1, secreted into the media following 5-HT stimulation, can facilitate both the proliferation and migration of hPA-SMC in a manner dependent on the receptor, RAGE. Heightened stimulation of S100A4/Mts1 occurs when the level of SERT is increased in hPA-SMC cultures and in a transgenic mouse. Although 5-HT receptor activity is required for phosphorylation of ERK, nuclear transport of phosphorylated ERK depends on SERT, MAO-A activity, and ROS production in these hPA-SMC. Nuclear translocation of pERK is necessary for phosphorylation of GATA-4, a transcription factor required for expression of S100A4/Mts1, in response to 5-HT. A diagram of this proposed model is shown in Figure 8.



View larger version (25K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 8. Schema describing cooperative interaction between 5-HT1B receptor and SERT in mediating S100A4/Mts1 expression and cellular sequelae. 5-HT–induced expression of S100A4/Mts1 requires interdependent signals from the 5-HT1B receptor and SERT. The 5-HT1B receptor mediates the phosphorylation of ERK in response to 5-HT, whereas 5-HT transport, via SERT, MAO-A activity, and production of free radicals (ROS), allow the translocation of pERK to the nucleus. Once in the nucleus, pERK phosphorylates GATA-4, which leads to S100A4/Mts1 expression. S100A4/Mts1 is secreted from the cell, where it then interacts with RAGE to mediate proliferation and migration of PA-SMC.

The mitotic and vasconstrictive roles of 5-HT in PA-SMC have been well documented,1,5,6,26,30 and recent work has highlighted the regulation of genes specific to cell cycle progression12 but not those selectively identified with disease. Although previous studies have shown that the 5-HT pathway can regulate other members of the S100 family,14 we now present an intriguing link between 5-HT and PVD through the induction of S100A4/Mts1 gene expression. We recognize that the concentration of 5-HT that produced a significant increase in S100A4/Mts1 was higher than circulating levels, but local concentrations could also be higher when released from platelets, neuropithelial cells, and mast cells. In addition, the availability of SERT would limit the intracellular accumulation of 5-HT to within physiological levels. Previous studies have shown that a small subset of transgenic mice that overexpress S100A4/Mts1 have PVD15 and that increased expression of S100A4/Mts1 is localized to the neointima in advanced PVD lesions.15 We did not detect S100A4/Mts1 expression in human PA endothelial cells in those studies, but its ability to stimulate proliferation and migration of PA endothelial cells17,18 may also be relevant to the pathology of PVD.31

Expression of RAGE is increased in cancer,32 as well as in atherosclerosis,33 restenosis,34 and diabetic vasculopathy.35 Our studies show that RAGE is necessary for S100A4/Mts1-mediated effects in hPA-SMC and are in keeping with RAGE being the receptor for this ligand in these cells. Other studies by our group, in which RAGE coimmunoprecipitates with S100A4/Mts1 in hPA-SMC lysates, reinforce this concept (data not shown).

Because heightened expression of S100A4/Mts1 in response to 5-HT is observed when SERT is overexpressed, it would be interesting to investigate whether enhanced S100A4/Mts1 expression is linked to patients with the increased incidence of the SERT polymorphism associated with heightened serotonin transport.

It has previously been shown in bovine PA-SMC that 5-HT transport via SERT results in the production of ROS including both superoxide36 and H2O2.37 Recent studies in cardiac myocytes have suggested that intracellular 5-HT metabolism by MAO-A is necessary for the generation of ROS.38 Other studies show that stimulation of cells with 5-HT can induce ROS via NADPH oxidase.39 We established that phosphorylation of ERK1/2 is required for 5-HT–mediated S100A4/Mts1 production in hPA-SMC and is specifically related to the activity of the 5-HT1B receptor. The signal necessary for nuclear translocation of pERK comes via SERT, MAO-A activity, and ROS40 production. These observations are in keeping with studies by Greene et al23 and Grewal et al24 but differ from those of Fanburg and coworkers,12,41–43 who proposed that ERK phosphorylation occurs via SERT-mediated ROS production. These discrepancies may be explained by differences in expression of the 5-HT receptor subtypes among species and cell type (reviewed by Hoyer et al44), as documented by Lee et al.36

RhoA and its downstream target ROCK control the nuclear localization of serum response factor28 and facilitate the nuclear translocation of pERK1/2 in bovine PA-SMC in a manner dependent on ROS.13 How ROS mediate nuclear translocation of pERK1/2 remains to be determined. It is possible that ROS modify a protein such as Sef (similar expression to fgf genes)45 or apolipoprotein D that block pERK1/2 nuclear translocation.46

Phosphorylation of GATA-4 following nuclear translocation of pERK1/2 was required for 5-HT induction of S100A4/Mts1 expression. GATA-4 is an important transcription factor in cardiac development, hypertrophic responses, and in the formation of coronary arteries,47,48 but the role of cardiac myocyte expression of S100A4/Mts149 in these processes has not been investigated. It is also possible that other stimuli, such as endothelin-150 or {alpha}1-adrenergic agonists,51 that lead to the phosphorylation of GATA-4 at serine 105 via the MEK/ERK pathway may regulate S100A4/Mts1.

Mutations in bone morphogenetic protein receptor II have been linked to a heightened risk of developing PVD in patients with IPAH,52 but only 20% of affected family members succumb to the disease. Although loss of bone morphogenetic protein receptor II does not further induce 5-HT–mediated S100A4/Mts1 production (our unpublished data), it may enhance the cellular effects of S100A4/Mts1. Our results, in showing the interdependency of events mediated by the 5-HT1B receptor and by SERT, suggest that inhibition of either pathway may be sufficient to block the development of experimental PAH and PVD.


*    Acknowledgments
 
This work was supported by NIH grant 1-R01-HL074186-01 (to M.R.) and the Dwight and Vera Dunlevie Endowed Professorship (to M.R.). A.L. was supported, in part, by a Dean’s Fellowship from Stanford University School of Medicine.


*    Footnotes
 
Original received February 28, 2005; revision received June 14, 2005; accepted June 24, 2005.


*    References
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
up arrowMaterials and Methods
up arrowResults
up arrowDiscussion
*References
 

  1. Marcos E, Fadel E, Sanchez O, Humbert M, Dartevelle P, Simonneau G, Hamon M, Adnot S, Eddahibi S. Serotonin-induced smooth muscle hyperplasia in various forms of human pulmonary hypertension. Circ Res. 2004; 94: 1263–1270.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  2. MacLean MR, Deuchar GA, Hicks MN, Morecroft I, Shen S, Sheward J, Colston J, Loughlin L, Nilsen M, Dempsie Y, Harmar A. Overexpression of the 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter gene: effect on pulmonary hemodynamics and hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Circulation. 2004; 109: 2150–2155.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  3. Eddahibi S, Hanoun N, Lanfumey L, Lesch KP, Raffestin B, Hamon M, Adnot S. Attenuated hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in mice lacking the 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter gene. J Clin Invest. 2000; 105: 1555–1562.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  4. Launay JM, Herve P, Peoc’h K, Tournois C, Callebert J, Nebigil CG, Etienne N, Drouet L, Humbert M, Simonneau G, Maroteaux L. Function of the serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 2B receptor in pulmonary hypertension. Nat Med. 2002; 8: 1129–1135.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  5. MacLean MR, Morecroft I. Increased contractile response to 5-hydroxytryptamine1-receptor stimulation in pulmonary arteries from chronic hypoxic rats: role of pharmacological synergy. Br J Pharmacol. 2001; 134: 614–620.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  6. Morecroft I, Heeley RP, Prentice HM, Kirk A, MacLean MR. 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors mediating contraction in human small muscular pulmonary arteries: importance of the 5-HT1B receptor. Br J Pharmacol. 1999; 128: 730–734.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  7. Eddahibi S, Humbert M, Fadel E, Raffestin B, Darmon M, Capron F, Simonneau G, Dartevelle P, Hamon M, Adnot S. Serotonin transporter overexpression is responsible for pulmonary artery smooth muscle hyperplasia in primary pulmonary hypertension. J Clin Invest. 2001; 108: 1141–1150.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  8. Eddahibi S, Adnot S, Frisdal E, Levame M, Hamon M, Raffestin B. Dexfenfluramine-associated changes in 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter expression and development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2001; 297: 148–154.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  9. Abenhaim L, Moride Y, Brenot F, Rich S, Benichou J, Kurz X, Higenbottam T, Oakley C, Wouters E, Aubier M, Simonneau G, Begaud B. Appetite-suppressant drugs and the risk of primary pulmonary hypertension. International Primary Pulmonary Hypertension Study Group. N Engl J Med. 1996; 335: 609–616.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  10. Herve P, Drouet L, Dosquet C, Launay JM, Rain B, Simonneau G, Caen J, Duroux P. Primary pulmonary hypertension in a patient with a familial platelet storage pool disease: role of serotonin. Am J Med. 1990; 89: 117–120.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  11. Sato K, Webb S, Tucker A, Rabinovitch M, O’Brien RF, McMurtry IF, Stelzner TJ. Factors influencing the idiopathic development of pulmonary hypertension in the fawn hooded rat. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1992; 145: 793–797.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  12. Suzuki YJ, Day RM, Tan CC, Sandven TH, Liang Q, Molkentin JD, Fanburg BL. Activation of GATA-4 by serotonin in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. J Biol Chem. 2003; 278: 17525–17531.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  13. Liu Y, Suzuki YJ, Day RM, Fanburg BL. Rho kinase-induced nuclear translocation of ERK1/ERK2 in smooth muscle cell mitogenesis caused by serotonin. Circ Res. 2004; 95: 579–586.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  14. Whitaker-Azmitia PM, Azmitia EC. Astroglial 5-HT1a receptors and S-100 beta in development and plasticity. Perspect Dev Neurobiol. 1994; 2: 233–238.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  15. Greenway S, van Suylen RJ, Du Marchie Sarvaas G, Kwan E, Ambartsumian N, Lukanidin E, Rabinovitch M. S100A4/Mts1 produces murine pulmonary artery changes resembling plexogenic arteriopathy and is increased in human plexogenic arteriopathy. Am J Pathol. 2004; 164: 253–262.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  16. Ambartsumian N, Klingelhofer J, Grigorian M, Karlstrom O, Sidenius N, Georgiev G, Lukanidin E. Tissue-specific posttranscriptional downregulation of expression of the S100A4(mts1) gene in transgenic animals. Invasion Metastasis. 1998; 18: 96–104.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  17. Ambartsumian N, Klingelhofer J, Grigorian M, Christensen C, Kriajevska M, Tulchinsky E, Georgiev G, Berezin V, Bock E, Rygaard J, Cao R, Cao Y, Lukanidin E. The metastasis-associated Mts1(S100A4) protein could act as an angiogenic factor. Oncogene. 2001; 20: 4685–4695.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  18. Schmidt-Hansen B, Ornas D, Grigorian M, Klingelhofer J, Tulchinsky E, Lukanidin E, Ambartsumian N. Extracellular S100A4(mts1) stimulates invasive growth of mouse endothelial cells and modulates MMP-13 matrix metalloproteinase activity. Oncogene. 2004; 23: 5487–5495.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  19. Okada H, Danoff TM, Kalluri R, Neilson EG. Early role of Fsp1 in epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. Am J Physiol. 1997; 273: F563–F574.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  20. Huttunen HJ, Kuja-Panula J, Sorci G, Agneletti AL, Donato R, Rauvala H. Coregulation of neurite outgrowth and cell survival by amphoterin and S100 proteins through receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) activation. J Biol Chem. 2000; 275: 40096–40105.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  21. Schmidt AM, Yan SD, Wautier JL, Stern D. Activation of receptor for advanced glycation end products: a mechanism for chronic vascular dysfunction in diabetic vasculopathy and atherosclerosis. Circ Res. 1999; 84: 489–497.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  22. Leung WC, Lawrie A, Demaries S, Massaeli H, Burry A, Yablonsky S, Sarjeant JM, Fera E, Rassart E, Pickering JG, Rabinovitch M. Apolipoprotein D and platelet-derived growth factor-BB synergism mediates vascular smooth muscle cell migration. Circ Res. 2004; 95: 179–186.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  23. Greene EL, Houghton O, Collinsworth G, Garnovskaya MN, Nagai T, Sajjad T, Bheemanathini V, Grewal JS, Paul RV, Raymond JR. 5-HT(2A) receptors stimulate mitogen-activated protein kinase via H(2)O(2) generation in rat renal mesangial cells. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2000; 278: F650–F658.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  24. Grewal JS, Mukhin YV, Garnovskaya MN, Raymond JR, Greene EL. Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor induces TGF-beta1 expression in mesangial cells via ERK: proliferative and fibrotic signals. Am J Physiol. 1999; 276: F922–F930.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  25. Eddahibi S, Raffestin B, Hamon M, Adnot S. Is the serotonin transporter involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension? J Lab Clin Med. 2002; 139: 194–201.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  26. Lee SL, Wang WW, Moore BJ, Fanburg BL. Dual effect of serotonin on growth of bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in culture. Circ Res. 1991; 68: 1362–1368.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  27. MacLean MR, Sweeney G, Baird M, McCulloch KM, Houslay M, Morecroft I. 5-Hydroxytryptamine receptors mediating vasoconstriction in pulmonary arteries from control and pulmonary hypertensive rats. Br J Pharmacol. 1996; 119: 917–930.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  28. Liu HW, Halayko AJ, Fernandes DJ, Harmon GS, McCauley JA, Kocieniewski P, McConville J, Fu Y, Forsythe SM, Kogut P, Bellam S, Dowell M, Churchill J, Lesso H, Kassiri K, Mitchell RW, Hershenson MB, Camoretti-Mercado B, Solway J. The RhoA/Rho kinase pathway regulates nuclear localization of serum response factor. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2003; 29: 39–47.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  29. Rondelet B, Van Beneden R, Kerbaul F, Motte S, Fesler P, McEntee K, Brimioulle S, Ketelslegers JM, Naeije R. Expression of the serotonin 1b receptor in experimental pulmonary hypertension. Eur Respir J. 2003; 22: 408–412.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  30. Eddahibi S, Fabre V, Boni C, Martres MP, Raffestin B, Hamon M, Adnot S. Induction of serotonin transporter by hypoxia in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells. Relationship with the mitogenic action of serotonin. Circ Res. 1999; 84: 329–336.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  31. Voelkel NF, Cool CD. Pulmonary vascular involvement in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Eur Respir J Suppl. 2003; 46: 28s–32s.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  32. Abe R, Shimizu T, Sugawara H, Watanabe H, Nakamura H, Choei H, Sasaki N, Yamagishi S, Takeuchi M, Shimizu H. Regulation of human melanoma growth and metastasis by AGE-AGE receptor interactions. J Invest Dermatol. 2004; 122: 461–467.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  33. Bucciarelli LG, Wendt T, Qu W, Lu Y, Lalla E, Rong LL, Goova MT, Moser B, Kislinger T, Lee DC, Kashyap Y, Stern DM, Schmidt AM. RAGE blockade stabilizes established atherosclerosis in diabetic apolipoprotein E-null mice. Circulation. 2002; 106: 2827–2835.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  34. Sakaguchi T, Yan SF, Yan SD, Belov D, Rong LL, Sousa M, Andrassy M, Marso SP, Duda S, Arnold B, Liliensiek B, Nawroth PP, Stern DM, Schmidt AM, Naka Y. Central role of RAGE-dependent neointimal expansion in arterial restenosis. J Clin Invest. 2003; 111: 959–972.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  35. Schmidt AM, Stern D. Atherosclerosis and diabetes: the RAGE connection. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2000; 2: 430–436.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  36. Lee SL, Wang WW, Finlay GA, Fanburg BL. Serotonin stimulates mitogen-activated protein kinase activity through the formation of superoxide anion. Am J Physiol. 1999; 277: L282–L291.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  37. Lee SL, Simon AR, Wang WW, Fanburg BL. H(2)O(2) signals 5-HT-induced ERK MAP kinase activation and mitogenesis of smooth muscle cells. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2001; 281: L646–L652.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  38. Bianchi P, Pimentel DR, Murphy MP, Colucci WS, Parini A. A new hypertrophic mechanism of serotonin in cardiac myocytes: receptor-independent ROS generation. FASEB J. 2005; 19: 641–643.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  39. Liu JQ, Folz RJ. Extracellular superoxide enhances 5-HT-induced murine pulmonary artery vasoconstriction. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2004; 287: L111–L118.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  40. Vindis C, Seguelas MH, Lanier S, Parini A, Cambon C. Dopamine induces ERK activation in renal epithelial cells through H2O2 produced by monoamine oxidase. Kidney Int. 2001; 59: 76–86.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  41. Lee SL, Wang WW, Fanburg BL. Association of Tyr phosphorylation of GTPase-activating protein with mitogenic action of serotonin. Am J Physiol. 1997; 272: C223–C230.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  42. Lee SL, Wang WW, Fanburg BL. Superoxide as an intermediate signal for serotonin-induced mitogenesis. Free Radic Biol Med. 1998; 24: 855–858.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  43. Lee SL, Wang WW, Lanzillo JJ, Fanburg BL. Serotonin produces both hyperplasia and hypertrophy of bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in culture. Am J Physiol. 1994; 266: L46–L52.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  44. Hoyer D, Hannon JP, Martin GR. Molecular, pharmacological and functional diversity of 5-HT receptors. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2002; 71: 533–554.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  45. Torii S, Kusakabe M, Yamamoto T, Maekawa M, Nishida E. Sef is a spatial regulator for Ras/MAP kinase signaling. Dev Cell. 2004; 7: 33–44.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  46. Sarjeant JM, Lawrie A, Kinnear C, Yablonsky S, Leung W, Massaeli H, Prichett W, Veinot JP, Rassart E, Rabinovitch M. Apolipoprotein D inhibits platelet-derived growth factor-BB-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferated by preventing translocation of phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 to the nucleus. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2003; 23: 2172–2177.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  47. Crispino JD, Lodish MB, Thurberg BL, Litovsky SH, Collins T, Molkentin JD, Orkin SH. Proper coronary vascular development and heart morphogenesis depend on interaction of GATA-4 with FOG cofactors. Genes Dev. 2001; 15: 839–844.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  48. Tevosian SG, Deconinck AE, Tanaka M, Schinke M, Litovsky SH, Izumo S, Fujiwara Y, Orkin SH. FOG-2, a cofactor for GATA transcription factors, is essential for heart morphogenesis and development of coronary vessels from epicardium. Cell. 2000; 101: 729–739.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  49. Inamoto S, Murao S, Yokoyama M, Kitazawa S, Maeda S. Isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury resulting in altered S100A4 and S100A11 protein expression in the rat. Pathol Int. 2000; 50: 480–485.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  50. Kitta K, Clement SA, Remeika J, Blumberg JB, Suzuki YJ. Endothelin-1 induces phosphorylation of GATA-4 transcription factor in the HL-1 atrial-muscle cell line. Biochem J. 2001; 359: 375–380.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
  51. Morimoto T, Hasegawa K, Kaburagi S, Kakita T, Wada H, Yanazume T, Sasayama S. Phosphorylation of GATA-4 is involved in alpha 1-adrenergic agonist-responsive transcription of the endothelin-1 gene in cardiac myocytes. J Biol Chem. 2000; 275: 13721–13726.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  52. Lane KB, Machado RD, Pauciulo MW, Thomson JR, Phillips JA III, Loyd JE, Nichols WC, Trembath RC. Heterozygous germline mutations in BMPR2, encoding a TGF-beta receptor, cause familial primary pulmonary hypertension. Nat Genet. 2000; 26: 81–84.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]



This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
Circ. Res.Home page
C. M. Wong, A. K. Cheema, L. Zhang, and Y. J. Suzuki
Protein Carbonylation as a Novel Mechanism in Redox Signaling
Circ. Res., February 15, 2008; 102(3): 310 - 318.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
M. Xu, O. Platoshyn, A. Makino, W. H. Dillmann, K. Akassoglou, C. V. Remillard, and J. X.-J. Yuan
Characterization of agonist-induced vasoconstriction in mouse pulmonary artery
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, January 1, 2008; 294(1): H220 - H228.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Pathol.Home page
A. Lawrie, E. Waterman, M. Southwood, D. Evans, J. Suntharalingam, S. Francis, D. Crossman, P. Croucher, N. Morrell, and C. Newman
Evidence of a Role for Osteoprotegerin in the Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Am. J. Pathol., January 1, 2008; 172(1): 256 - 264.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Cardiovasc ResHome page
M. Schneider, S. Kostin, C. C. Strom, M. Aplin, S. Lyngbaek, J. Theilade, M. Grigorian, C. B. Andersen, E. Lukanidin, J. Lerche Hansen, et al.
S100A4 is upregulated in injured myocardium and promotes growth and survival of cardiac myocytes
Cardiovasc Res, July 1, 2007; 75(1): 40 - 50.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Bio.Home page
Y. J. Suzuki, H. Nagase, C. M. Wong, S. V. Kumar, V. Jain, A.-M. Park, and R. M. Day
Regulation of Bcl-xL Expression in Lung Vascular Smooth Muscle
Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol., June 1, 2007; 36(6): 678 - 687.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Poult. Sci.Home page
R. F. Wideman, M. E. Chapman, K. R. Hamal, O. T. Bowen, A. G. Lorenzoni, G. F. Erf, and N. B. Anthony
An Inadequate Pulmonary Vascular Capacity and Susceptibility to Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Broilers
Poult. Sci., May 1, 2007; 86(5): 984 - 998.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Circ. Res.Home page
A. C. Brisset, H. Hao, E. Camenzind, M. Bacchetta, A. Geinoz, J.-C. Sanchez, C. Chaponnier, G. Gabbiani, and M.-L. Bochaton-Piallat
Intimal Smooth Muscle Cells of Porcine and Human Coronary Artery Express S100A4, a Marker of the Rhomboid Phenotype In Vitro
Circ. Res., April 13, 2007; 100(7): 1055 - 1062.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
I. Morecroft, Y. Dempsie, M. Bader, D. J. Walther, K. Kotnik, L. Loughlin, M. Nilsen, and M. R. MacLean
Effect of Tryptophan Hydroxylase 1 Deficiency on the Development of Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension
Hypertension, January 1, 2007; 49(1): 232 - 236.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
N. F. Voelkel, R. A. Quaife, L. A. Leinwand, R. J. Barst, M. D. McGoon, D. R. Meldrum, J. Dupuis, C. S. Long, L. J. Rubin, F. W. Smart, et al.
Right Ventricular Function and Failure: Report of a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Working Group on Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Right Heart Failure
Circulation, October 24, 2006; 114(17): 1883 - 1891.
[Full Text] [PDF]