Rac1 and RhoA differentially regulate angiotensinogen gene expression in stretched cardiac fibroblasts.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulates cardiac remodelling and fibrosis in the mechanically overloaded myocardium. Although Rho GTPases regulate several cellular processes, including myocardial remodelling, involvement in mediating mechanical stretch-induced regulation of angiotensinogen (Ao), the precursor to Ang II, remains to be determined. We, therefore, examined the role and associated signalling mechanisms of Rho GTPases (Rac1 and RhoA) in regulation of Ao gene expression in a stretch model of neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts (CFs).

Methods and results

CFs were plated on deformable stretch membranes. Equiaxial mechanical stretch caused significant activation of both Rac1 and RhoA within 2-5 min. Rac1 activity returned to control levels after 4 h, whereas RhoA remained

SUBMITTER: Verma SK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3058736 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature