scholarly journals Investigating the RAS can be a fishy business: interdisciplinary opportunities using Zebrafish

2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (23) ◽  
pp. 2469-2481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Hoffmann ◽  
Linda Mullins ◽  
Charlotte Buckley ◽  
Sebastien Rider ◽  
John Mullins
Keyword(s):  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Cell Ablation ◽  
Ras Inhibition ◽  
Zebrafish Pronephros ◽  
Identification And Characterization ◽  
Structural Simplicity

The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is highly conserved, and components of the RAS are present in all vertebrates to some degree. Although the RAS has been studied since the discovery of renin, its biological role continues to broaden with the identification and characterization of new peptides. The evolutionarily distant zebrafish is a remarkable model for studying the kidney due to its genetic tractability and accessibility for in vivo imaging. The zebrafish pronephros is an especially useful kidney model due to its structural simplicity yet complex functionality, including capacity for glomerular and tubular filtration. Both the pronephros and mesonephros contain renin-expressing perivascular cells, which respond to RAS inhibition, making the zebrafish an excellent model for studying the RAS. This review summarizes the physiological and genetic tools currently available for studying the zebrafish kidney with regards to functionality of the RAS, using novel imaging techniques such as SPIM microscopy coupled with targeted single cell ablation and synthesis of vasoactive RAS peptides.

Discovery and characterization of ACE2 – a 20-year journey of surprises from vasopeptidase to COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 134 (18) ◽  
pp. 2489-2501
Author(s):  
Nigel M. Hooper ◽  
Daniel W. Lambert ◽  
Anthony J. Turner
Keyword(s):  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Regulatory Peptides ◽  
Multiple Roles ◽  
Cardiovascular Activity ◽  
Angiotensin I ◽  
Viral Receptor ◽  
Angiotensin System

Abstract Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a zinc membrane metallopeptidase that plays a key role in regulating vasoactive peptide levels and hence cardiovascular activity through its conversion of angiotensin I (Ang I) to Ang II and its metabolism of bradykinin. The discovery of its homologue, ACE2, 20 years ago has led to intensive comparisons of these two enzymes revealing surprising structural, catalytic and functional distinctions between them. ACE2 plays multiple roles not only as a vasopeptidase but also as a regulator of amino acid transport and serendipitously as a viral receptor, mediating the cellular entry of the coronaviruses causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and, very recently, COVID-19. Catalytically, ACE2 functions as a monocarboxypeptidase principally converting the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II to the vasodilatory peptide Ang-(1-7) thereby counterbalancing the action of ACE on the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and providing a cardioprotective role. Unlike ACE, ACE2 does not metabolise bradykinin nor is it inhibited by classical ACE inhibitors. However, it does convert a number of other regulatory peptides in vitro and in vivo. Interest in ACE2 biology and its potential as a possible therapeutic target has surged in recent months as the COVID-19 pandemic rages worldwide. This review highlights the surprising discoveries of ACE2 biology during the last 20 years, its distinctions from classical ACE and the therapeutic opportunities arising from its multiple biological roles.

scholarly journals The thermostable 4,6-α-glucanotransferase of Bacillus coagulans DSM 1 synthesizes isomaltooligosaccharides

Amylase ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-22
Author(s):  
Gang Xiang ◽  
Piet L. Buwalda ◽  
Marc J.E.C van der Maarel ◽  
Hans Leemhuis
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Coagulans ◽  
Glycoside Hydrolase Family ◽  
Rat Intestine ◽  
Glycaemic Response ◽  
Food Ingredient ◽  
Starch Conversion ◽  
Identification And Characterization ◽  
Hydrolase Family

Abstract The 4,6-α-glucanotransferases of the glycoside hydrolase family 70 can convert starch into isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs). However, no thermostable 4,6-α-glucanotransferases have been reported to date, limiting their applicability in the starch conversion industry. Here we report the identification and characterization of a thermostable 4,6-α-glucanotransferase from Bacillus coagulans DSM 1. The gene was cloned and the recombinant protein, called BcGtfC, was produced in Escherichia coli. BcGtfC is stable up to 66 °C in the presence of substrate. It converts debranched starch into an IMO product with a high percentage of α-1,6-glycosidic linkages and a relatively high molecular weight compared to commercially available IMOs. Importantly, the product is only partly and very slowly digested by rat intestine powder, suggesting that the IMO will provide a low glycaemic response in vivo when applied as food ingredient. Thus, BcGtfC is a thermostable 4,6-α-glucanotransferase suitable for the industrial production of slowly digestible IMOs from starch.

scholarly journals Accelerated Repurposing and Drug Development of Pulmonary Hypertension Therapies for COVID-19 Treatment Using an AI-Integrated Biosimulation Platform

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 1912
Author(s):  
Kaushik Chakravarty ◽  
Victor G. Antontsev ◽  
Maksim Khotimchenko ◽  
Nilesh Gupta ◽  
Aditya Jagarapu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Mechanistic Modeling ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
In Silico Modeling ◽  
Site Of Action ◽  
Line Of Therapy

The COVID-19 pandemic has reached over 100 million worldwide. Due to the multi-targeted nature of the virus, it is clear that drugs providing anti-COVID-19 effects need to be developed at an accelerated rate, and a combinatorial approach may stand to be more successful than a single drug therapy. Among several targets and pathways that are under investigation, the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and specifically angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and Ca2+-mediated SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry and replication are noteworthy. A combination of ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers (CCBs), a critical line of therapy for pulmonary hypertension, has shown therapeutic relevance in COVID-19 when investigated independently. To that end, we conducted in silico modeling using BIOiSIM, an AI-integrated mechanistic modeling platform by utilizing known preclinical in vitro and in vivo datasets to accurately simulate systemic therapy disposition and site-of-action penetration of the CCBs and ACEi compounds to tissues implicated in COVID-19 pathogenesis.

Androgens augment proximal tubule transport

2004 ◽  
Vol 287 (3) ◽  
pp. F452-F459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Quan ◽  
Sumana Chakravarty ◽  
Jian-Kang Chen ◽  
Jian-Chun Chen ◽  
Samer Loleh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Proximal Tubule ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Extracellular Volume ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Angiotensin Receptors ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Renin Angiotensin

The proximal tubule contains an autonomous renin-angiotensin system that regulates transport independently of circulating angiotensin II. Androgens are known to increase expression of angiotensinogen, but the effect of androgens on proximal tubule transport is unknown. In this in vivo microperfusion study, we examined the effect of androgens on proximal tubule transport. The volume reabsorptive rate in Sprague-Dawley rats given dihydrotestosterone (DHT) injections was significantly higher than in control rats given vehicle injections (4.57 ± 0.31 vs. 3.31 ± 0.23 nl·min−1·mm−1, P < 0.01). Luminally perfusing with either enalaprilat (10−4 M) to inhibit production of angiotensin II or losartan (10−8 M) to block the angiotensin receptor decreased the proximal tubule volume reabsorptive rate in DHT-treated rats to a significantly greater degree than in control vehicle-injected rats. The renal expression of angiotensinogen was shown to be higher in the DHT-treated animals, using Northern blot analysis. The expression of angiotensin receptors, determined by specific binding of angiotensin II, was not different in the two groups of animals. Brush-border membrane protein abundance of the Na/H exchanger, a membrane transport protein under angiotensin II regulation, was also higher in DHT-treated rats vs. control rats. Rats that received DHT had higher blood pressures than the control rats but had no change in their glomerular filtration rate. In addition, serum angiotensin II levels were lower in DHT-treated vs. control rats. These results suggest that androgens may directly upregulate the proximal tubule renin-angiotensin system, increase the volume reabsorptive rate, and thereby increase extracellular volume and blood pressure and secondarily decrease serum angiotensin II levels.

Effects of Tokishakuyakusan, Keishibukuryogan, Shakuyakukanzoto and Unkeito on Ovarian Endothelin, Renin and Angiotensin II in Pregnant Mare's Serum Gonadotropin-treated Immature Rats

1992 ◽  
Vol 20 (02) ◽  
pp. 175-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoshi Usuki ◽  
Yoshie Usuki ◽  
Junko Tanaka ◽  
Yuko Kawakura
Keyword(s):  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Concomitant Treatment ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Renin Angiotensin ◽  
Immature Rats ◽  
Serum Gonadotropin ◽  
Peptide System

We have previously proposed the ovarian ERAANPS (endothelin-renin-angiotensin-atrial natriuretic peptide system). The present study was undertaken to examine in vivo the effects of herbal medicines [Tokishakuyakusan (TS), Keishibukuryogan (KB), Shakuyakukanzoto (SK) and Unkeito (UT)] on endothelin-l (ET), renin and angiotensin II (A II) in the ovaries, of immature rats treated with 10 IU PMS for 48 h. ET and all components of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) were found at high levels in the ovary. Concomitant treatment with PMS plus TS, KB, SK or UT, especially TS and UT, tended to decrease the ET levels in ovary, while components of RAS tended to increase. However, ET, renin and A II levels in plasma were not at all affected after treatment with TS, KB, SK or UT. These results suggest that TS, KB, SK or UT may regulate the ovarian ERAANPS.

scholarly journals Study of Osteocyte Behavior by High-Resolution Intravital Imaging Following Photo-Induced Ischemia

Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 2874
Author(s):  
Hengfeng Yuan ◽  
Wen Jiang ◽  
Yuanxin Chen ◽  
Betty Kim
Keyword(s):  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Avascular Osteonecrosis ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Behavioral Dynamics ◽  
Bony Anatomy ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Ischemic injuries and local hypoxia can result in osteocytes dysfunction and play a key role in the pathogenesis of avascular osteonecrosis. Conventional imaging techniques including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) can reveal structural and functional changes within bony anatomy; however, characterization of osteocyte behavioral dynamics in the setting of osteonecrosis at the single cell resolution is limited. Here, we demonstrate an optical approach to study real-time osteocyte functions in vivo. Using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) as a biomarker for metabolic dynamics in osteocytes, we showed that NADH level within osteocytes transiently increase significantly after local ischemia through non-invasive photo-induced thrombosis of afferent arterioles followed by a steady decline. Our study presents a non-invasive optical approach to study osteocyte behavior through the modulation of local environmental conditions. Thus it provides a powerful toolkit to study cellular processes involved in bone pathologies in vivo.

390 Characterization of the Renin-Angiotensin System Regulation in Cavernosal Tissue of Aged Rats

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. S115-S116
Author(s):  
M.E. Bragina ◽  
R.A. Fraga-Silva ◽  
F.P. Costa-Fraga ◽  
N. Stergiopulos
Keyword(s):  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Aged Rats ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Renin Angiotensin
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