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V L Herrera

Publications and source records attributed to V L Herrera.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Non-association of the thiazide-sensitive Na,Cl-cotransporter gene with polygenic hypertension in both rats and humans.

OBJECTIVE: Genes underlying renal regulation of sodium and water balances are a priori valid candidates for polygenic hypertension susceptibility genes. Having recently identified the association of alpha1 Na,K-ATPase (ATP1A1) and Na,K,2Cl-cotransporter (NKCC2) as interacting hypertension susceptibility loci in both a rat model and human hypertensives, we investigated whether the thiazide-sensitive Na,Cl-cotransporter (TSC) gene contributes to hypertension susceptibility in a rat F2 intercross and in a northern Sardinian human cohort for polygenic hypertension. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The rat TSC (rTSC) gene was analyzed directly for cosegregation with salt-sensitive hypertension in an F2 (Dahl S x Dahl R) rat population (n = 102) characterized for blood pressure by radiotelemetry. The human TSC (hTSC) gene was analyzed for association with hypertension in a human hypertensive cohort from northern Sardinia that consisted of 220 unrelated normotensives and 254 unrelated hypertensives. The TSC gene was subjected to single locus and digenic (in combination with ATP1A1 and NKCC2 genes) analyses in both rat and human cohorts. RESULTS: In both rat model and human cohorts, the rTSC and hTSC genes did not show linkage or association with high blood pressure, respectively. Furthermore, interaction with either ATP1A1 or NKCC2 was not detected in both the rat F2 intercross and human hypertension cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: These data exclude a primary role of the TSC gene in hypertension pathogenesis in the hypertension cohorts studied.

Alleles↗
PubMed2001

Interaction of alpha(1)-Na,K-ATPase and Na,K,2Cl-cotransporter genes in human essential hypertension.

Essential hypertension is a common disease the genetic determinants of which have been difficult to unravel because of its clinical heterogeneity and complex, multifactorial, polygenic etiology. Based on our observations that alpha(1)-Na,K-ATPase (ATP1A1) and renal-specific, bumetanide-sensitive Na,K,2Cl-cotransporter (NKCC2) genes interactively increase susceptibility to hypertension in the Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive (Dahl S) rat model, we investigated whether parallel molecular genetic mechanisms might exist in human essential hypertension in a relatively genetic homogeneous cohort in northern Sardinia. Putative ATP1A1-NKCC2 gene interaction was tested by comparing hypertensive patients (blood pressure [BP] >165/95 mm Hg) with normotensive controls age >60 years with BP <140/85 mm Hg. Genotype analysis with microsatellite markers revealed conformation to Hardy-Weinberg proportions for 6 alleles of both ATP1A1 (D1S453) and NKCC2 (NKCGT7) markers, respectively. Two-by-six chi(2) analysis of alleles identified overrepresentation of ATP1A1 No. 4 and NKCC2 No. 4 alleles, respectively, in hypertensives compared with controls. With a qualitative trait framework, single-gene analysis detected association of both the ATP1A1 No. 4 allele (P=0.004, chi(2)=8.094, df=1) and the NKCC2 No. 4 allele (P=0.0002, chi(2)=14.279, df=1) with moderate to severe hypertension. Digenic analysis revealed that ATP1A1 No. 4-NKCC2 No. 4 allele interaction increases susceptibility to hypertension (P<0.0001, chi(2)=22.3, df=1) beyond levels obtained in single-gene analysis. Analysis was also performed in a quantitative trait framework with BP as the continuous trait parameter. Digenic analysis of ATP1A1 No. 4-NKCC2 No. 4 allele interaction revealed significant association with systolic (1-way ANOVA, P=0.000076) and diastolic (P=0.00099) BP. Interaction was corroborated by 2x2 factorial ANOVA for interaction (systolic BP interaction term, P<0.05, diastolic BP interaction term, P=0.035). The data are compelling that ATP1A1 and NKCC2 genes are candidate interacting hypertension-susceptibility loci in human essential hypertension and affirm gene interaction as an important genetic mechanism underlying hypertension susceptibility. Although corroboration in other cohorts and identification of functionally significant mutations are imperative next steps, the data provide a genotype-stratification scheme, with 4-fold predictive value (odds ratio, 4.28; 95% confidence interval, 2.29 to 8.0), which could help decipher the complex genetics of essential hypertension.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Alpha1 Na,K-ATPase and Na,K,2Cl-cotransporte/D3mit3 loci interact to increase susceptibility to salt-sensitive hypertension in Dahl S(HSD) rats.

BACKGROUND: Essential (multigenic) hypertension is a complex multifactorial disease whose genetic etiology has not been unraveled on a major locus-effect investigative paradigm. As with other complex genetic diseases, applying an interacting loci paradigm could be critical in the elucidation of genetic determinants. Having defined the alpha1 Na,K-ATPase (alpha1NK) as a hypertension susceptibility gene in Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl S) rats, we determined whether alphaINK interacts with another renal epithelial Na transporter to increase susceptibility to salt-sensitive hypertension. We focused on alpha1NK and Na,K,2Cl-cotransporter (NKC) as an a priori candidate interacting gene pair because they comprise a functionally linked Na transport system in renal thick ascending limb of Henle (TALH) epithelial cells and exhibit altered function in prehypertensive Dahl S rats in contrast to Dahl salt-resistant normotensive (Dahl R) rats. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Cosegregation analysis of alphaNK and NKC loci was done in a (Dahl S x Dahl R) F2 cohort characterized for blood pressure by radiotelemetry using the D2mghII microsatellite marker in the alpha1NK gene and the D3mit3 microsatellite marker close to the NKC gene (NKC/D3mit3 locus). Single locus and digenic analyses were performed to establish the individual and interactive genetic contribution to salt-sensitive hypertension. Molecular analysis was then done to support the NKC gene as the likely candidate gene interacting with alpha1NK in Dahl salt-sensitive hypertension pathogenesis. RESULTS: Compared with respective single locus analysis, digenic analysis of 96 F2 (Dahl S x Dahl R) hybrid male rats revealed cosegregation of alpha1NK and NKC/D3mit3 loci as interacting pair with salt-sensitive hypertension with markedly increased significance for systolic (one-way ANOVA p = 10(-6)), diastolic (p = 10(-5)), and mean arterial (p = 10(-6)) blood pressures. Concordantly, two-way ANOVA detected interaction between alpha1NK and NKC loci in determining the levels of systolic (p = 0.004), diastolic (p = 0.008), and mean arterial (p = 0.006) pressures. To unravel potential NKC molecular dysfunction(s) involved in hypertension pathogenesis, we investigated putative differences between Dahl S and Dahl R rats in nucleotide sequence and isoform gene expression of the renal-specific Na,K,2Cl-cotransporter. Molecular analysis revealed an inversion of alternatively spliced NKC-isoform ratios (4B:4A:4F) between Dahl S and Dahl R prehypertensive kidneys supported by four mutations in intron-3 immediately upstream to alternatively spliced exons 4B, 4A, and 4F. No nucleotide changes were detected within the aminoacid encoding exons of NKC. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, these current data and previous characterization of the role of the Q276L alpha1NK molecular variant in Dahl S hypertension provide cumulative compelling evidence that alpha1NK and NKC/D3mit3 loci interact to increase susceptibility to hypertension in Dahl S rats and that NKC is the likely candidate gene that interacts with alpha 1NK. More importantly, the data substantiate gene interaction as an operative mechanism in multigenic hypertension.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2001

Identification of a novel V1-type AVP receptor based on the molecular recognition theory.

BACKGROUND: The molecular recognition theory predicts that binding domains of peptide hormones and their corresponding receptor binding domains evolved from complementary strands of genomic DNA, and that a process of selective evolutionary mutational events within these primordial domains gave rise to the high affinity and high specificity of peptide hormone-receptor interactions observed today in different peptide hormone-receptor systems. Moreover, this theory has been broadened as a general hypothesis that could explain the evolution of intermolecular protein-protein and intramolecular peptide interactions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Applying a molecular cloning strategy based on the molecular recognition theory, we screened a rat kidney cDNA library with a vasopressin (AVP) antisense oligonucleotide probe, expecting to isolate potential AVP receptors. RESULTS: We isolated a rat kidney cDNA encoding a functional V1-type vasopressin receptor. Structural analysis identified a 135 amino acid-long polypeptide with a single transmembrane domain, quite distinct from the rhodopsin-based G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. Functional analysis of the expressed V1-type receptor in Cos-1 cells revealed AVP-specific binding, AVP-specific coupling to Ca2+ mobilizing transduction system, and characteristic V1-type antagonist inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: This is the second AVP receptor cDNA isolated using AVP antipeptide-based oligonucleotide screening, thus providing compelling evidence in support of the molecular recognition theory as the basis of the evolution of this peptide hormone-receptor system, as well as adds molecular complexity and diversity to AVP receptor systems.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Spontaneous combined hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease and decreased survival in Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats transgenic for human cholesteryl ester transfer protein.

The acceleration of atherosclerosis by polygenic (essential) hypertension is well-characterized in humans; however, the lack of an animal model that simulates human disease hinders the elucidation of pathogenic mechanisms. We report here a transgenic atherosclerosis-polygenic hypertension model in Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats that overexpress the human cholesteryl ester transfer protein (Tg[hCETP]DS). Male Tg[hCETP]DS rats fed regular rat chow showed age-dependent severe combined hyperlipidemia, atherosclerotic lesions, myocardial infarctions and decreased survival. These findings differ from various mouse atherosclerosis models, demonstrating the necessity of complex disease modeling in different species. The data demonstrate that cholesteryl ester transfer protein can be proatherogenic. The interaction of polygenic hypertension and hyperlipidemia in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in Tg[hCETP]DS rats substantiates epidemiological observations in humans.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

The alpha1 Na,K-ATPase gene is a susceptibility hypertension gene in the Dahl salt-sensitiveHSD rat.

Despite the prevalence of essential hypertension, its underlying genetic basis has not been elucidated due to the complexities of its determinants. To identify a hypertension susceptibility gene, we used an approach that integrates molecular, transgenic, and genetic analysis using Dahl salt-sensitive (S) and Dahl salt-resistant (R) rats ascertained for genotype and phenotype. To determine the role of the Dahl S Q276L alpha1 Na,K-ATPase gene variant, we developed transgenic Dahl S rats bearing the Dahl R wild-type (wt) alpha1 Na, K-ATPase cDNA directed by the cognate wt promoter region, Tg[wtalpha1]. Transgenic Dahl S rats exhibited less salt-sensitive hypertension, less hypertensive renal disease, and longer life span when compared with non-transgenic Dahl S controls. Total chromosome 2 linkage analysis of F2(SxR) male rats detects cosegregation of the alpha1 Na,K-ATPase locus with salt-sensitive hypertension. These data support the alpha1 Na,K-ATPase gene as a susceptibility gene for salt-sensitive hypertension in the Dahl S rat model, and provide the basis for the study of the alpha1 Na,K-ATPase locus in human hypertension.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Targeted disruption of the catalytic subunit of the DNA-PK gene in mice confers severe combined immunodeficiency and radiosensitivity.

The DNA-dependent protein kinase is a mammalian protein complex composed of Ku70, Ku80, and DNA-PKcs subunits that has been implicated in DNA double-strand break repair and V(D)J recombination. Here, by gene targeting, we have constructed a mouse with a disruption in the kinase domain of DNA-PKcs, generating an animal model completely devoid of DNA-PK activity. Our results demonstrate that DNA-PK activity is required for coding but not for signal join formation in mice. Although our DNA-PKcs defective mice closely resemble Scid mice, they differ by having elevated numbers of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes. This suggests that the Scid mice may not represent a null phenotype and may retain some residual DNA-PKcs function.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Prenatal malnutrition-induced changes in blood pressure: dissociation of stress and nonstress responses using radiotelemetry.

A link between prenatal malnutrition and hypertension in human populations has recently been proposed. Rat models of prenatal malnutrition have provided major support for this theory on the basis of tail-cuff measurements. However, this technique requires restraint and elevated temperature, both potential sources of stress. To determine the effect of prenatal protein malnutrition on blood pressure under nonstress conditions, 24-hour radiotelemetric measurements were taken in the home cage. Male rats born to dams fed a 6% casein diet for 5 weeks before mating and throughout pregnancy were studied in early adulthood (from 96 days of age). During the waking phase of their cycle but not the sleep phase, prenatal malnutrition gave rise to small but significant elevations of diastolic blood pressure and heart rate compared with well-nourished controls. Direct effects of stress on blood pressure responses were determined in a second experiment using an olfactory stressor. Prenatally malnourished rats showed a greater increase in both systolic and diastolic pressures compared with well-nourished controls during the first exposure to ammonia. A different pattern of change of cardiovascular responses was also observed during subsequent presentations of the stressor. These findings of a small baseline increase in diastolic pressure consequent to prenatal malnutrition, but an augmented elevation of both systolic and diastolic pressures after first exposure to stress, suggest the need to reevaluate interpretation of the large elevations in blood pressure previously observed in malnourished animals using the stressful tail-cuff procedure.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1998

Molecular characterization of a dual endothelin-1/Angiotensin II receptor.

BACKGROUND: The molecular recognition theory (MRT) provides a conceptual framework that could explain the evolution of intermolecular and intramolecular interaction of peptides and proteins. As such, it predicts that binding sites of peptide hormones, and its receptor binding sites were originally encoded by and evolved from complementary strands of genomic DNA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On the basis of principles underlying the MRT, we screened a rat brain complementary DNA library using an AngII followed by an endothelin-1 (ET-1) antisense oligonucleotide probe, expecting to isolate potential cognate receptors. RESULTS: An identical cDNA clone was isolated independently from both the AngII and ET-1 oligonucleotide screenings. Structural analysis revealed a receptor polypeptide containing a single predicted transmembrane region with distinct ET-1 and AngII putative binding domains. Functional analysis demonstrated ET-1- and AngII-specific binding as well as ET-1- and AngII-induced coupling to a Ca2+ mobilizing transduction system. Amino acid substitutions within the predicted ET-1 binding domain obliterate ET-1 binding while preserving AngII binding, thus defining the structural determinants of ET-1 binding within the dual ET-1/AngII receptor, as well as corroborating the dual nature of the receptor. CONCLUSIONS: Elucidation of the dual ET-1/AngII receptor provides further molecular genetic evidence in support of the molecular recognition theory and identifies for the first time a molecular link between the ET-1 and AngII hormonal systems that could underlie observed similar physiological responses elicited by ET-1 and AngII in different organ systems. The prominent expression of the ET-1/AngII receptor mRNA in brain and heart tissues suggests an important role in cardiovascular function in normal and pathophysiological states.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Pressure-overload deinduction of human alpha 2 Na,K-ATPase gene expression in transgenic rats.

The early and sustained deinduction of alpha 2 Na,K-ATPase gene expression in both cardiac left ventricle and aorta in various pressure-overload rat models and in hypertrophied human heart suggests a common transcriptional pressure response mechanism to pressure overload in both rats and humans. To test this hypothesis, we developed transgenic rat lines expressing the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene regulated by the human alpha 2 Na,K-ATPase (-798 to +67) regulatory region, H alpha 2-CAT. Analysis of two homozygous transgenic rat lines revealed (1) parallel tissue-specific regulation of the H alpha 2-CAT transgene and rat alpha 2 Na,K-ATPase gene and (2) parallel load-induced deinduction of both cardiac and vascular (aortic) H alpha 2-CAT transgene and rat alpha 2 Na,K-ATPase gene expression in a 3-day model of induced pressure overload. Cardiac H alpha 2-CAT deinduction was detected at a systolic pressure greater than or equal to 150 mm Hg and correlated with the degree of systolic pressure elevation (r = .82, P < .0001). The data suggest a systolic pressure gradient-dependent coordinate pressure-overload transcriptional response mechanism in the heart and aorta, with one of its target genes being the alpha 2 Na,K-ATPase gene in both humans and rats.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1997

Renal immunocytochemical distribution and pharmacological properties of the dual angiotensin II/AVP receptor.

We have recently characterized a novel angiotensin II/vasopressin (Ang II/AVP) dual receptor coupled to adenylate cyclase and responding with equal sensitivity to Ang II and AVP. To gain insight into putative renal physiological roles of the dual Ang II/AVP receptor, we determined its pharmacological binding properties and renal immunocytochemical distribution. The effective displacement of [3H]AVP by [1-deamino-Val14,D-Arg8]-vasopressin (DVDAVP), a specific antidiuretic AVP analogue, supports a V2-type AVP receptor characteristic of the Ang II/AVP receptor. Displacement of 125I-Ang II by losartan but not by PD 123319 defines the Ang II/AVP receptor as a novel AT1 receptor isoform coupled to adenylate cyclase, in contrast to prototype Ca(2+)-mobilizing AT1 receptors. Neither Ang II nor AVP displace each other, corroborating the predicted discrete binding domains for Ang II and AVP but presenting an enigma for the dissection of putative Ang II- and AVP-specific hierarchical roles of the dual Ang II/AVP receptor. The renal cytolocalization of the Ang II/AVP receptor to the outer medullary thick ascending limb tubules and inner medullary collecting ducts is consistent with the well-established AVP stimulation of sodium and water reabsorption in these tubules. These data suggest that the Ang II/AVP receptor might provide the molecular basis for the observed similar stimulatory effects of Ang II and AVP on renal tubular sodium and fluid reabsorption at physiological hormone concentrations.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1997

Characterization of a sodium-response transcriptional mechanism.

On the basis of paradigms in development wherein discrete transcriptional events are pivotal regulatory steps, we tested the hypothesis that transcriptional sodium (Na+)-response mechanisms are involved in in vivo Na+-induced responses relevant to normal (homeostatic) and pathophysiological (salt-sensitive hypertension) conditions. We used Na,K-ATPase alpha-subunit genes as molecular probes and the Na+ ionophore monensin to induce a dose-specific incremental increase in [Na+]i in rat A10 embryonic aortic smooth muscle cells. RNA blot analysis of rat A10 cells revealed a dose-specific (0.022 to 30 micromol/L monensin) upregulation of alpha1-, alpha2-, and beta1-subunit Na,K-ATPase RNA levels. Control beta-actin and alpha-tropomyosin RNA levels did not change. With the use of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) as reporter gene, CAT assays of rat alpha1[-1288]CAT and human alpha2[-798]CAT promoter constructs exhibited induction of CAT activity in monensin (10 micromol/L)-treated A10 cells compared with untreated A10 cells. Promoter deletion constructs for rat alpha1[-1288]CAT defined a positive Na+-response regulatory region within -358 to -169 that is distinct from the basal transcriptional activation region of -155 to -49 previously defined. Similarly, a positive Na+-response regulatory region is delimited to within -301 in the human alpha2 Na,K-ATPase 5' flanking region. Analysis of transgenic TgH alpha2[-798]CAT rats demonstrated sodium activation of human alpha2[-798]CAT transgene expression in aorta parallel to observations made in rat A10 aortic tissue culture cells. Southwestern blot analysis of nuclear extracts from monensin (10 micromol/L)-treated and control untreated A10 cells revealed a nuclear DNA binding protein (approximately 95 kD) that is upregulated by increased [Na+]i. These data provide initial characterization of a transcriptional Na+-response mechanism delimiting a positive Na+-response regulatory region in two target genes (alpha1 and alpha2 Na,K-ATPase) as well as detection of a Na+-response nuclear DNA binding protein. The in vitro data are corroborated by in vivo experimental and transgenic promoter expression studies, thus validating the biological relevance of the observations.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Identification of a novel dual angiotensin II/vasopressin receptor on the basis of molecular recognition theory.

The molecular recognition theory suggests that binding sites of interacting proteins, for example, peptide hormone and its receptor binding site, were originally encoded by and evolved from complementary strands of genomic DNA. To test this theory, we screened a rat kidney complementary DNA library twice: first with the angiotensin II (AII) followed by the vasopressin (AVP) antisense oligonucleotide probe, expecting to isolate cDNA clones of the respective receptors. Surprisingly, the identical cDNA clone was isolated twice independently. Structural analysis revealed a single receptor polypeptide with seven predicted transmembrane regions, distinct AII and AVP putative binding domains, a Gs protein-activation motif, and an internalization recognition sequence. Functional analysis revealed specific binding to both AII and AVP as well as AII- and AVP-induced coupling to the adenylate cyclase second messenger system. Site-directed mutagenesis of the predicted AII binding domain obliterates AII binding but preserves AVP binding. This corroborates the dual nature of the receptor and provides direct molecular genetic evidence for the molecular recognition theory.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1994

Developmental cell-specific regulation of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha 1-, alpha 2-, and alpha 3-isoform gene expression.

Na(+)-K(+)-activated adenosine triphosphatase (Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase) is the integral membrane protein that maintains the Na(+)-K(+) electrochemical gradient across the plasma membrane. Because of the importance of the Na(+)-K(+) electrochemical gradient to fundamental and specialized cell functions, we investigated the cell-specific modulation of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunit isoform (alpha 1, alpha 2, and alpha 3) gene expression in different stages of postimplantation mouse embryos and neonatal rat tissues by in situ hybridization with use of isoform-specific rat-derived antisense RNA probes. At early organogenesis (9.5-10.5 days postcoitus), we demonstrated generalized coexpression of alpha 1- and alpha 2-isoforms throughout the mouse embryo with greater levels in the developing but already functional heart, in contrast to the distinct spatially restricted alpha 3-isoform gene expression in the early developing neural tube. At midorganogenesis (15.5-16.5 days postcoitus), differential spatial variation in alpha 1-, alpha 2-, and alpha 3-isoform gene expression was already evident in all organs. Interestingly, region-specific expression patterns within single cell types were noted throughout development and were exemplified by 1) alpha 3-isoform gene expression in marginal cells of the 10.5-day-postcoitus developing neural tube; 2) alpha 1-, alpha 2-, and alpha 3-isoform gene expression in cerebellar granular cells of the 4-day-old rat brain; and 3) alpha 1- and alpha 3-isoform gene expression in 4-day-old rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. These isoform-specific changes in cellular and regional Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha-isoform gene expression may play an active role in development and specialized cell functions.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Confirmation of mutant alpha 1 Na,K-ATPase gene and transcript in Dahl salt-sensitive/JR rats.

As the sole renal Na,K-ATPase isozyme, the alpha 1 Na,K-ATPase accounts for all active transport of Na+ throughout the nephron. This role in renal Na+ reabsorption and the primacy of the kidney in hypertension pathogenesis make it a logical candidate gene for salt-sensitive genetic hypertension. An adenine (A)1079-->thymine (T) transversion, resulting in the substitution of glutamine276 with leucine and associated with decreased net 86Rb+ (K+) influx, was identified in Dahl salt-sensitive/JR rat kidney alpha 1 Na,K-ATPase cDNA. However, because a Taq polymerase chain reaction amplification-based reanalysis did not detect the mutant T1079 but rather only the wild-type A1079 alpha 1 Na,K-ATPase allele in Dahl salt-sensitive rat genomic DNA, we reexamined alpha 1 Na,K-ATPase sequences using Taq polymerase error-independent amplification-based analyses of genomic DNA (by polymerase allele-specific amplification and ligase chain reaction analysis) and kidney RNA (by mRNA-specific thermostable reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis). We also performed modified 3' mismatched correction analysis of genomic DNA using an exonuclease-positive thermostable DNA polymerase. All the confirmatory test results were concordant, confirming the A1079-->T transversion in the Dahl salt-sensitive alpha 1 Na,K-ATPase allele and its transcript, as well as the wild-type A1079 sequence in the Dahl salt-resistant alpha 1 Na,K-ATPase allele and its transcript. Documentation of a consistent Taq polymerase error that selectively substituted A at T1079 (sense strand) was obtained from Taq polymerase chain reaction amplification and subsequent cycle sequencing of reconfirmed known Dahl salt-sensitive/JR rat mutant T1079 alpha 1 cDNA M13 subclones. This Taq polymerase error results in the reversion of mutant sequence back to the wild-type alpha 1 Na,K-ATPase sequence. This identifies a site- and nucleotide-specific Taq polymerase misincorporation, suggesting that a structural basis might underlie a predisposition to nonrandom Taq polymerase errors.

Alleles↗
PubMed1994

Immunologic identification of Na+,K(+)-ATPase isoforms in myocardium. Isoform change in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertension.

There are three isoforms of the catalytic (alpha) subunit of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase, each derived from a different gene, that differ in their sensitivity to inhibition by cardiac glycosides. Antibodies specific for the three isoforms were used to study Na+,K(+)-ATPase isoform expression in ventricular myocardium, where an understanding of digitalis receptor diversity is most important. In the rat heart, there is simultaneous expression of two isoforms in adult ventricle, and immunofluorescence studies demonstrated that both isoforms are expressed uniformly in cardiomyocytes. Hypertension and hypertrophy have been reported to selectively depress alpha 2 isoform mRNA levels, and we show in the present study that alpha 2 protein levels were correspondingly depressed in rats made hypertensive by uninephrectomy and treatment with deoxycorticosterone acetate and a high-salt diet. In the human heart, where mRNA for all three alpha isoforms has been reported, we detected all three isoform proteins (alpha 1, alpha 2, and alpha 3). Two isoforms (alpha 1 and alpha 3) predominated in the macaque heart; dissection of the heart showed uniformity of isoform expression in different ventricular regions but markedly less alpha 3 in the atrium. Finally, isoform-specific antibodies were used to detect which alpha isoforms were expressed in the ventricles of several commonly used experimental animals to test the correlation of isoform expression with cardiac glycoside-response heterogeneity. Two isoforms (alpha 1 and alpha 3) were found in canine myocardium, whereas only one (alpha 1) was found in sheep and guinea pig. Expression of Na+,K(+)-ATPase isoforms can thus be readily followed and related to the physiology of the digitalis receptor.

Age Factors↗