Florian Thilo

Activation of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type-1 Channel Prevents Adipogenesis and Obesity

We tested the hypothesis that activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) by capsaicin prevents adipogenesis. TRPV1 channels in 3T3-L1-preadipocytes and visceral adipose tissue from mice and humans were detected by immunoblotting and quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The effect of TRPV1 on cytosolic calcium was determined fluorometrically in 3T3-L1-preadipocytes and in human visceral fat tissue. Adipogenesis in stimulated 3T3-L1-preadipocytes was determined by oil red O-staining of intracellular lipid droplets, triglyceride levels, expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-&ggr;, and expression of fatty acid synthase. Long-term feeding experiments were undertaken in wild-type mice and TRPV1 knockout mice. We detected TRPV1 channels in 3T3-L1-preadipocytes and visceral adipose tissue from mice and humans. In vitro, the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin dose-dependently induced calcium influx and prevented the adipogenesis in stimulated 3T3-L1-preadipocytes. RNA interference knockdown of TRPV1 in 3T3-L1-preadipocytes attenuated capsaicin-induced calcium influx, and adipogenesis in stimulated 3T3-L1-preadipocytes was no longer prevented. During regular adipogenesis TRPV1 channels were downregulated which was accompanied by a significant and time-dependent reduction of calcium influx. Compared with lean counterparts in visceral adipose tissue from obese db/db and ob/ob mice, and from obese human male subjects we observed a reduced TRVP1 expression. The reduced TRPV1 expression in visceral adipose tissue from obese humans was accompanied by reduced capsaicin-induced calcium influx. The oral administration of capsaicin for 120 days prevented obesity in male wild type mice but not in TRPV1 knockout mice assigned to high fat diet. We conclude that the activation of TRPV1 channels by capsaicin prevented adipogenesis and obesity.

High Glucose–Induced Oxidative Stress Increases Transient Receptor Potential Channel Expression in Human Monocytes

OBJECTIVE Transient receptor potential (TRP) channel–induced cation influx activates human monocytes, which play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of high glucose–induced oxidative stress on TRP channel expression in human monocytes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Human monocytes were exposed to control conditions (5.6 mmol/l d-glucose), high glucose (30 mmol/l d-glucose or l-glucose), 100 μmol/l peroxynitrite, or high glucose in the presence of the superoxide dismutase mimetic tempol (100 μmol/l). TRP mRNA and TRP protein expression was measured using quantitative real-time RT-PCR and quantitative in-cell Western assay, respectively. Calcium influx and intracellular reactive oxygen species were measured using fluorescent dyes. RESULTS Administration of high d-glucose significantly increased reactive oxygen species. High d-glucose or peroxynitrite significantly increased the expression of TRP canonical type 1 (TRPC1), TRPC3, TRPC5, TRPC6, TRP melastatin type 6 (TRPM6), and TRPM7 mRNA and TRPC3 and TRPC6 proteins. High d-glucose plus tempol or high l-glucose did not affect TRP expression. Increased oxidative stress by lipopolysaccharide or tumor necrosis factor-α increased TRP mRNA expression, whereas the reduction of superoxide radicals using diphenylene iodonium significantly reduced TRP mRNA expression. Increased TRPC3 and TRPC6 protein expression was accompanied by increased 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol–induced calcium influx, which was blocked by the TRPC inhibitor 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborane. TRPC6 mRNA was significantly higher in monocytes from 18 patients with type 2 diabetes compared with 28 control subjects (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS High d-glucose–induced oxidative stress increases TRP expression and calcium influx in human monocytes, pointing to a novel pathway for increased activation of monocytes and hence atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes.

Transient receptor potential channels in essential hypertension.

Objective The role of nonselective cation channels of the transient receptor potential channel (TRPC) family in essential hypertension has not yet been investigated. Methods We studied TRPCs in 51 patients with essential hypertension and 51 age-matched and sex-matched normotensive control subjects. Calcium and gadolinium influx into human monocytes was determined using the fluorescent dye technique. TRPC expression was measured using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and in-cell western assay. Gene silencing by small interfering RNA for specific TRPC knockdown was also performed. Results We observed an increased gadolinium/calcium-influx ratio through TRPC in essential hypertensive patients compared with normotensive control subjects [cation influx ratio (mean ± SEM), 125 ± 14 versus 80 ± 7%; each n = 51; P < 0.01], due to an increase of gadolinium influx in hypertensive patients compared with normotensive control subjects (48 ± 4 versus 36 ± 3%; each n = 51; P < 0.05). We observed a significant increase of TRPC3 and TRPC5 protein expression in essential hypertensive patients compared with normotensive control subjects (normalized TRPC3 expression, 3.21 ± 0.59 versus 1.36 ± 0.07; each n = 20; P < 0.01; normalized TRPC5 expression, 2.10 ± 0.28 versus 1.40 ± 0.52; each n = 12; P < 0.05). We used small interfering RNA for knockdown of TRPC5. The thereby reduced channel expression caused a significant attenuation of calcium and gadolinium influx. Conclusion This study points to an important role of TRPCs in essential hypertension.

Increased store-operated and 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol-induced calcium influx in monocytes is mediated by transient receptor potential canonical channels in human essential hypertension.

Objective Activation of nonselective cation channels of the transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) family has been associated with hypertension. Whether store-operated channels, which are activated after depletion of intracellular stores, or second-messenger-operated channels, which are activated by 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol, are affected in essential hypertension is presently unknown. Methods Using a polymerase chain reaction, an in-cell western assay and the fluorescent dye technique we studied TRPC3, TRPC5, and TRPC6 expression and store-operated and 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol-induced calcium influx into human monocytes in 19 patients with essential hypertension and in 17 age-matched and sex-matched normotensive control individuals. Results We observed a significantly increased expression of TRPC3 and TRPC5, but not TRPC6, in essential hypertension. Store-operated calcium influx was significantly elevated in essential hypertension. Store-operated calcium influx was reduced by the inhibitor 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborane, specific TRPC3 and TRPC5 knockdown, but not TRPC6 knockdown using gene silencing by RNA interference. 1-Oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol-induced calcium influx and barium influx were also significantly elevated in essential hypertension. The 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol-induced cation influx was reduced by TRPC3 and TRPC5 knockdown. Conclusion We demonstrated an increased TRPC3 and TRPC5 expression and a subsequently increased store-operated calcium influx and increased 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol-induced cation influx in monocytes of patients with essential hypertension. This increased activation of monocytes through TRPC channels in patients with essential hypertension may promote vascular disease in these patients.

Increased TRPC3 expression in vascular endothelium of patients with malignant hypertension

An increased expression of transient receptor potential canonical type 3 (TRPC3) cation channels has been proposed as one of the factors contributing to the pathogenesis of hypertension. To test that hypothesis we compared the expression of TRPC3 and TRPC6 as an endogenous control in human vascular endothelium of preglomerular arterioles in kidney biopsies from six patients with malignant hypertension and from four patients with diarrhea-associated hemolytic–uremic syndrome. Patients with malignant hypertension showed significantly higher systolic blood pressure and more prominent expression of TRPC3 in vascular endothelium of preglomerular arterioles compared to patients with hemolytic–uremic syndrome. The expression of TRPC6 was not different between the two groups. The study supports the hypothesis that the increased expression of TRPC3 is associated with malignant hypertension in humans.

Association of transient receptor potential canonical type 3 (TRPC3) channel transcripts with proinflammatory cytokines

We investigated whether expression of non-selective cation channels of the transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channel family are associated with proinflammatory cytokines in monocytes. Using quantitative RT-PCR we studied the expression of TRPC3, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in monocytes from 15 patients with essential hypertension and 16 age- and sex-matched normotensive control subjects. We observed an approximately 8-fold increase of TRPC3 transcripts in monocytes from patients with essential hypertension compared to normotensive control subjects (p<0.05). We found an approximately 3-fold increase of IL-1beta, and an approximately 9-fold increase of TNF-alpha in patients with essential hypertension compared to normotensive control subjects (each p<0.05). We observed a significant correlation between TRPC3 transcripts with systolic blood pressure, expression of IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha. Using quantitative RT-PCR we observed an association of TRPC3 transcripts and proinflammatory cytokines in monocytes.

Pulsatile Atheroprone Shear Stress Affects the Expression of Transient Receptor Potential Channels in Human Endothelial Cells

The goal of the study was to assess whether pulsatile atheroprone shear stress modulates the expression of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, TRPC3, TRPC6, TRPM7, and TRPV1 mRNA, in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells. Exposure of cultured vascular endothelial cells to defined shear stress, producing a constant laminar flow (generating a shear stress of 6 dyne/cm2), laminar pulsatile atheroprotective flow (with a mean shear stress of 20 dyne/cm2), or laminar atheroprone bidirectional flow (with a mean shear stress of 0 dyne/cm2) differentially induced TRPC6 and TRPV1 mRNA as measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and normalized to GAPDH expression. Thereby, TRPC6 and TRPV1 mRNA expressions were significantly increased after 24 hours of exposure to an atheroprone flow profile compared with an atheroprotective flow profile. Furthermore, the expression of transcription factors GATA1 and GATA4 was significantly correlated with the expression of TRPC6 mRNA. In contrast, after 24 hours of constant laminar flow, the expression of TRPC6 and TRPV1 mRNA was unchanged, whereas the expression of TRPC3 and TRPM7 was significantly higher in endothelial cells exposed to shear stress in comparison with endothelial cells grown under static conditions. There was a significant association between the expression of TRPC6 and tumor necrosis factor-&agr; mRNA in human vascular tissue. No-flow and atheroprone flow conditions are equally characterized by an increase in the expression of tumor necrosis factor-&agr;; however, inflammation-associated endothelial cell reactions may be further aggravated at atheroprone flow conditions by the increase of TRPV1 and TRPC6, as observed in our study.

The Proteoglycan Syndecan 4 Regulates Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 6 Channels via RhoA/Rho-associated Protein Kinase Signaling

Objective—Syndecan 4 (Sdc4) modulates signal transduction and regulates activity of protein channels. Sdc4 is essential for the regulation of cellular permeability. We hypothesized that Sdc4 may regulate transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) channels, a determinant of glomerular permeability, in a RhoA/Rho-associated protein kinase-dependent manner. Methods and Results—Sdc4 knockout (Sdc4−/−) mice showed increased glomerular filtration rate and ameliorated albuminuria under baseline conditions and after bovine serum albumin overload (each P<0.05). Using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting, Sdc4−/− mice showed reduced TRPC6 mRNA by 79% and TRPC6 protein by 82% (each P<0.05). Sdc4−/− mice showed an increased RhoA activity by 87% and increased phosphorylation of ezrin in glomeruli by 48% (each P<0.05). Sdc4 knockdown in cultured podocytes reduced TRPC6 gene expression and reduced the association of TRPC6 with plasma membrane and TRPC6-mediated calcium influx and currents. Sdc4 knockdown inactivated negative regulatory protein Rho GTPase activating protein by 33%, accompanied by a 41% increase in RhoA activity and increased phosphorylation of ezrin (P<0.05). Conversely, overexpression of Sdc4 reduced RhoA activity and increased TRPC6 protein and TRPC6-mediated calcium influx and currents. Conclusion—Our results establish a previously unknown function of Sdc4 for regulation of TRPC6 channels and support the role of Sdc4 for the regulation of glomerular permeability.

VEGF regulates TRPC6 channels in podocytes

BACKGROUND Both, increased plasma concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and increased expression of transient receptor potential canonical type 6 (TRPC6) channels in podocytes have been associated with proteinuric kidney diseases. Now, we investigated the hypothesis that VEGF regulates TRPC6 in podocytes. METHODS TRPC6 messenger RNA (mRNA) and TRPC6 protein expression were analyzed in cultured podocytes after administration of VEGF165 using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting, respectively. YFP-tagged TRPC6 in podocytes was analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. TRPC6-associated calcium influx was measured fluorometrically. Both, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were performed in renal tissue from patients with diabetes mellitus and controls. RESULTS Administration of VEGF165 to podocytes significantly increased TRPC6 mRNA expression and TRPC6 protein levels. The effects of VEGF165 were dose dependent and could be blocked by phosphoinositide-3-kinase inhibitors. In the presence of cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein biosynthesis, we did not observe an effect of VEGF on TRPC6 protein levels, indicating the requirement of de novo protein synthesis. VEGF165 significantly increased TRPC6-mediated calcium influx in podocytes. Calcium influx was significantly lower in podocytes after gene knockdown using siRNA against TRPC6. Immunohistochemistry showed both increased TRPC6 channel protein and VEGF receptor type 2 (VEGFR-2) protein in podocytes from patients with diabetic nephropathy compared to control subjects. There was a significant association between VEGFR-2 mRNA and TRPC6 mRNA (n = 48; r(2) = 0.585; P < 0.0001) in human renal cortex. CONCLUSION VEGF regulates TRPC6 in podocytes.

Increased transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel expression in hypertrophic heart.

The aim of this study was to compare the expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channels in hypertrophic hearts from transgenic mice showing overexpression of the catalytic subunit alpha of protein phosphatase 2A alpha (PP2Ac alpha) with wild-type mice and with TRPV1-/- mice. Transcripts of TRPV1, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), discoidin domain receptor family, member 2 (DDR-2), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), GATA 4, and regulatory microRNA (miR-21) were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. Ventricle-to-body-weight-ratio was significantly higher in PP2Ac alpha transgenic mice compared to wild-type mice and TRPV1-/- mice (8.6±1.3mg/g; 5.4±0.3mg/g; and 5.4±0.4mg/g; respectively; p<0.05 by Kruskal-Wallis test). TRPV1 transcripts were significantly higher in PP2Ac alpha transgenic mice compared to wild-type mice (1.7±0.2 arbitrary units vs. 0.8±0.1 arbitrary units; p<0.05). TRPV1 protein expression was also significantly higher in PP2Ac alpha transgenic mice compared to wild-type mice. A significant linear correlation was observed between TRPV1 transcripts and the ventricle-to-body-weight-ratio (Spearman r=0.78; p<0.05). The expression of DDR-2 was significantly higher in PP2Ac alpha transgenic mice compared to wild-type mice and TRPV1 knockout mice. The expression of miR21 was significantly higher in PP2Ac alpha transgenic mice compared with TRPV1-/- mice (0.103±0.018 (PP2Ac alpha transgenic mice); 0.089±0.009 (wild-type mice); and 0.045±0.013 (TRPV1-/- mice), respectively; p<0.05). Masson Goldner staining revealed that PP2Ac alpha transgenic mice showed increased heart fibrosis compared with TRPV1 knockout mice. The study suggests an important role of TRPV1 in the pathogenesis of genetically associated heart hypertrophy.