Probes for PTGER4

Pharmacological inhibition or genetic loss of function defects of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) causes compensatory renin cell hyperplasia and hyperreninemia. The triggers for the compensatory stimulation of renin synthesis and secretion in this situation may be multimodal. Since cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in the macula densa is frequently increased in states of a defective RAAS, we have investigated a potential role of COX-2 and its derived prostaglandins for renin expression and secretion in aldosterone synthase-deficient mice (AS-/-) as a model for a genetic defect of the RAAS. In comparison with wild-type mice (WT), AS-/- mice had 9-fold and 30-fold increases of renin mRNA and of plasma renin concentrations (PRC), respectively. Renin immunoreactivity in the kidney cortex of AS-/- mice was 10-fold higher than in WT. Macula densa COX-2 expression was 5-fold increased in AS-/- kidneys relative to WT kidneys. Treatment of AS-/- mice with the COX-2 inhibitor SC-236 for 1 week lowered both renal renin mRNA and PRC by 70%. Hyperplastic renin cells in AS-/-kidneys were found to express the prostaglandin E2 receptors EP2 and EP4. Global deletion of EP2 receptors did not alter renin mRNA nor PRC values in AS-/- mice. Renin cell-specific inducible deletion of the EP4 receptor lowered renin mRNA and PRC by 25% in AS-/- mice. Renin cell-specific inducible deletion of the EP4 receptor in combination with global deletion of the EP2 receptor lowered renin mRNA and PRC by 70-75% in AS-/- mice. Lineage tracing of renin-expressing cells revealed that deletion of EP2 and EP4 leads to a preferential downregulation of perivascular renin expression. Our findings suggest that increased macula densa COX-2 activity in AS-/- mice triggers perivascular renin expression and secretion via prostaglandin E2.

Abstract

Objectives

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) act as transmembrane molecular sensors of neurotransmitters, hormones, nutrients, and metabolites. Because unmyelinated vagalafferents richly innervate the gastrointestinal mucosa, gut-derived molecules may directly modulate the activity of vagal afferents through GPCRs. However, the types of GPCRs expressed in vagal afferents are largely unknown. Here, we determined the expression profile of all GPCRs expressed in vagal afferents of the mouse, with a special emphasis on those innervating the gastrointestinal tract.

Methods

Using a combination of high-throughput quantitative PCR, RNA sequencing, and in situhybridization, we systematically quantified GPCRs expressed in vagal unmyelinated Nav1.8-expressing afferents.

Results

GPCRs for gut hormones that were the most enriched in Nav1.8-expressing vagal unmyelinated afferents included NTSR1, NPY2R, CCK1R, and to a lesser extent, GLP1R, but not GHSR and GIPR. Interestingly, both GLP1R and NPY2R were coexpressed with CCK1R. In contrast, NTSR1 was coexpressed with GPR65, a marker preferentially enriched in intestinal mucosal afferents. Only few microbiome-derived metabolite sensors such as GPR35 and, to a lesser extent, GPR119 and CaSR were identified in the Nav1.8-expressing vagal afferents. GPCRs involved in lipid sensing and inflammation (e.g. CB1R, CYSLTR2, PTGER4), and neurotransmitters signaling (CHRM4, DRD2, CRHR2) were also highly enriched in Nav1.8-expressing neurons. Finally, we identified 21 orphan GPCRs with unknown functions in vagal afferents.

Conclusion

Overall, this study provides a comprehensive description of GPCR-dependent sensing mechanisms in vagal afferents, including novel coexpression patterns, and conceivably coaction of key receptors for gut-derived molecules involved in gut-brain communication.