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Apelin-APJ signaling
The APJ receptor,
also known as angiotensin receptor-like 1, is one of a family of seven-transmembrane
domain receptors first cloned in 1993. Although ‘orphan’ for
many years, its endogenous ligand was recently isolated and named apelin.
Apelin and APJ are widely expressed in homogenates from rat and mouse
organs and share identity with angiotensinogen and the angiotensin receptor
AT1 respectively. However, angiotensin II does not bind to APJ. In addition,
while angiotensin is a significant vasopressor, apelin reduces blood pressure
via a nitric oxide dependent mechanism. Apelin is also amongst the most
potent stimulators of cardiac contractility known. It is thought to be
involved in water regulation as evidenced by changes in the drinking behavior
of rats after injection of apelin peptides. In addition, it seems to be
important in vascular development. Finally, APJ is known to be a co-receptor
for cellular HIV entry.
In the Quertermous laboratory, we are interested in exploring physiological
sequelae of apelin-APJ signaling both in the myocardium and the vasculature.
In addition, we aim to characterize downstream signaling processes and
explore the importance of this pathway in pathophysiolgoical states. We
recently described a novel role for apelin-APJ signaling in human cardiac
dysfunction.
Other Research Areas:
-
Overview
- Athero
disease
- Endothelial
cells
- Smooth
muscle
cells
- Cell
remodeling
- Apelin
- Gene
Hunting
- SAPPHIRe
- Heart
developing
People involved in this project: