Conclusions
Our results indicate that RGC-32 is a novel protein factor vital for maintaining blood pressure homeostasis, especially in individuals with low birth weight.
Objective
The objective of this study is to determine whether RGC-32-/- mice develop hypertension, and if so, to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Results
By using a radiotelemetry system, we found that RGC-32-/- mice exhibit higher mean arterial pressure than WT mice (101±4 versus 119±5 mm Hg), which enabled us to use RGC-32-/- mice to study the mechanisms underlying low birth weight-related hypertension. The increased blood pressure in RGC-32-/- mice was associated with increased vascular tone and decreased distensibility of small resistance arteries. The increased vascular tone was because of an increase in the relative contribution of sympathetic versus parasympathetic activity and was linked to increased expression of AT1R (angiotensin II type I receptor) and α1-AdR (α1-adrenergic receptor) in arterial smooth muscles. Mechanistically, RGC-32 regulated AT1R gene transcription by interacting with Sp1 (specificity protein 1) transcription factor and further blocking its binding to the AT1R promoter, leading to suppression of AT1R expression. The attenuation of AT1R leads to reduction in α1-AdR expression, which was critical for the balance of sympathetic versus parasympathetic control of vascular tone. Of importance, downregulation of RGC-32 in arterial smooth muscles was also associated with low birth weight and hypertension in humans. Conclusions: Our results indicate that RGC-32 is a novel protein factor vital for maintaining blood pressure homeostasis, especially in individuals with low birth weight.