Arginase ii contributes to the Ca2+/CaMKII/eNOS axis by regulating Ca2+ concentration between the cytosol and mitochondria in a p32-dependent manner

Bon Hyeock Koo, Hye Mi Hwang, Bong Gu Yi, Hyun Kyo Lim, Byeong Hwa Jeon, Kwang Lae Hoe, Young Guen Kwon, Moo Ho Won, Young Myeong Kim, Dan E. Berkowitz, Sungwoo Ryoo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Arginase II activity contributes to reciprocal regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). We tested the hypotheses that arginase II activity participates in the regulation of Ca2+/Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II/eNOS activation, and this process is dependent on mitochondrial p32. Methods and Results Downregulation of arginase II increased the concentration of cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]c) and decreased mitochondrial Ca2+ ([Ca2+]m) in microscopic and fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analyses, resulting in augmented eNOS Ser1177 phosphorylation and decreased eNOS Thr495 phosphorylation through Ca2+/Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II. These changes were observed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with small interfering RNA against p32 (sip32). Using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, fluorescence immunoassay, and ion chromatography, inhibition of arginase II reduced the amount of spermine, a binding molecule, and the release of Ca2+ from p32. In addition, arginase II gene knockdown using small interfering RNA and knockout arginase II‐null mice resulted in reduced p32 protein level. In the aortas of wild‐type mice, small interfering RNA against p32 induced eNOS Ser1177 phosphorylation and enhanced NO‐dependent vasorelaxation. Arginase activity, p32 protein expression, spermine amount, and [Ca2+]m were increased in the aortas from apolipoprotein E (ApoE−/−) mice fed a high‐cholesterol diet, and intravenous administration of small interfering RNA against p32 restored Ca2+/Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II‐dependent eNOS Ser1177 phosphorylation and improved endothelial dysfunction. The effects of arginase II downregulation were not associated with elevated NO production when tested in aortic endothelia from eNOS knockout mice. Conclusions These data demonstrate a novel function of arginase II in regulation of Ca2+‐dependent eNOS phosphorylation. This novel mechanism drives arginase activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction, and atherogenesis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere009579
JournalJournal of the American Heart Association
Volume7
Issue number18
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Arginase II
  • Atherogenesis
  • Calcium signaling
  • ENOS
  • P32

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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