Premium
Aquaporin 1(AQP1) Mediates Migration and Growth in Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells (PASMCs)
Author(s) -
Lai Ning,
Maylor Julie,
Leggett Kyle,
Undem Clark,
Crow Michael,
Shimoda Larissa
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.871.1
Subject(s) - aquaporin 1 , gene knockdown , cell growth , cell migration , transfection , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , green fluorescent protein , chemistry , cell , water channel , cell culture , biochemistry , mechanical engineering , engineering , inlet , genetics , gene
PASMC proliferation and migration is important for many pathological processes, including the development of pulmonary hypertension; however, the mechanism governing PASMC movement and growth is not fully understood. AQP1, a water channel protein, was shown to aid in migration of endothelial cells. Since AQP1 is abundant in PASMCs, we hypothesized that AQP1 might be important for proliferation and migration in these cells. Rat PASMCs were isolated from intrapulmonary arteries, cultured in SMGM complete media and placed into basal media 24–48 h before experiments. Migration and proliferation were measured using transwell assay and BrdU incorporation, respectively. To over‐express AQP1, PASMCs were infected with 50 ifu/cell for 4 h with an adenoviral construct containing wild‐type AQP1 (AdAQP1), or green fluorescent protein (AdGFP), the control for infection. AdAQP1 infection increased AQP1 protein 2 fold, and was associated with increased proliferation and migration under basal conditions. To deplete AQP1, PASMCs were transfected with AQP1 siRNA (siAQP1) or non‐targeting siRNA. Exposure to siAQP1 decreased AQP1, but not AQP4, protein levels, suggesting specific knockdown of AQP1 and reduced basal proliferation and migration in PASMCs. The results from these gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments suggest that AQP1 is a key protein involved in the initiation of PASMC proliferation and migration.