Activation of JAK-STAT signaling is a common feature of preconditioning and agents that are cardioprotective, including the IL-6-type cytokines. However, mechanisms regulating IL-6 cytokine signaling in the heart are largely unexplored. We propose that the magnitude and protective character of IL-6-type signaling in cardiac muscle is determined by several distinct mechanisms during preconditioning and periods of ischemic stress, including redox-regulation of the JAK kinases and expression of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 (SOCS3) that terminates IL-6-type cytokine signaling. For the IL-6-family cytokines to be cardioprotective and for preconditioning to occur, we propose that the cellular redox status needs to be maintained and SOCS3 induction in cardiac myocytes must be minimal. Moreover, we hypothesize that while myocardial induction of SOCS3 may prove detrimental to the heart, endothelial SOCS3 is cardioprotective in part by opposing eNOS downregulation. To investigate regulatory mechanisms of cardiac IL-6-family signaling, we propose 3 aims.
Aim 1 is to establish the importance of JAK1 redox-sensitivity for ischemic preconditioning. We will assess the impact of glutathione depletion in vivo on IL-6-family cytokine signaling and preconditioning. Mutagenesis and biochemical experiments will be performed to define the mechanism for JAK1 redox- sensitivity. We will also assess if in vivo delivery of a redox-insensitive JAK1 mutant enhances or restores preconditioning protection.
Aim 2 will establish the role of the STAT3 - SOCS3 axis in cardiac endothelial cell function. Using cultured mouse coronary endothelial cells from mice carrying a STAT3 S727A mutation, we will test the hypothesis that while binding of STAT3 to promoter elements does not require STAT3 Ser727 phosphorylation, STAT3 transcriptional activity does. We will assess the involvement of STAT3 Ser727 phosphorylation in IL-6 cytokine-induced SOCS3 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, and eNOS downregulation. We will also test the novel hypothesis that SOCS3 physically interacts with eNOS, and thereby leads to its degradation.
Aim 3 is to establish the role of myocardial and endothelial SOCS3 in ischemic preconditioning and will employ a closed-chest mouse myocardial ischemia-reperfusion model. Using cardiomyocyte-targeted SOCS3 knockout mice, we will assess the consequences of myocardial SOCS3 deletion on early and late preconditioning. Mice with targeted loss of SOCS3 in endothelial cells will be used to test the hypothesis that endothelial cell SOCS3 expression is necessary for preconditioning and for preventing endothelial dysfunction. Accomplishment of these aims will vastly extend knowledge of how IL-6 cytokine signaling in the heart is regulated and will have significance for exploiting the therapeutic potential of these cytokines and the phenomenon of preconditioning.

Public Health Relevance

The heart can be protected against damage due to a lack of oxygen by an experimental technique called ischemic preconditioning, which involves briefly shutting off its blood supply. A number of factors are involved in preconditioning, including certain cytokines that activate a particular signaling cascade in heart cells. Our research is focused on understanding how that cascade is turned on and off with the hope that this knowledge could be used therapeutically to prevent ischemic damage to the heart.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HL088101-05
Application #
8094515
Study Section
Myocardial Ischemia and Metabolism Study Section (MIM)
Program Officer
Liang, Isabella Y
Project Start
2008-07-15
Project End
2013-04-30
Budget Start
2011-05-01
Budget End
2012-04-30
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$358,805
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Department
Pharmacology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
928824473
City
Jackson
State
MS
Country
United States
Zip Code
39216
Zouein, Fouad A; Kurdi, Mazen; Booz, George W et al. (2014) Applying fractal dimension and image analysis to quantify fibrotic collagen deposition and organization in the normal and hypertensive heart. Microsc Microanal 20:1134-44
Zouein, Fouad A; Duhé, Roy J; Arany, Istvan et al. (2014) Loss of STAT3 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts reveals its Janus-like actions on mitochondrial function and cell viability. Cytokine 66:7-16
Werner, Thomas; Dombrowski, Susan M; Zgheib, Carlos et al. (2013) Elucidating functional context within microarray data by integrated transcription factor-focused gene-interaction and regulatory network analysis. Eur Cytokine Netw 24:75-90
Zouein, Fouad A; de Castro Brás, Lisandra E; da Costa, Danielle V et al. (2013) Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: emerging drug strategies. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 62:13-21
Zouein, Fouad A; Kurdi, Mazen; Booz, George W (2013) LIF and the heart: just another brick in the wall? Eur Cytokine Netw 24:11-9
Zouein, Fouad A; Kurdi, Mazen; Booz, George W (2013) HSPA12B and repairing the heart: beauty in simplicity. Cardiovasc Res 99:587-9
Zouein, Fouad A; Booz, George W (2013) AAV-mediated gene therapy for heart failure: enhancing contractility and calcium handling. F1000Prime Rep 5:27
Zouein, Fouad A; Zgheib, Carlos; Hamza, Shereen et al. (2013) Role of STAT3 in angiotensin II-induced hypertension and cardiac remodeling revealed by mice lacking STAT3 serine 727 phosphorylation. Hypertens Res 36:496-503
Zgheib, Carlos; Zouein, Fouad A; Kurdi, Mazen et al. (2012) Differential STAT3 signaling in the heart: Impact of concurrent signals and oxidative stress. JAKSTAT 1:101-10
Kurdi, Mazen; Sivakumaran, Vidhya; Duhe, Roy J et al. (2012) Depletion of cellular glutathione modulates LIF-induced JAK1-STAT3 signaling in cardiac myocytes. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 44:2106-15

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