Innate immune responses are central to the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and are orchestrated through transcriptional networks involving epigenetic modification of the chromatin architecture. There is now increasing evidence that the chromatin state is affected by telomerase. In addition to its well- established function to synthesize telomere repeats at the ends of chromosomes, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) serves a direct role in facilitating the activation of gene expression programs. This second activity of TERT in permitting gene transcription appears to operate independently of its role in telomere homeostasis but may involve modification of the higher-order chromatin structure. Although TERT is expressed in macrophages of human atherosclerotic lesions, a physiological role of this non-canonical activity of TERT in inflammation and atherosclerosis remains to be discovered. Our recent studies confirmed that TERT activates gene promoters in macrophages. Conversely, TERT-deficiency alters macrophage inflammatory gene expression by inducing chromatin modifications reminiscent of gene silencing.
Two specific aims are proposed to explore the significance of these findings and to test the hypothesis that TERT promotes inflammatory gene expression in macrophages through epigenetic chromatin modifications and contributes to the development of atherosclerosis.
In Specific Aim 1 we will utilize a combination of cellular and molecular approaches to determine the transcriptional mechanisms by which TERT regulates macrophage inflammatory gene expression programs.
In Specific Aim 2 we will determine the contribution of TERT to the development of atherosclerosis and test the hypothesis that TERT-dependent activation of inflammatory gene expression in macrophages constitutes an important mechanism for the development of the disease. Ultimately, the results of these studies will not only characterize TERT as a chromatin modifier and novel regulatory protein orchestrating macrophage inflammatory gene expression but also advance our understanding of the inflammatory mechanisms contributing to the development of atherosclerosis.

Public Health Relevance

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and inflammatory pathways contribute to all stages of the disease. This application will investigate novel mechanisms that control the activation of inflammation during atherosclerosis formation. The results of these studies may ultimately characterize novel pathways contributing to vascular diseases and lead to new therapeutic opportunities.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
7R01HL111040-05
Application #
9237634
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Hasan, Ahmed AK
Project Start
2016-04-01
Project End
2017-06-30
Budget Start
2016-04-01
Budget End
2017-06-30
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
004514360
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213
Qing, Hua; Jones, Karrie L; Heywood, Elizabeth B et al. (2017) Deletion of the NR4A nuclear receptor NOR1 in hematopoietic stem cells reduces inflammation but not abdominal aortic aneurysm formation. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 17:271
Aono, Jun; Ruiz-Rodriguez, Ernesto; Qing, Hua et al. (2016) Telomerase Inhibition by Everolimus Suppresses Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Neointima Formation Through Epigenetic Gene Silencing. JACC Basic Transl Sci 1:49-60
Qing, Hua; Aono, Jun; Findeisen, Hannes M et al. (2016) Differential Regulation of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Promoter Activation and Protein Degradation by Histone Deacetylase Inhibition. J Cell Physiol 231:1276-82
Zhao, Yue; Nomiyama, Takashi; Findeisen, Hannes M et al. (2014) Epigenetic regulation of the NR4A orphan nuclear receptor NOR1 by histone acetylation. FEBS Lett 588:4825-30