Previous work, performed by the applicant, and by other laboratories, has shown that the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is regulated post- transcriptionally via changes in mRNA half-life. The applicant has shown that during endothelial cell growth, eNOS mRNA half-life is approximately 3 times longer than when cells are quiescent. This seems to occur via interactions between novel sequences in the Enos 3'utr AND A 51 kDA protein which has been named Message of Nos DestabilizER (MONSDER).
The first aim of this research will be to clone and sequence their protein, named Message of Nos DestabilizER (MONSDER).
The second aim will be to over-express MONSDER in endothelial cells using a tetracycline- regulated retroviral vector system, and determine the effect of this on eNOS expression.
The third aim will be to examine the relationship between eNOS mRNA stability and ribosomal assembly, and determine the effect of MONSDER over-expression on this process. Overall, these studies should provide insight into a novel mechanism of regulation of endothelial nitric oxide production. As a portion of this ward, the applicant will spend two years working in the Department of Pharmacology with Dr. T.J. Murphy, who has expertise in the area of mRNA stability. Subsequently, he will be given a faculty position and laboratory space in the Cardiology Division at Emory, and will continue to have interactions with and guidance from Drs. Murphy and Dr. David Harrison, his previous mentor and a faculty member in Cardiology. The applicant's ultimate goal is to pursue a career in basic cardiovascular research. The experience gained performing this research during the period of this award should permit Dr. Searles to become an independent investigator with the expertise and tools necessary to achieve this goal.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
5K08HL004062-04
Application #
6526725
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZHL1-CSR-K (M1))
Program Officer
Schucker, Beth
Project Start
1999-09-01
Project End
2004-08-31
Budget Start
2002-09-01
Budget End
2003-08-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$127,197
Indirect Cost
Name
Emory University
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
042250712
City
Atlanta
State
GA
Country
United States
Zip Code
30322
Weber, Martina; Hagedorn, Curt H; Harrison, David G et al. (2005) Laminar shear stress and 3' polyadenylation of eNOS mRNA. Circ Res 96:1161-8
Searles, Charles D; Ide, Lucienne; Davis, Michael E et al. (2004) Actin cytoskeleton organization and posttranscriptional regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase during cell growth. Circ Res 95:488-95