RNA-seq to characterize estrogen receptor alpha mutation in the female rat right ventricle with pressure overload

ABSTRACT: Purpose: While women are more susceptible to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) than men, their right ventricular (RV) function is better preserved. Experimental studies have identified estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) as a likely mediator for estrogen protection in the RV. However, the role of ERα in preserving RV function and remodeling during pressure overload remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that loss of functional ERα removes female protection from adverse remodeling and is permissive for development of a maladapted RV phenotype. Methods: Male and female rats with a loss-of-function mutation in ERα (ERαMut) and wildtype (WT) littermates, while at their surgical plane of anesthesia, underwent RV pressure overload by pulmonary artery banding (PAB) or a sham surgery. Results: At 10 weeks post-PAB, WT and ERαMut demonstrated RV hypertrophy. Single beat analysis and Tau Weiss calculation from RV pressure waveforms (collected during surgical plane of anesthesia) demonstrated uncoupling of the RV-pulmonary vascular circuit and diastolic dysfunction, respectively, in female, but not male, ERαMut PAB rats. Similarly, female, but not male, ERαMut exhibited increased RV fibrosis, comprised primarily of stiffer collagen type I, suggesting RV stiffening by collagen type I accumulation. RNA-sequencing in female WT and ERαMut RV revealed Kallikrein related-peptidase 10 (Klk10) and Jun Proto-Oncogene (Jun) as possible mediators of female RV protection during PAB. Conclusions: ERα in females is protective against RV-pulmonary vascular uncoupling, diastolic dysfunction, and fibrosis in response to pressure overload. ERα appears to be dispensable for RV adaptation in males. ERα may be a mediator of superior RV adaptation in female patients with PAH.

ORGANISM(S): Rattus norvegicus

PROVIDER: GSE148453 | GEO | 2020/04/11

REPOSITORIES: GEO