Critical role of the endogenous renin-angiotensin system in maintaining self-renewal and regeneration potential of epidermal stem cells

Publication date: Available online 16 July 2019Source: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of DiseaseAuthor(s): Xuan Liao, Jing Xiao, Sheng-Hong Li, Li-Ling Xiao, Biao Cheng, Xiao-Bing Fu, Taixing Cui, Hong-Wei LiuAbstractA tightly controlled activity of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) including renin, angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACEs), and angiotensin II (Ang II) receptors is critical not only for maintaining systemic hemodynamics and blood volume but also for controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, and tissue remodeling in target organs. ACE inhibitors or Ang II receptor type 1 (AT1R) blockers are widely used as first line drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases that are caused by chronical activation of RAS. However, about 15% of patients using ACE inhibitors develop side effects in the skin and the underlying mechanisms have been poorly understood or even neglected. Herein we show an endogenous RAS in maintaining self-renewal and regeneration potential of epidermal stem cells (ESCs) thereby contributing to wound healing. Firstly, we found that ESCs may express ACE, and its members in wound edges were positively associated with wound healing in Captopril-treated rats. Secondly, we demonstrated that human ESCs had a functional RAS including ACE1, ACE2, Ang II, AT1R, and AT2R. ACE-Ang II axis maintains human ESC function via activation of both AT1R and AT2R, which are negatively regulated by each other. Ang II-induced activation of ex...
Source: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) Molecular Basis of Disease - Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research