In:
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Vol. 112, No. 33 ( 2015-08-18), p. 10425-10430
Abstract:
To better understand human adaptation to stress, and in particular to hypoxia, we took advantage of one of nature’s experiments at high altitude (HA) and studied Ethiopians, a population that is well-adapted to HA hypoxic stress. Using whole-genome sequencing, we discovered that EDNRB ( Endothelin receptor type B ) is a candidate gene involved in HA adaptation. To test whether EDNRB plays a critical role in hypoxia tolerance and adaptation, we generated EdnrB knockout mice and found that when EdnrB −/+ heterozygote mice are treated with lower levels of oxygen (O 2 ), they tolerate various levels of hypoxia (even extreme hypoxia, e.g., 5% O 2 ) very well. For example, they maintain ejection fraction, cardiac contractility, and cardiac output in severe hypoxia. Furthermore, O 2 delivery to vital organs was significantly higher and blood lactate was lower in EdnrB −/+ compared with wild type in hypoxia. Tissue hypoxia in brain, heart, and kidney was lower in EdnrB −/+ mice as well. These data demonstrate that a lower level of EDNRB significantly improves cardiac performance and tissue perfusion under various levels of hypoxia. Transcriptomic profiling of left ventricles revealed three specific genes [natriuretic peptide type A ( Nppa ), sarcolipin ( Sln ), and myosin light polypeptide 4 ( Myl4 )] that were oppositely expressed ( q 〈 0.05) between EdnrB −/+ and wild type. Functions related to these gene networks were consistent with a better cardiac contractility and performance. We conclude that EDNRB plays a key role in hypoxia tolerance and that a lower level of EDNRB contributes, at least in part, to HA adaptation in humans.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0027-8424
,
1091-6490
DOI:
10.1073/pnas.1507486112
Language:
English
Publisher:
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Publication Date:
2015
detail.hit.zdb_id:
209104-5
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1461794-8
SSG:
11
SSG:
12
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