Angiotensin-(1-7) Counterregulates Angiotensin II Signaling in Human Endothelial Cells

Abstract

Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7), acting through the Mas receptor, opposes the actions of Ang II. Molecular mechanisms for this are unclear. Here we sought to determine whether Ang-(1-7) influences Ang II signaling in human endothelial cells, focusing specifically on Src homology 2-containing inositol phosphatase 2 (SHP-2) and its interaction with c-Src. Ang II–induced phosphorylation of c-Src, extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, and SHP-2 and activation of NAD(P)H oxidase were assessed in the absence and presence of Ang-(1-7) (10 ⁻⁶ mol/L, 15 minutes) by immunoblotting and lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence, respectively. (D-Ala ⁷ )-Ang I/II (1-7) (Ang fragment 1-7 receptor antagonist) was used to block Ang-(1-7) effects. Association between SHP-2 and c-Src was assessed by immunoprecipitation/immunoblotting studies. Ang II significantly increased activation of c-Src, ERK1/2, and NAD(P)H oxidase and reduced phosphorylation of SHP-2 ( P <0.05) in human endothelial cells. These effects were abrogated in cells pre-exposed to Ang-(1-7). Ang fragment 1-7 receptor antagonist pretreatment blocked the negative modulatory actions of Ang-(1-7) on Ang II–induced signaling. Ang-(1-7) alone did not significantly alter phosphorylation of c-Src, ERK1/2, and SHP-2 and had no effect on basal activity of NAD(P)H oxidase. SHP-2 and c-Src were physically associated in the basal state. This association was increased by Ang-(1-7) and blocked by Ang fragment 1-7 receptor antagonist. Our findings demonstrate that, in human endothelial cells, Ang-(1-7) negatively modulates Ang II/Ang II type 1 receptor–activated c-Src and its downstream targets ERK1/2 and NAD(P)H oxidase. We also show that SHP-2-c-Src interaction is enhanced by Ang-(1-7). These phenomena may represent a protective mechanism in the endothelium whereby potentially deleterious effects of Ang II are counterregulated by Ang-(1-7).