Do Aldosterone Levels Affect the Expression of MR in Rat Kidneys?
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
16-4-2013 10:00 AM
End Date
16-4-2013 12:00 PM
Student's Major
Chemistry and Geology
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Theresa Salerno
Mentor's Department
Chemistry and Geology
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
Aldosterone release can be triggered by increased angiotensin II concentration in blood, low blood osmolality and low blood pressure. Aldosterone exerts its effects through binding to mineralocorticoid receptors (MR). The binding of aldosterone to MR causes a shift in ion flow in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron, a net gain of sodium (Na+) ions and a net loss of potassium (K+) ions. The net gain of Na+ causes water to be absorbed via osmosis, which, in turn, leads to higher blood volume and blood pressure. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in regulation at the post-transcriptional level. The project objective was to see if the expression of the kidney MR mRNA and/or protein were altered in both female and male SHR rats with different aldosterone levels and to see if this correlated with changes in the expression of microRNA 135a. MicroRNA-135a has already been linked to MR regulation in cell culture. After isolation, the RNA samples were quantified, analyzed by gel electrophoresis, and the RNAs were reversed transcribed. The relative expressions were determined using qPCR and analyzed by the delta delta Ct method. MR protein expression was quantified by developing a two-dye Western Blotting method. The results of the initial RT-qPCR of MR and miR-135a are inconclusive; however, there is a trend toward lowered MR expression in the female SHR rat kidneys with lowered aldosterone. It is expected that differences seen in miR-135a expression will correlate with MR protein differences.
Do Aldosterone Levels Affect the Expression of MR in Rat Kidneys?
CSU Ballroom
Aldosterone release can be triggered by increased angiotensin II concentration in blood, low blood osmolality and low blood pressure. Aldosterone exerts its effects through binding to mineralocorticoid receptors (MR). The binding of aldosterone to MR causes a shift in ion flow in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron, a net gain of sodium (Na+) ions and a net loss of potassium (K+) ions. The net gain of Na+ causes water to be absorbed via osmosis, which, in turn, leads to higher blood volume and blood pressure. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in regulation at the post-transcriptional level. The project objective was to see if the expression of the kidney MR mRNA and/or protein were altered in both female and male SHR rats with different aldosterone levels and to see if this correlated with changes in the expression of microRNA 135a. MicroRNA-135a has already been linked to MR regulation in cell culture. After isolation, the RNA samples were quantified, analyzed by gel electrophoresis, and the RNAs were reversed transcribed. The relative expressions were determined using qPCR and analyzed by the delta delta Ct method. MR protein expression was quantified by developing a two-dye Western Blotting method. The results of the initial RT-qPCR of MR and miR-135a are inconclusive; however, there is a trend toward lowered MR expression in the female SHR rat kidneys with lowered aldosterone. It is expected that differences seen in miR-135a expression will correlate with MR protein differences.
Recommended Citation
Ganske, Alec and Clayton Miller. "Do Aldosterone Levels Affect the Expression of MR in Rat Kidneys?." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 16, 2013.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2013/poster-session-A/32
