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Published on: March 1, 2019
GPR48 increases mineralocorticoid receptor gene expression.
Jiqiu Wang1, Xiaoying Li, Yingying Ke
1Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors and E-Institute of Shanghai Universities, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
G protein-coupled receptor 48 (GPR48) enhances mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) expression, improving aldosterone response and electrolyte balance. This suggests GPR48 may be a potential cause of pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Aldosterone and the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) are vital for blood pressure (BP) and electrolyte homeostasis.
- Mutations in MR cause pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 (PHA1), a condition of aldosterone resistance.
- Some PHA1 cases lack identifiable MR gene mutations, indicating potential alternative genetic factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of G protein-coupled receptor 48 (Gpr48/Lgr4) in aldosterone responsiveness and electrolyte balance.
- To determine if GPR48 dysfunction contributes to PHA1-like phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Gpr48 hypomorphic mutant (Gpr48(m/m)) mice under normal and low-sodium diet conditions.
- Assessment of electrolyte levels, plasma aldosterone, renin activity, and renal MR and downstream target expression.
- In vitro studies to elucidate the mechanism of GPR48 regulation of MR expression via the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway.
Main Results:
- Gpr48(m/m) mice exhibited hyperkalemia, increased salt and water excretion, and hyponatremia, indicative of aldosterone resistance.
- Renal MR expression and that of its downstream targets were significantly downregulated in mutant mice.
- GPR48 was found to upregulate MR expression through the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway.
Conclusions:
- GPR48 plays a crucial role in maintaining aldosterone responsiveness by regulating MR expression.
- GPR48 dysfunction can lead to aldosterone resistance and electrolyte imbalance, mimicking PHA1.
- GPR48 is identified as a potential contributing gene for PHA1 and a key factor in BP and electrolyte homeostasis.
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