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RENAL EXPRESSION OF CHROMATIN-REMODELING COMPLEXES IN RATS EXPOSED TO CHRONIC COLD

Abstract

P. Bruland, A. Haider, A. Hefton, P. Crosswhite.

Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA

PURPOSE: Chromatin remodeling complexes (CRCs) regulate gene expression by altering DNA-histone bonds and exposing transcriptional elements to regulatory machinery. CRCs are critical to the proper development and maintenance of the embryonic cardiovascular system but remain understudied in the postnatal vasculature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of three CRCs in whole kidney samples from a cold-induced hypertension rat model. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were previously exposed to either moderate cold (5-6 °C) or room temperature (23 °C) for 24 hours a day for six weeks to induce hypertension. RNA was extracted from whole kidneys of warm control and cold exposed animals and cDNA was generated. Primers were designed for three CRCs (Smarca2, Smarca4, and Chd4) to determine mRNA expression using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Using a standard curve method of analysis, primers for all three genes proved valid for use and downstream application of determining mRNA expression. Following analysis of each individual CRC, cold-induced alterations are expected. CONCLUSION: Chronic exposure to cold is known to induce hypertension by damaging kidney function but the molecular mechanisms are unclear. This study represents the first attempt to determine whether activity of CRC activity is altered in kidneys from cold-exposed animals and could lead to new avenues for investigating the complex genetic changes involved in the development of hypertension.

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