Publications by authors named "Shelby L Wertz"

Aldosterone is produced by adrenocortical zona glomerulosa (AZG) cells in response to angiotensin II (AngII) acting through its type I receptors (ATRs). ATR is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that induces aldosterone via both G proteins and the adapter protein βarrestin1, which binds the receptor following its phosphorylation by GPCR-kinases (GRKs) to initiate G protein-independent signaling. β-adrenergic receptors (ARs) also induce aldosterone production in AZG cells.

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Cardiac β₂-adrenergic receptors (ARs) are known to inhibit collagen production and fibrosis in cardiac fibroblasts and myocytes. The β₂AR is a Gs protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and, upon its activation, stimulates the generation of cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). cAMP has two effectors: protein kinase A (PKA) and the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac).

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The two ubiquitous, outside the retina, G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) adapter proteins, β-arrestin-1 and -2 (also known as arrestin-2 and -3, respectively), have three major functions in cells: GPCR desensitization, ., receptor decoupling from G-proteins; GPCR internalization clathrin-coated pits; and signal transduction independently of or in parallel to G-proteins. Both β-arrestins are expressed in the heart and regulate a large number of cardiac GPCRs.

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βarrestin1 and -2 (also known as arrestin2 and -3, respectively) are G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) adapter proteins, performing three major functions in the cell: functional desensitization, i.e., G protein uncoupling from the receptor, GPCR internalization via clathrin-coated pits, and formation of signalosomes.

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The mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone regulates sodium and potassium homeostasis but also adversely modulates the maladaptive process of cardiac adverse remodeling post-myocardial infarction. Through activation of its mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), a classic steroid hormone receptor/transcription factor, aldosterone promotes inflammation and fibrosis of the heart, the vasculature, and the kidneys. This is why MR antagonists reduce morbidity and mortality of heart disease patients and are part of the mainstay pharmacotherapy of advanced human heart failure.

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G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are among the most important drug targets currently used in clinic, including drugs for cardiovascular indications. We now know that, in addition to activating heterotrimeric G protein-dependent signaling pathways, GPCRs can also activate G protein-independent signaling, mainly via the βarrestins. The major role of βarrestin1 and -2, also known as arrestin2 or -3, respectively, is to desensitize GPCRs, i.

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