Pericyte‐specific expression ofRgs5:implications for PDGF and EDG receptor signaling during vascular maturation

Abstract

SPECIFIC AIMSRGS proteins finely tune heterotrimeric G-protein signaling by acting as GTPase-activating proteins for Gα subunits. This study addresses the potential importance of Rgs5 in the regulation of PDGF and EDG receptor signaling during vascular maturation.PRINCIPAL FINDINGS1. Rgs5 exhibits a striking and extensive expression in the arterial walls of E12.5 to E17.5 mouse embryosWe analyzed developing mouse embryos by in situ hybridization using sense and antisense Rgs5 RNA probes. E8.5 and E10.5 embryos had no detectable hybridization signal although a strong signal overlaid extra embryonic tissues. E12.5 embryos had a moderate signal in the region of the perineural vascular plexa and aorta. Two days later in development, a striking signal appeared in most major organs with the exception of the liver and lung. The aorta and major vessels of the E14.5 mice strongly expressed Rgs5. E15.5, E17.5, and newborn mice had similar patterns of Rgs5 expression although the overall level of expression progress...