Enhancer-associated long non-coding RNA LEENE regulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase and endothelial function

Nat Commun. 2018 Jan 18;9(1):292. doi: 10.1038/s41467-017-02113-y.

Abstract

The optimal expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), the hallmark of endothelial homeostasis, is vital to vascular function. Dynamically regulated by various stimuli, eNOS expression is modulated at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels. However, epigenetic modulations of eNOS, particularly through long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and chromatin remodeling, remain to be explored. Here we identify an enhancer-associated lncRNA that enhances eNOS expression (LEENE). Combining RNA-sequencing and chromatin conformation capture methods, we demonstrate that LEENE is co-regulated with eNOS and that its enhancer resides in proximity to eNOS promoter in endothelial cells (ECs). Gain- and Loss-of-function of LEENE differentially regulate eNOS expression and EC function. Mechanistically, LEENE facilitates the recruitment of RNA Pol II to the eNOS promoter to enhance eNOS nascent RNA transcription. Our findings unravel a new layer in eNOS regulation and provide novel insights into cardiovascular regulation involving endothelial function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Enhancer Elements, Genetic / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / genetics*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / metabolism
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics
  • RNA Polymerase II / metabolism
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / genetics*
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • long non-coding RNA LEENE, human
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III
  • RNA Polymerase II