Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced oxidase 5 (Nox5) regulation by angiotensin II and endothelin-1 is mediated via calcium/calmodulin-dependent, Rac-1-independent pathways in human endothelial cells

Rationale: Although Nox5 (Nox2 homolog) has been identified in the vasculature, its regulation and functional significance remain unclear. Objectives: We sought to test whether vasoactive agents regulate Nox5 through Ca^2+/ calmodulin-dependent processes and whether Ca ²⁺-sensitive Nox5, associated with Rac-1, generates superoxide (O₂^.-) and activates growth and inflammatory responses via mitogen-activated protein kinases in human endothelial cells (ECs). Methods and Results: Cultured ECs, exposed to angiotensin II (Ang II) and endothelin (ET)-1 in the absence and presence of diltiazem (Ca²⁺ channel blocker), calmidazolium (calmodulin inhibitor), and EHT1864 (Rac-1 inhibitor), were studied. Nox5 was downregulated with small interfering RNA. Ang II and ET-1 increased Nox5 expression (mRNA and protein). Effects were inhibited by actinomycin D and cycloheximide and blunted by diltiazem, calmidazolium and low extracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_e). Ang II and ET-1 activated NADPH oxidase, an effect blocked by low [Ca²⁺]_e, but not by EHT1864. Nox5 knockdown abrogated agonist-stimulated O ₂^.- production and inhibited phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, but not p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) or SAPK/JNK (stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase). Nox5 small interfering RNA blunted Ang II-induced, but not ET-1-induced, upregulation of proliferating-cell nuclear antigen and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, important in growth and inflammation. Conclusions: Human ECs possess functionally active Nox5, regulated by Ang II and ET-1 through Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent, Rac-1-independent mechanisms. Nox5 activation by Ang II and ET-1 induces ROS generation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Nox5 is involved in ERK1/2-regulated growth and inflammatory signaling by Ang II but not by ET-1. We elucidate novel mechanisms whereby vasoactive peptides regulate Nox5 in human ECs and demonstrate differential Nox5-mediated functional responses by Ang II and ET-1. Such phenomena link Ca²⁺/calmodulin to Nox5 signaling, potentially important in the regulation of endothelial function by Ang II and ET-1.