Thesis (doctoral)--Lund University, 1998. / Added t.p. with thesis statement inserted. Includes bibliographical references.

The present study provided information for the role of the RAS in seabream osmoregulatory responses. The structure of angiotensinogen suggested that flounder type Ang II was the prevalent form in seabream. However, HPLC analysis suggested that different forms of angiotensins were present in seabream adapted to different salinities. The status of RAS was revealed in seabream adapted to different salinities and a higher status was found in hypersaline environment. Local renal RAS was identified and it may be activated in hyposmotic media and associated with an increase in glomerular and tubular function to excrete excess water. In general, the RAS in seabream displays differential status, both at systemic and local levels, which modulates osmoregulatory functions under acute and chronic salinity perturbation. / The renin angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in the control of body fluid homeostasis in silver seabream. Seabream angiotensinogen was cloned and sequenced in the present study. The sequence alignment showed that the angiotensinogen of seabream is most similar to that of pufferfish. Differential status of RAS was found among different salinities, with relatively higher RAS activity among hyperosmotic adapted seabream. Circulating angiotensin II (Ang II) was higher in hyperosmotic adapted seabream, with the highest value observed in seabream adapted to double-strength seawater. Although the level of immunoreactive angiotensins in freshwater adapted seabream was higher than that of brackish-water, Ang III, but not Ang II, was the prevalent circulating form in freshwater adapted seabream according to HPLC analysis. Hepatic angiotensinogen expression, however, did not show any statistical difference among different salinities. A positive feedback control for angiotensinogen by Ang II is present in the hepatic tissue of seabream as Ang II increased the expression of angiotensinogen in isolated hepatocyte but captopril lowered the angiotensinogen expression in intact fish. Branchial Na-K-ATPase activities were elevated by Ang II and the activities among different salinities showed a pattern similar to that of circulating angiotensins. However, upon abrupt hyposmotic transfer, branchial Na-K-ATPase elevated along with a decrease in circulating Ang II, an observation implying that the relationship between Na-K-ATPase and Ang II may only be causal. Captopril blockade not only lowered not only circulating Ang II levels but also that of cortisol, indicating RAS activity may limit cortisol secretion. An elevation in the circulating cortisol may be related to the increase in branchial Na-K-ATPase activities after abrupt hyposmotic transfer. The stimulatory effect on branchial Na-K-ATPase activity and the vasopressor effect of Ang II were more potent in hyposmotic than hyperosmotic adapted seabream, which indicates hyposmotic adapted seabream is more sensitive to RAS activation. The renal RAS in silver seabream functions independently from the systemic RAS as the pattern of renal angiotensins was dissimilar to that of systemic angiotensins. The renal RAS was activated in brackish water conditions and abrupt hyposmotic transfer significantly increased renal RAS activities. Kidney morphometrics also indicated that hyposmotic adaptation increase the filtering capacity of seabream nephrons. The number and diameter of glomeruli increase significantly in freshwater adapted seabream, which may vastly increase the filtering surface of the nephrons. Collecting tubules were more prevalent in the kidney of hyposmotic adapted seabream, with higher number, diameter and thickness, suggesting a lower water permeability of collecting tubules is essential for the formation of copious and diluted urine in hyposmotic environment. / Wong Kwok Shing. / "December 2005." / Adviser: Norman Y. S. Woo. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-11, Section: B, page: 6144. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 130-145). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

血管紧张素II(Ang II)在慢性肾脏病中起重要的致病作用，尽管体外研究证实TGF-β/Smad3起正调控，Smad7起负调控作用，但Smad3在Ang II 诱导的肾脏损害中的作用仍不清楚。因此，本论文在Smad3基因敲除的小鼠中通过Ang II诱导的高血压肾损伤模型研究TGF-β/Smad3通路的作用及机制。如第三章所述，敲除Smad3的小鼠不发生Ang II诱导的高血压肾损伤如尿白蛋白，血肌酐升高，肾脏炎症（如IL-1, TNFα上调，F4/80+ 巨噬细胞浸润）及肾脏纤维化（包括α-SMA+肌成纤维细胞聚集，和胶原基质沉积）。敲除Smad3对高血压肾病起保护作用是因为抑制了肾脏TGF-β1表达及Smurf2 依赖的Smad7泛素化降解，从而抑制TGF-β/Smad3介导的肾脏纤维化和NF-B介导的炎症。 / 越来越多的证据显示Ang II产生和降解的平衡在高血压肾病的发展中起重要作用。在这篇论文中，我们假设ACE2的降解可能会引起Ang II代谢通路的失衡，从而加重其介导的高血压肾病。这一假设在第四章得到验证，在单侧输尿管梗阻小鼠模型敲除ACE2加重肾内Ang II介导的肾脏纤维化和炎症。这一变化与肾内高水平的Ang II和降低的血管紧张素1-7，上调的血管紧张素受体1，及激活的TGF-β/Smad3 和 NF-κB 信号通路有关。另外，升高的Smurf2介导的Smad7泛素化降解加重了敲除ACE2 基因后Ang II介导的肾脏纤维化和炎症。 / 因为Smad7 是TGF-β/Smad和NF-κB通路的负调控因子，因此论文进一步提出假设过表达Smad7能够阻止Ang II介导的肾脏纤维化炎症。如第五章所述，ACE2基因敲除的小鼠肾内升高的Smurf2介导了肾脏Smad7 的泛素化降解， 加重了Ang II 介导的肾脏损伤如白蛋白尿，血肌酐的升高，及肾脏纤维化和炎症，这与激活的Ang II/TGF-β/Smad3/NF-κB信号有关。相反，过表达Smad7能够阻断TGF-β/Smad3 介导的肾脏纤维化和 NF-κB介导的肾脏炎症以缓解ACE2敲除小鼠中Ang II诱导的肾脏损伤。 / 总之，Smad3在Ang II诱导的高血压肾脏病中起关键作用，Smad7具有肾脏保护作用。 ACE2敲除引起Ang II产生和降解的失衡从而增加肾内Ang II的产生，加重TGF-β/Smad3介导的肾脏纤维化和NF-κB介导的肾脏炎症，而这可以被Smad7缓解。 本论文得出结论针对TGF-β/Smad3 和NF-κB通路，通过过表达Smad7可能为高血压肾脏病和慢性肾脏病提供新的治疗策略。 / Angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a pathogenic role in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although in vitro studies find that Ang II mediates renal fibrosis via the Smad3-dependent mechanism, the functional role of Smad3 in Ang II-mediated kidney disease remains unclear. Therefore, this thesis examined the pathogenesis role and mechanisms of TGF-β/Smad3 in Ang II-mediated hypertensive nephropathy in Smad3 Knockout (KO) mice. As described in Chapter III, Smad3 deficiency protected against Ang II-induced hypertensive nephropathy as demonstrated by lowering levels of albuminuria, serum creatinine, renal inflammation such as up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNFα) and infiltration of CD3+ T cells and F4/80+ macrophages, and renal fibrosis including α-SMA+ myofibroblast accumulation and collagen matrix deposition (all p<0.01). Inhibition of hypertensive nephropathy in Smad3 KO mice was associated with reduction of renal TGF-β1 expression and Smurf2-associated ubiquitin degradation of renal Smad7, thereby blocking TGF-β/Smad3-mediated renal fibrosis and NF-κB-driven renal inflammation. / Increasing evidence shows that the balance between the generation and degradation of Ang II is also important in the development of hypertensive nephropathy. In this thesis, we also tested a hypothesis that enhanced degradation of ACE2 may result in the imbalance between the Ang II generation and degradation pathways, therefore enhancing Ang II-mediated hypertensive nephropathy and CKD. This hypothesis was examined in a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstructive nephropathy (UUO) induced in ACE2 KO mice. As described in Chapter IV, loss of ACE2 increased intrarenal Ang II-mediated renal fibrosis and inflammation in the UUO kidney. These changes were associated with higher levels of intrarenal Ang II, reduced Ang 1-7, up-regulated AT1R, and activation of TGF-β/Smad3 and NF-κB signalling. In addition, enhanced Smurf2-associated ubiquitin degradation of Smad7 was another mechanism by which loss of ACE2 promoted Ang II-mediated renal fibrosis and inflammation. / Because Smad7 is a negative regulator for TGF-β/Smad and NF-κB signalling, this thesis also examined a hypothesis that overexpression of renal Smad7 may be able to prevent Ang II-induced, TGF-β/Smad3-mediated renal fibrosis and NF-κB-driven renal inflammation in ACE2 KO mice. As described in Chapter V, mice null for ACE2 resulted in degradation of renal Smad7 via the Smurf2 -- dependent mechanism (all p<0.01). Enhanced Ang II-mediated renal injury in ACE2 KO mice such as albuminuria, serum creatinine, and renal fibrosis and inflammation was associated with enhanced activation of Ang II/TGF-β/Smad3/NF-κB signalling. In contrast, overexpression of Smad7 was able to rescue AngII-induced progressive renal injury in ACE2 KO mice by blocking TGF-β/Smad3 and NF-κB-dependent renal fibrosis and inflammation. In conclusion, Smad3 plays an essential role in Ang II-induced hypertensive nephropathy, while Smad7 is reno-protective. Loss of ACE2 results in the imbalance between the Ang II generation and degradation pathways and thus enhances intrarenal Ang II-induced, TGF-β/Smad3-mediated renal fibrosis and NF-κB-driven renal inflammation, which can be rescued by Smad7. Results from this thesis indicate that targeting TGF-β/Smad3 and NF-κB pathways by overexpressing Smad7 may represent a novel therapy for hypertensive nephropathy and CKD. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Liu, Zhen. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 189-209). / Abstracts also in Chinese. / ABSTRACT --- p.i / DECLARATION --- p.v / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.vi / LIST OF PUBLICATION --- p.viii / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.ix / LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS --- p.xiv / LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES --- p.xvii / CHAPTER I --- p.1 / INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- RAS (Renin-Angiotensin system) --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Circulating RAS --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Tissue RAS --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.2.1 --- Angiotensinogen --- p.6 / Chapter 1.1.2.2 --- Renin Receptors --- p.7 / Chapter 1.1.2.3 --- ACE and ACE2 --- p.9 / Chapter 1.1.2.4 --- Angiontensin II and Its Receptors --- p.10 / Chapter 1.1.2.5 --- AT2 Receptors --- p.11 / Chapter 1.1.2.6 --- Chymase-Alternative Pathways of Ang II Generation --- p.13 / Chapter 1.1.2.7 --- Ang (1-7) Receptor (MAS) --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2 --- Ang II and Renal Injury --- p.15 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Pressure Dependent Renal Injury Induced by Ang II --- p.15 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Ang II induces production of cytokines and growth factors --- p.16 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Ang II and Renal Fibrosis --- p.17 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Signalling Mechanisms Involved in Ang II-Induced Renal Fibrosis --- p.18 / Chapter 1.2.5 --- Ang II in Renal Inflammation --- p.22 / Chapter 1.3 --- TGF-β/Smad Signalling Pathway in Renal Disease --- p.24 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Mechanisms of TGF-β/Smad Activation --- p.24 / Chapter 1.3.1.1 --- Cross-talk Between Smads and Other Signalling Pathways in Renal Fibrosis --- p.26 / Chapter 1.3.1.2 --- Activation of R-Smads (Smad2 and Smad3) --- p.28 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Inhibitory Role of Smad7 in Renal Fibrosis and Inflammation --- p.30 / Chapter CHAPTER II --- p.32 / MATERIALS AND METHODS --- p.32 / Chapter 2.1 --- MATERIALS --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Regents and Equipments --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1.1.1 --- Regents and Equipments for Cell Culture --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1.1.2 --- General Reagents and Equipments for Real-time PCR --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.1.3 --- General Reagents and Equipments for Masson Trichrome Staining --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.1.4 --- General Reagents and Equipments for Immunohistochemistry --- p.35 / Chapter 2.1.1.5 --- General Reagents and Equipments for Western Blot --- p.35 / Chapter 2.1.1.6 --- General Reagents and Equipments for ELISA --- p.37 / Chapter 2.1.1.7 --- Measurement of Blood Pressure in Mice --- p.37 / Chapter 2.1.1.8 --- Reagents and Equipment for Genotyping --- p.37 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Buffers --- p.38 / Chapter 2.1.2.1 --- Immunohistochemistry Buffers --- p.38 / Chapter 2.1.2.2 --- Buffers for Western Blotting --- p.40 / Chapter 2.1.2.3 --- ELISA Buffers --- p.44 / Chapter 2.1.2.4 --- Primer Sequences --- p.46 / Chapter 2.1.2.5 --- Primary Antibodies --- p.47 / Chapter 2.1.2.6 --- Secondary Antibodies --- p.48 / Chapter 2.2 --- METHODS --- p.49 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Animal --- p.49 / Chapter 2.2.1.1 --- Genotypes of Gene KO Mice --- p.49 / Chapter 2.2.1.2 --- Animal Model of Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction (UUO) --- p.50 / Chapter 2.2.1.3 --- Animal Model of Angiotensin II (Ang II)-Induced Hypertensive Nephropathy --- p.50 / Chapter 2.2.1.4 --- Measurement of Ang II and Ang 1-7 --- p.51 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Cell Culture --- p.51 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Microalbuminuria and Renal Function --- p.51 / Chapter 2.2.3.1 --- Urine Collection --- p.51 / Chapter 2.2.3.2 --- Plasma Collection --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2.3.3 --- Microalbuminuria --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2.3.4 --- Creatinine Measurement --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Real-time PCR --- p.53 / Chapter 2.2.4.1 --- Total RNA Extraction --- p.53 / Chapter 2.2.4.2 --- Reverse Transcription --- p.53 / Chapter 2.2.4.3 --- Real-time PCR --- p.54 / Chapter 2.2.4.4 --- Analysis of Real-time PCR --- p.54 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Western Blot --- p.55 / Chapter 2.2.5.1 --- Protein Preparation --- p.55 / Chapter 2.2.5.2 --- Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) --- p.56 / Chapter 2.2.5.3 --- Protein Transfer (Wet Transfer) --- p.56 / Chapter 2.2.5.4 --- Incubation of Antibodies --- p.56 / Chapter 2.2.5.5 --- Scanning and Analysis --- p.57 / Chapter 2.2.5.6 --- Stripping --- p.57 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Histochemistry --- p.57 / Chapter 2.2.6.1 --- Tissue Fixation --- p.57 / Chapter 2.2.6.2 --- Tissue Embedding and Sectioning --- p.58 / Chapter 2.2.6.3 --- Preparation of Paraffin Tissue Sections for PAS Staining --- p.58 / Chapter 2.2.6.4 --- PAS Staining --- p.58 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- Immunohistochemistry --- p.59 / Chapter 2.2.7.1 --- Tissue Embedding and Sectioning --- p.59 / Chapter 2.2.7.2 --- Antigen-Antibody Reaction and Immunostaining --- p.59 / Chapter 2.2.7.3 --- Semi-quantification of Immunohistochemistry --- p.60 / Chapter 2.2.8 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.60 / Chapter CHAPTER III --- p.62 / ROLE OF SMAD3 IN ANGIOTENSIN II-INDUCED RENAL FIBROSIS AND INFLAMMATION --- p.62 / Chapter 3.1 --- INTRODUCTION --- p.63 / Chapter 3.2 --- MATERIALS AND METHODS --- p.64 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Generation of Smad3 KO Mice --- p.64 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Mouse Model of Ang II-Induced Hypertension --- p.64 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Histology and Immunohistochemistry --- p.65 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Renal Function and Proteinuria --- p.65 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Western Blot Analysis --- p.65 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Real-time RT-PCR --- p.65 / Chapter 3.2.7 --- In Vitro Study of Mesangial Cells from Smad3 WT and KO Mice --- p.66 / Chapter 3.2.8 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.66 / Chapter 3.3 --- RESULTS --- p.66 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Smad3 KO Mice Prevents Ang II-induced Renal Injury Independent of Blood Pressure --- p.66 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Smad3 KO Mice Are Resistant to Renal Fibrosis in a Mouse Model of Ang II -Induced Hypertension --- p.70 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Smad3 KO Mice Are Resistant to Renal Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Ang II-Induced Hypertension --- p.76 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Smad3 Deficiency Inhibits Ang II-induced Renal Fibrosis and Inflammation In Vitro --- p.82 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- Smad3 Mediates Ang II-Induced Renal Fibrosis by the Positive Feedback Mechanism of TGF-β/Smad Signalling --- p.87 / Chapter 3.3.6 --- Enhancing NF-κB Signalling via the Smurf2-associated Ubiquitin Degradation of Smad7 In Vivo and In Vitro --- p.92 / Chapter 3.4 --- DISCUSSION --- p.101 / Chapter 3.5 --- CONCLUSION --- p.106 / Chapter CHAPTER IV --- p.107 / LOSS OF ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME 2 ENHANCES TGF-β/SMAD-MEDIATED RENAL FIBROSIS AND NF-κB-DRIVEN RENAL INFLAMMATION IN A MOUSE MODEL OF OBSTRUCTIVE NEPHROPATHY --- p.107 / Chapter 4.1 --- INTRODUCTION --- p.108 / Chapter 4.2 --- MATERIALS AND METHODS --- p.109 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Generation of ACE2 KO Mice --- p.109 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Mouse Model of Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction (UUO) --- p.109 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Histology and Immunohistochemistry --- p.110 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Western Blot Analysis --- p.110 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Real-time RT-PCR --- p.110 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- Measurement of Ang II and Ang 1-7 --- p.110 / Chapter 4.2.7 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.111 / Chapter 4.3 --- RESULTS --- p.111 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- ACE2 KO Mice Accelerate Renal Fibrosis and Inflammation Independent of Blood Pressure in the UUO Nephropathy --- p.111 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Loss of ACE2 Enhances Ang II, Activation of TGF-β/Smad and NF-κB Signalling Pathways --- p.128 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Loss of Renal Smad7 Is an Underlying Mechanism Accounted for the Progression of TGF-β/Smad-mediated Renal Fibrosis and NF-κB-Driven Renal Inflammation in the UUO Nephropathy in ACE2 KO Mice --- p.140 / Chapter 4.4 --- DISCUSSION --- p.143 / Chapter 4.5 --- CONCLUSION --- p.147 / CHAPTER V --- p.148 / PROTECTIVE ROLE OF SMAD7 IN HYPERTENSIVE NEPHROPATHY IN ACE2 DEFICIENT MICE --- p.148 / Chapter 5.1 --- INTRODUCTION --- p.149 / Chapter 5.2 --- MATERIALS AND METHODS --- p.151 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Generation of ACE2 KO Mice --- p.151 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Mouse Model of Ang II-Induced Hypertension --- p.151 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Smad7 Gene Therapy --- p.151 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Histology and Immunohistochemistry --- p.152 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Western Blot Analysis --- p.153 / Chapter 5.2.6 --- Real-time RT-PCR --- p.153 / Chapter 5.2.7 --- Measurement of Ang II and Ang 1-7 --- p.153 / Chapter 5.2.8 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.153 / Chapter 5.3 --- RESULTS --- p.154 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Deletion of ACE2 Accelerates Ang II-Induced Renal Injury --- p.154 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Renal Fibrosis and Inflammation are Enhanced in ACE2 KO Mice with Ang II-Induced Renal Injury --- p.156 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Enhanced Activation of TGF-β/Smad3 and NF-κB Signalling Pathways are Key Mechanism by Which Deletion of ACE2 Promotes Ang II-Induced Renal Injury --- p.163 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Loss of Renal Smad7 Mediated by Smurf2-ubiquintin Degradation Pathway Contributes to Ang II-Induced Hypertensive Nephropathy in ACE2 KO Mice --- p.166 / Chapter 5.3.5 --- Overexpression of Smad7 is able to Rescue Ang II-induced Renal Injury in ACE2 KO Mice by Blocking Both TGF-β/Smad3 and NF-κB-dependent Renal Fibrosis and Inflammation --- p.168 / Chapter 5.4 --- DISCUSSION --- p.180 / Chapter 5.5 --- CONCLUSION --- p.182 / Chapter CHAPTER VI --- p.183 / SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION --- p.183 / Chapter 6.1 --- Smad3 Plays a Key Role in Ang II-Induced Hypertensive Nephropathy --- p.185 / Chapter 6.2 --- The Intrarenal Ang II Plays a Key Role in the Progress of Ang II-Mediated Renal Injury --- p.185 / Chapter 6.3 --- A Novel Finding of Ang II-Smad3-TGF-β-Smad3 amplification loop in Ang II-mediated Renal Fibrosis --- p.186 / Chapter 6.4 --- Smurf2-associated Ubiquitin-Proteasome Degradation of Smad7 Contributes to the Progression of Ang II-mediated Renal Injury in ACE2 KO Mice --- p.187 / Chapter 6.5 --- Smad7 Protects against Ang II-Mediated Hypertensive Kidney Disease by Negatively Regulating TGF-β/Samd and NF-κB Signalling --- p.187 / REFERENCE --- p.189

Abstract not available

Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Queensland, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Florida, 2004. / Typescript. Title from title page of source document. Document formatted into pages; contains 118 pages. Includes Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Zhang, Yang. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 147-169). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

Teng, Man Kuen. / Thesis submitted in: November 2006. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 160-169). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Thesis Committee --- p.i / Declaration --- p.ii / Acknowledgments --- p.iii / Abstract --- p.iv / 摘要 --- p.vi / List of Abbreviation --- p.viii / Table of Contents --- p.x / List of Figures --- p.xiv / Chapter Chapter 1 --- General Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Biochemistry of the Renin-Angiotensin System --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2 --- Physiological Roles of Angiotensin II --- p.7 / Chapter 1.3 --- Physiological Roles of Angiotensin Receptors --- p.9 / Chapter 1.4 --- Characterization of Type 2 Angiotensin Receptor --- p.12 / Chapter 1.5 --- Trafficking of Type 2 Angiotensin Receptor --- p.16 / Chapter 1.6 --- SUMO and protein SUMOylation --- p.19 / Chapter 1.7 --- Aims of Study --- p.21 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Preparation of EGFP-and FLAG tagged wild-type AT2 and K343R-AT2 mutant constructs / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2 --- Materials --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Chemicals --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Enzymes --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- DNA Purification Kit --- p.27 / Chapter 2.3 --- Methods --- p.28 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Preparation of pEGFP/AT2 Construct --- p.28 / Chapter 2.3.1.1 --- PCR amplification --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3.1.2 --- Agarose gel electrophoresis --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3.1.3 --- Restriction enzyme digestion --- p.31 / Chapter 2.3.1.4 --- Purification of DNA fragment by ethanol precipitation --- p.31 / Chapter 2.3.1.5 --- Ligation --- p.32 / Chapter 2.3.1.6 --- Preparation of competent cells --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3.1.7 --- Bacterial transformation --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3.1.8 --- Minipreparation of　plasmid DNA --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3.1.9 --- Quantitation of DNA --- p.35 / Chapter 2.3.1.10 --- DNA sequencing --- p.36 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Preparation of pEGFP/AT2-01igo Construct --- p.36 / Chapter 2.3.2.1 --- PCR amplification of AT2-oligo --- p.39 / Chapter 2.3.2.2 --- PCR amplification of oligo-GFP --- p.39 / Chapter 2.3.2.3 --- Overlapping PCR amplification --- p.40 / Chapter 2.3.2.4 --- Gel extraction of DNA fragment --- p.41 / Chapter 2.3.2.5 --- Restriction enzyme digestion --- p.41 / Chapter 2.3.2.6 --- Ligation and transformation --- p.42 / Chapter 2.3.2.7 --- Construction of pEGFP/oligo --- p.42 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Preparation of pCMV/AT2 Construct --- p.43 / Chapter 2.3.3.1 --- PCR amplification --- p.45 / Chapter 2.3.3.2 --- Restriction enzyme digestion --- p.45 / Chapter 2.3.3.3 --- Ligation and transformation --- p.45 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Preparation of mutants --- p.46 / Chapter 2.3.4.1 --- Site directed mutagenesis at SUMOylation site --- p.46 / Chapter 2.3.4.2 --- Transformation of mutants --- p.47 / Chapter 2.4 --- Results --- p.48 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Preparation of pEGFP/AT2 Construct --- p.48 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Preparation of pEGFP/AT2-oligo Construct --- p.50 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Preparation of pCMV/AT2 Construct --- p.53 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Preparation of Mutants --- p.55 / Chapter 2.5 --- Discussion --- p.57 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Transient Expression of AT2 and K343R mutants in CHO-K1 and HEK-293 cells / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.61 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials --- p.64 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Chemicals --- p.64 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Antibodies --- p.64 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Protein Concentration Measurement Kit --- p.65 / Chapter 3.3 --- Methods --- p.66 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Expression of AT2 in Mammalian Cells --- p.66 / Chapter 3.3.1.1 --- Cell culture --- p.66 / Chapter 3.3.1.2 --- Counting cells --- p.67 / Chapter 3.3.1.3 --- Transient transfection --- p.67 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Western Blot Analysis --- p.68 / Chapter 3.3.2.1 --- Preparation of protein sample from total lysate --- p.68 / Chapter 3.3.2.2 --- Protein sample derived from immunoprecipitation --- p.69 / Chapter 3.3.2.3 --- SDS PAGE and Western blot analysis --- p.70 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Confocal microscopy --- p.71 / Chapter 3.4 --- Results --- p.73 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Expression Analysis of GFP-tagged AT2 --- p.73 / Chapter 3.4.1.1 --- Western blot analysis with anti-GFP antibody --- p.73 / Chapter 3.4.1.2 --- Western blot analysis with anti-AT2 antibody --- p.79 / Chapter 3.4.1.3 --- Confocal microscopy --- p.81 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Western Blot Analysis of FLAG-tagged AT2 --- p.90 / Chapter 3.5 --- Discussion --- p.92 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Stable Expression of AT2 and K343R mutants in CHO-K1 cells / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.97 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials --- p.99 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Chemicals --- p.99 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Enzymes --- p.99 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Antibodies --- p.99 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Protein Concentration Measurement Kit --- p.100 / Chapter 4.3 --- Methods --- p.101 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Linearization of Vector --- p.101 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Transfection by Lipofectamine 2000 --- p.101 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Screening for the Stably Transfected Cells --- p.101 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Western Blot Analysis --- p.103 / Chapter 4.3.5 --- Confocal Microscopy --- p.103 / Chapter 4.4 --- Results --- p.104 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Stable expression of wild type and mutant AT2-GFP in CHO-K1 --- p.104 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Stable expression of wild type and mutant AT2-Gly10Ser5-GFP in CHO-K1 --- p.115 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Stable expression of wild type and mutant AT2-FL AG in CHO-K1 --- p.123 / Chapter 4.5 --- Discussion --- p.125 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Co-immunoprecipitation Analysis of CHO-K1 stably expressing wild type and mutant AT2-Gly10Ser5-GFP / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.129 / Chapter 5.2 --- Materials --- p.129 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Chemicals --- p.130 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Antibodies --- p.130 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Protein Concentration Measurement Kit --- p.130 / Chapter 5.3 --- Methods --- p.131 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Transfection by Lipofectaime 2000 --- p.131 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Western Blot Analysis --- p.131 / Chapter 5.4 --- Results --- p.132 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Western blot analysis of SUMO 1 transfected stable cell lines --- p.132 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- Western blot analysis of SUM03 transfected stable cell lines --- p.136 / Chapter 5.5 --- Discussion --- p.143 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- General Discussion / Chapter 6.1 --- Investigation of AT2 trafficking in mammalian cells --- p.147 / Chapter 6.2 --- Future Aspects --- p.153 / Appendix I Buffer composition --- p.155 / Appendix II Sequence of Primers --- p.156 / Appendix III Sequencing Results --- p.157 / References --- p.160

Wong Kwok-Shing. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 89-107). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Title --- p.i / Abstract (English) --- p.ii / Abstract (Chinese) --- p.v / Content --- p.vii / Acknowledgement --- p.x / Abbreviation --- p.xii / Lists of tables and figures --- p.xiii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- General introduction --- p.1 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- "Effects of salinity on the cardiovascular responses and dipsogenic behaviors and silver seabream, Sparus sarba." / Chapter 2.1 --- Literature review / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Teleost euryhalinity --- p.5 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Salinity and blood respiratory properties --- p.7 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Salinity and blood volume --- p.8 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Salinity and blood pressure --- p.10 / Chapter 2.1.5 --- Intestine physiology --- p.12 / Chapter 2.1.6 --- Summary --- p.14 / Chapter 2.2 --- Materials and methods / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Experimental animals --- p.19 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Salinity adaptation --- p.19 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Drinking rate measurement --- p.19 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Respiratory characteristics --- p.20 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Blood volume measurement --- p.21 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Blood pressure experiment --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- Statistical analysis --- p.23 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Drinking rate --- p.25 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Oxygen dissociation curves --- p.27 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Blood volume --- p.29 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Blood pressure --- p.31 / Chapter 2.4 --- Discussion / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Drinking rate --- p.36 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Oxygen dissociation curves --- p.37 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Blood volume --- p.38 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Blood pressure --- p.40 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- "Manipulation of renin-angiotensin system in relation to the cardiovascular responses and dipsogenic behaviors of silver seabream, Sparus sarba." / Chapter 3.1 --- Literature review / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Renin angiotensin system (RAS) --- p.41 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- RAS and blood pressure --- p.47 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- RAS and drinking --- p.53 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- RAS and Cortisol --- p.55 / Chapter 3.1.5 --- RAS and kidney --- p.58 / Chapter 3.1.6 --- Summary --- p.58 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and methods / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Experimental animals --- p.61 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Salinity adaptation --- p.61 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Drinking rate measurement --- p.61 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Determination of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity --- p.61 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Blood pressure experiment --- p.62 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Statistical analysis --- p.63 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Drinking rate --- p.64 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- ACE activity --- p.69 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Blood pressure --- p.71 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Drinking rate --- p.77 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- ACE activity --- p.81 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Blood pressure --- p.83 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- General conclusion --- p.86 / Reference --- p.89

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references.