Role of the catalytic beta subunit of calcineurin (Ppp3cb) in angiotensin II induced vascular changes

Cardiovascular diseases are common causes of death and often coincide with vascular remodeling induced by pathological activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). angiotensin II (angII), a key effector of the RAAS, is an important mediator of pathological vascular changes by contributing to altered vascular tone, inflammatory processes and structural remodeling with fibrosis. Several studies showed sex differences in the cardiovascular angII response.

Calcineurin (PPP3), a serine/threonine phosphatase consisting of an enzymatic and a catalytic subunit, is known for its role in inflammatory processes and cellular hypertrophy. Hence, we investigated the role of calcineurin for angII-induced vascular remodeling with the help of a mouse model lacking the catalytic beta subunit of calcineurin (Ppp3cb KO).