Loss of Collectrin, an Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Homolog, Uncouples Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and Causes Hypertension and Vascular Dysfunction

BACKGROUND—Collectrin is an orphan member of the renin-angiotensin system and is a homolog of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, sharing ≈50% sequence identity. Unlike angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, collectrin lacks any catalytic domain. Collectrin has been shown to function as a chaperone of amino acid transporters. In rodents, the renal expression of collectrin is increased after subtotal nephrectomy and during high-salt feeding, raising the question of whether collectrin has any direct role in blood pressure regulation. METHODS AND RESULTS—Using a susceptible genetic background, we demonstrate that deletion of collectrin results in hypertension, exaggerated salt sensitivity, and impaired pressure natriuresis. Collectrin knockout mice display impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation that is associated with vascular remodeling, endothelial nitric oxide synthase uncoupling, decreased nitric oxide production, and increased superoxide generation. Treatment with Tempol, a superoxide scavenger, attenuates the augmented sodium sensitivity in collectrin knockout mice. We report for the first time that collectrin is expressed in endothelial cells. Furthermore, collectrin directly regulates L-arginine uptake and plasma membrane levels of CAT1 and yLAT1 amino acid transporters in endothelial cells. Treatment with L-arginine modestly lowers blood pressure of collectrin knockout mice. CONCLUSIONS—Collectrin is a consequential link between the transport of L-arginine and endothelial nitric oxide synthase uncoupling in hypertension.