Printed in U.S.A. Copyright © 2000 by The Endocrine Society Gene Structure of a New Cardiac Peptide Hormone: A Model for Heart-Specific Gene Expression*

• Main Authors: Theresa Majalahti-palviainen, Minna Hirvinen, Virpi Tervonen
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: Salmo salar
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.318.4224; http://endo.endojournals.org/content/141/2/731.full.pdf

Volume excess and mechanical load lead to the induction of the endocrine activity of the heart. The increased production and secretion of A- and B-type natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP), in turn, unload the heart due to their physiological effects. To find out the mechanisms of cardiac-specific expression and sensitivity to mechanical stimuli of the natriuretic peptide genes, we have used salmon (Salmo salar) as our model organism, because osmoregulating fish have a particularly well developed defense mechanism against volume excess. We have previously cloned a complementary DNA from salmon heart encoding a novel vasorelaxant cardiac hormone, salmon cardiac peptide (sCP). Its production is restricted to the heart, and its release is very sensitive to mechanical load. We have now cloned the gene encoding sCP. The structure of the gene suggests that sCP may WELL MAINTAINED fluid balance is essential for normal