High Expression of the Pi-Transporter SLC20A1/Pit1 in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease Promotes Mineralization through Regulation of Akt-1
Figure 4
Pi-mediated regulation of Akt levels.
A. In isolated VICs Akt-1 and Akt-2 were expressed. B. The levels of Akt-1 transcript were reduced significantly in CAVD tissues (n = 50) when compared to control non-mineralized aortic valves (n = 28). C and D. In isolated VICs, the levels of Akt-1 transcript were lowered following exposure to Pi, whereas PFA (C) and siRNA targeting SLC20A1 (D) prevented this response. E and F. Both Akt (E) and pAkt (F) protein levels were reduced by Pi treatment of VICs, whereas in the presence of PFA, levels were maintained. (For in vitro experiments n = 3); PFA: Phosphonoformic acid; CAVD: Calcific Aortic Valve Disease; * p<0.0001 compared to negative control (Ctn); # p<0.005 compared to mineralizing medium (PO4).