METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR THERAPEUTIC MODULATION OF ALDOSTERONE LEVELS IN HEART DISEASE

摘要

The disclosure describes the contribution of elevated levels of circulating alsosterone to heart disease and other hyperaldosteronic conditions. Since activation of beta-arrestin I (beta.arr-1) by the Angiotensin II (AngII) type 1 receptor (AT1R) mediates AngII-induced aldosterone production, beta-arrestin I (beta.arr-1) is a therapeutic target for heart disease. Specifically, the disclosure provides a beta.arr-1 protein fragment comprising the C-terminus of beta.arr-1 (beta.arr1ct; SEQ ID NO:3), compositions containing this protein fragment, and methods of using this protein fragment to reduce elevated levels of aldosterone in heart disease and other hyperaldosteronic conditions by inhibition of beta-arrestin (beta.arr-1). These compositions and methods are of therapeutic benefit in chronic heart failure and progression to heart failure after myocardial infarction (MI). Additionally, the invention provides an AngII peptide analog (SEQ ID NO:4), compositions containing this analog, and methods of using this analog for stimulation of beta.arr-1 activity and aldosterone production.