title: Physiology and pharmacology of the (pro)renin receptor.
abstract: The (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] is a single trans-membrane domain receptor that mediates renin and prorenin specific effects. The receptor acts as co-factor for renin and prorenin by increasing their enzymatic activity on the cell-surface and it activates the mitogen activated protein kinases ERK1/2 cascade leading to cell proliferation and to up-regulation of profibrotic genes expression. Studies in genetically modified animals over-expressing (P)RR suggest a direct role for (P)RR cardiovascular and renal pathologies since rats over-expressing (P)RR in vascular smooth-muscle cells develop high blood pressure and those with an ubiquitous over-expression of (P)RR have glomerulosclerosis and proteinuria. A peptide called "handle region peptide" (HRP) mimicking part of the prosegment of prorenin was claimed to block prorenin binding to (P)RR and its activation. The mechanism of action of HRP and its specificity for (P)RR remains very controversial although infusion of this peptide gave spectacular results by preventing diabetic nephropathy in angiotensin II type1a receptor-deficient mice. In contrast to the other components of the renin angiotensin system, (P)RR is necessary to cell survival and proliferation and a mutation of (P)RR is associated with mental retardation and epilepsy, pointing to an essential role of (P)RR in brain development. The (pro)renin receptor is a more complex protein than anticipated and in depth studies of its functions that are likely not restricted to the renin angiotensin system are needed especially in the perspective of the design of a (P)RR blocker.
authors.affiliation: Institut de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unit 833 and Collège de France, Experimental Medecine Unit, 11 place Marcelin Berthelot, 75005 Paris, France. genevieve.nguyen@college-de-france.fr
authors.forename: Geneviève
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: Aurélie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Contrepas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D012083:Renin / Q000378:metabolism*; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000502:physiology; D000093342:Prorenin Receptor
chemical_list: D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D012083:Renin; D000093342:Prorenin Receptor