The renin phenotype: roles and regulation in the kidney.
OBJECTIVE
Renin cells are fundamental for the control of blood pressure, fluid electrolyte homeostasis and kidney development. This review discusses recent discoveries regarding the mechanisms that control the identity and fate of renin cells and their role in the maintenance of kidney architecture and function.


RESULTS
It is now established that cyclic AMP is a crucial factor for the regulation of the renin phenotype. Furthermore, additional factors such as microRNAs and gap junctions have recently emerged as key regulators for the maintenance and proper functioning of renin cells.


CONCLUSIONS
Experiments described in this review will hopefully raise new questions regarding the mechanisms that control the identity, plasticity and function of renin cells.
Lopez
Maria L S Sequeira
ML
Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA.
Gomez
R Ariel
RA
D000818:Animals; D017630:Connexins / Q000378:metabolism; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000378:metabolism; D010641:Phenotype; D012083:Renin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D014157:Transcription Factors
D017630:Connexins; D035683:MicroRNAs; D014157:Transcription Factors; D012083:Renin