title: (Pro)renin receptor as a new drug target.
abstract: Over the last few years, the implication of the (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] in the pathogenesis of end-organ damage has been shown through many different studies. The (P)RR plays a dual role when stimulated by renin or prorenin as it enhances both cell surface production of angiotensin and stimulates angiotensin-independent intracellular signaling cascades. Since Ichihara's group demonstrated activation of prorenin when it was bound to antibodies targeted against a specific region in the renin prosegment, they designed a complementary decapeptide to this region called the handle region to use as a potential (P)RR blocker (PRRB). The effects of systemic administration of the PRRB on the development and progression of different renal, cardiac and ocular pathologies have been observed and have thus proposed the blocker as a potential new treatment for these afflictions. Conversely, the specificity of the PRRB has been questioned as conflicting results have been reported in the literature. A recent study has described a new high affinity binding site for renin and prorenin to the (P)RR called the hinge region. Hence, although there is great promise in the (P)RR potential as a therapeutic target, still much research is required to better identify adequate blockers.
authors.affiliation: Centre de Recherche du CHUM-Technopole Angus 2901 Rachel St. East, Suite 310, Montreal, Quebec H1W 4A4, Canada.
authors.forename: Basma A M
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.forename: Ondrej
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Seda
authors.forename: Julie L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Lavoie
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D012083:Renin / Q000097:blood; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D025262:Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases / Q000378:metabolism; D000093342:Prorenin Receptor
chemical_list: D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D012083:Renin; D025262:Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases; D000093342:Prorenin Receptor