RENIN ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM-DEPENDENT AND -INDEPENDENT FUNCTIONS OF (PRO)RENIN RECEPTOR AND THE ROLES OF ITS BLOCKERS

Abstract

(Pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] is one of the major components of the renin angiotensin (RA) system, which is involved in the regulation of blood pressure. (P)RR binds with and increases the activity of mature renin, the key regulatory enzyme of RA system, which catalyzes the conversion of angiotensinogen to angiotensin-I. (P)RR also binds to the inactive form of renin called prorenin. Receptor-bound prorenin exerts biochemical and molecular effects in either an angiotensin II-dependent or -independent manner. RA system-independent function and/or involvement of (P)RR has been well reported. Inhibition of binding and activation of renin/prorenin to (P)RR has been found to improve proteinuria in diabetic model rats. This article reviews the action of (P)RR blockers as well as its associated mechanism.