The (pro)renin receptor. A decade of research: what have we learned?

Pflugers Arch. 2013 Jan;465(1):87-97. doi: 10.1007/s00424-012-1105-z. Epub 2012 Apr 28.

Abstract

The discovery of a (pro)renin receptor ((P)RR) in 2002 provided a long-sought explanation for tissue renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activity and a function for circulating prorenin, the inactive precursor of renin, in end-organ damage. Binding of renin and prorenin (referred to as (pro)renin) to the (P)RR increases angiotensin I formation and induces intracellular signalling, resulting in the production of profibrotic factors. However, the (pro)renin concentrations required for intracellular signalling in vitro are several orders of magnitude above (patho)physiological plasma levels. Moreover, the phenotype of prorenin-overexpressing animals could be completely attributed to angiotensin generation, possibly even without the need for a receptor. The efficacy of the only available putative (pro)renin receptor blocker handle region peptide remains doubtful, leading to inconclusive results. The fact that, in contrast to other RAS components, (P)RR knock-outs, even tissue-specific, are lethal, points to an important, (pro)renin-independent, function of the (P)RR. Indeed, recent research has highlighted ancillary functions of the (P)RR as an essential accessory protein of the vacuolar-type H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase), and in this role, it acts as an intermediate in Wnt signalling independent of (pro)renin. In conclusion, (pro)renin-dependent signalling is unlikely in non-(pro)renin synthesizing organs, and the (P)RR role in V-ATPase integrity and Wnt signalling may explain some, if not all of the phenotypes previously associated with (pro)renin-(P)RR interaction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Prorenin Receptor
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / chemistry
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*
  • Renin / blood
  • Renin / genetics
  • Renin / metabolism*
  • Renin-Angiotensin System
  • Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases / metabolism
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway

Substances

  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Renin
  • Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases
  • Prorenin Receptor