Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
12:03
Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors
Published on: June 7, 2016
[The prorenin receptor]
Diane Bracquart1, Christelle Cousin, Aurélie Contrepas
1INSERM Unité 833, Collège de France, 11 place Marcelin Berthelot, 75005 Paris, France. diane.bracquart@college-de-france.fr
Journal De La Societe De Biologie
|February 4, 2010
Summary
The novel (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] activates signaling pathways and upregulates profibrotic genes. Targeting (P)RR offers a new strategy for optimizing renin-angiotensin system blockade in diseases.
Area of Science:
- Physiology and Pathology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a critical role in physiological and pathological processes.
- The (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] is a newly identified component of the RAS.
- Existing RAS inhibitors are used for hypertension and organ damage, but tissue-specific blockade needs optimization.
Purpose:
- To highlight the significance of the (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] as a potential therapeutic target.
- To explain the mechanisms by which (P)RR influences cellular signaling and gene expression.
- To underscore the renewed interest in RAS blockers for improved therapeutic strategies.
Summary:
- Binding of renin and prorenin to (P)RR activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase p42/p44 pathway.
- This activation leads to the upregulation of profibrotic gene expression.
- (P)RR also renders bound prorenin catalytically active, suggesting a dual role in RAS signaling.
Impact:
- The (P)RR represents a promising new therapeutic target within the renin-angiotensin system.
- Understanding (P)RR function may lead to novel drug development for conditions involving RAS dysregulation.
- Optimizing RAS blockade through (P)RR targeting could improve treatment outcomes for hypertension and organ damage.
Related Concept Videos
01:33Hormonal Regulation
The renin-aldosterone system is an endocrine system which guides the renal absorption of water and electrolytes, thus managing blood pressure and osmoregulation. Activation of the system begins in the kidneys with a small cluster of cells adjacent to the afferent and efferent blood vessels of the renal corpuscle. As the nephrons are filtering blood, juxtaglomerular cells monitor blood pressure. If they detect a decrease in pressure, they release the hormone renin into the bloodstream.
01:25Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is an intricate physiological pathway involving numerous enzymes and hormones, including renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin I and II, and aldosterone. Imbalances within this system increase the production of angiotensin II and aldosterone. Increased angiotensin II levels promote vasoconstriction and blood pressure elevation. Concurrently, higher aldosterone levels stimulate sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys,...
01:20Renal Corpuscle
The glomerulus and Bowman's capsule are two essential components of the nephron, which is the functional unit of the kidney. These microscopic structures play a critical role in the process of blood filtration to produce urine.
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
01:30Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
In the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a hormone called angiotensin II plays a crucial role. It binds to the AT1 receptors in vascular smooth muscles coupled with Gq proteins. The activation of these receptors activates an enzyme called phospholipase C, which releases two molecules: inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. These molecules cause a chain reaction that leads to the phosphorylation of myosin light chains and promotes interaction between actin and myosin, leading to smooth...
01:27Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Enzyme-linked receptors are cell-surface receptors acting as an enzyme or associating with an enzyme intracellularly. They make excellent drug targets. Drugs can bind to the extracellular ligand-binding domain or directly affect their enzymatic domain and alter their activity.
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
01:17Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of β1 Blockers
β1-receptors are primarily located in the heart and kidneys. In cardiac myocytes, these receptors interact with neurotransmitters released by the sympathetic nervous system during heightened activity or danger. As a result, β1-receptors get activated, initiating a series of biochemical processes. Excessive activation of beta receptors due to chronic stress can abnormally increase heart rate and contractility, resulting in high blood pressure or hypertension. To counteract this, β1-blockers...