Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 14, 2026
A Modified Two Kidney One Clip Mouse Model of Renin Regulation in Renal Artery Stenosis
Published on: October 26, 2020
Prorenin and the (pro)renin receptor: recent advances and implications for retinal development and disease
Jennifer L Wilkinson-Berka1, Antonia G Miller, Katrina J Binger
1Department of Immunology, Monash University, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct, Melbourne, Australia. Jennifer.Wilkinson-Berka@monash.edu
Purpose Of Review:
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a treatment target for diabetic retinopathy and possibly other ocular diseases. However, angiotensin II blockade, though beneficial in diabetic retinopathy, is not completely retinoprotective. There is speculation that this shortfall is due to incomplete suppression of other RAS components. This review discusses the possibility that prorenin, which initiates the RAS, and the (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] are potential candidates.
Recent Findings:
Despite prorenin being elevated in diabetic retinopathy, it remains unclear whether it exerts any functional effects in tissues, including the eye. Of interest are newly identified functions for the (P)RR based on its homology with an accessory protein of vacuolar ATPase, ATP6AP2. These include roles in the viability of the central nervous system, including the retina, via the Wnt signaling pathway. Additionally, (P)RR/ATP6AP2 is implicated in other vacuolar ATPase-related events, including the regulation of cellular pH in the kidney and cell survival. Yet to be determined is whether the effects of (P)RR/ATP6AP2 are relevant to retinal cell function in health and disease and require the participation of its ligand prorenin.
Summary:
New functions for the (P)RR highlight previously unrecognized roles for this receptor in cellular events that may have implications for both the developing and diseased retina.
Insights
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a target for diabetic retinopathy. New research suggests the (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] and prorenin may offer further therapeutic potential for retinal diseases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a key target for treating diabetic retinopathy.
- Angiotensin II blockade shows benefits but isn't fully retinoprotective, suggesting other RAS components are involved.
- Prorenin and the (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] are being investigated as potential contributors to this shortfall.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential roles of prorenin and the (P)RR in ocular diseases, particularly diabetic retinopathy.
- To explore emerging functions of the (P)RR beyond its role as a RAS component.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on the RAS, prorenin, and (P)RR in ocular and systemic diseases.
- Analysis of research on the (P)RR's homology with ATP6AP2 and its associated cellular functions.
Main Results:
- Prorenin levels are elevated in diabetic retinopathy, but its specific functional impact on the eye is unclear.
- The (P)RR, homologous to ATP6AP2, is linked to central nervous system viability, including the retina, via Wnt signaling.
- The (P)RR/ATP6AP2 is involved in cellular pH regulation and cell survival, but its relevance to retinal function requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Emerging functions of the (P)RR suggest novel roles in retinal development and disease.
- Further research is needed to determine if (P)RR/ATP6AP2 functions are relevant to retinal health and disease and if prorenin is involved.
