(Pro)renin Receptor in Kidney Development and Disease

Renfang Song1, Ihor V Yosypiv

  • 1Section of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Hypertension and Renal Center of Excellence, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.

Insights

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is crucial for kidney development, with its components expressed in the developing kidney. Aberrant RAS signaling, including the novel (pro)renin receptor (PRR), is linked to congenital kidney anomalies.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.
  • RAS components are present in the developing kidney (metanephros).
  • Mutations in RAS genes cause congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the role of the RAS in kidney development.
  • To highlight the function of the (pro)renin receptor (PRR) in kidney morphogenesis.
  • To explore PRR signaling in cardiovascular and renal disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on RAS and kidney development.
  • Analysis of genetic studies linking RAS components to CAKUT.
  • Examination of emerging evidence on PRR function.

Main Results:

  • RAS is essential for normal kidney development.
  • Defects in RAS components lead to various CAKUT.
  • The (pro)renin receptor (PRR) is vital for kidney development.
  • Aberrant PRR signaling is associated with renal and cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusions:

  • The RAS plays a fundamental role in kidney development.
  • PRR is a key regulator of kidney morphogenesis.
  • Understanding PRR mechanisms may offer therapeutic targets for kidney diseases.

Related Concept Videos

Hormonal Regulation01:33

Hormonal 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.
Renal Corpuscle01:20

Renal 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...
Introduction to Urinary System01:13

Introduction to Urinary System

The urinary system consists of two kidneys, two ureters, the urinary bladder, and the urethra.
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the retroperitoneal space, on either side of the vertebral column, between the T12 and L3 vertebrae. They are partially protected by the rib cage and surrounded by perirenal fat, which provides cushioning. They are responsible for urine formation and play critical roles in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte levels, and hormone production. The ureters...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors01:25

Antihypertensive 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,...
Renal Regulation of Acid-Base Balance01:29

Renal Regulation of Acid-Base Balance

Metabolic reactions in the body produce nonvolatile acids, such as sulfuric acid, which generate an acid load of approximately 1 mEq of H+ per kilogram of body weight daily. Excreting H+ in the urine is essential to balance this acid load.
In the kidneys, cells within the proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) and the collecting ducts secrete hydrogen ions (H+) into the tubular fluid. Specifically, in the PCT, Na+/H+ antiporters secrete H+ while reabsorbing Na+.
However, the intercalated cells in...
Nephrons01:10

Nephrons

The kidneys are intricate organs with millions of working units known as nephrons. Each nephron features two major structures: the renal corpuscle, which facilitates blood plasma filtration, and the renal tubule, which handles the glomerular filtrate. Blood supply is directly linked to the nephrons. The renal corpuscle consists of the glomerulus, a capillary network, and the Bowman's capsule, a double-walled epithelial structure that encases the glomerulus. The filtering of blood plasma happens...