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Elabela, a newly discovered APJ ligand: Similarities and differences with Apelin
Yixian Zhang1, Yonggang Wang2, Yan Lou3
1Department of Nephrology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China; Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, 40202, USA.
Abstract:
The Apelin/APJ system is involved in a wide range of biological functions. For a long time, Apelin was thought to be the only ligand for APJ. Recently, a new peptide that acts via APJ and has similar functions, called Elabela, was identified. Elabela has beneficial effects on body fluid homeostasis, cardiovascular health, and renal insufficiency, as well as potential benefits for metabolism and diabetes. In this review, the properties and biological functions of this new peptide are discussed in comparison with those of Apelin. Important areas for future study are also discussed, with the consideration that research on Apelin could guide future research on Elabela.
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