RXFP1, the relaxin receptor: Lost and found in translation.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Research
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Relaxin is a hormone with significant cardiovascular and anti-fibrotic properties.
• Species diversity in relaxin's effects and sources is well-established.
• A gap exists in understanding the relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the tissue expression of RXFP1 across species.
• To highlight the translational gap in RXFP1 understanding.
• To emphasize the importance of RXFP1 target pharmacology for clinical applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on RXFP1 tissue expression.
• Comparative analysis of RXFP1 expression in rodents versus humans.
• Discussion of RXFP1 pharmacology.

Main Results:

• Striking contrasts in RXFP1 tissue expression between rodents and humans were identified.
• The translational relevance of rodent models for human RXFP1 function is questioned.
• RXFP1 pharmacology presents a critical area for future research.

Conclusions:

• Understanding species-specific RXFP1 expression is crucial for therapeutic development.
• Targeting RXFP1 pharmacology is essential for clinical success.
• Further research into RXFP1 is needed to leverage relaxin's therapeutic potential.