Renin (肾素)

Renin is a monospecific enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of angiotensin II. Amplified enzymatic activity and additional physiological effects occur when renin and pro-renin bind to the (pro)renin receptor. The classical site of renin expression and secretion is the renal juxtaglomerular cell, where its expression is tightly regulated by physiological cues.

Prorenin and renin bound to the (pro)renin receptor not only increase the catalytic conversion of angiotensinogen to angiotensin I (Ang I), but also upregulate the expression of profibrotic genes. Renin plays a critical role in the regulation of blood pressure, electrolyte homeostasis, mammalian renal development, and progression of fibrotic/hypertrophic diseases. Renin inhibitors represent an alternative to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) for the treatment of hypertension.