Prorenin
Prorenin (/prəˈriːnɪn/[1]) is a protein that constitutes a precursor for renin,[2][3] the hormone that activates the renin–angiotensin system, which serves to raise blood pressure. Prorenin is converted into renin by the juxtaglomerular cells, which are specialised smooth muscle cells present mainly in the afferent, but also the efferent, arterioles of the glomerular capillary bed.
Prorenin is a relatively large molecule, weighing approximately 46 KDa.[4]
History
Prorenin was discovered by Eugenie Lumbers[5] in 1971.[6]
Synthesis
In addition to juxtaglomerular cells, prorenin is also synthesised by other organs, such as the adrenal glands, the ovaries, the testis and the pituitary gland, which is why it is found in the plasma of anephric individuals.[7]
Concentration
Blood concentration levels of prorenin are between 5 and 10 times higher than those of renin.[3] There is evidence to suggest that, in diabetes mellitus, prorenin levels are even higher.[3][2][8]
Prorenin occurs in very high concentrations in amniotic fluid and amnion.[4]
Conversion to renin
Proprotein convertase 1 converts prorenin into renin,[9] but proprotein convertase 2 does not.[10]
There is no evidence that prorenin can be converted into renin in the circulation. Therefore, the granular (JG) cells seem to be the only source of active renin.[11]
References
- "Renin | Definition of Renin by Lexico". Lexico Dictionaries | English.
- "Prorenin - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics". www.sciencedirect.com.
- Jan Danser, A.H. (May 1, 2006). "Prorenin". Hypertension. 47 (5): 824–826. doi:10.1161/01.HYP.0000215952.91959.4a. PMID 16585418.
- Pringle, Kirsty G; Wang, Yu; Lumbers, Eugenie R (April 22, 2015). "The synthesis, secretion and uptake of prorenin in human amnion". Physiological Reports. 3 (4): e12313. doi:10.14814/phy2.12313. PMC 4425950. PMID 25902786.
- Morrison, Janna L.; Lumbers, Eugenie; Bennet, Laura; Black, Jane (November 9, 2013). "Introduction: Celebrating Emeritus Scientia Professor Eugenie R Lumbers AM and Professor Caroline McMillen". Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology. 40 (11): 740–742. doi:10.1111/1440-1681.12180. PMID 24117727.
- Lumbers, E. R. (June 30, 1971). "Activation of renin in human amniotic fluid by low pH". Enzymologia. 40 (6): 329–336. PMID 4105386.
- Danser, A. H. Jan; Batenburg, Wendy W.; van Esch, Joep H. M.; Krop, Manne (June 12, 2008). "Prorenin anno 2008". Journal of Molecular Medicine (Berlin, Germany). 86 (6): 655–658. doi:10.1007/s00109-008-0318-2. PMC 2374880. PMID 18322669.
- Jan Danser, A. H.; Batenburg, Wendy W.; van Esch, Joep H. M. (May 1, 2007). "Prorenin and the (pro)renin receptor—an update". Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation. 22 (5): 1288–1292. doi:10.1093/ndt/gfl846. PMID 17259648 – via academic.oup.com.
- "EC 3.4.21.93". www.qmul.ac.uk.
- "EC 3.4.21.94". www.qmul.ac.uk.
- Lote, Christopher J. Principles of Renal Physiology, 5th edition. Springer. p. 118.