The (pro) Renin receptor, (p)RR, encoded by ATP6AP2 gene in humans, is a single pass transmembrane protein that binds both Renin and its inactive precursor pro-renin. ATP6AP2 is highly conserved among species, and (Pro) Renin Receptor orthologues are expressed in species from mammals to C. elegans and Drospohila melanogaster¹.

Binding of Pro-renin to (p)RR receptor facilitates its truncation and generation of Renin. Renin is an aspartyl protease that cleaves angiotensinogen into angiotensin I, the rate-limiting reaction in the cascade generating angiotensin, a peptide hormone that is involved in blood pressure regulation. Renin binding by (P)RR affects important biological systems and pathways that are involved in cell cycle regulation, autophagy, acid-base balance, energy metabolism, embryonic development, T cell homeostasis, water balance, blood pressure regulation, cardiac remodeling and maintenance of podocyte structure¹.

In addition, (P)RR has been reported to contribute to the pathogenesis of diseases such as fibrosis, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, diabetic microangiopathy, acute kidney injury, cardiovascular disease, cancer and obesity¹.

The receptor is widely distributed in organs throughout the body, including the kidneys, heart, brain, eyes, placenta, and the immune system¹.