Abstract
The (pro)renin receptor (PRR) was originally cloned as a specific single-transmembrane receptor for prorenin and renin and has now emerged as a multifunctional protein implicated in a wide variety of developmental and physiopathological processes. Activation of PRR in the kidney causes Na+ and water retention, contributing to elevation of blood pressure in response to various hypertensive stimuli. Part of the renal action of PRR depends on activation of intrarenal renin-angiotensin system. In recent years, accumulating evidence suggests that the prohypertensive action of renal PRR was largely mediated by production of the 28-kDa soluble (pro)renin receptor through protease-mediated cleavage of the extracellular domain of PRR. The generation of multiple isoforms of PRR due to the protease-mediated cleavage partially explains diversified actions of PRR. The current review will summarize recent advances in understanding the roles of sPPR in animal models of hypertension.