Technologies

Introduction

The recent discovery of (pro)renin receptor, PRR, may have significant implications for intracellular signaling. Moreover, animal studies of PRR have shown that its gene knockout results in lifelessness. Thus, an understanding of PRR could lead to one or more valuable therapies. PRR is also involved in the regulation of blood pressure at a “localized” level. Renin bound to PRR appears to be more active than the free enzyme, and prorenin bound to PRR is also activated. The ability to effect changes in PRR could result in a new, fourth approach to anti-hypertensive therapy.

Description of Technology

Michigan State University’s technology has demonstrated the formation of the prorenin/PRR complex in vitro and that recombinant human PRR can activate prorenin. The invention includes PRR’s 3D structure for SAR analysis, its functions, and the modification of PRR for use in high-throughput screening. Researchers have demonstrated the formation of a prorenin/PRR complex in vitro and that the recombinant human PRR can activate prorenin. Depending on the cell type, ELISA array assays can be set up to determine if prorenin is activated and how intracellular signaling is elicited by PPR. Compounds can then be screened to see if prorenin activation or intracellular signaling is blocked. Versatile implementations would allow the assay system to be optimized for the most in vivo-like response.