Prorenin and the (pro)renin receptor: Recent advances and implications for retinal development and disease

Abstract

Purpose of review: The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a treatment target for diabetic retinopathy and possibly other ocular diseases. However, angiotensin II blockade, though beneficial in diabetic retinopathy, is not completely retinoprotective. There is speculation that this shortfall is due to incomplete suppression of other RAS components. This review discusses the possibility that prorenin, which initiates the RAS, and the (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] are potential candidates. Recent findings: Despite prorenin being elevated in diabetic retinopathy, it remains unclear whether it exerts any functional effects in tissues, including the eye. Of interest are newly identified functions for..