# Role of the soluble (pro)renin receptor in blood pressure regulation

> **NIH NIH R56** · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · 2021 · $407,716

## Abstract

Abstract
 The renin angiotensin system (RAS) plays a vital role in the maintenance of blood pressure
(BP). The (pro)renin receptor (PRR) is a recently discovered component of the RAS, implicated
in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The PRR can exist as the full length form, bound to cell
membrane or be cleaved to generate a soluble PRR (sPRR) and M8.9 fragments. Although the
function of the full-length PRR both at a molecular and system level is being unraveled, the
biologic role of sPRR remains largely unknown. Hence, we developed a novel mouse model with
absence of sPRR using CRISPR-Cas9 directed mutagenesis of the PRR cleavage site. The
following specific aims will be addressed:
 1. Investigate the physiological role and mechanisms involved in sPRR regulation of BP. BP
will be examined in control and mutant mice lacking sPRR on normal, low and high Na+ intake
focusing on renal, cardiac and vascular function. The contribution of nitric oxide and
cyclooxygenase signaling pathways in sPRR regulation of blood pressure will be determined.
 2. Investigate the pathophysiological role of sPRR in hypertension. Control and mutant mice
lacking sPRR will be studied under Ang-II dependent (Ang-II infused) or Ang-II independent
(DOCA-salt) hypertensive conditions.
 This proposal will establish the role of sPRR in BP regulation under physiological conditions
and pathogenic role in hypertension. The integrative approach used herein will identify global and
tissue-specific effects of sPRR and may help in the development of a new therapeutic approach
for hypertension targeting the sPRR. These studies are in line with our long-term goal of defining
the role of RAS components, particularly prorenin and the PRR, in hypertension and associated
complications.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10298453
- **Project number:** 1R56HL155345-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- **Principal Investigator:** NIRUPAMA RAMKUMAR
- **Activity code:** R56 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $407,716
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-25 → 2023-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10298453

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10298453, Role of the soluble (pro)renin receptor in blood pressure regulation (1R56HL155345-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10298453. Licensed CC0.

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