Recombinant Mouse Ren2 protein

Ren2 (Renin-2) is a recombinant protein derived from the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), a critical regulator of blood pressure and fluid balance in mammals. Renin, an aspartyl protease, exists in two isoforms (Ren1 and Ren2) in certain species, including mice. While Ren1 is primarily expressed in the kidneys, Ren2 is found in extrarenal tissues like the adrenal glands and brain, with unique species-specific expression patterns. The Ren2 gene gained attention due to its role in transgenic rodent models of hypertension. For instance, insertion of the mouse Ren2 gene into rats (TGR(mRen2)27 strain) induces severe hypertension and organ damage, mimicking human cardiovascular pathologies.

Recombinant Ren2 protein is synthesized using expression systems (e.g., E. coli, mammalian cells) to study RAS activation mechanisms. It catalyzes the cleavage of angiotensinogen to angiotensin I, initiating the cascade leading to vasoconstrictive angiotensin II. Researchers leverage Ren2 to explore tissue-specific RAS activity, as its localized production in organs like the heart or vasculature may drive hypertension and fibrosis independently of circulatory renin. This has implications for understanding resistant hypertension and diabetic complications.

Pharmaceutically, Ren2 serves as a target for renin inhibitors (e.g., aliskiren) and aids in drug screening. Its recombinant form also helps standardize assays measuring renin activity in clinical diagnostics. However, challenges persist in reconciling interspecies differences—human RAS lacks Ren2. complicating translational research. Studies using Ren2 transgenic models continue to unravel its paracrine signaling roles and potential therapeutic interventions. Overall, Ren2 recombinant protein bridges experimental models and clinical insights into RAS-driven diseases.