Renin is a secreted proteinase whose enzymatic activity is to convert angiotensinogen into angiotensin I in the plasma, initiating a process that results in an elevation of blood pressure and increased sodium retention by the kidney (1). Renin is synthezed in kidney as a procursor, prorenin, which is released into circulation. Both renin and prorenin can bind to (pro)renin receptor and induce angiotensin-independent signaling events leading to activation of MAPKs and up-regulation of TGF-β1 and matrix proteins (2, 3). Defects in renin can cause renal tubular dysgenesis, a severe autosomal recessive disorder of renal tubular development (4, 5).
