Renal sodium handling and blood pressure control by neprilysin and angiotensin converting enzyme

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K16168
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 53040:Nephrology-related
• Research Institution: Nara Medical University
• Principal Investigator: Eriguchi Masahiro 奈良県立医科大学, 医学部, 講師 (40572102)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: ネプリライシン / レニン・アンジオテンシン系 / 食塩感受性高血圧

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Neprilysin (NEP) is a Zn-metalloprotease whose substrate is brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), but also angiotensin II (Ang II). Interestingly, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is also a Zn-metalloprotease, and both are strongly expressed in the brush border of the proximal tubule. These two proteases are thought to be involved in the regulation of sodium balance by regulating the Intrarenal Ang II by the degradation (NEP) and production (ACE) of Ang II.
Dual blockade of NEP and renin-angiotensin system was shown to have a complementary anti-hypertensive effect by BNP-induced natriuresis and suppressing salt sensitivity due to an increase in intrarenal Ang II concentration.

Free Research Field

腎臓

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

現在上市されているNEP/アンジオテンシンII受容体阻害薬の有効性を検証。