Yale School of Medicine researchers have uncovered how renalase, a protein produced by the kidneys, protects the cells of the kidneys and heart from injury. In 2005, Yale researchers discovered and named the protein, which regulates heart rate and blood pressure. Early research showed that patients with kidney disease had low blood levels of renalase. In their latest study, the scientists pinpointed a renalase receptor, PMCA4b, and uncovered how it works with the protein to provide protection. The findings could lead to a new drug therapy to protect both the kidneys and the heart.
Sources:
Yale Study Details How Key Protein Protects Kidney and Heart from Injury, Yale News, May 11, 2015
Identification of a Receptor for Extracellular Renalase, PLOS One, April 23, 2015
Human Kidney Protein Found that Regulates Heart Contraction and Blood Pressure, EurekAlert, April 8, 2005