Renin and renin blockade have no role in complement activity

Renin, an aspartate protease, regulates the renin-angiotensin system by cleaving its only known substrate angiotensinogen to angiotensin. Recent studies have suggested that renin may also cleave complement component C3 to activate complement or contribute to its dysregulation. Typically, C3 is cleaved by C3 convertase, a serine protease that uses the hydroxyl group of a serine residue as a nucleophile. Here, we provide seven lines of evidence to show that renin does not cleave C3. First, there is no association between renin plasma levels and C3 levels in patients with C3 Glomerulopathies (C3G) and atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS), implying that serum C3 consumption is not increased in the presence of high renin.

Source: Kidney International - November 24, 2023 Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Yuzhou Zhang, Bertha Martin, M. Ashley Spies, Sarah M. Roberts, Joel Nott, Renee X. Goodfellow, Angela FM. Nelson, Samantha J. Blain, Elena Redondo, Carla M. Nester, Richard JH. Smith Tags: basic research Source Type: research