Renin is a protease enzyme primarily synthesized by the juxtaglomerular kidney cells. This enzyme is initially produced as prorenin, a precursor form with a molecular weight 5 kDa higher than renin. Prorenin can be activated to renin through both proteolytic and non-proteolytic mechanisms. Once activated, prorenin converts to renin, which then cleaves angiotensinogen (Ang I) to generate angiotensin (Ang II) [1]. Angiotensin (Ang II) stimulates the production of aldosterone. Renin plays a crucial role in the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), which regulates blood pressure.

In clinical laboratories, serum levels of renin are considered a valuable tool in diagnosing primary aldosteronism (PA). Primary aldosteronism is the most common cause of secondary hypertension, with an estimated prevalence of 4% among hypertensive patients[2]. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high, increasing the risk of heart, brain, kidney, among others. Worldwide, it is estimated that 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years suffer from this condition[3].

How Werfen can support you

We can support your immunoassay portfolio expansion in the hypertension and renal panel by providing specifically designed antibodies to detect the active form of renin.

Werfen’s hyprtension & renal biomaterials portfolio consist of the following products. 

Contact us for further information on product availability and development stage