Description
Renalase is a 342 amino acid FAD-dependent amine oxidase that is highly expressed in kidney and is expressed at a lower level in heart, skeletal muscle and small intestine. Renalase is secreted in the blood by the kidney and it is thought to regulate cardiac function and systemic blood pressure. It is also suggested that Renalase functions as a hormone that metabolizes circulating catecholamines, which have an active role in the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Individuals with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease have markedly reduced levels of plasma Renalase than healthy individuals. Infusion of Renalase in animal models causes decrease in heart rate, cardiac contractility and blood pressure. Two isoforms of Renalase exist due to alternative splicing events