Kenichiro Kinouchi

Genetic ablation of Atp6ap2 created a loss-of-function model for V-ATPase. The gene product of ATP6AP2 is considered to act as in 2 ways: (1) as (P)RR, exerting a RAS-related function; and (2) as the V-ATPase-associated protein, exerting a non-RAS-related function that is essential for cell survival.

The circadian clock operates as intrinsic time-keeping machinery to preserve homeostasis in response to the changing environment. While food is a known zeitgeber for clocks in peripheral tissues, it remains unclear how lack of food influences clock function. We demonstrate that the transcriptional response to fasting operates through molecular mechanisms that are distinct from time-restricted feeding regimens. First, fasting affects core clock genes and proteins, resulting in blunted rhythmicity

Telmisartan-based therapy had beneficial effects on arterial stiffness assessed by CAVI, albuminuria, 24-hour BP and metabolism compared with CCB-based therapy. Since these markers are known to influence the future risk of cardiovascular events, telmisartan could be a useful drug for hypertensive patients.

The ATPase 6 accessory protein 2 (ATP6AP2)/(pro)renin receptor (PRR) is essential for the biogenesis of active vacuolar H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase). Genetic deletion of ATP6AP2/PRR causes V-ATPase dysfunction and compromises vesicular acidification. Here, we characterized the domains of ATP6AP2/PRR involved in active V-ATPase biogenesis. Three forms of ATP6AP2/PRR were found intracellularly: full-length protein and the N- and C-terminal fragments of furin cleavage products, with the N-terminal fragme

The (pro)renin receptor ((P)RR) is a unique molecule that binds prorenin and renin in tissues, not only leading to their activation, but also inducing intracellular signaling. As a key player in the local renin-angiotensin system, (P)RR activation plays an important role in the development of cardiac fibrosis and proteinuria in hypertension and diabetes. Intriguingly, the fragment (P)RR is also called ATP6AP2 because it has been shown to be associated with vacuolar-type H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase). T

The (pro)renin receptor (P)RR is a receptor for renin and prorenin, not only allowing local production of angiotensin I from angiotensinogen, but also inducing intracellular signaling. Intriguingly, (P)RR is also called ATP6AP2 because a (P)RR fragment was demonstrated to be associated with vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase), which is of importance for the maintenance of intracellular pH. Recent studies implicate that deletion of (P)RR results in the dysfunction of V-ATPase, suggesting that the

Combined therapy with fluvastatin 20 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg daily resulted in a significant improvement in changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate.

Background/Aims. Arterial stiffness is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to determine the effect of olmesartan (OLM) and azelnidipine (AZL) on arterial stiffness using the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), which is a novel blood pressure (BP)-independent marker for arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients. Methods. Fifty-two consecutive hypertensive patients were randomly assigned either to a group treated with OLM monotherapy or