The angiotensin-(1-7) Mas receptor is the recently identified receptor of the biologically active heptapeptide angiotensin-(1-7).1
Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) is a metabolite of the well known peptide hormone Angiotensin (Ang) II, a key component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) that has a central role in cardiovascular homeostasis.
Considerably interest in Ang-(1-7) and its receptor aroused in the last few years since it became apparent that it can counterbalance most of Ang II effects. Thus Ang-(1-7) has vasodilator and hypotensive effects as well as antiarrhythmic and cardioprotective roles.2, 3
The Ang-(1-7) Mas receptor belongs to the 7-transmembrane domain, G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily and was originally described as a protooncogene.
Signaling via the Ang-(1-7) Mas receptor is still poorly elucidated however, evidence indicates that the receptor is coupled to a Gq/11 protein that activates phospholipase C (PLC).2,3
The Ang-(1-7) Mas receptor is expressed in several organs including heart, kidney, blood vessels, testis and brain. Studies with Ang-(1-7) Mas receptor knockout mice have demonstrated the key role of this receptor in cardiovascular regulation as well as in the regulation of learning and memory.2
