Renin-Angiotensin System in Cardiovascular Biology

Abstract

The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in maintaining the salt and water balance of very diverse animal species under very diverse conditions. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a hormone with much more complex actions than is typical for other agonists with heterotrimeric G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Its principal receptor, angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R), is distributed in many cells of the body in diverse organs, controlling the water and salt balance, vascular contractility, and blood pressure. This Special Issue provides original research papers and review articles regarding the latest insights into the complexity of the cell signaling and biological mechanisms of the RAS components to propose novel mechanisms in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. By targeting this system, works may provide novel therapeutic potential regarding cardiovascular and related diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, atherosclerosis, and diabetes mellitus.