Angiotensin II type 1 receptor heterodimers in the kidney

The renin–angiotensin system and its key hormone angiotensin II (AngII) are known to play an important role in the physiology and pathophysiology of the kidney. AngII exerts its vasoconstrictor and vasodilator responses controlling the major renal functions via AngII type 1 receptor (AT1R) and AngII type 2 receptor, respectively, belonging to the family of G protein–coupled receptors. However, the implication of other receptors communicating or functionally interacting with AngII receptors via cross talk at their downstream signaling or heterodimerization has been well documented. In this mini review, the different AT1R heterodimers identified in vitro and in vivo are described with an emphasis on their potential implication in the renal functions and disorders. This shows the importance of AT1R as a hub receptor in the renal system but also illustrates the complexity of such a system with new perspectives in the pharmacological targeting of the renin–angiotensin system, AngII–AT1R axis, and its related heterodimers.