elabela

**Elabela** is a 32-amino acid endogenous peptide hormone encoded by the APELA gene in humans[1][3][4][5]. It is known as one of two endogenous ligands for the G-protein-coupled apelin receptor (APJ, also known as angiotensin receptor AT1-related protein)[1][5]. Elabela is highly expressed in embryonic stem cells and various organs, especially the heart, kidneys, and placenta[1][5]. Mechanistically, Elabela acts as an agonist at the apelin receptor, activating Gαi1 and β-arrestin-2 signaling pathways. Its biological effects include vasodilation, antihypertensive, cardioprotective, renoprotective, anti-fibrotic, anti-remodeling, and neuroprotective actions[2][3][4][5][7]. Elabela regulates fluid homeostasis, blood pressure, myocardial contractility, angiogenesis, and cellular differentiation[3][5]. It protects against renal dysfunction, fibrosis, and hypertension, and shows APJ-dependent and APJ-independent effects by inhibiting NADPH oxidase/ROS/NLRP3 inflammasome pathways[4][5]. Therapeutic potential is noted in hypertension, chronic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy, renal fibrosis, ischemic stroke, and preeclampsia[2][3][4][5]. It was discovered by Bruno Reversade’s team in 2013[1].

Other names

ELAApelaToddler