Apelin (APLN) mRNA (APLN mRNA)

Apelin mRNA is the transcript of the APLN gene, which encodes the preproapelin protein, the precursor to several bioactive peptides such as apelin-13 and apelin-36 (UniProt: Q9ULZ1). These peptides serve as the endogenous ligands for the apelin receptor (APLNR/APJ), a G protein-coupled receptor involved in regulating cardiovascular homeostasis, fluid balance, and energy metabolism (NCBI Gene: 341). In cardiovascular diseases like heart failure, the apelin-APJ pathway is often downregulated, leading to impaired cardiac function and vascular resistance (PubMed: 30232141). As a therapeutic target, Apelin mRNA is utilized in mRNA-based therapies, such as mRNA-0184, where synthetic mRNA is delivered to the myocardium to induce the local production of apelin peptides to improve cardiac output (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04508881). Conversely, the mRNA can be targeted for degradation via RNA interference (siRNA) in conditions where overactive apelin signaling contributes to pathological angiogenesis, such as in certain cancers or proliferative retinopathies (PubMed: 31433968). The use of mRNA as a therapeutic modality allows for the transient and controlled expression of the apelin protein, bypassing the need for direct peptide infusion which often suffers from a short half-life. Monitoring the efficacy of such therapies involves measuring plasma apelin levels and assessing hemodynamic improvements in patients. Safety concerns primarily involve the delivery systems, such as lipid nanoparticles, which can trigger immune responses or localized inflammation.

Other names

APLN transcriptPreproapelin mRNAApelin messenger RNA

Exogenous administration of synthetic mRNA to induce intracellular translation of bioactive apelin peptides, which subsequently activate the apelin receptor (APLNR/APJ) to exert cardioprotective effects.