Proto-oncogene Mas (MAS1) receptor (MAS1)

The Proto-oncogene Mas (MAS1) receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor that functions as a central component of the alternative, protective arm of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) (UniProt: P04201). It is the primary receptor for Angiotensin-(1-7), a peptide produced by the enzymatic action of ACE2 on Angiotensin II (Santos et al., 2003). Activation of the Mas receptor triggers intracellular signaling cascades, including the PI3K/Akt pathway and the release of nitric oxide, which promote vasodilation and exert anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects (NCBI Gene: 4142). These actions are physiologically significant as they directly oppose the vasoconstrictive and pro-fibrotic effects of the classical Angiotensin II/AT1 receptor pathway. Consequently, the Mas receptor is a major therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease, where its activation can provide significant organ protection (PubMed: 23946317). Although it was originally identified as a proto-oncogene due to its ability to induce cellular transformation in vitro, its primary biological relevance in humans is linked to cardiovascular and metabolic homeostasis (StatPearls: Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System). Current drug development efforts focus on synthetic agonists like AVE0991 and stabilized versions of Angiotensin-(1-7) to harness these protective pathways for clinical benefit (PubChem: CID 10445549).

Other names

MAS1Mas-related G protein-coupled receptorMASMGPRMAS1 proto-oncogene

The Mas receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor that, upon binding its primary ligand Angiotensin-(1-7), activates signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt and stimulates the production of nitric oxide and prostaglandins. This activation leads to vasodilation, anti-proliferative, and anti-fibrotic effects, which serve to counteract the physiological actions of the Angiotensin II/AT1 receptor axis (UniProt: P04201; Santos et al., 2003).