Elabela

Ideogram human chromosome 4

Elabela (also known as ELA or Toddler) is a peptide hormone that plays a crucial role in the development of the heart and the cardiovascular system, as well as in the regulation of blood pressure. It was discovered relatively recently, adding to the complexity and understanding of cardiovascular development and function. Elabela acts primarily through the APJ receptor, which was previously known to be activated by the apelin peptide, suggesting a close relationship between these two signaling pathways in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis.

Discovery

Elabela was identified through genomic studies aimed at finding new ligands for orphan receptors, with the APJ receptor being of particular interest due to its known involvement in cardiovascular physiology. The discovery of Elabela filled a significant gap in the understanding of APJ receptor activation and its physiological roles.

Function

Elabela is a potent endogenous ligand of the APJ receptor, and its expression is critical for early heart development. In animal models, the absence of Elabela or its receptor has been shown to result in severe developmental issues, particularly affecting the heart and the vascular system. Beyond its developmental roles, Elabela is involved in the regulation of blood pressure, fluid homeostasis, and has been implicated in the pathophysiology of heart failure and preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Cardiovascular Development

During embryonic development, Elabela is essential for the proper formation and differentiation of cardiac cells. It works in concert with other signaling molecules to ensure the heart develops correctly, influencing both the structure and function of the cardiovascular system.

Blood Pressure Regulation

In adults, Elabela contributes to the maintenance of blood pressure levels through its actions on the APJ receptor. It can induce vasodilation, reducing blood pressure, and has been shown to have diuretic effects, promoting the excretion of salt and water, which further aids in blood pressure regulation.

Clinical Significance

Given its role in heart development and blood pressure regulation, Elabela is of significant interest in the context of cardiovascular disease. It may offer therapeutic potential for conditions such as heart failure, where the heart's ability to pump blood is compromised. Additionally, because of its effects on blood pressure, Elabela and its receptor system could be targets for the development of new antihypertensive drugs.

Research Directions

Current research is focused on further elucidating the mechanisms by which Elabela exerts its effects, both in the context of development and in adult physiology. Understanding the interaction between Elabela and apelin, and how these pathways intersect with other cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms, is of particular interest. There is also ongoing work to explore the therapeutic potential of Elabela in cardiovascular diseases, including drug development and the possibility of gene therapy approaches.