Expression and tissue localization of renalase, a novel soluble FAD-dependent protein, in reproductive/steroidogenic systems

Renalase was initially identified in human kidney as a soluble monoamine oxidase. Here we show that renalase is predominantly expressed in reproductive/steroidogenic systems, with particularly substantial expression in oocytes, granulosa, interstitial and luteal cells of ovary, spermatogenic cells of testis, and cortex of adrenal gland, suggesting its function(s) in maturation of germ cells and steroid hormone regulation. Renalase expression increases in testes and ovaries as mice develop and its expression is further enhanced in the ovaries of pregnant mice, indicating an activity of renalase in reproduction. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, cetrorelix, repressed renalase expression in mice ovaries and testes, suggesting that steroids regulate renalase expression. Leptin is an effector and modulator of steroid hormones and reproduction. Surprisingly, knockout of leptin causes a dramatic increase of renalase expression in mice testes. Taken together, our results suggest that reproductive/steroidogenic systems are also the sources for renalase secretion and renalase may play a critical role in reproduction and hormone regulation. This provides a novel insight into understanding the function of renalase.