A second natural APJ ligand discovered in 2013, essential for early heart and kidney development.
Also known as: ELA · Apela · Toddler · APELA
Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster
Overview
Elabela (also called Apela or Toddler) is a micropeptide hormone identified in 2013 as a second endogenous ligand of the apelin APJ receptor. Processed from a 54-amino-acid precursor into fragments such as ELA-32, ELA-21 and ELA-11, it is studied in cardiovascular development, kidney physiology and pregnancy. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Cleaved from a 54-residue preproprotein (APELA gene)
Primary research or clinical context: Cardiovascular and developmental physiology research
Discovery and forms
Elabela was identified through analysis of the APELA gene, once thought non-coding. The precursor is cleaved into ELA-32, ELA-21 and ELA-11, all acting through the APJ (APLNR) receptor. It is expressed in embryonic stem cells, blastocyst, placenta, heart and kidney.
Research relevance
Loss-of-function studies link Elabela to formation of coronary vessels and to preeclampsia-like phenotypes in pregnant mice. It is examined as a biomarker and as a complementary arm of the apelinergic system alongside apelin itself.
FAQ about Elabela
What is Elabela?+
Elabela (also called Apela or Toddler) is a micropeptide hormone identified in 2013 as a second endogenous ligand of the apelin APJ receptor. Processed from a 54-amino-acid precursor into fragments such as ELA-32, ELA-21 and ELA-11, it is studied in cardiovascular development, kidney physiology and pregnancy. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Is Elabela an approved medicine?+
Elabela is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Cardiovascular and developmental physiology research. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Elabela?+
Elabela is not a classic amino-acid chain peptide in the same sense; see the profile for classification details.