There is clear evidence that pharmacologic blockade of the renin-angiotesnsin system (RAS) with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) reduces proteinuria and slows the progression of renal disease in diabetic and nondiabetic nephropathies, a beneficial effect that is not related to blood pressure control. The gene discussed is REN; the disease is kidney disorder.