Genes That May Be Causes of High Blood Pressure Identified
The study analysed genetic material in human kidneys in a search for genes that might be causes of high blood pressure. The findings open up new avenues for future investigation into the causes of high blood pressure in humans.
The study identified key genes, messenger RNAs and micro RNAs present in the kidneys that may be causes of high blood pressure. It also uncovered two microRNAs that contribute to the regulation of renin – a hormone long thought to play to part in controlling blood pressure.
Although scientists have long known that the kidneys play a role in controlling blood pressure, this is the first time that key genes involved in the process have been identified through a large, comprehensive gene expression analysis of the human kidneys. It is also the first time that researchers have identified miRNAs that control the expression of the hormone renin.
The scientists studied tissue samples from the kidneys of 15 male hypertensive patients (patients with high blood pressure) and 7 male patients with normal blood pressure, and compared their messenger RNA (mRNA) and micro RNA (miRNA).
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a single-stranded molecule that helps in the production of protein from DNA. Genetic information is copied from DNA to mRNA strands, which provide a template from which the cell can make new proteins. MicroRNA (miRNA) is a very small molecule that helps regulate the process of converting mRNA into proteins.
Renin is one of the most important contributors in controlling blood pressure. Researchers described the discovery of these miRNAs as “the first real evidence to implicate renin” as one of the causes of high blood pressure. The findings also indicate which genes and miRNAs are involved in renin production. This increased understanding of the mechanisms underlying hypertension could lead to innovative new treatments for high blood pressure.
Reference for: Genes That May Be Causes of High Blood Pressure Identified
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