Genome-Wide association studies will unlock the genetic basis of hypertension: Pro side of the argument

Dominiczak, A.F. and Munroe, P.B. (2010) Genome-Wide association studies will unlock the genetic basis of hypertension: Pro side of the argument. Hypertension, 56(6), pp. 1017-1020. (doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.110.156208)

Abstract

This brief commentary is based on the debate that took part in May 2010 in New York. We describe the initial difficulties experienced in early genome-wide association studies of blood pressure and hypertension, as well as strategic developments, including large meta-analyses and sampling from the extremes of blood pressure distribution. The reasons for negative attitudes toward the genome-wide association studies include their nonhypothesis-driven character and the need for very large sample sizes. Nevertheless, we describe published successes, which include 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms/loci associated with blood pressure and hypertension at P < 5 x 10(-8), which fulfill the criteria of genome-wide significance. We conclude by suggesting a way forward, which will include resequencing to aid fine mapping and the identification of causal variants, even bigger meta-analyses, and, most importantly, appropriate functional studies leading to clinically useful applications.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Dominiczak, Professor Anna
• Authors: Dominiczak, A.F., and Munroe, P.B.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Hypertension
• ISSN: 0194-911X