Genetic basis of blood pressure and hypertension

Padmanabhan, S. , Newton-Cheh, C. and Dominiczak, A.F. (2012) Genetic basis of blood pressure and hypertension. Trends in Genetics, 28(8), pp. 397-408. (doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2012.04.001)

Abstract

Blood pressure (BP) is a complex trait regulated by an intricate network of physiological pathways involving extracellular fluid volume homeostasis, cardiac contractility and vascular tone through renal, neural or endocrine systems. Untreated high BP, or hypertension (HTN), is associated with increased mortality, and thus a better understanding of the pathophysiological and genetic underpinnings of BP regulation will have a major impact on public health. However, identifying genes that contribute to BP and HTN has proved challenging. In this review we describe our current understanding of the genetic architecture of BP and HTN, which has accelerated over the past five years primarily owing to genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and the continuing progress in uncovering rare gene mutations, epigenetic markers and regulatory pathways involved in the physiology of BP. We also look ahead to future studies characterizing novel pathways that affect BP and HTN and discuss strategies for translating current findings to the clinic.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Padmanabhan, Professor Sandosh and Dominiczak, Professor Anna
• Authors: Padmanabhan, S., Newton-Cheh, C., and Dominiczak, A.F.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Trends in Genetics
• ISSN: 0168-9525
• ISSN (Online): 1362-4555
• Published Online: 21 May 2012