Specific gene region in hypertension revealed

(University of Tsukuba) The renin-angiotensin system plays an essential role in blood pressure homeostasis. To address the molecular mechanisms controlling hypertension-responsive mouse renin (mRen) gene regulation, University of Tsukuba researchers deleted specific regions of the endogenous mRen gene and placed the animals in a hypertensive environment. The mRen gene bearing the 5? deletion lost hypertension responsiveness. The team proposes that in a hypertensive environment, the activity of this novel enhancer is attenuated and mRen gene transcription is suppressed to maintain blood pressure.
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: news