The identification of phosducin as a novel candidate gene for hypertension and its role in sympathetic activation. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2011 Mar;20(2):118-24
Date
12/31/2010Pubmed ID
21191291DOI
10.1097/MNH.0b013e3283432e05Scopus ID
2-s2.0-79952040382 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 5 CitationsAbstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The primary objective of this review is to familiarize readers with the recent identification of phosducin (Pdc) as a novel candidate gene for stress-induced hypertension using comparative genetics and the elucidation of its role in sympathetic activation.
RECENT FINDINGS: Phosducin was previously identified as a G-protein regulator expressed in the retina and pineal gland. Knowledge of its physiological role as a G-protein regulator was limited. A recent study by Beetz et al. based on comparative genetics of mice and humans establishes Pdc as a novel candidate gene for stress-induced hypertension. This study further delineates the role of phosducin as a regulator of sympathetic activity in postsynaptic ganglia and highlights the importance of sympathetic function in blood pressure regulation. In addition, it demonstrates the utility of the complementary approaches of population-based association testing and animal model genetics in the discovery of genes for complex phenotypes.
SUMMARY: The identification of Pdc as a gene for stress-induced hypertension offers new insights into the relationship between sympathetic nervous system activation, blood pressure regulation and genetic factors. It has implications for both the treatment of hypertension and kidney disease and may represent a new target for novel therapeutics.
Author List
Broeckel U, Stoll M, Hein LAuthor
Ulrich Broeckel MD Chief, Center Associate Director, Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AnimalsEye Proteins
GTP-Binding Protein Regulators
Genome-Wide Association Study
Humans
Hypertension
Phenotype
Phosphoproteins
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
Stress, Psychological
Sympathetic Nervous System
