Key genetic mechanisms which help control blood pressure have been identified in a study. Human kidneys genetic material was analysed in the study in a search for genes that could be causes of high blood pressure. Key genes were identified in the study, micro RNAs (mRNAs) and messenger RNAs (miRNAs) in the kidneys that could be causes of high blood pressure. The study also revealed 2 microRNAs which play a role in the regulation of a hormone known as renin and long considered to play to part in controlling blood pressure.1✅ JOURNAL REFERENCE
DOI: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.111.180729
Although it’s long been known that the kidneys play a part in blood pressure control, this study identified key genes involved in the process through comprehensive and large gene expression analysis of the kidneys. The researchers also identified miRNAs which control the expression of the renin hormone.
Tissue samples were analyzed from the kidneys of 15 individuals with high blood pressure and also 7 individuals with normal blood pressure, and their miRNA and mRNA were compared.
mRNA is a single-stranded molecule which assists with DNA protein production. Genetic information is copied from DNA strands to mRNA strands, providing a template from which the cell is able to create new proteins. miRNA is a tiny molecule which helps with the regulation of the mRNA into protein conversion process.
Renin is one of the most important factors in blood pressure control. The discovery of these miRNAs implicates renin as one of the causes of high blood pressure, and the results also indicate which miRNAs and genes take part in the production of renin.
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