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Novel BP loci may offer new therapeutic targets for hypertension
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Findings recently published in Nature Genetics show new gene regions found to be related to hypertension.
These 107 new gene regions have the potential to benefit patients with new drug targets for hypertension treatments, the researchers wrote.
“Our findings point to new biology as well as highlighting gene regions in systems that have previously been implicated in the genetics of BP. Several of our validated loci affect atherosclerosis or vascular remodeling (ADAMTS7, THBS2 and CFDP1) and exhibit locus pleiotropy in previous [genome-wide association studies] for [CAD] or carotid intimal media thickness,” Helen R. Warren, PhD, of the William Harvey Research Institute at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, and colleagues wrote.
Researchers tested 9.8 million genetic variants and cross-referenced the variants with BP data from 420,000 individuals of European ancestry from the UK Biobank.
Genetic associations of BP were found among the participants, and a strong validation of 107 independent loci was reported by the researchers.
“We also identify new independent variants at 11 previously reported [BP] loci. In combination with results from a range of in silico functional analyses and wet bench experiments, our findings highlight new biological pathways for [BP] regulation enriched for genes expressed in vascular tissues and identify potential therapeutic targets for hypertension. Results from genetic risk score models raise the possibility of a precision medicine approach through early lifestyle intervention to offset the impact of [BP]-raising genetic variants on future [CVD] risk,” the researchers wrote.
They also developed a genetic risk score, and demonstrated that the score may be effective in predicting increased risk for stroke and CHD, according to a related press release.
The score was created by linking the BP genetic data of the participants to their health and hospital data.
In the press release, Mark Caulfield, FRCP, FMedSci, from Queen Mary University of London, said: "Finding 107 new genetic regions linked to [BP] almost doubles the amount of genes we can evaluate to target for drug treatment. These exciting genetic regions could provide the basis for new innovative preventive therapies and lifestyle changes for this major cause of heart disease and stroke." – by Suzanne Reist
Disclosure: Caulfield is chief scientist for Genomics England, a wholly owned U.K. government company, and leads the 100,000 Genomes Project, which includes syndromic forms of BP. Warren reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of the other researchers’ relevant financial disclosures.
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