Common Gene Variant Associates with High Blood Pressure Identified
Written by WTJ on December 30, 2008 – 9:09 pm -
A common gene variant links to high blood pressure a.k.a. hypertension has been identified by researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Scientists believe that there are multiple genes involved in hypertension. By using a new technique called genome-wide association study, the first hypertension susceptibility gene, STK39 gene, has been uncovered. The DNA of 542 members of the Old Order Amish community in Lancaster County, Pa, were analyzed to examine the connection between STK39 gene and blood pressure. The STK39 gene is located on chromosome 2. Chromosome 2 is a gene that produce proteins involve in kidney regulation for salt processing, which is essential in controlling blood pressure. It is found that 20% of the Caucasians in the United States and Europe possess the gene variant. Senior author Yen-Pei Christy Chang envisioned that the finding can lead to the development of personalized medicine.
The ideal systolic and diastolic blood pressure should be less than 120/80. Common high blood pressure a.k.a. essential hypertension can be caused by environment and lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, and stress level. It can cause cardiovascular disease, stoke, or kidney failure.
The study is published online on Dec 29th, 2008 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), titled ‘Whole-genome association study identifies STK39 as a novel hypertension susceptibility gene’.
Related posts:
Tags: Alan R. Shuldiner, chromosome 2, essential hypertension, fearless gene, high blood pressure, hypertension, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, STK39, University of Maryland, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Yen-Pei Christy Chang, Ying Wang | 1 Comment »
December 31st, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I wonder at one point a DNA sample will be require for medical insurance; or, life insurance. Afterall, many don’t cover pre-existing conditions.