StemCell Therapy

New genetic differences have been discovered to play a vital role in regulating blood pressure, according to research part funded by us and published in Nature Genetics.

Researchers based at the University of Cambridge and round the world studied the genetic make-up of 1.3 million people with diverse ancestries. They found 106 new regions of DNA and 87 new rare genetic variations associated with blood pressure.

The rare genetic variants had an eight times greater effect on blood pressure compared to more common variants. Thirty-two of the rare variants were located within newly identified sections of DNA linked to blood pressure, and 55 were located within genes already known to be associated with its regulation.

The importance of the work is illustrated by the finding that six of the genes identified in this study, four of which contain rare variants, are already drug targets for heart and circulatory conditions. This suggests that the other genes identified may also be good targets for developing new drugs.

The researchers therefore hope that these findings will lead to new ways to prevent and treat high blood pressure.

Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, our Medical Director, said:

This major study has revealed new underlying genetic factors which add to the blueprint of what dictates our blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart and circulatory diseases. These new discoveries should shed light on potential new ways to prevent and treat high blood pressure and ensure its in a healthy range, ultimately to reduce deadly heart attacks and strokes.

Read more about high blood pressure

Read more:
Rare genetic differences play vital role in blood pressure - British Heart Foundation

This entry was posted on December 4, 2020 at 12:31 am and is filed under Genetics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |