Genetic discoveries in hypertension: steps on the road to therapeutic translation.

Abstract

Genes and environmental factors contribute to an individual's risk of hypertension. Recent advances in DNA sequencing technology have enabled the discovery of new causative genes in inherited forms of hypertension, identifying novel pathways for blood pressure control. Meta-analyses of genome-wide association studies have also identified regions of the genome that are significantly associated with blood pressure control, and these regions may be involved in an individual's response to antihypertensive medication. This article reviews the latest gene discoveries in inherited forms of hypertension, recent meta-analyses of genome-wide association studies, genetic determinants of antihypertensive therapy response, and development of genetic risk scores.