04 Aug Blood Pressure Control Center Identified in Kidney

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Lopez

Maria Luisa S. Sequeira Lopez, MD, FAHA
Harrison Distinguished Professor in Pediatrics and Biology
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA 22908

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is crucial in the regulation of the blood pressure (BP). Synthesis and secretion of renin is the key regulated event in the operation of the RAS.

One of the main mechanisms that control renin synthesis and release is the baroreceptor mechanism whereby a decrease in blood pressure results in increased release of renin by juxtaglomerular (JG) cells.

In spite of its enormous importance, the nature and location of the renal baroreceptor was still unknown. This was due in great part to the lack of appropriate in vitro and in vivo models to confidently allow tracking of the fate and isolation of renin cells, and the lack of tools to study the chromatin in scarce cells.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings? Do ESRD patients have poor blood pressure control?

Response: Using multiple approaches including genetically modified mice, cell lineage tracing, in vivo high and low perfusion pressure models, in vitro models and epigenomic analysis we found that the enigmatic baroreceptor is a nuclear mechanotransducer that resides in the renin cells per se and is responsible for the sensing and transmission of extracellular physical forces directly to the chromatin of renin cells via lamin A/C to regulate renin gene expression, renin bioavailability, and homeostasis.

Control of hypertension is poor in patients with ESRD. 

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Understanding the mechanisms that control blood pressure homeostasis is of fundamental biological and medical importance. Such knowledge may lead to new strategies to preserve vascular structure and function and decrease the burden of disease due to hypertension

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Understand  how the mechanotransducer coordinates renin expression and renin release.

Citation: These article has free access at https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.120.318711 

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Last Updated on August 4, 2021 by Marie Benz MD FAAD