Project Details
Projekt Print View

Funktionelle Charakterisierung neu identifizierter Gene mit Einfluss auf das Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosteron System

Subject Area Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism
Term from 2010 to 2013
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 173100186
 
Final Report Year 2014

Final Report Abstract

In summary, we have provided evidence for a functional impact of SLC26A2 on aldosterone secretion. As evident from a population based GWAS study and expression analysis it can be concluded that any impediment to the SLC26A2 function may contribute to development of secondary hypertension in the context of autonomous aldosterone production in primary aldosteronism. Whether this gene might be involved in rare familial cases of primary aldosteronism or as a modifier of sporadic forms of the disease will require further genetic and epidemiological studies. We could further show that somatic mutations in ATP1A1 and ATP2B3 are present in roughly 7% of aldosterone producing adenomas. In both cases inactivation of the pump function either indirectly - in the case of ATP1A1 - or directly - for ATP2B3 – are predicted to increase intracellular Ca2+ levels, which in turn prime Ca2+ - dependent signalling and aldosterone output. As the mutations identified in both ATPases are constrained to specific and highly conserved functional domains further gain of function mechanisms such as cation influx are likely to contribute to the molecular phenotype. Thereby, these findings expand the spectrum of somatic mutations leading to APAs to two members of the P-type ATPase pump family, extend our knowledge on the molecular mechanism leading to aldosterone producing adenomas and point towards novel potential therapeutic targets for the most frequent secondary form of arterial hypertension. Exploration of the pathophysiology and underlying genetics of arterial hypertension are of high socioeconomic importance. A number of genetic mechanisms underlying autonomous aldosterone secretion could be elucidated – mainly in the context of aldosterone producing adenomas. It will be of particular importance in the future to further gain insights in genetic contributors of the bilateral form of primary aldosteronism.

Publications

 
 

Additional Information

Textvergrößerung und Kontrastanpassung