Collectrin, an X-Linked, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 Homolog, Causes Hypertension in a Rat Strain Through Gene–Gene and Gene–Environment Interactions

Abstract

Dr. Cechova and a multinational investigative team1 describe a novel model of hypertension in a susceptible murine model. Their initial studies of collectrin knockout in a mixed genetic mouse strain did not reveal a significant effect on blood pressure (BP).2 However, previous research demonstrated that the collectrin gene is located on a region of the X chromosome with loci linked to hypertension in humans and rats.3,4 Moreover, renal expression of collectrin is upregulated after subtotal nephrectomy and in salt-sensitive hypertension. Article see p 1770 With this background, the authors studied the effects of collectrin null mutations on BP in a 129S6 mouse strain that is susceptible to hypertension and salt sensitivity.5,6 Under standard feeding conditions, the gene–gene interaction in the collectrin knockout/129S6 strain male mice led to a modest 9-mm Hg elevation in BP compared with wild-type control 129S6 mice. The rise …