Could Mutant Gene in Chickens Lead to Hypertension Cure?
Date: 26.8.2011
Scientists from the University of Abertay Dundee have discovered that a gene which, when severely mutated, causes blindness and kidney abnormalities in chickens, is the same as one that predisposes humans to hypertension.
Doctor Doug Lester from Abertay's School of Contemporary Sciences said: "This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs for hypertension in humans who are genetically predisposed to the condition."
Research Fellow Doctor Hemanth Tummala who worked alongside Doctor Lester said: "We believe this paper can shed light on the kidney pathways in which GNB3 protein is involved in predisposing humans to hypertension. This is because a severe mutation in the GNB3 gene, in chickens causes not only blindness, as previously reported, but also renal anomalies.
Source:
