The identification of phosducin as a novel candidate gene for hypertension and its role in sympathetic activation

Purpose of review The primary objective of this review is to familiarize readers with the recent identification of phosducin (Pdc) as a novel candidate gene for stress-induced hypertension using comparative genetics and the elucidation of its role in sympathetic activation. Recent findings Phosducin was previously identified as a G-protein regulator expressed in the retina and pineal gland. Knowledge of its physiological role as a G-protein regulator was limited. A recent study by Beetz et al. based on comparative genetics of mice and humans establishes Pdc as a novel candidate gene for stress-induced hypertension. This study further delineates the role of phosducin as a regulator of sympathetic activity in postsynaptic ganglia and highlights the importance of sympathetic function in blood pressure regulation. In addition, it demonstrates the utility of the complementary approaches of population-based association testing and animal model genetics in the discovery of genes for complex phenotypes. Summary The identification of Pdc as a gene for stress-induced hypertension offers new insights into the relationship between sympathetic nervous system activation, blood pressure regulation and genetic factors. It has implications for both the treatment of hypertension and kidney disease and may represent a new target for novel therapeutics.