Clinical and Molecular Perspectives of Monogenic Hypertension

Advances in molecular research techniques have enabled a new frontier in discerning the mechanisms responsible for monogenic diseases. In this review, we discuss the current research on the molecular pathways governing blood pressure disorders with a Mendelian inheritance pattern, each presenting with a unique pathophysiology. Glucocorticoid Remediable Aldosteronism (GRA) and Apparent Mineralocorticoid Excess (AME) are caused by mutations in regulatory enzymes that induce increased production of mineralocorticoids or inhibit degradation of glucocorticoids, respectively. Geller syndrome is due to a point mutation in the hormone responsive element of the promotor for the mineralocorticoid receptor, rendering the receptor susceptible to activation by progesterone, leading to hypertension during pregnancy. Pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHA-II), also known as Gordon's syndrome or familial hyperkalemic hypertension, is a more variable disorder typically characterized by hypertension, high plasma potassium and metabolic acidosis. Mutations in a variety of intracellular enzymes that lead to enhanced sodium reabsorption have been identified. In contrast, hypertension in Liddle's syndrome, which results from mutations in the Epithelial sodium Channel (ENaC), is associated with low plasma potassium and metabolic alkalosis. In Liddle's syndrome, truncation of one the ENaC protein subunits removes a binding site necessary protein for ubiquitination and degradation, thereby promoting accumulation along the apical membrane and enhanced sodium reabsorption. The myriad effects due to mutation in phosphodiesterase 3A (PDE3A) lead to severe hypertension underlying sodium-independent autosomal dominant hypertension with brachydactyly. How mutations in PDE3A result in the phenotypic features of this disorder are discussed. Understanding the pathologies of these monogenic hypertensive disorders may provide insight into the causes of the more prevalent essential hypertension and new avenues to unravel the complexities of blood pressure regulation.

Mendelian forms of human hypertension and mechanisms of disease

Mendelian forms of hypertension have ushered in a revolution in our knowledge of blood pressure and volume regulation. If we include information on syndromes involving low blood pressure, this knowledge base is doubled. Glucocorticoid remediable aldosteronism, apparent mineralocorticoid excess, and mutations in the mineralocorticoid receptor gene have given us brilliant insights into mineralocorticoid-induced hypertension. The latter discovery has elucidated how mutations may modify the receptor sufficiently to allow erstwhile antagonists to have an agonistic action. The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) has been elucidated. Gain-of-function mutations in the beta and gamma subunits of ENaC cause Liddle's syndrome. Loss-of-function mutations in all three subunits of ENaC cause hypotension (pseudohypoaldosteronism type I). Thus, all three subunits can be mutated, causing either hyper or hypotension. Three loci have been described for Gordon's syndrome, pseudohypoaldosteronism type II. Two members of the WNK serine-threonine kinase family have recently been found to be responsible. Their function has been largely elucidated. Autosomal dominant hypertension with brachydactyly features normal sodium and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone responses. The gene has been mapped to chromosome 12p. The condition is interesting because it may represent a novel neural form of hypertension. Finally, at least 5 different genes have been described that when mutated can cause pheochromocytoma. Thus, the elucidation of Mendelian blood pressure-regulatory disorders has been a resounding success.

Ion channels and the control of blood pressure

Ion channels exist in all cells and are enormously varied in structure, function and regulation. Some progress has been made in understanding the role that ion channels play in the control of blood pressure, but the discipline is still in its infancy. Ion channels provide many different targets for intervention in disorders of blood pressure and exciting advances have been made in this field. It is possible that new drugs, as well as antisense nucleotide technology or gene therapy directed towards ion channels, may form a new class of treatments for high and low blood pressure in the future.