Exploring the Epigenetic Abnormalities of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Activation in Salt-sensitive Hypertension and Nephropathy

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25860669
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Kidney internal medicine
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: KAWARAZAKI Wakako 東京大学, 先端科学技術研究センター, 特任研究員 (50424594)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 高血圧症 / 腎臓 / 食塩感受性 / ナトリウム輸送体 / エピジェネティクス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To explore the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension and kidney injury, which is deeply associated with obesity and intake of excess salt, we investigated the abnormalities of sodium transporter of kidney tubules in salt-sensitive hypertensive rodents. Sympathetic nerves system, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and insulin are considered to affect the regulation of sodium absorption in the kidney of obese hypertensive rats, and we found that the involvement of the activation of Na-K-2Cl-cotransporter (NKCC2) might be involved to it as effector. We are investigating how intake of excess salt induces the aberrant activation of NKCC2, and obesity develops hypertension. Furthermore, we plan to clarify that epigenetic abnormalities of NKCC2-associated genes might be involved to it.

Free Research Field

腎臓内科学