Linkage and sequence analysis of a locus on the X chromosome that contributes to population variation in blood pressure

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High blood pressure is a prominent risk factor for heart attack and stroke which kill over 30,000 Australians each year. Blood pressure is determined by the combination of inherited predisposition and lifestyle factors such as diet. Understanding these combinations offers new opportunities for reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease. We have discovered recently that genes on the sex chromosome known as chromosome X appear to be linked with high blood pressure. Building on this basic observation, we shall extend our studies to place the findings beyond reasonable doubt. We shall investigate the gene sequences in this region of the X chromosome to discover what changes in the DNA code might lead to high blood pressure and how this might happen. Our studies capitalise on the recent release of the draft sequence of the entire human genome. These investigations in almost 800 healthy volunteer families have the potential to provide new opportunities for prevention and treatment of cardovascular disease.