TNF receptor 2 and iNOS genes in basis of cardiovascular disease

在澳大利亚和其他工业化国家，心血管疾病几乎占总死亡人数的一半。高血压、冠状动脉疾病和糖尿病是导致死亡率和发病率的主要因素。众所周知，每一种都有遗传基础，也有环境影响。国际上研究的一个重点是发现所涉及的分子机制。我们最近的发现指出了诱导型一氧化氮合酶基因（产生一氧化氮，一种有效的血管扩张剂）和肿瘤坏死因子受体2基因（其产物向前者基因发送信号）在心脏、肾脏和血管疾病中的作用。我们现在建议找出实际的基因变化以及所涉及的分子和机制。通过阐明在心血管生理和病理中的作用，这些对心血管功能的重要性将被确定，并可能开辟新的治疗途径。

Cardiovascular diseases account for almost half of total deaths in Australia and other industrialized countries. Hypertesnion, coronary artery disease and diabetes are major contributing factors to mortality and morbidity. It is well known that each of these have a genetic basis, as well as having environmental influences. A key focus of reseach internationally is discovery of the molecular mechanisms involved. Our recent findings point to a role for the inducible nitric oxide synthase gene (which generates nitric oxide, a potent blood vessel dilator) and tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 gene (whose product sends signals to the former gene) in heart, kidney and blood vessel diseases. We now propose to find the actual gene changes responsible and the molecules and mechanisms involved. By elucidating roles in cardiovascular physiology and pathology the importance of these for cardiovascular function will be ascertained, and may open up new avenues for treatment.