Key result
A 66-SNP BP risk score links to multi-tissue target organ damage beyond classical renal pathways.
Why the study?
The genetic architecture of blood pressure and its effects on target organ damage beyond the renal system were not fully understood.
Observational (n=342,415)
The identification of 66 blood pressure-associated genetic loci highlights the primary role of vascular endothelial cells and tissues beyond the classical renal system in blood pressure regulation.
BP polygenic score links loci to multi-tissue damage; hypothesis-generating for non-renal pathways and requires prospective validation before clinical use.
To dissect the genetic architecture of blood pressure and assess effects on target organ damage, we analyzed 128,272 SNPs from targeted and genome-wide arrays in 201,529 individuals of European ancestry, and genotypes from an additional 140,886 individuals were used for validation. We identified 66 blood pressure-associated loci, of which 17 were new; 15 harbored multiple distinct association signals. The 66 index SNPs were enriched for cis-regulatory elements, particularly in vascular endothelial cells, consistent with a primary role in blood pressure control through modulation of vascular tone across multiple tissues. The 66 index SNPs combined in a risk score showed comparable effects in 64,421 individuals of non-European descent. The 66-SNP blood pressure risk score was significantly associated with target organ damage in multiple tissues but with minor effects in the kidney. Our findings expand current knowledge of blood pressure-related pathways and highlight tissues beyond the classical renal system in blood pressure regulation.
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Ehret et al. (2016) conducted an observational in Blood pressure regulation (n=342,415). 66-SNP blood pressure risk score was evaluated on Blood pressure-associated loci and target organ damage. A 66-SNP blood pressure risk score identified 17 new loci and was significantly associated with target organ damage in multiple tissues, highlighting pathways beyond the classical renal system.
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