High-blood pressure sufferers could benefit from EU-funded scientists' discovery of a new gene variant

The discovery of a new gene variant by a European Union-funded research team opens the way to new prevention and treatment for high blood pressure (hypertension). One adult in four in the EU suffers from the condition which, as the most important cardiovascular risk factor, is ultimately the leading cause of death worldwide.

The new gene variant concerned lowers the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart disease. Individuals carrying this variant were found to have 15% fewer strokes, myocardial infarctions and coronary deaths. This important discovery is the result of one of the largest genetic studies ever done in this field, involving 40,000 people from eight European countries. The new variation is located in a gene which regulates the production by the kidney of uromodulin, a protein excreted in the urine. The research sheds new light on the role of uromodulin in the regulation of blood pressure. It is led by the University of Glasgow and Istituto Auxologico Italiano of Milan. Altogether, scientists in 31 research groups are involved, working in 11 EU member states: Italy, the UK, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, France, Netherlands, Poland, Finland and Sweden. Scientists in Switzerland, Russia and China are also part of the network. The EU contribution is 10 million euros ($13.9 million).

Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science said: "Discoveries stemming from large genetic studies like this can offer new avenues for innovative prevention and treatment, so that each individual gets the best drug for their condition. Healthcare is an absolute priority under the Commission's Innovation Union proposals because nothing matters more than saving lives and alleviating suffering. At the same time, the kind of advance the InGenious HyperCare project has achieved can in the end also lead to huge economic benefits, by opening new markets for EU companies and helping to keep people active and healthy for longer."