Quantitation of renal renin and renin mRNA in Dahl rats in response to provocative stimuli

Differential expression of the closely linked KISS1, REN, and FLJ10761 genes in transgenic mice

We previously reported the development and characterization of transgenic mice containing a large 160-kb P1 artificial chromosome (PAC) encompassing the renin (REN) locus from human chromosome 1. Here we demonstrate that PAC160 not only encodes REN, but also complete copies of the next upstream (KISS1) and downstream ( FLJ10761 ) gene along human chromosome 1. Incomplete copies of the second upstream (PEPP3) and downstream (SOX13) genes are also present. The gene order PEPP3-KISS1-REN-FLJ10761-SOX13 is conserved in mice containing either one or two copies of the REN locus. Despite the close localization of KISS1, REN, and FLJ10761 , they each exhibit distinct, yet overlapping tissue-specific expression profiles in humans. The tissue-specific expression patterns of REN and FLJ10761 were retained in transgenic mice containing PAC160. Expression of REN and FLJ10761 were also proportional to copy number. Expression of KISS1 in PAC160 mice showed both similarities and differences to humans. These data suggest that expression of gene blocks encoded on large genomic clones are retained when the clones are used to generate transgenic mice. Genomic elements which act to insulate genes from their neighbors are also apparently retained.

Mapping of a quantitative trait locus for blood pressure on rat chromosome 2

A genetic map for rat chromosome 2 that includes five candidate genes for blood pressure regulation was constructed in a region containing a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for blood pressure. Two F2 populations of male rats raised on high salt (8% NaCI) diet from weaning were studied: F2(WKY x S), derived from a cross of Dahl salt-sensitive rats (S) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY); and F2(MNS x S), derived from a cross of S rats and Milan normotensive strain (MNS). In both populations a blood pressure QTL was localized between Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha 1 isoform and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II-delta loci. The LOD score for existence of this blood pressure QTL based on the combined populations (n = 330) was 5.66 and accounted for 9.2% of the total variance and 26% of the genetic variance.

Renin gene nucleotide sequence of coding and regulatory regions in Dahl rats

Renin alleles in the Dahl salt-hypertension sensitive (S) and Dahl salt-hypertension resistant (R) rats are known to strongly cosegregate with blood pressure. The purpose of this work was to look for structural differences in the S and R renin alleles that could account for the cosegregation result. The nucleotide sequences determined for the coding region and the 5'-flanking regulatory region for the renin gene of S and R rats were identical. There were some minor nucleotide changes in selected regions of the 1st and 8th introns that were sequenced, but these were unlikely to be of functional importance. The remaining possible reasons for the cosegregation of blood pressure with renin alleles in Dahl rats are differences in renin regulatory elements out of the immediate 5'-flanking area, or differences in alleles at an unknown closely linked locus.