Genetic linkage of β and γ subunits of epithelial sodium channel to systolic blood pressure

Abstract

Background. Mutations in the genes on chromosome 16p12 that encode the β and γ subunits of the epithelial sodium channel (SCNNIB and SCNNIG, respectively) have been linked with rare sodium-dependent forms of low and high blood pressure. Other DNA variants in or around these genes may contribute to variation in blood pressure and the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Methods. We studied 286 white families from the general population in Victoria, Australia. Each family comprised both parents and two natural children. All participants were genotyped at chromosome 16p12 by use of four highly polymorphic microsatellite markers. Quantitative phenotype measurements were correlated with gen..