GLOBAL DELETION OF MICRORNA-181A RESULTS IN ELEVATED BLOOD PRESSURE IN MICE

Abstract

Objective: MicroRNA-181a (miR-181a) is down-regulated in both human hypertensive subjects and genetically hypertensive mice (BPH/2J). We have previously shown miR-181a can bind to and regulate renin mRNA levels. Therefore, it is proposed that miR-181a may exert post-transcriptional control over the renin-angiotensin system via up-regulation of renin expression, thus increasing blood pressure (BP). Aims: To determine the role of the miR-181a1 gene in BP regulation and renin expression in CRISPR/Cas9 miR-181a-1 knock out (KO) mice. Design and method: Twelve-week-old wild-type (WT,n = 6), BPH/2J (n = 6) and miR-181a1 heterozygous (n = 6) and homozygous (n = 8) KO mice were implanted with radio-..