North India Statesman
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Scientists have identified genes that act as switches and trigger cells in the kidneys to produce renin. Renin is an enzyme that helps a person control his blood pressure. Muscle cells in general are known to help keep blood pressure under control. However, when blood pressure falls and remains low for a long period of time, these cells in the kidney's blood vessels help maintain it by producing the enzyme renin.
Researchers at the University of Virginia in the US have said that until now it was not certain which gene triggers this change in the kidney muscle. According to the study published in the journal Hypertension, the team investigated the biological process involved in the production of renin. Additionally, 9 genes have been identified that play important roles in three of these processes.
The researchers explained that both of these genes are functional switches that prompt muscle cells to stop producing renin and restart it when needed. Jason P., senior scientist in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Virginia. Even though these cells naturally stop producing renin, they're still ready to go back to work, Smith said.
