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U.S. Department of Energy
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Molecular cardiology: the beat goes on

Journal Article · · Bio/Technology; (United States)
OSTI ID:6998086

Recombination DNA techniques have given cardiac physiologists their first access to the genes, proteins, and chemical signals that regulate the human heart. Scientists have been investigating the molecular biology of the angiotensinogen converting enzyme, renin, and of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), an important cardiac-peptide hormone with a wide range of physiologic activities. Renin initiates a regulatory cascade that eventually produces angiotensin II, a potent hypertensive agent. By studying renin's genetic organization, and protein chemistry, scientists hope to be able to design a rational therapeutic to specifically inhibit this aspartyl protease. To determine if renin is endogenously produced or if it makes its way to these cells through the circulation. A combination of fluorescent-labeled antibodies and radio-labeled nucleic acid probes derived from renin cDNA were used.

OSTI ID:
6998086
Journal Information:
Bio/Technology; (United States), Journal Name: Bio/Technology; (United States) Vol. 5:6; ISSN BTCHD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English