Insights into Uromodulin and Blood Pressure

Abstract

Abstract Purpose of Review We review the role of uromodulin, a protein exclusively expressed in the kidney, in blood pressure regulation and hypertension. Recent Findings The last few years have seen a shift of focus from genetic association to mendelian randomisation and uromodulin-salt interaction studies, thus confirming the causal role of uromodulin in blood pressure regulation and hypertension. This work has been complemented by phenome-wide association studies in a wider range of ethnicities. Important recent molecular work elucidated uromodulin trafficking and secretion and provided more insights into the pathophysiological roles of circulating and urinary uromodulin. Summary Uromodulin has a causal role in blood pressure regulation and hypertensin. Recent studies show utility of the uromodulin as a biomarker and a possible precision medicine application based on genetically determined differential responses to loop diuretics.