Transgenic mice and rats have become popular tools to study the regulation
of gene expression and the consequences of protein over-production. Over th
e past decade, numerous transgenic models have been developed to study the
mechanisms of human renin gene expression and the participation of the reni
n-angiotensin system in the development of hypertension. Herein we will pro
vide an overview: of what has been learned from the use of transgenic model
s for studying the human renin gene. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rig
hts reserved.