Genetic and molecular mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension frequently occurs secondary to common cardi opulmonary diseases, and more rarely as a primary condition. Observations i n animals and man have suggested genetic influences underlying the suscepti bility to pulmonary hypertension. A gene underlying many cases of familial and apparently sporadic cases of primary pulmonary hypertension has now bee n identified, and a genetic approach to hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertens ion promises to reveal new insights into the unique nature of the pulmonary circulation. The exploration of potential candidate genes influencing susc eptibility and the identification of new genes promise new therapeutic appr oaches to the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.