Genomic approaches to research in pulmonary hypertension

Genomics, or the study of genes and their function, is a burgeoning field w ith many new technologies. In the present review, we explore the applicatio n of genomic approaches to the study of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Candid ate genes, important to the pathobiology of the disease, have been investig ated. Rodent models enable the manipulation of selected genes, either by tr ansgenesis or targeted disruption. Mutational analysis of genes in the tran sforming growth factor-beta family have proven pivotal in both familial and sporadic forms of primary PH. Finally, microarray gene expression analysis is a robust molecular tool to aid in delineating the pathobiology of this disease.