The role of microRNAs in the regulation of adrenal aldosterone production.

Increases in the production of the steroid hormone aldosterone is important in patients with high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disorders. These increases may be due to abnormalities in the mechanisms which regulate its production. We wish to examine whether its production is regulated by a new class of small molecules called microRNAs. This will help us determine how aldosterone production is regulated and identify new targets which could be manipulated to lower the levels of aldosterone production and develop new approaches to the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.