Hypertension Genetics:

Alanna Morrison, Ph.D., assistant professor of epidemiology, School of Public Health and GSBS

Heart disease and stroke are the number one killers among both men and women in the United States. Similarly, high blood pressure affects a large number of Americans and is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Alanna Morrison, Ph.D.

Morrison hopes that identification of the genes and mutations involved in these common chronic diseases will lead to “better understanding of disease pathways, improved treatment protocols and early identification of individuals at risk.” She believes that her genetic research into factors contributing to hypertension, or high blood pressure, may help guide physicians as they prescribe anti-hypertensive medications. The research involves two types of studies: samples of families in which multiple people have these diseases and large population- based samples of unrelated individuals that are either cases (they have the disease) or controls (they don’t have the disease).

The individuals in these studies have their blood drawn, and then laboratory techniques are used to characterize and identify genetic mutations across their genomes.

“As a statistical analyst, I use computer programs and statistical procedures to help define an association between the diseases that the individuals are afflicted with and the genetic mutations that they carry,” Morrison said.

“Genetics is an exciting, fascinating and fast-moving field,” she said. “By focusing my research on the identification of genetic variation involved in common chronic diseases, I feel I can make a timely and valuable contribution to the scientific and medical community.”