PRDM16 and Hypertension: Reduced PRDM16 levels were observed in human atherosclerotic37,79 and AAA lesions,85 and studies in rodents reported a protective role for PRDM16 against these arterial-restricted diseases, by maintaining normal SMC function and homeostasis.37,79,85 Recently, several GWAS's have linked mutations in the PRDM16 gene with arterial diseases, including CAD91,92 and hypertension/blood pressure dysregulation.80,85,93–95 Moreover, Turner et al. used single-nuclear ATAC sequencing to establish an association between CAD risk variants and the PRDM16 promoter in SMCs.