Transgenic and knockout mouse models for pulmonary hypertension: role of BMPR2: Part I: Genetically manipulated mouse models of pulmonary vascular disease and lung injury

Mutations of the bone morphogenetic protein type II receptor (BMPR2) gene were identified in the patients with pulmonary hypertension a decade ago. However, the pathogenesis of the disease remains to be elucidated because of the complex roles of additional genetic and/or environmental factors in the onset of the disease. Genetically modified mice for the BMPR2 gene were reported in the past several years. These findings reveal a crucial role of the BMPR2 gene in the development of pulmonary hypertension.