# Olfactory Receptor 558 (Olfr558) and Blood Pressure Regulation in Aging

> **NIH NIH R21** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $204,688

## Abstract

Project Summary
Olfactory Receptors (ORs) comprise the largest gene family in the genome, and ORs serve key
functions in a variety of tissues beyond the nose. We have identified an evolutionarily conserved
OR, Olfr558, which localizes to vascular smooth muscle cells and plays a role in blood pressure
regulation. It is well-established, in both humans and in animal models, that normotensive
premenopausal females have lower blood pressure than normotensive males by approximately
~10mmHg. In contrast, blood pressure is similar in postmenopausal females and males, due to
an increase in female blood pressure with aging. We find that sex differences in blood pressure
are absent in Olfr558 knockout (KO) mice, and, that wild-type (WT) but not KO females increase
blood pressure with aging. In this proposal, we will explore the role of Olfr558 in mediating
changes in blood pressure in aging. In Aim 1, we will compare blood pressure by telemetry
between WT and KO mice which are young (4-7 months, male and female), aged (18-22
months, male and female), or young (4-7 months) females in whom menopause has been
chemically induced via VCD (4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide). In Aim 2, we will use tissues from
these same mice to assay how renin (Aim 2a) and vascular reactivity (Aim 2b) are altered in WT
vs KO in these various groups. These studies will uncover the role of a well-conserved OR in
the cardiovascular physiology of aging, and in so doing will reveal novel insights into sex
differences, blood pressure regulation, aging, and menopause.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10840448
- **Project number:** 5R21AG081683-02
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Jennifer L Pluznick
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $204,688
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-04-15 → 2026-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10840448

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10840448, Olfactory Receptor 558 (Olfr558) and Blood Pressure Regulation in Aging (5R21AG081683-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10840448. Licensed CC0.

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