The genetics of migraine (A review)
The article provides a review of modern genetic aspects of migraine and available gene studies that increase susceptibility to migraine. The recent years have witnessed a progress in molecular biology genetics of migraine. Studies on the genetics of familial hemiplegic migraine, a rare monogenic autosomal-dominant subtype of migraine with aura revealed three different genes (CACNA1A, ATP1A2 and SCN1A) that encode ion transporters. Recent genome screens and association studies combining new phenotyping methods (latent-class analysis and trait component analysis) identified susceptibility loci on several chromosomes. Mutations in neural calcium channels, mitochondrial DNA, serotonin receptors and transporter, dopamine receptors, genetic prothrombotic, vascular and inflammation risk factors have been investigated and discussed. Genetic investigations of migraine are important area in neurology as they provide a key to understanding pathophysiological processes in this disease.