Update on the Genetics of Migraine

Genetics and Headache: The Role of the MTHFR Gene in Migraine Stuart S, Cox H, Lea R, Griffiths L. Migraine is a common neurological disorder and is characterized by debilitating head pain and an assortment of additional symptoms which can include nausea, emesis, photophobia, phonophobia, and occasi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Headache 2012-03, Vol.52 (3), p.521-522
Main Author: Merikangas, Kathleen Ries
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Cardiovascular system
Female
Genes
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Genetics
Head
Headache
Humans
Islands
Male
Medical sciences
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) - genetics
Migraine
Migraine Disorders - genetics
Mutation
Nausea
Neurology
Pain
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
Polymorphism
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide - genetics
Single-nucleotide polymorphism
Stroke
Vascular diseases and vascular malformations of the nervous system
Vascular system
Vasodilator agents. Cerebral vasodilators
Vomiting
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Summary:Genetics and Headache: The Role of the MTHFR Gene in Migraine Stuart S, Cox H, Lea R, Griffiths L. Migraine is a common neurological disorder and is characterized by debilitating head pain and an assortment of additional symptoms which can include nausea, emesis, photophobia, phonophobia, and occasionally, visual sensory disturbances. A number of genes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of this disease, including genes involved in regulating the vascular system. Of particular importance are the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) and the role it plays in migraine with aura. Migraine with aura has previously been shown to have a significant comorbidity with stroke, making the vascular class of genes a priority for migraine studies. In this report, we outline the importance of the MTHFR gene in migraine and also discuss the use of a genetic isolate to investigate MTHFR genetic variants. From this study, 3 MTHFR single nucleotide polymorphisms showing association with migraine in the Norfolk Island population have been identified, thus reinforcing the potential role of MTHFR in migraine susceptibility. Further studies will continue to build a gene profile of variants involved in the complex disease migraine and improve understanding of the underlying genetic causes of this disorder.
ISSN:0017-8748
1526-4610
DOI:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2012.02107.x