Barcelona researchers find over 40 migraine-related genes
Monday, July 4, 2016 @ 8:33 PM
BARCELONA University scientists are part of a team which has found no less than 40 genes relating to migraines – the most ambitious research project to date into how DNA affects this debilitating neurological condition.
As reported in the magazine Nature Genetics, the group studied 56,674 patients who suffer from regular migraines and a wider sample of 316,078 who did not, or only rarely.
For the first time ever, they found a genetic risk factor in the 'X' chromosome, which appears to tie in with the fact that more women than men suffer migraines.
To date, 13 genes have been found which may relate to the condition, but this further research has confirmed that 10 of these definitely contribute to what were once referred to as 'sick headaches' and added another 28 'possibles'.
Barcelona University's Biomedical Institute (IBUB) and the Rare Illnesses Network Biomedical Investigation Centre (CIBERER) in the capital of Catalunya found that each of the genes studied made a 'small and individual contribution' to the condition, but that combined, they played a 'very relevant role' in the development of migraines.
Read more at thinkSPAIN.com