Genetics of Common Polygenic Ischaemic Stroke: Current Understanding and Future Challenges
2011

Genetics of Common Polygenic Ischaemic Stroke: Current Understanding and Future Challenges

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Steve Bevan, Hugh S. Markus

Primary Institution: Stroke and Dementia Research Centre, St. George's, University of London

Hypothesis

What are the genetic factors contributing to ischaemic stroke risk?

Conclusion

Genetic factors play an important role in ischaemic stroke risk, but many genes contributing to this risk remain unidentified.

Supporting Evidence

  • Genetic predisposition may explain some of the remaining risk of ischaemic stroke.
  • Family studies have shown different genetic risk factors for different subtypes of stroke.
  • GWAS has identified over 1212 new genetic loci predisposing to common polygenic diseases.

Takeaway

Scientists are trying to understand how our genes affect the risk of having a stroke, but it's complicated and many genes are still unknown.

Methodology

The paper reviews previous genetic studies, discusses genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and considers future techniques like next generation sequencing.

Potential Biases

Publication bias may affect the interpretation of candidate gene studies.

Limitations

Previous studies have often had small sample sizes and poor phenotyping, leading to disappointing results.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.4061/2011/179061

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