Genome-wide scan yields wealth of new heart disease targets

Research lead

Research drawing on the Wellcome Trust’s Case Control Consortium has uncovered ten new genes linked with heart disease through three genome-wide association studies. The research charity says the findings demonstrate the value of large-scale genomic studies in discovering leads that could aid the development of new treatments.

In one study, researchers analysing Case Control Consortium data identified a gene cluster, SCLC22A3-LPAL2-LPA, with a strong link to coronary artery disease. The cluster includes a set of genes, LPA, previously linked to heart disease.

In another study Consortium data was compared with a new genome-wide analysis of more than 2,000 German individuals. The researchers identified two chromosomal regions not previously known to be associated with coronary artery disease. Within those they found single nucleotide polymorphisms, or single letter changes in the DNA code, mapping to MRAS, a gene that is highly expressed in the cardiovascular system, particularly the heart.

In the third study, European and American researchers identified three variants associated with early heart attacks. Among the genes affected is KCNE2, the mutation of which is known to cause irregular heartbeats.

Combined with previous reports from the WTCCC, the studies provide robust evidence for at least ten genes affecting the risk of coronary heart disease.

“This is a major advance in understanding the familial basis of coronary heart disease,” said Nilesh Samani, British Heart Foundation Professor of Cardiology at the University of Leicester and a principal investigator on the WTCCC.

“Most of these genes had not hitherto been suspected of being involved in causing heart disease. Understanding how they increase risk of heart attacks may provide new means of preventing or treating coronary heart disease.”

www.wellcome.ac.uk