Identification of X-Linked Genes in Migraine: Fine Mapping and Candidate Gene Studies

Abstract

Migraine is a painful temporarily incapacitating disorder that affects an estimated 12% of the general population including 18% of adult women and 6% of adult men. The disorder involves two main subtypes termed migraine with or without aura (MA and MO respectively). Migraine can present with a variety of symptoms that vary between individuals and between episodes experienced by a single individual. This disorder causes significant social and economic burden and alarmingly is often poorly treated. A direct cause of this is a lack of understanding of the underlying pathology of migraine. Migraine is believed to be a neurogenic disorder that involves temporary disruption of pathways that receive and respond to sensory signals. While numerous environmental triggers may have been identified the exact mechanisms that cause the disruption are still largely unknown. However, familial aggregation of migraine suggests significant genetic contributors.