Update on the genetics of stroke and cerebrovascular disease 2007.

摘要

The genetic story-of-the-year for 2007 is undoubtedly the dramatic and surprising success of large-scale genome-wide association (GWA) studies in finding consistent and replicable genetic markers of several complex diseases of adulthood. While GWA studies of stroke are on the verge of being reported, much can be learned already from reports of other complex diseases with robust genetic associations identified since the spring of 2007. These have included coronary artery disease (CAD),1-6 type 2 diabetes,3'7"9 rheumatoid arthritis,3-10 bipolar disorder,3 Crohn disease,3 multiple sclerosis11 and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.12 Cumulatively, these findings have begun to transform our understanding of the genetics of complex diseases. Also, these studies might help discover new biological mechanisms, diagnostic methods and treatments for complex adult diseases.