Scientists discover gene linked to a common form of migraine
An international study led by scientists at Université de Montréal and University of Oxford, has identified a gene associated with 'Migraine with Aura'.
Migraine with Aura is a common type of headache disorder often associated with transient and reversible- focal neurological symptoms. "A role has been suggested for the two-pore domain (K2P) potassium channel, TWIK-related spinal cord potassium channel (TRESK, encoded by KCNK18), in pain pathways and general anaesthesia"
A 'frameshift mutation' in this channel (F139WfsX24) was detected in patients with 'Migraine with Aura' and found to be more prevalent in areas such as the trigeminal ganglion(majority of sensory and motor nerves to the face, head) The mutation suppresses TRESK function.
These findings support a role for TRESK in the pathogenesis of typical migraine with aura
and therefore a potential therapeutic target for future treatments.
http://www.nature.com/nm/journal/v16/n10/full/nm.2216.html
Listen audio http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/news/audio/am/201009/20100928-am-8-migraines-gene.mp3 TV coverage: http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/breakthrough-migraine-research/xz35de9 www.headache.com.au Editors comment- In this editors opinion, this research provides valuable insight into the patho-physiology and biochemistry of migraine. It is important to place this research in the context of what is likely a multifactorial condition with multifactorial aetiology.
