Abstract

The genetics of migraine is a fascinating and moving research area. This review focuses on the di- fferent molecular genetic findings in migraine. Familial hemiplegic migraine(FHM) is a rare subtype of migraine with aura, which is inherited as an autosomal dominant. Half the cases of FHM are caused by point mutations in the CACNA1A gene. Other mutation types cause episodic ataxia 2(EA-2) or expan- sions of the CAG in SCA 6. The finding in an ion channel subunit defines migraine as a channelopathy (eg, epilepsy). Mutations in genes on the X chromosome, dopamine receptor genes, ACE gene, genes for nitric oxide synthase, serotonin receptors, MTHFR, and mitochondrial DNA have been investigated. The positive associations have not been reproduced in other studies and therefore they should be interpreted with care. It is to be hoped that in the next few years much more will be known about the molecular genetic mechanisms of migraine Korean Journal of Headache 4(1):7-13, 2003