[Genetic analysis of migraine headache: a review]

Recent advances in genetic analysis of migraine headache are reviewed. Point mutations of P/Q -type Ca2+ channel alpha1 subunit(CACNA1A) gene and Na-K ATPase, alpha2 (ATP1A2) gene have been identified in the familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM-1 and FHM-2, respectively). Mutations in notch-3 gene cause the cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), which is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder often accompanying with migraine like headache. Serotonin (5-HT) related genes, dopamine D2 receptors (DRD2) gene, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene have been noticed as the susceptible genes for migraine pathogenesis. Genetic study of migraine is promising and will provide further understanding of the migraine pathophysiology. Discovery of the responsible or susceptible genes will open an avenue to develop new therapeutic strategy.