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Published on: June 2, 2014
Association between migraine and a functional polymorphism at the dopamine beta-hydroxylase locus
F Fernandez1, N Colson, S Quinlan
1Genomics Research Centre, Griffith Institute for Health and Medical Research, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 9726 Queensland, Australia.
A dopamine beta hydroxylase (DBH) gene promoter variant is associated with migraine susceptibility. This finding suggests a potential role for DBH genetic variations in the neurological disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neurogenetics
- Pharmacogenetics
Background:
- Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder with a known genetic influence.
- Previous research suggests a link between dopamine system variations and migraine.
- Our lab previously identified an association between a dopamine beta hydroxylase (DBH) gene promoter marker and migraine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association of two additional, potentially functional, dopamine beta hydroxylase (DBH) gene markers with migraine.
- To analyze a promoter single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (-1021C-->T) and an exon 11 SNP (+1603C-->T) in independent migraine cohorts.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study design utilizing two independent migraine cohorts.
- Genotyping of two DBH gene markers: a promoter SNP (-1021C-->T) and an exon 11 SNP (+1603C-->T).
- Statistical analysis of allelic and genotypic frequencies to determine association with migraine.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between the DBH promoter marker (-1021C-->T) and migraine in both cohorts (P = 0.004-0.031).
- No significant association was observed between the DBH exon 11 marker (+1603C-->T) and migraine in either cohort (P >= 0.05).
- The associated promoter DBH marker influences plasma DBH activity, which is linked to dopamine levels and migraine severity.
Conclusions:
- The functional promoter variant of the dopamine beta hydroxylase (DBH) gene is significantly associated with migraine.
- This genetic variation may contribute to migraine susceptibility by affecting DBH enzyme activity and dopamine regulation.
- Further research into DBH gene variants could elucidate migraine pathophysiology.
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