The vascular wall as a target for association studies by the candidate gene approach

The implication of polymorphisms of candidate genes in the variation of quantitative traits can be studied by using marker genotypes in association studies. The vascular wall properties, such as wall thickness and compliance, can be approached by such strategies. A rational choice of candidate genes can be based on an extensive knowledge of the cellular and biochemical processes occurring in the vascular wall. Molecular cloning and the availability of markers on several genes allow the investigation of a large number of candidate genes. This review summarizes the knowledge of some aspects of cell proliferation and differentiation in the vascular wall and the results already obtained by association studies on vascular wall phenotypes.