Finnish researchers are once again at the forefront of migraine research. A study led by Professor Aarno Palotie reveals that migraine is caused by the combined effect of several genes – not just a single genetic defect. The study provides new insights into why migraine often runs in families and why symptoms can vary greatly.
Background of the Study
The study Common Variant Burden Contributes to the Familial Aggregation of Migraine in 1,589 Families analyzed 1,589 Finnish families and compared their genetic profiles to population-based controls. The results highlight a broad genetic background and the combined effect of many genetic variations.
Polygenic Risk Burden Explains Familial Aggregation
The inheritance of migraine is significantly explained by polygenic risk scoring (PRS), which describes the combined effect of several genetic variations.
In familial migraine, the PRS burden was 1.76, while in population-based cases it was 1.32. This means that migraine is usually not inherited through a single gene, but as a combined effect of several genes.
Genetic Differences in Migraine Subtypes
The study showed that genetic load is highest in hemiplegic migraine (1.96) and lowest in migraine without aura.
Interestingly, "typical aura without headache" did not differ genetically from healthy controls, suggesting that asymptomatic aura is a distinct phenomenon within migraine.
What the Study Says About Heredity
Migraine starts earlier in individuals with a higher genetic load. In addition, patients who used more effective medication (e.g., triptans) had a higher PRS value.
The study confirms that migraine is often inherited polygenically – not just through a single gene defect.
Conclusions
The inheritance of migraine is due to the combined effect of several genetic variations. This explains why migraine often runs in families, but symptoms and severity can vary individually.
Polygenic risk burden is a significant explanatory factor for the occurrence of migraine in families.
Markku Nissilä, specialist in neurology
Frequently asked questions
Can migraine be inherited from parents to children?
Yes. According to studies, the genetic risk of migraine is passed from parents to children through several genetic variations, not due to a single gene.
Why does migraine occur in certain families?
Familial migraine has been found to have a higher polygenic risk score, meaning the combined effect of several genes contributes to the onset of migraine.
Is there a "migraine gene"?
Not a single one. Migraine is caused by the simultaneous effect of several genes, some of which are related to nervous system function and blood vessel regulation.
Can a genetic test tell the risk of migraine?
Currently, a single genetic test cannot reliably predict the risk of migraine, as it is a polygenic phenomenon. However, research is progressing rapidly.
Source
Palotie A. et al. Common Variant Burden Contributes to the Familial Aggregation of Migraine in 1,589 Families.
Neuron (2018)