Genetics of atrial fibrillation.
Recent studies of atrial fibrillation (AF) have identified mutations in a series of ion mutations; however, these channels appear to be relatively rare causes of AF. Recent genome-wide association studies for AF have identified novel variants associated with the disease, although the mechanism of action for these variants remains unknown. Ultimately, a greater understanding of the genetics of AF should yield insights into novel pathways, therapeutic targets, and diagnostic testing for this common arrhythmia.
Cardiac Arrhythmia Service and Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA. pellinor@partners.org
Patrick T
PT
Ellinor
B Alexander
BA
Yi
Calum A
CA
MacRae
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D009017:Morbidity; D010641:Phenotype; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology