title: Genetics of ischaemic stroke in young adults.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Stroke may be a clinical expression of several inherited disorders in humans. Recognition of the underlined genetic disorders causing stroke is important for a correct diagnosis, for genetic counselling and, even if rarely, for a correct therapeutic management. Moreover, the genetics of complex diseases such the stroke, in which multiple genes interact with environmental risk factors to increase risk, has been revolutionized by the Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  Here we review the single-gene causes of ischemic stroke, bringing the reader from the candidate gene method toward the exciting new horizons of genetic technology.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The aetiological diagnosis of ischemic stroke in young adults is more complex than in the elderly. The identification of a genetic cause is important to provide appropriate counseling and to start a correct therapy, when available. The advent of GWAS technology, such as for other complex pathological conditions, has contributed enormously to the understanding of many of these genetic bases. For success large, well phenotyped case cohorts are required, and international collaborations are essential.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This review focuses on the main causes of genetically-based ischemic stroke in young adults, often classified as indeterminate, investigating also the recent findings of the GWAS, in order to improve diagnostic and therapeutic management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy.
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Terni
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Giannini
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brondi
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy.
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Montano
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy.
authors.forename: Ubaldo
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Bonuccelli
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy.
authors.forename: Michelangelo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mancuso
keywords: GWAS; Genetics; Stroke