Researchers Discover the First 'Heart Attack' Gene

jimi1283 writes "A group of researchers recently conducted a study on 100 members of a family that had a high percentage of heart attack and other coronary disease. The study lead to the discovery of the gene responsible."

Comments

Never a single gene

[maddu]

There is never *one* gene that causes a particular problem. Multiple genes are responsible almost always. Something as common as a heart attack will have multiple causes.

Heart attack gene and lifestyle

[XenonChloride]

Whoever isn't really satisfied with the information given in the CNN article might want to have a look at the Heart News, where Eric Topol points out:

People with this exact MEF2A mutation have essentially a 100-percent chance of having a heart attack or developing coronary artery disease [...] For people without a genetic predisposition, they must make it their responsibility to take care of themselves to prevent heart disease from developing.

So for all the obese guys out there:
Think about some other famous last words than It is all genetic [...]

What? How about sickle cell, CFTR, PKU, etc.,

[rump_carrot]

Hogwash. Why do people post opinions (and get modded up) when they don't know what they are talking about? Oh, right, slashdot. forgot for a second. I am a biologist (biochemist actually), and I can assure you there are numerous examples of diseases caused one gene: sickle cell, some forms of retinitis pigmentosa (night blindness), cystic fibrosis, etc. etc.

Re:Never a single gene..WRONG!

[rump_carrot]

Hogwash! There are MANY diseases caused by mutations in just one gene.

Examples include sickle cell, cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria (PKU), some forms of retinitis pigmentosa (night blindness), etc. etc.