For those who think of migraines as "just a headache," they've never suffered through the debilitating battle that can cause severe symptoms like nausea and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Researchers have now discovered it really is in the genes--migraine headaches now known to be related to just three.
Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) in Massachusetts have identified three genes responsible for susceptibility to migraine headaches, meaning an increased risk for genetic variations that can boost the odds of getting migraine headaches by 10 – 15 percent. 23,230 women participated in the Women’s Genome Health Study. More than 5,000 -- or more than one-fifth -- reported migraine suffering. The illness striking women roughly three to four times more often than men. Researchers have now identified associations of genetic variation in TRPM8, LRP1 and PRDM16 as related to the cause of migraines.
TRPM8 is expressed in neurons. Previous research of the TRPM8 gen focused on its role in sensitivity to pain and cold temperatures. LRP1 -- in the nervous system -- interacts with other proteins that modulate signals between neurons.
Migraines are thought to be an abnormality in the response of neurons to stimuli. Following that line of thinking, researchers believe the association at TRPM8 is consistent with its role in the sensation of pain and cold -- and that the association at LRP1 fits with its role in the signals sent or received by neurons. As to the third gene, PRDM16, researchers are still trying to find out the role and exact genetic connection -- but know the PRDM16 gene is involved in susceptibility to suffering from migraine headaches.
The research is significant: Knowing that the causes of migraines are genetic, and being able to narrow down the increased risk to three genes specifically, will allow better treatment for the severe headaches and their symptoms.