Meta-analysis of genome-wide association for migraine in six population-based European cohorts

Eur J Hum Genet. 2011 Aug;19(8):901-7. doi: 10.1038/ejhg.2011.48. Epub 2011 Mar 30.

Abstract

Migraine is a common neurological disorder with a genetically complex background. This paper describes a meta-analysis of genome-wide association (GWA) studies on migraine, performed by the Dutch-Icelandic migraine genetics (DICE) consortium, which brings together six population-based European migraine cohorts with a total sample size of 10,980 individuals (2446 cases and 8534 controls). A total of 32 SNPs showed marginal evidence for association at a P-value<10(-5). The best result was obtained for SNP rs9908234, which had a P-value of 8.00 × 10(-8). This top SNP is located in the nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) gene. However, this SNP did not replicate in three cohorts from the Netherlands and Australia. Of the other 31 SNPs, 18 SNPs were tested in two replication cohorts, but none replicated. In addition, we explored previously identified candidate genes in the meta-analysis data set. This revealed a modest gene-based significant association between migraine and the metadherin (MTDH) gene, previously identified in the first clinic-based GWA study (GWAS) for migraine (Bonferroni-corrected gene-based P-value=0.026). This finding is consistent with the involvement of the glutamate pathway in migraine. Additional research is necessary to further confirm the involvement of glutamate.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / genetics*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genome-Wide Association Study*
  • Glutamic Acid / biosynthesis
  • Iceland
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Migraine Disorders / genetics*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Netherlands
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / genetics

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • MTDH protein, human
  • Membrane Proteins
  • NGFR protein, human
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor
  • Glutamic Acid