New genes identified for fibromuscular dysplasia

Genetic meta-analysis helps researchers detect genes related to this cardiovascular disease that affects mostly women and defines relationships to other more common cardiovascular conditions.

5:00 AM

Author | Haley Otman

image of drawing of gene in blue ink on lined paper with lab note written on bottom right
Michigan Medicine

Three new genetic variants that regulate gene expression in the arteries are connected to fibromuscular dysplasia, an arterial disease that can cause dangerous consequences for the heart and vessels, according to a new study.

The findings, published in Nature Communications by an international team of FMD experts from the United States and Europe, also confirmed the importance of a fourth genetic target that has already been identified as involved with the disease.

"We once thought FMD was a rare disease, but the current estimate is that it may affect more than 3% of the population," said co-senior and co-corresponding author Santhi Ganesh, M.D., an associate professor of internal medicine and human genetics, and a cardiologist at the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center. "It's vital that we continue this research to better understand what causes FMD. The disease primarily affects women in the prime of their lives, and the diagnosis often comes after a dangerous cardiovascular complication such as severe high blood pressure, a stroke, or a heart attack."

Researchers note the genes identified suggest that the genetic basis of FMD may contribute through altered vascular smooth muscle cell structure and function.

Notably, the genetic findings pointed to a correlation with several more common cardiovascular diseases that are often reported in tandem with FMD, including high blood pressure, migraine headache, intracranial aneurysm and subarachnoid hemorrhage. There was a negative correlation to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, while no shared genetics were confirmed with ischemic stroke, which also commonly affects people with FMD.

"The findings provide new biologic insights into this intriguing condition and genes and pathways to study further, toward the goal of identifying therapeutic targets for FMD," said co-senior and co-corresponding author Nabila Bouatia-Naji, Ph.D., director of research at France's Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, also known as INSERM and team leader at the Paris Cardiovascular Research Center.

Ganesh and Bouatia-Naji's team combed through data from genome-wide association studies of more than 1,500 FMD cases, comparing them to more than 7,000 control samples from participants without FMD. The three new genes implicated for FMD are ATP2B1, LRP1 and LIMA1, while the fourth that was confirmed is known as PHACTR1.

"This is the most comprehensive genetic investigation of FMD to date, and was made possible through the collective efforts of our international research teams," Ganesh noted.

Paper cited: "Genetic investigation of fibromuscular dysplasia identifies risk loci and shared genetics with common cardiovascular diseases," Nature Communications. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26174-2

SEE ALSO: Uncovering the Genetics Behind Heart Attacks That Surprise Young, Healthy Women


More Articles About: Lab Notes Heart disease Heart Disease in Women Genetic Disorders Genetic Testing Cardiovascular: Diseases & Conditions
Health Lab word mark overlaying blue cells
Health Lab

Explore a variety of health care news & stories by visiting the Health Lab home page for more articles.

Media Contact Public Relations

Department of Communication at Michigan Medicine

[email protected]

734-764-2220

Stay Informed

Want top health & research news weekly? Sign up for Health Lab’s newsletters today!

Subscribe
Featured News & Stories baby laying down with stethoscope over chest doctors hands
Health Lab
Comparing life threatening illness risk between two surgeries for infants with congenital heart disease
Newly presented data suggest that infants who receive a hybrid stage I palliation – a less invasive alternative for initial treatment – more commonly develop necrotizing enterocolitis compared to those who receive the standard Norwood operation, a complex open heart surgery.
purple gloves close up holding piece
Health Lab
Recycled pacemakers function as well as new devices, international study suggests
Recycled pacemakers can function as well as new devices, a University of Michigan-led study suggests. These used and reconditioned devices have the potential to increase access to pacemaker therapy in low- and middle-income countries, where many patients cannot afford the treatment.
clinical team and patient standing together
Health Lab
Planting a tree, and hope, for a heart healthy future
A complex mitral valve repair by Michigan Medicine cardiac specialists helps restore health and happiness to one Michigan patient and his family.
surgeon dark room over surgery patient on hospital table
Health Lab
Women more likely than men to die after heart surgery complications
Despite having no greater chance of developing problems after high risk cardiovascular surgery, women are more likely than men to die from post-operative complications, a University of Michigan-led study suggests.
young adult man standin infront of welcome to michigan yellow sign and a photo next to that one of him sitting with a man standing next to him in glasses and UM badge and button down light blue shirt
Health Lab
Timely CPR saves runner who collapsed during first week of college
Bystander CPR saves a first year college student who collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest while running during his first week of school.
three students standing on stairs in Michigan shirts
Health Lab
From babies needing heart surgeries to Michigan Wolverines
After long congenital heart journeys at University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and U-M Health West, three 2024 Grand Rapids area high school graduates are back at University of Michigan: this time, as official Michigan Wolverines.