Migraine: gene mutations and functional consequences

Purpose of view Genetic and functional studies of mutations in familial hemiplegic migraine reveal a major role for disturbed ion transport. Gene identification in common, multifactorial migraine remains challenging. Recent findings Several new mutations have been identified in FHM1, FHM2 and FHM3 genes. Functional consequences of familial hemiplegic migraine mutations point to an important role for cortical spreading depression in migraine pathophysiology. New genetic approaches have been tested in common migraine - novel chromosomal loci - but no gene variants have been identified. Summary Identification and analysis of gene mutations in familial hemiplegic migraine revealed a major role for disturbed ion transport in this order. Cellular and transgenic mouse models of familial hemiplegic migraine genes suggest that increased pottasium and glutamate play a role in the pathphysiology of the disorder. Despite progress, no genes have been discovered for common migraine.