CAD+-+Primary+Research

There have been multiple studies that have found that the CDKN2A gene, located on chromosome 9, has variants that are associated with CAD. This is only one of many genes that can increase risk of CAD but it has been one of the most frequently implicated.

The original study: Anna Helgadottir, et al. June 8, 2007 This study was done by examining genomic data which included 4,587 cases of myocardial infarction or CAD and 12,767 controls. They found that a variant near the genes CDKN2A and CDKN2B at site 9p21 leads to significantly increased risk of developing CAD and myocardial infarction. In their study, 21% of the population was homozygous for this variant which put them at 1.64 times greater risk than those not carrying the variant. The proteins involved are P16INK4a, ARF, and P15INK4b. These proteins are involved in cell proliferation, cell aging, and apoptosis which are all factors that contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Overall, the study found these variants lead to a 21% increased risk of myocardial infarction and 31% increased risk of early onset.
 * A Common Variant on Chromosome 9p21 Affects the Risk of Myocardial Infarction**



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