DNA

Electrocardiography (ECG, or EKG [from the German Elektrokardiogramm]) is a transthoracic interpretation of the electrical activity of the heart over time captured and externally recorded by skin electrodes.Scots team help identify genes linked to heartbeat

15 November 2010

An international study involving researchers at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Genetics Unit has found several areas of the human genome responsible for controlling the rythmn of heartbeats. By analysing the genetic code of nearly 50,000 people, researchers are now one step closer to understanding more about those with irregular heartbeat and who are at increased risk of heart problems.

The study, published today in Nature Genetics showed that there were 22 areas of the human genome associated with influencing the process of how the heart beats, known as cardiac ventricular conduction. The researchers were not only able to discover new genes associated with the heart, but were also able to pinpoint the precise role that some particular genes play in order to control the electrical pulses that regulate the heartbeat.

Every participant had an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure their heart's electrical activity.. By analysing their genetic code, researchers were able to identify genes responsible for variations in cardiac ventricular conduction.

The lead author on this international study is Dr Nona Sotoodehnia at the University of Washington. The data for the cardiac conduction genetics study came from a consortium of 15 European and American studies. The research involved more than 100 scientists from the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States.

Dr Caroline Hayward at the MRC Human Genetics Unit in Edinburgh who was involved in the analysis of the study says:

"By understanding more about the biological processes that control every heart beat, we can begin to have real insight into causes and potential treatments for people at increased risk of sudden death, heart failure and cardiac mortality."

The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Medical Research Council (MRC), the Chief Scientist Office and the Royal Society. UK universities taking part in the research include the University of Edinburgh, the University of Leicester and the University of Glasgow.

Related Links

Scots team help identify genes linked to heartbeat The Scotsman: 15 November 2010

Nature Genetics



 

 

IGMM news and events New funding to study vitamin D

New funding to study vitamin D

January 2011

Grant from the Scottish Government to test vitamin D levels in all ORCADES and NIMS blood samples.

Vitamin D is produced in the skin when it is exposed to enough sunlight. It has been known to be important in bone health for a long time, but it looks like it might also be important in diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, some cancers and heart disease.

A pilot study on the Scottish Mainland found that more than half of people were deficient in levels of this vitamin. Dr Jim Wilson, Population and Disease Genetics Group said "Given the high latitude of Orkney and fewer hours of sunshine, we expect that it might be worse here. We will look at how vitamin D deficiency varies with the seasons, how the diet and time spent outside affect levels and if there is a relationship with diseases like diabetes and MS.

It is a good example of the kind of work we will be able to do with the data and blood samples from the ORCADESstudy – there will be many projects like this in the future making use of the information and samples given by volunteers in Orkney."

ORCADES is led by Dr Jim Wilson at the University of Edinburgh, together with Professor's Harry Campbell (University of Edinburgh)and Alan Wright (MRC Human Genetics Unit) and Dr Sarah Wild (University of Edinburgh).

Related Links

Population and Disease Genetics Group: Dr Jim Wilson