Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other complications.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), AFib affects around 2.7-6.1 million people in the United States. Despite its prevalence, the underlying causes of AFib are still poorly understood. However, new research has shed light on one potential genetic risk factor for AFib.

What Is the Gene That Increases AFib Risk?

The gene in question is called MEIS1, and it has previously been linked to other cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and coronary artery disease.

In the new study, researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago and collaborators analyzed genetic data from more than 40,000 individuals of European ancestry in two large consortia: the Atrial Fibrillation Genetics Consortium and the Million Veteran Program.

The team found that people with a certain variant of the MEIS1 gene, known as rs72829428, had a significantly higher risk of developing AFib than those without the variant.

Specifically, the variant was associated with a 27% increase in AFib risk overall, and a 45% increase in early-onset AFib (diagnosed before age 60) compared to the general population.

How Does MEIS1 Affect Heart Rhythm?

The MEIS1 gene encodes a transcription factor, a type of protein that regulates the expression of other genes.

In particular, MEIS1 is thought to play a role in the development of the heart, as well as the formation and function of cardiac conduction tissues, which are responsible for transmitting electrical impulses that regulate the heartbeat.

It is not yet clear exactly how the rs72829428 variant affects the function of MEIS1 or its downstream targets in the heart.

However, the researchers speculate that the variant may alter binding sites for transcription factors, change the splicing or stability of the MEIS1 mRNA, or affect the protein’s interaction with other proteins.

What Are the Implications of the Study?

The discovery of the association between the MEIS1 variant and AFib risk could have several implications for the diagnosis and treatment of the condition, as well as future research into its underlying mechanisms. For example:.

Doctors could potentially use genetic testing to identify people with the MEIS1 variant who may be at higher risk of developing AFib, and monitor them more closely for symptoms or complications.
The MEIS1 pathway could be a target for drug development or gene therapy to prevent or treat AFib. However, more research is needed to fully understand how the variant affects the pathway and how it could be modulated without unwanted side effects.
The study provides new insights into the genetic architecture of AFib and could inform future studies of other risk factors and potential therapeutic targets.

The authors caution that while the MEIS1 variant is a strong risk factor for AFib, it is not the only one, and the condition is likely to be influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors.

Therefore, genetic testing should not be relied upon as the sole means of diagnosis or prediction of AFib.

Conclusion

The discovery of the MEIS1 gene variant as a potential risk factor for AFib represents an important advancement in our understanding of this complex condition.

By elucidating the underlying genetic mechanisms that contribute to AFib, researchers may be able to develop new treatments and preventative measures that can improve the lives of millions of people worldwide.