Researchers Find First Heart Attack Gene
(Washington, Health-AP, 11/27/03)

When Dr. Eric J. Topol of the Cleveland Clinic, and colleagues, analyzed the genes of about 100 members of an Iowa family that has a strong history of cardiovascular disease, the researchers found that subjects with a specific mutation of the MEF2A gene were at greatest risk for heart disease. The investigators observed that critical bits of DNA were missing from the MEF2A genes of family members with heart conditions. This finding led the scientists to speculate that this mutation may compromise the gene’s role in protecting artery walls from accumulating harmful plaque.