Title:Molecular Basis of Young Ischemic Stroke
Volume: 20
Issue: 31
Author(s): Anna Bersano, Linda Borellini, Cristina Motto, Silvia Lanfranconi, Alessandro Pezzini, Paola Basilico, Giuseppe Micieli, Alessandro Padovani, Eugenio Parati and Livia Candelise
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Young stroke, genetics, mutation, monogenic disorders, polymorphism, molecular variants, risk factors.
Abstract: Epidemiological and family studies have provided evidence on the role of genetic factors in stroke, particularly
in stroke occurring at young age. However, despite its impact, young stroke continues to be understudied. This article reviews
the existing literature on the most investigated monogenic disorders (CADASIL, Fabry disease, MELAS, RVCL,
COL4A1, Marfan and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes) causing stroke in young and a number of candidate genes associated
with stroke occurring in patients younger than 50 years. Although our study failed in identifying strong and reliable associations
between specific genes and young stroke, our detailed literature revision on the field allowed us to compile a
panel of genes possibly generating a susceptibility to stroke, which could be a starting point for future research. Since
stroke is a potentially preventable disease, the identification of genes associated with young stroke may promote novel
prevention strategies and allow the identification of therapeutic disease targets.
