Blood gene expression studies in migraine: Potential and caveats.

Authors :: Gerring Z
Rodriguez-Acevedo AJ
Powell JE
Griffiths LR
Montgomery GW
Nyholt DR
Source :: Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache [Cephalalgia] 2016 Jun; Vol. 36 (7), pp. 669-78. Date of Electronic Publication: 2016 Feb 09.
Publication Year :: 2016
Abstract: Background: Global gene expression analysis may be used to obtain insights into the functional processes underlying migraine. However, there is a shortage of high-quality post-mortem brain tissue samples for genetic analysis. One approach is to use a more accessible tissue as a surrogate, such as peripheral blood.<br />Purpose: Discuss the benefits and caveats of blood genomic profiling in migraine and its potential application in the development of biomarkers of migraine susceptibility and outcome. Demonstrate the utility of blood-based expression profiles in migraine by analysing pilot Illumina HT-12 expression data from 76 (38 case, 38 control) whole-blood samples.<br />Conclusion: Current evidence suggests peripheral blood is a biologically valid substrate for genetic studies of migraine, and may be used to identify biomarkers and therapeutic pathways. Pilot blood gene expression data confirm that expression profiles significantly differ between migraine case and non-migraine control individuals.<br /> (© International Headache Society 2016.)