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. 2007 Dec 5;8(6):334–339. doi: 10.1007/s10194-007-0427-2

Genetics of migraine and pharmacogenomics: some considerations

Maria Piane 1,✉, Patrizia Lulli 1, Ivano Farinelli 2, Simona Simeoni 3, Sergio De Filippis 2, Francesca Romana Patacchioli 3, Paolo Martelletti 2
PMCID: PMC2779399  PMID: 18058067

Abstract

Migraine is a complex disorder caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Although family and twin studies show that there is a genetic component in migraine, no genes predisposing to common forms of the disorder, migraine with and without aura, have been identified. Patients with migraine respond differently to a given drug administered. The efficacy of therapy and the occurrence of adverse drug response are a consequence of individual variability. Genetic profiling of predisposition to migraine should facilitate the development of more effective diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The development of International Hap Map project could provide a powerful tool for identification of the candidate genes in this complex disease and pharmacogenomics research could be the promise for individualized treatments and prevention of adverse drug response.

Keywords: Pharmacogenomics, Pharmacogenetics, Non-responder patients, Migraine

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Acknowledgements

This tutorial results from the lessons held at the Masters in Headache Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, during the Academic Year 2006–2007 by the Authors (FRP, PL, PM). The Authors MP and PL contributed equally to this work.

Footnotes

This is a “Springer Open Choice” article. Unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium is permitted, provided the original author and source are credited.

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