According to a study published in the journal Circulation, researchers from the University of Virginia have identified genes that play key roles in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is brought on by the accumulation of fatty plaques in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart, although it is still unclear whether genetic (inherited) factors contribute to its onset.

The research effectively narrowed down the field of potential genetic suspects for CAD and provided scientists with attractive targets for the development of new and more effective treatments. In the study, heart cells from 151 heart transplant recipients of various racial and cultural backgrounds were studied.

The researchers triangulated the precise gene variants that were responsible for the damaging alterations in the smooth muscle cells by using the gene-activity data as a starting point.

The findings of the study offered numerous critical new insights into coronary artery disease. For instance, the team discovered significant variations in the gene activity of smooth muscle cells between males and females.

(Source: https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1046569 )