Female gene behind migraines in women?

A ‘female’ gene may be responsible for migraine, which may explain why women are more likely to suffer from the debilitating headaches, say researchers.

A ‘female’ gene may be responsible for migraine, which may explain why women are more likely to suffer from the debilitating headaches, say researchers.

A study found a new region on the X chromosome as having a link to migraines, providing new evidence their might be a ‘susceptibility’ gene involved. All women have two X chromosomes while men have an X and a Y chromosome.

Researchers, led by Lyn Griffiths from Australia’s Griffith University, say more than one X chromosomal gene may be involved, and believe a gene involved in iron regulation in the brain merits further attention, the Daily Mail reported.

Professor Griffiths’ finding is based on genetic research of 300 inhabitants of remote Norfolk Isand, between Australia and New Zealand.

Many of the islanders are descended from survivors of the mutiny on the Bounty, moving there when they outgrown Pitcairn Island. Eighty per cent of the inhabitants can trace their ancestry back to the mutiny.

“These results provide more support for the role of the X chromosome in migraine and may explain why so many more females suffer from the disorder,” said Prof Griffiths.

Prof Griffiths added that the island was ideal for study purpose because the relatively small gene pool made mapping genetics easily.