Review Article

Genetics of Atrial Fibrillation and Possible Implications for Ischemic Stroke

Table 1

Genetics of atrial fibrillation.

Gene/LocusMechanism of actionStudy design/Inheritance

Sodium channelsSCNA5 [817]Cellular hyperexcitability (gain-of-function) as well as prolongation of the atrial action potential duration (loss-of-function)Candidate gene/Familial and sporadic
SCN1B/SCN2B [18]Decreased peak sodium current amplitudeCandidate gene/Sporadic

Potassium channelsKCNQ1 [1922]Enhanced atrial action potential repolarizationLinkage/Familial
KCNE2 [23]Enhanced atrial action potential repolarizationCandidate gene/Familial
KCNJ2 [24]Enhanced atrial action potential repolarizationCandidate gene/Familial
KCNE5 [25]Enhanced atrial action potential repolarizationCandidate gene/Familial and sporadic
KCNA5 [2628]Delayed atrial action potential repolarizationCandidate gene/Familial and sporadic

OtherNPPA [29]Shortening of the atrial action potential durationLinkage/Familial
GJA5 [3032]Dispersion of conduction velocityCandidate gene/Sporadic
10q22 [33]UnknownLinkage/Familial
6q14–16 [34]UnknownLinkage/Familial
5p15 [35]UnknownLinkage/Familial
4q25 (PITX2) [36, 37]UnknownGenome wide association/Sporadic
16q22 (ZFHX3) [38]UnknownGenome wide association/Sporadic
1q21 (KCNN3) [39]UnknownGenome wide association/Sporadic