Chinese scientists have successfully discovered that the gene "KCNQ1" can trigger familial arterial fibrillation, a common heart disease that can threaten people's lives, Tongji University announced yesterday.
The discovery -- a breakthrough achieved by 20 researchers from the university and the Chinese National Human Genome Center Shanghai section -- was published in the January 10 issue of "Science," a well-respected US science journal.
Led by Chen Yihan, 39, of Tongji and Xu Shijie, 40, of the genome center, the research group spent five years on the scientific program, officials said.
While scientists already knew KCNQ1 was a cause of other heart ailments, this is the first time the gene has been positively linked to familial arterial fibrillation.
"The discovery means a potential big step forward in the diagnose and treatment of the disease since doctors and pharmacies can act on the individual's genetic analysis," said Chen.
Nearly 5 percent of all people over the age of 65 suffer from familial arterial fibrillation -- which doctors say can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
(eastday.com January 11, 2003)
