6p24.1 Gene for Cardiovascular Disease

6p24.1 Gene resides on Chromosome 6. Chromosome 6 represents about 6% of human DNA. Chromosome 6 contains numerous genes having to do with the immune response such as Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA), Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), and many others.

6p24.1 is also called Phosphatase and Actin Regulator 1 (PHACTR1)1 and is most significantly expressed in the globus pallidus of the brain. The Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) has revealed an association with coronary artery disease as well as migraines.2,3.