In a recent study published in PLOS One, scientists performed whole genome sequencing on a family in which 2 of 4 children were affected by Kawasaki disease. Kawasaki disease is the most common acquired heart disease in children, and occurs most frequently among children in Asia, the United States, and Western Europe. If left untreated, approximately 25% of children with Kawasaki disease develop coronary artery aneurysms that may lead to heart attack, congestive heart failure, or sudden death. The researchers identified possible gene variants that make some children more likely to develop this disease. The results of this study will help scientists understand the mechanisms associated with Kawasaki disease.
More information on this study can be found on PLOS One in the article titled, “Whole genome sequencing of an African American family highlights toll like receptor 6 variants in Kawasaki disease susceptibility” by Kim et al. or in a summary of the article provided by ScienceDaily .
