KIF6 Statin Benefit Genotype Test (884)

This test identifies individuals with a gene variant associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Carriers have enhanced CHD risk reduction when treated with statin therapy. KIF6 is the gene on chromosome 6 that codes for the kinesin superfamily protein which functions to shuttle cell components along microtubules. This test determines whether the subject has the KIF6 variant rs20455 which causes an amino acid substitution at residue 719 where tryptophan is by arginine. This variant, found in about 40% of the population, increases cardiovascular disease risk about 1.5 fold, and this risk can be normalized with statin therapy in some studies. Reference: Iakoubova OA, Tong CH, Rowland CM, et al. Association of the Trp719Arg polymorphism in kinesin-like protein 6 with myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease in 2 Prospective Trials. The CARE and WOSCOPS Trials. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008;51:435-443.

• Normal CHD Risk
  • Genotype T/T
• 1.5-Fold Increased CHD Risk
  • Genotype C/T
  • Genotype C/C

Methodology - Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)