Current overview of the genetic background of atrial fibrillation: Possible therapeutic gene targets for the treatment of atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia. Although AF is known to develop during the course of various cardiac pathological conditions, including valvular heart diseases, congestive heart failure, and hypertension, recent clinical data implicate the additional contribution of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of AF. A familial form of AF has been noted, and 8 loci and 6 responsible genes have been identified. In non-familial AF, genetic risks were originally investigated by the candidate gene approach, and recently by genome-wide association studies (GWASs). GWASs executed in other countries have identified 3 loci: 4q25 near Pitx2, 1q21 in KCNN3, and 16q22 in ZFHX3. Several AF-associated SNPs in 4q25 are also associated with the recurrence rate of AF after catheter pulmonary vein isolation. This review will discuss the genetic underpinnings of AF, in both familial AF and non-familial AF.