"Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the leading cause of heart attacks. Food habits, smoking, and obesity influence the risk of the disease. CADs are known to have polygenic risk factors. Premature- cases (< 45 years) have a higher genetic burden, which is sparsely studied in the Indian population. Our study exploits the power of human genetics with a large early-onset Indian CAD cohort with high incidence of heart attack, and global controls. Our analysis revealed novel candidate genes that are involved in various pathways. With assays performed in coronary artery primary cell line, we aim establish a new risk genes for Indian CAD. The results  may pave the way for a novel field of targeted therapies for those at risk of coronary heart disease - India’s biggest killer."

Vinay J Rao

PhD Student (ICMR-SRF)