Test Details
KIF6 Statin Benefit Genotype Test
This test identifies individuals with a gene variant associated with 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.
Methodology
Real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Patient Preparation
None
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL whole blood collected in EDTA (Lavender Top)
Alternate Specimen
- Buccal swab
- Dried Blood collected on an AdvanceDx 100 card
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 14 days
Lab Values
KIF6 Statin Benefit Genotype Test
Optimal
- Genotype T/T
Borderline
- Genotype C/T
- Genotype C/C
Clinical Significance
KIF6 Statin Benefit Genotype Test
Normal CHD Risk
- Genotype T/T
1.5-Fold Increased CHD Risk
- Genotype C/T
- Genotype C/C
Treatment Options
KIF6 Statin Benefit Genotype Test
C/T
Consider normalizing CHD risk with statin therapy
C/C
Consider normalizing CHD risk with statin therapy
