RE: Six novel rare non-synonymous mutations for migraine without aura identified by exome sequencing (Letter to the Editor)

A recent study by Jiang et al. published by the Journal of Neurogenetics claims the identification of six novel rare mutations involved in the aetiology of migraine without aura (MWO) (Jiang et al., 2015). The authors performed wholeexome sequencing (WES) in a Chinese sample of four related cases (father, two sons, and one daughter) and four unrelated controls. The importance of the two variants UBE2NL T266G and EDAR2 G170A, located on the X chromosome is stressed as an endorsement to the observed sexual dimorphism in the presentation of migraine (i.e. females have up to three times higher risk than males) (Bigal & Lipton, 2009). However, upon review of this publication we have some concerns regarding the study’s main conclusions. As a team of researchers working on unveiling the genetic causes of migraine, we feel it is necessary to pinpoint the reasons why the results presented in the Jiang et al. study may be problematic. In doing so, we hope to promote scientific progress and make suggestions to further strengthen the Jiang et al. study.