Genetics and erectile dysfunction: leveraging early foundations for new discoveries.

There is considerable interest in understanding the genetics of erectile dysfunction (ED). Since early twin studies that suggested a genetic component to ED, multiple candidate gene studies have identified genetic variants that may be associated with ED.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have overcome some of the criticism of the candidate gene approach. Two recent GWAS studies have identified loci near SIM1 that may be associated with ED and have renewed interest in the leptin melanocortin signaling pathway. We review the current literature on the genetic basis of ED by highlighting several candidate genes and genetic variants associated with ED.

International journal of impotence research. 2020 Nov 10 [Epub ahead of print]

Darshan P Patel, Alexander W Pastuszak, James M Hotaling

Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA., Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. .

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