On the short arm of Chromosome 6 is a variant of the KIF6 gene (i.e. kinesin-like family protein 6) that is present in nearly 60% of humans and represents a 55% increased risk for heart attack and stroke, independent of other factors such as smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol.  Recently, Celera Corporation (Alameda, CA) announced it has submitted an application to the FDA for approval of its “KIF6 Genotyping Assay” which it intends to sell for about $200.  Patients with this gene variant are more likely to benefit from higher doses of statin drugs-another example of genomics advancing personalized medicine.    MORE