Combined LASSO and the forward stepwise selection analyses of the 18 genes resulted in the most robust model with the fewest genes capable of predicting DCM, a panel of seven genes including ANKRD1, PRELP, PRKACA, COL1A1, OMD, MYH6 and CDKN1A significantly correlates with DCM. The gene discussed is PRELP; the disease is familial dilated cardiomyopathy.