While direct and conclusive evidence specifically linking IFI16 to DCM is still developing, these studies, along with IFI16's known roles in inflammation and DNA sensing in other cardiovascular conditions like abdominal aortic aneurysm and in response to viral infections, suggest a potential involvement in the pathogenesis of DCM across different etiologies 110, 111. The gene discussed is IFI16; the disease is abdominal aortic aneurysm.