Genetic associations at 53 loci highlight cell types and biological pathways relevant for kidney function. Review uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Reduced glomerular filtration rate defines chronic kidney disease and is associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. We conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), combining data across 133,413 individuals with replication in up to 42,166 individuals. We identify 24 new and confirm 29 previously identified loci. Of these 53 loci, 19 associate with eGFR among individuals with diabetes. Using bioinformatics, we show that identified genes at eGFR loci are enriched for expression in kidney tissues and in pathways relevant for kidney development and transmembrane transporter activity, kidney structure, and regulation of glucose metabolism. Chromatin state mapping and DNase I hypersensitivity analyses across adult tissues demonstrate preferential mapping of associated variants to regulatory regions in kidney but not extra-renal tissues. These findings suggest that genetic determinants of eGFR are mediated largely through direct effects within the kidney and highlight important cell types and biological pathways.

authors

publication date

  • January 21, 2016

Research

keywords

  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC4735748

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 84957605211

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1038/ncomms10023

PubMed ID

  • 26831199

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 7