中国汉族高原肺水肿易感基因的全基因组关联研究

高原肺水肿(High-altitude pulmonary edema, HAPE)是一种特发于高原低氧环境的肺水肿, 是遗传和环境因素共同作用的结果。为了寻找与中国汉族高原肺水肿相关的单核苷酸多态性(Single nucleotide polymorphism, SNP)位点及易感基因, 文章利用Affymetrix SNP Array 6.0芯片, 对2010年5月至2012年7月在青海省玉树地区执行援建任务时来自平原地区的40例HAPE患者和33例健康对照进行全基因组SNP分型, 通过PLINK软件对芯片结果进行全基因组关联分析(Genome-wide association study, GWAS), 筛选出在病例组和对照组中间有显著差异(P < 10E-7)的SNP位点57个, 通过对57个SNP位点附近74个基因进行GO与Pathway富集分析, 发现这些基因与“前列腺素代谢”、“四烯酸代谢”、“氮代谢”显著相关(adjust P < 0.05), 以上代谢过程与HAPE病理生理机制相关。结果表明, 高原肺水肿受遗传多态性影响, 与多个基因以及位点相关。     

ORMDL3基因多态性与哮喘的相关性

哮喘是一种非常复杂的表型异质性疾病,是受遗传和环境因素双重影响的多基因遗传病,通过全基因组关联研究显示,1 7号染色体ORMDL3基因是迄今为止发现的与哮喘关联最有充分证据的基因,而SNP(rs7216389)是哮喘最显著的相关标记。本综述将概述ORMDL3基因、ORMDL3基因产物功能、ORMDL3基因多态性与哮喘的相关性,及哮喘主要相关位点SNP(rs7216389)和SNP(rs1051740)等方面的研究成果。     

小麦耐低磷相关性状的全基因组关联分析

通过对小麦耐低磷相关性状进行全基因组关联分析(GWAS,genome-wide association study),挖掘与小麦耐低磷性显著相关的单核苷酸多态性标记(SNP,single nucleotide polymorphism)位点及候选基因,为小麦耐低磷性状的遗传基础和分子机制研究提供理论参考。本试验以198份黄淮麦区小麦品种(系)为试验材料,设置低磷和正常磷营养液水培试验,利用小麦35K芯片对分布于小麦全基因组的11896个SNP,采用Q+K关联模型对小麦耐低磷性相关性状进行关联分析。结果表明,小麦耐低磷性状表现出广泛的表型变异,变异系数为15.65%~26.59%,多态性信息含量(PIC,polymorphic information content)为0.095~0.500。群体结构分析表明,试验所用自然群体可分为2个亚群,GWAS共检测到67个与小麦耐低磷相关性状显著关联的SNP位点(P≤0.001),这些位点分布在除3A、3B和3D以外的18条染色体上,单个SNP位点可解释5.826%~9.552%的表型变异。在这些显著位点中有4个SNP位点同时关联到了2个不同的耐低磷性状。对67个SNP位点进行发掘,筛选到7个可能与小麦耐低磷性有关的候选基因。TraesCS6A02G001000和TraesCS6A02G001100在锌指合成中有重要作用;TraesCS6A02G118100可能为低磷胁迫诱导基因;TraesCS5D02G536400、TraesCS1B02G154200和TraesCS5D02G536500与低磷胁迫相关酶类基因家族有关;TraesCS1D02G231200与植物DUF 538结构域蛋白有关,是植物胁迫相关调控蛋白候选基因。     

基于简化基因组测序的大黄鱼耐高温性状全基因组关联分析

利用Illumina HiSeqTM 2500测序平台, 对通过高温胁迫实验筛选得到的20尾耐高温和20尾不耐高温的大黄鱼(Larimichthys crocea)进行了简化基因组测序(SLAF-seq), 每个样本的平均测序深度达到10.26×, 共获得419211个高质量的群体单核苷酸多态性(SNP)位点 。利用TASSEL软件的混合线性模型(MLM)进行全基因组关联分析(GWAS), 共筛选到38个与大黄鱼耐高温性状显著相关的SNP位点(P<2.39E–08)。利用BLAST程序定位每个SNP位点在大黄鱼基因组中的位置, 并分析其周围的功能基因。结果在38个SNPs附近共找到26个已知的功能基因, 这些基因主要与细胞转录、代谢、免疫等功能相关。研究结果可为下一步大黄鱼耐高温分子机制解析及耐高温品种的选育提供参考。     

高原肺水肿易感基因多态性的全基因组关联分析

目的：高原肺水肿严重影响高原人群的健康。筛选高原肺水肿易感基因以用于高原肺水肿易感者的评估及防护。方法：利用Affymetrix SNP Array6．0芯片对23例高原肺水肿患者和17个健康对照进行全基因组SNP分型,利用PLINK软件进行了全基因组关联分析,利用Go和Pathway软件进行分析及作图。结果：全基因组关联分析获得39个相对显著的SNPs位点（P〈10^-4）。通过对这些SNP位点附近27个基因的c0和Pathway富集分析,发现这些基因主要参与细胞增殖调控过程、氮代谢过程和G蛋白耦联受体蛋白信号转导通路等。结论：本文发现的多态性位点及相关基因可能与高原肺水肿易感性相关。     

三倍体香蕉优良品种‘Grand Nain’全基因组变异挖掘

为全面揭示香蕉(Musa spp.)优良品种的全基因组变异类型,本研究采用高通量重测序技术,对当前香蕉主栽品种‘Grand Nain’(AAA group,Cavendish subgroup)开展全基因组重测序,测序深度53.79 X。与野生香蕉‘DH-Pahang’参考基因组比对,共检测到4 598 633个单核苷酸多态位点(SNP),484 752个小片段插入缺失位点(Indel),57 047个结构变异(SV),共导致36 277个基因变异;代谢通路分析(KEGG)发现,植物激素信号转导途径相关基因的变异最多,存在442个基因变异,其中乙烯合成和信号转导途径中1-氨基环丙烷-1-羧酸氧化酶基因(ACO)、1-氨基环丙烷-1-羧酸合成酶基因(ACS)、EIN3/EILs、ERS、RAN、EBF、EIN2等基因都存在变异。特别是序列分析发现‘Grand Nain’中的Ma ACO1基因与参考基因组相比存在2个变异位点并导致氨基酸的突变,且在A和B基因组中MaACO1基因存在2个相邻的变异位点。本研究为香蕉贮藏保鲜等相关分子标记开发、基因功能研究,以及基于基因组编辑技术的香蕉遗传改良提供依据。     

随机SNP在全基因组关联研究人群分层分析中的应用

在复杂疾病的全基因组关联研究中,人群分层现象会增加结果的假阳性率,因此考虑人群遗传结构、控制人群分层是很有必要的。而在人群分层研究中,使用随机选择的SNP的效果还有待进一步探讨。文章利用HapMap Phase2人群中无关个体的Affymetrix SNP 6.0芯片分型数据,在全基因组上随机均匀选择不同数量的SNP,同时利用f值和Fisher精确检验方法筛选祖先信息标记（Ancestry Informative Markers,AIMs）。然后利用HapMap Phase3中的无关个体的数据,以F-statistics和STRUCTURE分析两种方法评估所选出的不同SNP组合对人群的区分效果。研究发现,随机均匀分布于全基因组的SNP可用于识别人群内部存在的遗传结构。文章进一步提示,在全基因组关联研究中,当没有针对特定人群的AIMs时,可在全基因组上随机选择3000以上均匀分布的SNP来控制人群分层。     

京海黄鸡体重性状全基因组关联分析

体重性状是肉鸡重要的经济性状。为了寻找可用于京海黄鸡体重性状遗传改良的分子标记及候选基因,本文以400只京海黄鸡核心群母鸡为基础,测定了0~14周龄体重,利用简化基因组测序技术(Specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing, SLAF-seq)对京海黄鸡体重性状进行全基因组关联研究(Genome-wide association stndy, GWAS),筛选与京海黄鸡体重性状相关的SNPs位点。结果共检测到100个与京海黄鸡体重相关的SNPs位点,其中15个位点效应达到全基因组显著水平(P<1.87E-06),85个位点效应达到全基因组潜在显著水平(P<3.73E-05)。通过筛选每个显著SNP周围1 Mb区域内的基因,共找到9个可能的候选基因,其中FAM124A(Family with sequence similarity 124A)、QDPR(Quinoid dihydropteridine reductase)、WDR1(WD repeat domain 1)和SLC2A9(Solute carrier family 2 (facilitated glucose transporter), member 9) 4个基因可能是影响体重性状的重要候选基因。同时还发现,4号染色体75.6~80.7 Mb区域集中了大部分与京海黄鸡中后期体重性状显著相关的SNPs位点,该区域可能是影响京海黄鸡中后期生长体重的重要候选区域。     

玉米穗部性状及其一般配合力的关联分析

穗部性状是影响玉米产量的重要性状,一般配合力是评价玉米自交系利用价值的重要指标。为解析穗部性状及其一般配合力的遗传基础,本研究对248份玉米自交系组成的自然群体和以其中100份自交系为母本按照NCⅡ遗传交配设计与4个测验种(Mo17、昌7-2、E28和郑58)组配的400份F1杂交组合的穗部性状进行研究,并利用分布于全基因组的83057个SNP标记进行穗部性状及其一般配合力的关联分析。结果表明,穗长、穗粗2个穗部性状基因型间、环境间差异达极显著水平,其广义遗传率分别为81.22%和87.70%。母本间、父本间及不同杂交组合间穗长、穗粗差异均达极显著水平,在基因型方差中特殊配合力贡献率较大。利用2年2点4个环境下的数据分别进行关联分析,检测到34个性状SNP关联,利用BLUP值检测到7个性状SNP关联。这些性状SNP关联可解释的表型变异为0.01%～19.42%,其中有5个性状SNP关联的表型贡献率大于10%,未检测到穗部性状本身与一般配合力性状的相同SNP位点。基于该群体的LD衰减距离在显著关联SNP位点上下游各120 kb范围内进行候选基因搜索,共发现158个候选基因,推测可能的候选基因涉及泛素代谢相关基因(GRMZM2G360374、GRMZM2G049568、GRMZM2G178120),β半乳糖苷酶(GRMZM2G178106),丝氨酸苏氨酸蛋白激酶(GRMZM2G127050),赖氨酸和组氨酸特异性转运体(GRMZM2G116004)。研究结果为解析玉米穗长和穗粗及其一般配合力的遗传基础和分子辅助选择育种提供了参考。     

小麦根部耐盐性状全基因组关联分析

为了解小麦耐盐相关性状的遗传机理,挖掘与小麦耐盐性显著相关的SNP位点及候选基因,本研究利用浓度200 mmol/L的NaCl溶液和正常营养液对全国300份小麦品种(系)进行耐盐性试验,并利用小麦90 K芯片对分布于小麦全基因组的16650个SNP,采用Q+K关联混合模型对小麦最长根长、根干重、根鲜重、根平均直径、根尖数、根表面积、根体积和总根长等8个根部耐盐性相关性状进行全基因组关联分析(GWAS,genome-wide association study)。研究结果表明,小麦根部性状表现出广泛的表型变异,变异系数为24.3%~50.0%,多态性信息含量(PIC,polymorphic information content)为0.170~0.562,全基因组LD衰减距离为6 Mb;群体结构分析表明,试验所用300份小麦品种(系)可分为3个亚群,亚群1包含143个(47.67%)试验材料,主要来自河南、陕西和四川;亚群2包含74个(24.67%)试验材料,主要来自北京;亚群3包含83个(27.67%)试验材料,主要来自河南。GWAS共检测到77个与小麦耐盐相关性状显著关联的SNP位点(P≤0.001),这些位点分布在小麦除6D外的20条染色体上,单个SNP位点可解释3.70%~19.45%的表型变异,其中位于1A、3A、4A、7A、3D和5D染色体上的RAC875_c13169_459等6个位点同时关联到2个或2个以上性状,贡献率为3.78%~19.45%;对77个SNP位点进行发掘,筛选到17个可能与小麦耐盐性有关的候选基因。TraesCS5B01G031800(阳离子反转运蛋白)在Na+等阳离子转运中起重要作用,TraesCS5A01G329000(防御素)可以在阻断Na+等阳离子进入过程中起作用,TraesCS2A01G079000(重复富脯氨酸细胞壁蛋白)在细胞壁的形成中起重要作用,这些候选基因可作为耐盐性重要基因。     

Whole-genome association studies on alcoholism comparing different phenotypes using single-nucleotide polymorphisms and microsatellites

Alcoholism is a complex disease. As with other common diseases, genetic variants underlying alcoholism have been illusive, possibly due to the small effect from each individual susceptible variant, gene x environment and gene x gene interactions and complications in phenotype definition. We conducted association tests, the family-based association tests (FBAT) and the backward haplotype transmission association (BHTA), on the Collaborative Study of the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) data provided by Genetic Analysis Workshop (GAW) 14. Efron's local false discovery rate method was applied to control the proportion of false discoveries. For FBAT, we compared the results based on different types of genetic markers (single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) versus microsatellites) and different phenotype definitions (clinical diagnoses versus electrophysiological phenotypes). Significant association results were found only between SNPs and clinical diagnoses. In contrast, significant results were found only between microsatellites and electrophysiological phenotypes. In addition, we obtained the association results for SNPs and microsatellites using COGA diagnosis as phenotype based on BHTA. In this case, the results for SNPs and microsatellites are more consistent. Compared to FBAT, more significant markers are detected with BHTA.     

Association of genetic and non-genetic risk factors with the development of prostate cancer in Malaysian men

There is growing global interest to stratify men into different levels of risk to developing prostate cancer, thus it is important to identify common genetic variants that confer the risk. Although many studies have identified more than a dozen common genetic variants which are highly associated with prostate cancer, none have been done in Malaysian population. To determine the association of such variants in Malaysian men with prostate cancer, we evaluated a panel of 768 SNPs found previously associated with various cancers which also included the prostate specific SNPs in a population based case control study (51 case subjects with prostate cancer and 51 control subjects) in Malaysian men of Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnicity. We identified 21 SNPs significantly associated with prostate cancer. Among these, 12 SNPs were strongly associated with increased risk of prostate cancer while remaining nine SNPs were associated with reduced risk. However, data analysis based on ethnic stratification led to only five SNPs in Malays and 3 SNPs in Chinese which remained significant. This could be due to small sample size in each ethnic group. Significant non-genetic risk factors were also identified for their association with prostate cancer. Our study is the first to investigate the involvement of multiple variants towards susceptibility for PC in Malaysian men using genotyping approach. Identified SNPs and non-genetic risk factors have a significant association with prostate cancer.     

Variants in the HEPSIN gene are associated with prostate cancer in men of European origin

There is considerable evidence that genetic factors are involved in prostate cancer susceptibility. We have studied the association of 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the HEPSIN gene (HPN) with prostate cancer in men of European ancestry. HPN is a likely candidate in prostate cancer susceptibility, as it encodes a transmembrane cell surface serum protease, which is overexpressed in prostate cancer; HPN is also located on 19q11–q13.2, where linkage is found with prostate cancer susceptibility. In this case-control association study (590 men with histologically verified prostate cancer and 576 unrelated controls, all of European descent), we find significant allele frequency differences between cases and controls at five SNPs that are located contiguously within the gene. A major 11-locus haplotype is significantly associated, which provides further support that HPN is a potentially important candidate gene involved in prostate cancer susceptibility. Association of one of the SNPs with Gleason score is also suggestive of a plausible role of HPN in tumor aggressiveness.     

Analysis of VEGF gene polymorphisms and serum VEGF protein levels contribution in polycystic ovary syndrome of patients

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well-known factor in reproductive function and contributes to the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Genetic variations in VEGFA gene were suggested to contribute alterations in VEGF secretion and PCOS. This study evaluated the association of VEGFA SNPs with altered VEGF secretion level and PCOS among ethnically-matched control women. This prospective case–control study was conducted from 2016 to 2018 and comprised of 55 women with PCOS and 52 control subjects. ELISA was used to measure VEGF levels; and various other related bio chemicals whereas the genotyping of VEGFA variants was performed through the analysis of nine SNPs of VEGF. PRL, E2, PRGE testosterone and glucose level were found to be insignificantly different. The levels of FSH, LH, LH/FSH, TT, insulin, SHBG and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in the study group. Among the nine tested variants of VEGF SNPs, two SNPs rs3025020 and rs833061, consisted of TT (Recessive and Dominant homozygous, respectively) which were marginally higher in test. The SNP rs1570360 had significantly higher GG allele (32.73%) which was recessive homozygous. There was no significant difference observed in genotype frequencies related to higher value of VEGF. The genotype frequencies for the studied SNPs were in alignment with Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). The mean serum VEGF levels got significantly increased in PCOS group. No significant association was found between VEGF genotypes and its serum levels. VEGF levels in rs699947 (AA-major homozygous), rs3025039 (CC-major homozygous) and rs833061 (TT & CC-major & minor homozygous) genotypes were significantly higher in PCOS. The study results evidently proved that the allelic variants in genes may be a factor for PCOS and VEGF serum levels with respect to few SNP variants only. These findings indicated that VEGF may be involved in PCOS status and confirmed the previous association between genetic variants in VEGF, serum level of VEGF protein and PCOS.

     

Haplotype association analysis of AGT variants with hypertension-related traits: the HyperGEN study

OBJECTIVE: Function of the renin-angiotensin system is important to human hypertension, but its genetic etiology remains elusive. We set out to examine a hypothesis that multiple genetic variants in the system act together in blood pressure regulation, via intermediate phenotypes such as blood pressure reactivity. METHODS: A sample of 531 hypertensive cases and 417 controls was selected from the HyperGEN study. Hypertension-related traits including blood pressure responses to challenges to math test, handgrip and postural change (mathBP, gripBP, and postBP), and body mass index (BMI) were analyzed for association with 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene. Single-marker and haplotype analyses were performed to examine the effects of both individual and multiple variants. Multiple-trait profiling was used to assess interaction of latent intermediate factors with susceptible haplotypes. RESULTS: In Blacks, two SNPs in exon 5 and 3'UTR showed significant association with gripBP, and two promoter SNPs were strongly associated with postBP. In Whites, only borderline association was found for 2 promoter SNPs with mathBP. Haplotype analyses in Blacks confirmed association with gripBP, and detected significant association of a haplotype to BMI (p=0.029). With the interactions modeled, haplotype associations found in Blacks remain significant, while significant associations to BMI (p=0.009) and gripSBP emerged in Whites. CONCLUSION: Genetic variants in regulatory regions of AGT showed strong association with blood pressure reactivity. Interaction of promoter and genic SNPs in AGT revealed collective action of multiple variants on blood pressure reactivity and BMI both in Blacks and in Whites, possibly following different pathways.     

Epidemiology and Genetic Epidemiology of the Liver Function Test Proteins

Background

The liver function test (LFT) is among the most commonly used clinical investigations to assess hepatic function, severity of liver diseases and the effect of therapies, as well as to detect drug-induced liver injury (DILI).

Aims

To determine the relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors as well as test and quantify the effects of sex, age, BMI and alcohol consumption to variation in liver function test proteins - including alanine amino transaminase (ALT), Albumin, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), total bilirubin, total protein, total globulin, aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphotase (ALP) - using the classical twin model.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from a total of 5380 twin pairs from the TwinsUK registry. We measured the expression levels of major proteins associated with the LFT, calculated BMI from measured weight and height and questionnaires were completed for alcohol consumption by the twins. The relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors to variation in the LFT proteins was assessed and quantified using a variance components model fitting approach.

Results

Our results show that (1) variation in all the LFTs has a significant heritable basis (h² ranging from 20% to 77%); (2) other than GGT, the LFTs are all affected to some extent by common environmental factors (c² ranging from 24% to 54%); and (3) a small but significant proportion of the variation in the LFTs was due to confounding effects of age, sex, BMI, and alcohol use.

Conclusions

Variation in the LFT proteins is under significant genetic and common environmental control although sex, alcohol use, age and BMI also contribute significantly to inter-individual variation in the LFT proteins. Understanding the underlying genetic contribution of liver function tests may help the interpretation of their results and explain wide variation among individuals.     

Genome-wide association study identifies genes for biomarkers of cardiovascular disease: serum urate and dyslipidemia

Many common diseases are accompanied by disturbances in biochemical traits. Identifying the genetic determinants could provide novel insights into disease mechanisms and reveal avenues for developing new therapies. Here, we report a genome-wide association analysis for commonly measured serum and urine biochemical traits. As part of the WTCCC, 500,000 SNPs genome wide were genotyped in 1955 hypertensive individuals characterized for 25 serum and urine biochemical traits. For each trait, we assessed association with individual SNPs, adjusting for age, sex, and BMI. Lipid measurements were further examined in a meta-analysis of genome-wide data from a type 2 diabetes scan. The most promising associations were examined in two epidemiological cohorts. We discovered association between serum urate and SLC2A9, a glucose transporter (p = 2 x 10(-15)) and confirmed this in two independent cohorts, GRAPHIC study (p = 9 x 10(-15)) and TwinsUK (p = 8 x 10(-19)). The odds ratio for hyperuricaemia (defined as urate >0.4 mMol/l) is 1.89 (95% CI = 1.36-2.61) per copy of common allele. We also replicated many genes previously associated with serum lipids and found previously recognized association between LDL levels and SNPs close to genes encoding PSRC1 and CELSR2 (p = 1 x 10(-7)). The common allele was associated with a 6% increase in nonfasting serum LDL. This region showed increased association in the meta-analysis (p = 4 x 10(-14)). This finding provides a potential biological mechanism for the recent association of this same allele of the same SNP with increased risk of coronary disease.     

Association of variations in TPH1 and HTR2B with gestational weight gain and measures of obesity

Serotonin is involved in appetite regulation and energy homeostasis. Recently, it has been reported that 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2B (Htr2b) and tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (Tph1) play major role in β-cell proliferation in mouse during pregnancy. We investigated the genetic association of HTR2B and TPH1 with risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and measures of obesity, in 869 Korean GDM women and carefully selected 632 nondiabetic control subjects. Six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in HTR2B and ten SNPs in TPH1 were selected for genotyping according to their tagging status. Genetic variants in HTR2B and TPH1 were not associated with the risk of GDM. In GDM women, SNPs of TPH1 were significantly associated with weight gain during pregnancy. In nondiabetic controls, SNPs of TPH1 were associated with waist circumference and BMI. We also found that a variant of TPH1 (rs623580) was associated with BMI in a genome-wide association study comprised of 8,842 subjects. Although genetic variants in HTR2B and TPH1 were not associated with risk of GDM, we found significant association of these variants with measures of obesity. However, further replication studies in a different population are required to confirm our findings.     

Obesity-related genetic variants, human pigmentation, and risk of melanoma

Previous biological studies showed evidence of a genetic link between obesity and pigmentation in both animal models and humans. Our study investigated the individual and joint associations between obesity-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and both human pigmentation and risk of melanoma. Eight obesity-related SNPs in the FTO, MAP2K5, NEGR1, FLJ35779, ETV5, CADM2, and NUDT3 genes were nominally significantly associated with hair color among 5,876 individuals of European ancestry. The genetic score combining 35 independent obesity-risk loci was significantly associated with darker hair color (beta-coefficient per ten alleles = 0.12, P value = 4 × 10^?5). However, single SNPs or genetic scores showed non-significant association with tanning ability. We further examined the SNPs at the FTO locus for their associations with pigmentation and risk of melanoma. Among the 783 SNPs in the FTO gene with imputation R ² quality metric >0.8 using the 1,000 genome data set, ten and three independent SNPs were significantly associated with hair color and tanning ability respectively. Moreover, five independent FTO SNPs showed nominally significant association with risk of melanoma in 1,804 cases and 1,026 controls. But none of them was associated with obesity or in linkage disequilibrium with obesity-related variants. FTO locus may confer variation in human pigmentation and risk of melanoma, which may be independent of its effect on obesity.