Articles tagged with Genome Wide Association Studies
Researchers have developed a cost-effective method to identify genes associated with complex traits in mice, including 66 different physical and behavioral characteristics. The technique, which uses genotype-by-sequencing and RNA sequencing, has identified two novel genes linked to methamphetamine sensitivity and anxiety-like behavior.
A Japanese research team has discovered four new genes in rice that could significantly improve crop breeding and help address global food shortages. The newly identified genes, found through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), influence traits such as flowering date, panicle number, and grain yield.
A large-scale genetic study has identified 38 new susceptibility loci for migraine, with most variants overlapping with genes regulating the vascular system. The findings support the importance of blood vessels in migraine attacks and hold promise for developing personalized treatments.
Research found that genetic links with educational attainment predict outcomes beyond schooling completion, including career success, financial management, and social mobility. Higher polygenic scores were associated with increased socioeconomic success, regardless of birth family conditions.
Researchers developed a tool to untangle which genetic variants actually create risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases. The 'massively parallel reporter assay' technique lets scientists probe thousands of DNA variations to identify ones that affect gene regulation.
Researchers at University of Oxford have identified two long intergenic noncoding RNA genes associated with an increased likelihood of developing bacteraemia when infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae. The genetic variants carry a doubled risk, highlighting the importance of diverse population studies.
Scientists have identified a modifier gene that affects the risk of developing Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), a disease similar to ALS in humans. Genome-wide association analysis revealed a haplotype within the SP110 nuclear body protein gene associated with increased DM risk.
A genome-wide association study of 39 dog breeds with gliomas identified three candidate genes associated with the tumor's development. These genes - CAMKK2, P2RX7 and DENR - have also been linked to cancer in humans. Further research into these genes may provide insights for potential treatments of glioma in both species.
A genome-wide association analysis of over 1,000 UK twins found that some parts of the microbiome are inherited through genes. The study identified more than a dozen microbes with known links to health that are heritable.
A massive analysis of DNA samples from over 13,000 U.S. soldiers has identified two statistically significant genetic variants associated with an increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The findings suggest a possible link between PTSD and autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
A recent genetic study from Tel Aviv University and Cornell University reveals that the Bene Israel community in India has strong Jewish roots. The research, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed DNA data from 18 individuals and found that they are an 'admixed' population with both Jewish and Indian ancestry.
Researchers identified thousands of RNA splicing mutations involved in complex traits and diseases, enabling accurate functional interpretation of genome-wide association study data. The findings highlight the importance of RNA splicing in linking genetic variation to disease.
Researchers identified 3,870 SNP pairs with shared biological mechanisms across Alzheimer's disease, bladder cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. These variants affect gene expression and protein function, providing a comprehensive picture of disease biology.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a computational model to discover new protein-protein interactions associated with schizophrenia. The study identified over 500 never-before-known PPIs, which could lead to greater understanding of the disease and its relation to other complex diseases.
Researchers have identified nine new genetic risk factors contributing to myopia, with education levels playing a crucial role. The study suggests that environmental and hereditary factors interact to produce the condition, offering insights into its development and potential treatments.
Researchers use CRISPR/Cas9 to analyze genome-wide association study results and pinpoint a genetic mutation in the alpha-synuclein gene that increases risk of sporadic Parkinson's disease. The discovery could lead to better understanding of complex diseases with genetic causes.
Researchers will report on newly identified gene variants that impact breast cancer risk in childhood cancer survivors treated with radiation therapy. A novel analytical approach also detected pathogenic germline mutations predisposing carriers to develop cancer.
A genome-wide association study has identified two genes, PNPLA3 and SLC38A4, that increase the risk of developing severe alcoholic hepatitis in heavy drinkers. The study found that individuals with these genetic variants are more susceptible to developing this serious and life-threatening illness.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine discovered a new gene, FOXF2, linked to ischemic stroke caused by small vessel disease in the brain. The study suggests that unraveling the mechanisms of small vessel disease could lead to better treatments for this major cause of stroke and dementia.
A genome-wide association study found that specific genetic variants contribute to cannabis dependence, potentially overlapping with other psychiatric conditions. The study also suggests a risk component for cannabis dependence in relation to other substance use disorders.
Research suggests a significant overlap between genetic factors associated with schizophrenia and maternal age at first birth, with women having high genetic predisposition to schizophrenia tending to have children at an early or later age.
Researchers identified novel gene locations associated with childhood body mass index (BMI) through a meta-analysis of over 47,000 children. The study's findings suggest that genetic variants may not exert their effects only in childhood, but have different effects at different ages.
A Finnish study found that genetic variants associated with musical creativity are linked to specific brain regions, including chromosome 4 and chromosome 18. These findings suggest a biological basis for music composition and arrangement, highlighting the role of multiple genes in creative activities.
Researchers found three genetic variants linked to increased blood clot risk in African Americans, affecting thrombomodulin expression. Approximately 36% of Africans carry these variants, doubling their risk for venous thromboembolism.
A new study of wild tomato genetics reveals complex genetic mechanisms driving diversification of plant species, with potential applications for creating more resilient crop plants. The research identifies three major genetic strategies behind the tomato's ability to adapt to ecological change.
A recent study suggests that genome-wide association studies (GWAS) should also identify genetic variants that predict behaviors increasing disease risk, allowing for targeted interventions. The study's lead author believes that GWAS can help develop more effective and better-targeted treatments by identifying modifiable risk factors.
A new IU study employs genome-wide sequencing to analyze the evolutionary mechanisms driving genetic divergence in 13 species of wild tomatoes. The research reveals three major genetic strategies behind tomato's ability to adapt to ecological change, including recruitment, introgression, and de novo evolution.
A new study has identified four genes associated with leptin levels, providing insight into the complex relationship between body fat and hunger. The findings have important implications for understanding obesity and developing targeted treatments.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified genetic variants linked to a preference for mornings or nights, revealing the biological basis of morningness. The research found that individuals with a 'morning' genotype tend to have lower BMI and are less likely to suffer from depression.
Researchers failed to find evidence of genetic overlap between schizophrenia risk and subcortical volume measures, a key finding that defines a roadmap for future studies investigating the genetic covariance between brain phenotypes and psychiatric disorders.
Researchers identified two genetic variations in the ORA1 gene associated with increased risk of Kawasaki disease in East Asian populations. The study provides new insights into the disease's etiology and potential mechanisms behind its seasonal variation and higher prevalence in children of this ancestry.
A study found that exposure to smoky coal causes similar gene expression patterns in buccal epithelial cells as active cigarette smokers. Researchers identified 282 genes associated with smoky coal emissions, which elicited similar physiologic effects as tobacco use.
Research reveals that a father's diet can impact the RNA of his sperm, which in turn can affect gene regulation in offspring. Studies found that high-fat diets and low-protein diets can lead to changes in specific small RNAs, including tRNA-Gly-GCC, which suppresses genes related to metabolic disorders.
Researchers found five genetic loci associated with successful aging, involved in cell senescence, autoimmunity, and Alzheimer's disease. These genes may provide clues about physiological mechanisms for healthy aging and have the potential to improve health outcomes.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified a gene variant linked to psychotic symptoms and cognitive impairment in people with bipolar disorder. The study found that the gene variant affects levels of specific proteins in the brain, which may lead to new targeted drug development.
A recent study published in Nature Genetics reveals that Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) regulate gene expression and modulate disease traits. STRs, previously thought to be neutral or 'junk' DNA, were found to act like springs or knobs that fine-tune nearby gene expression.
A new study links high-temperature cooking of red and white meat to increased risk of kidney cancer, citing the presence of carcinogenic compounds such as PhIP and MeIQx. The study suggests that reducing meat consumption, especially when cooked at high temperatures, may help mitigate this risk.
A study published in Nature Communications has identified seven genetic risk loci for atopic dermatitis and asthma, suggesting a link between the two conditions. The research found that regions determining atopic dermatitis risk also influence the development of asthma and other allergies, known as the atopic march.
Researchers identified VRAC channels as responsible for half of anti-cancer drug uptake, with down-regulated subunits linked to therapy resistance and programmed cell death disturbances. The study's findings hold high clinical relevance and suggest potential new targets for overcoming cancer therapy resistance.
Researchers identified 10 new genetic variations associated with eczema, shedding light on the immune system's regulation. The study, involving 377,000 subjects, also found evidence of genetic overlap with inflammatory bowel disease.
A large-scale genetic study of 377,000 people worldwide has identified 10 new genetic variants associated with eczema, bringing the total number of known variants to 31. These variants are linked to regulating the immune system and may lead to potential new treatments for eczema.
A research group at Tohoku University has developed a comprehensive reference panel of genetic variants from 1,070 Japanese individuals through deep whole-genome sequencing. This analysis detected signatures of purifying selection on regulatory elements and coding regions, as well as structural variants that may contribute to complex h...
Scientists have calculated precise measurements of heritability in nine childhood-onset autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The research strengthens a child's risk prediction for associated autoimmune diseases, potentially informing personalized therapies.
A genome-wide association study has identified subtle genetic changes that affect the immune response to common viruses. The study found correlations between genetic variations and immune responses to four viruses: influenza A, Epstein-Barr, JC polyomavirus, and Merkel cell polyomavirus.
A large international team of researchers is investigating the genetic factors behind transplant successes and failures. The project, iGeneTRAiN, has generated genomics data for over 32,000 organ donors and recipients, aiming to discover genetic variants that lead to rejection and other complications.
Researchers identified genetic variants associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which may inform positive lifestyle and treatment choices. The study also found links between PCOS and increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and fertility problems.
An international study of nearly 70,000 women found that genes involved in DNA repair play a crucial role in determining when a woman enters menopause. The research also confirmed a link between earlier menopause and lower breast cancer risk, with increased risk associated with delayed menopause.
A study of nearly 10,000 people from 14 European countries found a strong correlation between genes that increase height and those that produce reduced body mass index. This discovery could help explain why people from northern Europe are often taller and slimmer than others.
Researchers found that palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid found in olive oil and meat, worsened inflammation in Crohn's disease. Omega-6 fatty acid, present in vegetable oils, actually reduced inflammation in the condition.
A genetic study by University of Queensland researchers found a strong correlation between genes that result in greater height and those that reduce body mass index. The study, published in Nature Genetics, suggests that genetic variation may play a role in creating national differences in disorders such as dementia and heart disease.
A team of researchers has discovered that early Iberian farmers are the closest ancestors to modern-day Basques, contradicting previous hypotheses. The study also reveals that farming was brought to Iberia by groups migrating to northern and central Europe, leading to admixture with local hunter-gatherer populations.
Researchers discovered rare gene variants associated with a severe form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects children under age five. The findings suggest that these genes play important roles in immune function and may be linked to primary immunodeficiency disorders.
A study analyzing 10 childhood-onset autoimmune diseases found 22 genome-wide signals shared by two or more diseases, suggesting potential new targets for therapy. The research identified genes with biological relevance to specific diseases, offering opportunities for targeted treatment and repurposing existing drugs.
A new study published in AERA Open found a causal link between genetic predisposition and educational attainment, with higher polygenic scores associated with more years of schooling. The research controlled for external factors to isolate the role of genes in shaping educational outcomes.
Researchers identified two new genetic susceptibility regions specific to European women with PCOS, including a region containing the FSH gene, which plays an essential role in ovarian function. The study provides crucial insights into the disorder's biological pathways, paving the way for new treatments and disease prevention approaches.
A new method, PrediXcan, uses transcriptome data to estimate gene expression levels and integrate with genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. This improves the detection of genes linked to complex diseases and biological traits.
A large international study has identified genetic factors that modify the age of onset for Huntington's disease symptoms. The research, supported by the NIH, used precision medicine to analyze over 4,000 patients' DNA and found associations with genes involved in DNA repair and mitochondrial function.
Researchers identified three novel candidate genes, KIRREL3 and SLIT1, involved in immune cell development, and SERPINA9 expressed exclusively at the germinal center where B-cells produce IgA. A new method for analyzing complex traits was also developed to facilitate robust genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in dogs.
Researchers have identified two gene variants on chromosomes 15 and 8 associated with earlier- or later-than-expected symptom onset in Huntington's disease patients. The findings suggest that these variants may influence the disease process prior to symptoms appear, offering new potential therapeutic strategies.
The 'golden jackals' of East Africa and Eurasia are two separate species, with the latter being a new species, African golden wolf, that has a distribution across North and East Africa. Genetic data shows they have been evolving independently for at least a million years.