Genome-wide meta-analysis identifies 11 new loci for anthropometric traits and provides insights into genetic architecture

Nat Genet. 2013 May;45(5):501-12. doi: 10.1038/ng.2606. Epub 2013 Apr 7.

Abstract

Approaches exploiting trait distribution extremes may be used to identify loci associated with common traits, but it is unknown whether these loci are generalizable to the broader population. In a genome-wide search for loci associated with the upper versus the lower 5th percentiles of body mass index, height and waist-to-hip ratio, as well as clinical classes of obesity, including up to 263,407 individuals of European ancestry, we identified 4 new loci (IGFBP4, H6PD, RSRC1 and PPP2R2A) influencing height detected in the distribution tails and 7 new loci (HNF4G, RPTOR, GNAT2, MRPS33P4, ADCY9, HS6ST3 and ZZZ3) for clinical classes of obesity. Further, we find a large overlap in genetic structure and the distribution of variants between traits based on extremes and the general population and little etiological heterogeneity between obesity subgroups.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anthropometry*
  • Body Height / genetics*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Genome-Wide Association Study*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Meta-Analysis as Topic
  • Obesity / genetics*
  • Phenotype
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / genetics*
  • Quantitative Trait Loci*
  • Waist-Hip Ratio
  • White People / genetics

Grants and funding