A genome-wide association study identifies a susceptibility locus for refractive errors and myopia at 15q14

Nat Genet. 2010 Oct;42(10):897-901. doi: 10.1038/ng.663. Epub 2010 Sep 12.

Abstract

Refractive errors are the most common ocular disorders worldwide and may lead to blindness. Although this trait is highly heritable, identification of susceptibility genes has been challenging. We conducted a genome-wide association study for refractive error in 5,328 individuals from a Dutch population-based study with replication in four independent cohorts (combined 10,280 individuals in the replication stage). We identified a significant association at chromosome 15q14 (rs634990, P = 2.21 × 10⁻¹⁴). The odds ratio of myopia compared to hyperopia for the minor allele (minor allele frequency = 0.47) was 1.41 (95% CI 1.16-1.70) for individuals heterozygous for the allele and 1.83 (95% CI 1.42-2.36) for individuals homozygous for the allele. The associated locus is near two genes that are expressed in the retina, GJD2 and ACTC1, and appears to harbor regulatory elements which may influence transcription of these genes. Our data suggest that common variants at 15q14 influence susceptibility for refractive errors in the general population.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Actins / genetics
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15 / genetics*
  • Connexins / genetics
  • Female
  • Gap Junction delta-2 Protein
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Genetic Variation / genetics
  • Genome, Human*
  • Genome-Wide Association Study*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myopia / genetics*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • ACTC1 protein, human
  • Actins
  • Connexins

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE20191