Meta-analysis identifies multiple loci associated with kidney function-related traits in east Asian populations

Nat Genet. 2012 Jul 15;44(8):904-9. doi: 10.1038/ng.2352.

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), impairment of kidney function, is a serious public health problem, and the assessment of genetic factors influencing kidney function has substantial clinical relevance. Here, we report a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies for kidney function-related traits, including 71,149 east Asian individuals from 18 studies in 11 population-, hospital- or family-based cohorts, conducted as part of the Asian Genetic Epidemiology Network (AGEN). Our meta-analysis identified 17 loci newly associated with kidney function-related traits, including the concentrations of blood urea nitrogen, uric acid and serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate based on serum creatinine levels (eGFRcrea) (P < 5.0 × 10(-8)). We further examined these loci with in silico replication in individuals of European ancestry from the KidneyGen, CKDGen and GUGC consortia, including a combined total of ∼110,347 individuals. We identify pleiotropic associations among these loci with kidney function-related traits and risk of CKD. These findings provide new insights into the genetics of kidney function.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Asian People / genetics*
  • Blood Urea Nitrogen
  • Cohort Studies
  • Creatinine / blood
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Glomerular Filtration Rate / genetics
  • Humans
  • Kidney / physiology*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / genetics
  • Uric Acid / blood

Substances

  • Uric Acid
  • Creatinine