Genetic Association for Renal Traits among Participants of African Ancestry Reveals New Loci for Renal Function
2011

Genetic Factors Affecting Kidney Function in African Americans

Sample size: 8110 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Liu Ching-Ti, Garnaas Maija K., Tin Adrienne, Kottgen Anna, Franceschini Nora, Peralta Carmen A., de Boer Ian H., Lu Xiaoning, Atkinson Elizabeth, Ding Jingzhong, Nalls Michael, Shriner Daniel, Coresh Josef, Kutlar Abdullah, Bibbins-Domingo Kirsten, Siscovick David, Akylbekova Ermeg, Wyatt Sharon, Astor Brad, Mychaleckjy Josef, Li Man, Reilly Muredach P., Townsend Raymond R., Adeyemo Adebowale, Zonderman Alan B., de Andrade Mariza, Turner Stephen T., Mosley Thomas H., Harris Tamara B., The CKDGen Consortium, Rotimi Charles N., Liu Yongmei, Kardia Sharon L. R., Evans Michele K., Shlipak Michael G., Kramer Holly, Flessner Michael F., Dreisbach Albert W., Goessling Wolfram, Cupples L. Adrienne, Kao W. Linda, Fox Caroline S.

Primary Institution: Boston University School of Public Health

Hypothesis

What genetic loci are associated with renal function in African Americans?

Conclusion

The study identified several SNPs associated with kidney function in African Americans, including three suggestive loci for UACR and eGFR.

Supporting Evidence

  • 23 of 24 previously identified SNPs had direction-consistent associations with eGFR in African Americans.
  • 2 SNPs achieved nominal significance in the study.
  • Functional studies in zebrafish supported the role of kcnq1 in kidney development.

Takeaway

Researchers looked at genes that might affect kidney health in African Americans and found some important ones that could help us understand kidney disease better.

Methodology

The study used genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and candidate-gene SNP association analyses in African Americans.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the reliance on single-point measurements for serum creatinine and albuminuria.

Limitations

The study's sample size for discovery and replication was relatively modest, which may limit the strength of the findings.

Participant Demographics

Participants were primarily African Americans, with a sample size of 8110.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<5.0*10−6

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pgen.1002264

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