Genome-wide Association Study Identifies 27 Loci Influencing Concentrations of Circulating Cytokines and Growth Factors - UTU Research Portal

A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Genome-wide Association Study Identifies 27 Loci Influencing Concentrations of Circulating Cytokines and Growth Factors

Authors: Ahola-Olli AV, Wurtz P, Havulinna AS, Aalto K, Pitkanen N, Lehtimaki T, Kahonen M, Lyytikainen LP, Raitoharju E, Seppala I, Sarin AP, Ripatti S, Palotie A, Perola M, Viikari JS, Jalkanen S, Maksimow M, Salomaa V, Salmi M, Kettunen J, Raitakari OT

Publisher: American Society of Human Genetics. Published by Elsevier Inc

Publishing place: United States

Publication year: 2017

Journal: American Journal of Human Genetics

Journal name in source: American Journal of Human Genetics

Journal acronym: Am.J.Hum.Genet.

Volume: 100

Issue: 1

First page : 40

Last page: 50

Number of pages: 11

ISSN: 0002-9297

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajhg.2016.11.007

Abstract

Circulating cytokines and growth factors are regulators of inflammation and have been implicated in autoimmune and metabolic diseases. In this genome-wide association study (GWAS) of up to 8,293 Finns we identified 27 genome-widely significant loci (p < 1.2 x 10-9) for one or more cytokines. Fifteen of the associated variants had expression quantitative trait loci in whole blood. We provide genetic instruments to clarify the causal roles of cytokine signaling and upstream inflammation in immune-related and other chronic diseases. We further link inflammatory markers with variants previously associated with autoimmune diseases such as Crohn disease, multiple sclerosis, and ulcerative colitis and hereby elucidate the molecular mechanisms underpinning these diseases and suggest potential drug targets.