Finding genes and variants for lipid levels after genome-wide association analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

We review the main findings from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for levels of HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, including approaches to identify the functional variant(s) or gene(s). We discuss study design and challenges related to whole genome or exome sequencing to identify novel genes and variants.

Recent findings

GWAS have detected approximately 100 loci associated with one or more lipid trait. Fine mapping of several loci for LDL-cholesterol demonstrated that the trait variance explained may double when the functional variants responsible for the association signals are identified. Experimental follow-up of three loci identified by GWAS has identified functional genes GALNT2, TRIB1, and SORT1, and a functional variant at SORT

SUBMITTER: Willer CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3666174 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature