Application of the distance-based F test in an mGWAS investigating β diversity of intestinal microbiota identifies variants in SLC9A8 (NHE8) and 3 other loci.

ABSTRACT: Factors shaping the human intestinal microbiota range from environmental influences, like smoking and exercise, over dietary patterns and disease to the host's genetic variation. Recently, we could show in a microbiome genome-wide association study (mGWAS) targeting genetic variation influencing the β diversity of gut microbial communities, that approximately 10% of the overall gut microbiome variation can be explained by host genetics. Here, we report on the application of a new method for genotype-β-diversity association testing, the distance-based F (DBF) test. With this we identified 4 loci with genome-wide significant associations, harboring the genes CBEP4, SLC9A8, TNFSF4, and SP140, respectively. Our findings highlight the utility of the high-performance DBF test in β diversity GWAS

SUBMITTER: Ruhlemann MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5939986 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature