Annotation of loci from genome-wide association studies using tissue-specific quantitative interaction proteomics

Lundby, A. et al. (2014) Annotation of loci from genome-wide association studies using tissue-specific quantitative interaction proteomics. Nature Methods, 11(8), pp. 868-874. (doi: 10.1038/NMETH.2997)

Abstract

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified thousands of loci associated with complex traits, but it is challenging to pinpoint causal genes in these loci and to exploit subtle association signals. We used tissue-specific quantitative interaction proteomics to map a network of five genes involved in the Mendelian disorder long QT syndrome (LQTS). We integrated the LQTS network with GWAS loci from the corresponding common complex trait, QT-interval variation, to identify candidate genes that were subsequently confirmed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and zebrafish. We used the LQTS protein network to filter weak GWAS signals by identifying single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in proximity to genes in the network supported by strong proteomic evidence. Three SNPs passing this filter reached genome-wide significance after replication genotyping. Overall, we present a general strategy to propose candidates in GWAS loci for functional studies and to systematically filter subtle association signals using tissue-specific quantitative interaction proteomics.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Macfarlane, Professor Peter and Ford, Professor Ian
• Authors: Lundby, A., Rossin, E. J., Steffensen, A. B., Acha, M. R., Newton-Cheh, C., Pfeufer, A., Lynch, S. N., Olesen, S.-P., Brunak, S., Ellinor, P. T., Jukema, J. W., Trompet, S., Ford, I., Macfarlane, P. W., Krijthe, B. P., Hofman, A., Uitterlinden, A. G., Stricker, B. H., Nathoe, H. M., Spiering, W., Daly, M. J., Asselbergs, F. W., van der Harst, P., Milan, D. J., de Bakker, P. I.W., Lage, K., and Olsen, J. V.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Nature Methods
• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
• ISSN: 1548-7091
• ISSN (Online): 1548-7105