Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies identifies two loci associated with circulating osteoprotegerin levels

Hum Mol Genet. 2014 Dec 15;23(24):6684-93. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddu386. Epub 2014 Jul 30.

Abstract

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is involved in bone homeostasis and tumor cell survival. Circulating OPG levels are also important biomarkers of various clinical traits, such as cancers and atherosclerosis. OPG levels were measured in serum or in plasma. In a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies in up to 10 336 individuals from European and Asian origin, we discovered that variants >100 kb upstream of the TNFRSF11B gene encoding OPG and another new locus on chromosome 17q11.2 were significantly associated with OPG variation. We also identified a suggestive locus on chromosome 14q21.2 associated with the trait. Moreover, we estimated that over half of the heritability of OPG levels could be explained by all variants examined in our study. Our findings provide further insight into the genetic regulation of circulating OPG levels.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Asian People
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 14 / chemistry*
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17 / chemistry*
  • Female
  • Genetic Loci*
  • Genome, Human
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Osteoprotegerin / blood
  • Osteoprotegerin / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Quantitative Trait, Heritable*
  • White People

Substances

  • Osteoprotegerin
  • TNFRSF11B protein, human