Key variants via Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project whole genome sequence data

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONGenome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified loci associated with Alzheimers disease (AD) but did not identify specific causal genes or variants within those loci. Analysis of whole genome sequence (WGS) data, which interrogates the entire genome and captures rare variations, may identify causal variants within GWAS loci. METHODSWe performed single common variant association analysis and rare variant aggregate analyses in the pooled population (N cases=2,184, N controls=2,383) and targeted analyses in sub-populations using WGS data from the Alzheimers Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP). The analyses were restricted to variants within 100 kb of 83 previously identified GWAS lead variants. RESULTSSeventeen variants were significantly associated with AD within five genomic regions implicating the genes OARD1/NFYA/TREML1, JAZF1, FERMT2, and SLC24A4. KAT8 was implicated by both single variant and rare variant aggregate analyses. DISCUSSIONThis study demonstrates the utility of leveraging WGS to gain insights into AD loci identified via GWAS.