Identifying Genetic Factors Linked to White Blood Cell Subtypes
Author Information
Author(s): Yukinori Okada, Tomomitsu Hirota, Yoichiro Kamatani, Atsushi Takahashi, Hiroko Ohmiya, Natsuhiko Kumasaka, Koichiro Higasa, Yumi Yamaguchi-Kabata, Naoya Hosono, Michael A. Nalls, Ming Huei Chen, Frank J. A. van Rooij, Albert V. Smith, Toshiko Tanaka, David J. Couper, Neil A. Zakai, Luigi Ferrucci, Dan L. Longo, Dena G. Hernandez, Jacqueline C. M. Witteman, Tamara B. Harris, Christopher J. O'Donnell, Santhi K. Ganesh, Koichi Matsuda, Tatsuhiko Tsunoda, Toshihiro Tanaka, Michiaki Kubo, Yusuke Nakamura, Mayumi Tamari, Kazuhiko Yamamoto, Naoyuki Kamatani
Primary Institution: Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), Yokohama, Japan
Hypothesis
What genetic loci are associated with the counts of white blood cell subtypes in a Japanese population?
Conclusion
The study identified 12 genetic loci associated with white blood cell subtypes, including 9 novel loci.
Supporting Evidence
- 12 genetic loci were identified as significantly associated with white blood cell subtype counts.
- 9 of the identified loci were novel findings.
- The study included a large sample size of 14,792 Japanese subjects.
- Significant associations were replicated in Caucasian populations.
- Identified loci showed pleiotropic associations with other hematological traits.
- Findings contribute to understanding the genetic backgrounds of white blood cell subtypes.
- Results suggest unique and common functional roles of the identified loci in hematopoiesis.
- Study highlights ethnic differences in genetic backgrounds affecting hematological traits.
Takeaway
Scientists found new genes that affect different types of white blood cells, which help our body fight infections.
Methodology
The study used genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to analyze white blood cell subtype counts in Japanese subjects.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the use of medical records for phenotype data.
Limitations
The study population consisted of disease patients, which may confound results.
Participant Demographics
The study included 14,792 Japanese subjects.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<5.0×10−8
Statistical Significance
p<5.0×10−8
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website