Genome-wide association study with additional genetic and post-transcriptional analyses reveals novel regulators of plasma factor XI levels

Glucokinase regulatory protein: a balancing act between glucose and lipid metabolism in NAFLD

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease worldwide, affected by both genetics and environment. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) stands as an independent environmental risk factor that precipitates the onset of hepatic steatosis and accelerates its progression to severe stages of liver damage. Furthermore, the coexistence of T2D and NAFLD magnifies the risk of cardiovascular disease synergistically. However, the association between genetic susceptibility and metabolic risk factors in NAFLD remains incompletely understood. The glucokinase regulator gene (GCKR), responsible for encoding the glucokinase regulatory protein (GKRP), acts as a regulator and protector of the glucose-metabolizing enzyme glucokinase (GK) in the liver. Two common variants (rs1260326 and rs780094) within the GCKR gene have been associated with a lower risk for T2D but a higher risk for NAFLD. Recent studies underscore that T2D presence significantly amplifies the effect of the GCKR gene, thereby increasing the risk of NASH and fibrosis in NAFLD patients. In this review, we focus on the critical roles of GKRP in T2D and NAFLD, drawing upon insights from genetic and biological studies. Notably, prior attempts at drug development targeting GK with glucokinase activators (GKAs) have shown potential risks of augmented plasma triglycerides or NAFLD. Conversely, overexpression of GKRP in diabetic rats improved glucose tolerance without causing NAFLD, suggesting the crucial regulatory role of GKRP in maintaining hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism balance. Collectively, this review sheds new light on the complex interaction between genes and environment in NAFLD, focusing on the GCKR gene. By integrating evidence from genetics, biology, and drug development, we reassess the therapeutic potential of targeting GK or GKRP for metabolic disease treatment. Emerging evidence suggests that selectively activating GK or enhancing GK-GKRP binding may represent a holistic strategy for restoring glucose and lipid metabolic balance.

Post-transcriptional control of haemostatic genes: mechanisms and emerging therapeutic concepts in thrombo-inflammatory disorders

The haemostatic system is pivotal to maintaining vascular integrity. Multiple components involved in blood coagulation have central functions in inflammation and immunity. A derailed haemostasis is common in prevalent pathologies such as sepsis, cardiovascular disorders, and lately, COVID-19. Physiological mechanisms limit the deleterious consequences of a hyperactivated haemostatic system through adaptive changes in gene expression. While this is mainly regulated at the level of transcription, co- and posttranscriptional mechanisms are increasingly perceived as central hubs governing multiple facets of the haemostatic system. This layer of regulation modulates the biogenesis of haemostatic components, for example in situations of increased turnover and demand. However, they can also be 'hijacked' in disease processes, thereby perpetuating and even causally entertaining associated pathologies. This review summarizes examples and emerging concepts that illustrate the importance of posttranscriptional mechanisms in haemostatic control and crosstalk with the immune system. It also discusses how such regulatory principles can be used to usher in new therapeutic concepts to combat global medical threats such as sepsis or cardiovascular disorders.

Antithrombin, Protein C, and Protein S: Genome and Transcriptome-Wide Association Studies Identify 7 Novel Loci Regulating Plasma Levels

BACKGROUND

Antithrombin, PC (protein C), and PS (protein S) are circulating natural anticoagulant proteins that regulate hemostasis and of which partial deficiencies are causes of venous thromboembolism. Previous genetic association studies involving antithrombin, PC, and PS were limited by modest sample sizes or by being restricted to candidate genes. In the setting of the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology consortium, we meta-analyzed across ancestries the results from 10 genome-wide association studies of plasma levels of antithrombin, PC, PS free, and PS total.

METHODS

Study participants were of European and African ancestries, and genotype data were imputed to TOPMed, a dense multiancestry reference panel. Each of the 10 studies conducted a genome-wide association studies for each phenotype and summary results were meta-analyzed, stratified by ancestry. Analysis of antithrombin included 25 243 European ancestry and 2688 African ancestry participants, PC analysis included 16 597 European ancestry and 2688 African ancestry participants, PSF and PST analysis included 4113 and 6409 European ancestry participants. We also conducted transcriptome-wide association analyses and multiphenotype analysis to discover additional associations. Novel genome-wide association studies and transcriptome-wide association analyses findings were validated by in vitro functional experiments. Mendelian randomization was performed to assess the causal relationship between these proteins and cardiovascular outcomes.

RESULTS

Genome-wide association studies meta-analyses identified 4 newly associated loci: 3 with antithrombin levels (GCKR, BAZ1B, and HP-TXNL4B) and 1 with PS levels (ORM1-ORM2). transcriptome-wide association analyses identified 3 newly associated genes: 1 with antithrombin level (FCGRT), 1 with PC (GOLM2), and 1 with PS (MYL7). In addition, we replicated 7 independent loci reported in previous studies. Functional experiments provided evidence for the involvement of GCKR, SNX17, and HP genes in antithrombin regulation.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of larger sample sizes, diverse populations, and a denser imputation reference panel allowed the detection of 7 novel genomic loci associated with plasma antithrombin, PC, and PS levels.

Elevated plasma complement factor H related 5 protein is associated with venous thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common, multi-causal disease with potentially serious short- and long-term complications. In clinical practice, there is a need for improved plasma biomarker-based tools for VTE diagnosis and risk prediction. Here we show, using proteomics profiling to screen plasma from patients with suspected acute VTE, and several case-control studies for VTE, how Complement Factor H Related 5 protein (CFHR5), a regulator of the alternative pathway of complement activation, is a VTE-associated plasma biomarker. In plasma, higher CFHR5 levels are associated with increased thrombin generation potential and recombinant CFHR5 enhanced platelet activation in vitro. GWAS analysis of ~52,000 participants identifies six loci associated with CFHR5 plasma levels, but Mendelian randomization do not demonstrate causality between CFHR5 and VTE. Our results indicate an important role for the regulation of the alternative pathway of complement activation in VTE and that CFHR5 represents a potential diagnostic and/or risk predictive plasma biomarker.

Long non-coding RNA crnde promotes deep vein thrombosis by sequestering miR-181a-5p away from thrombogenic Pcyox1l

BACKGROUND

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an interplay of genetic and acquired risk factors, where functional interactions in lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA networks contribute to disease pathogenesis. Based on the high-throughput transcriptome sequencing prediction, we have assessed the contribution of lncRNA Crnde/miR-181a-5p/Pcyox1l axis to thrombus formation.

METHODS

DVT was modeled in mice by inferior vena cava stenosis, and inferior vena cava tissues were harvested for high-throughput transcriptome sequencing to screen differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs. The key miRNA binding to Crnde and Pcyox1l was obtained through searching the RNAInter and mirWalk databases. The binding affinity between Crnde, miR-181a-5p, and Pcyox1l was examined by FISH, dual luciferase reporter gene, RNA pull-down, and RIP assays. Functional experiments were conducted in DVT mouse models to assess thrombus formation and inflammatory injury in inferior vena cava.

RESULTS

It was noted that Crnde and Pcyox1l were upregulated in the blood of DVT mice. Crnde competitively bound to miR-181a-5p and inhibited miR-181a-5p expression, and Pcyox1l was the downstream target gene of miR-181a-5p. Silencing of Crnde or restoration of miR-181a-5p reduced inflammatory injury in the inferior vena cava, thus curtailing thrombus formation in mice. Ectopic expression of Pcyox1l counterweighed the inhibitory effect of Crnde silencing.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, Crnde sequesters miR-181a-5p to release Pcyox1l expression via ceRNA mechanism, thus aggravating thrombus formation in DVT.

Cross-Ancestry Investigation of Venous Thromboembolism Genomic Predictors

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a life-threatening vascular event with environmental and genetic determinants. Recent VTE genome-wide association studies (GWAS) meta-analyses involved nearly 30 000 VTE cases and identified up to 40 genetic loci associated with VTE risk, including loci not previously suspected to play a role in hemostasis. The aim of our research was to expand discovery of new genetic loci associated with VTE by using cross-ancestry genomic resources.

METHODS

We present new cross-ancestry meta-analyzed GWAS results involving up to 81 669 VTE cases from 30 studies, with replication of novel loci in independent populations and loci characterization through in silico genomic interrogations.

RESULTS

In our genetic discovery effort that included 55 330 participants with VTE (47 822 European, 6320 African, and 1188 Hispanic ancestry), we identified 48 novel associations, of which 34 were replicated after correction for multiple testing. In our combined discovery-replication analysis (81 669 VTE participants) and ancestry-stratified meta-analyses (European, African, and Hispanic), we identified another 44 novel associations, which are new candidate VTE-associated loci requiring replication. In total, across all GWAS meta-analyses, we identified 135 independent genomic loci significantly associated with VTE risk. A genetic risk score of the significantly associated loci in Europeans identified a 6-fold increase in risk for those in the top 1% of scores compared with those with average scores. We also identified 31 novel transcript associations in transcriptome-wide association studies and 8 novel candidate genes with protein quantitative-trait locus Mendelian randomization analyses. In silico interrogations of hemostasis and hematology traits and a large phenome-wide association analysis of the 135 GWAS loci provided insights to biological pathways contributing to VTE, with some loci contributing to VTE through well-characterized coagulation pathways and others providing new data on the role of hematology traits, particularly platelet function. Many of the replicated loci are outside of known or currently hypothesized pathways to thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our cross-ancestry GWAS meta-analyses identified new loci associated with VTE. These findings highlight new pathways to thrombosis and provide novel molecules that may be useful in the development of improved antithrombosis treatments.

Elucidating mechanisms of genetic cross-disease associations at the PROCR vascular disease locus

Many individual genetic risk loci have been associated with multiple common human diseases. However, the molecular basis of this pleiotropy often remains unclear. We present an integrative approach to reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the PROCR locus, associated with lower coronary artery disease (CAD) risk but higher venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk. We identify PROCR-p.Ser219Gly as the likely causal variant at the locus and protein C as a causal factor. Using genetic analyses, human recall-by-genotype and in vitro experimentation, we demonstrate that PROCR-219Gly increases plasma levels of (activated) protein C through endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) ectodomain shedding in endothelial cells, attenuating leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion and vascular inflammation. We also associate PROCR-219Gly with an increased pro-thrombotic state via coagulation factor VII, a ligand of EPCR. Our study, which links PROCR-219Gly to CAD through anti-inflammatory mechanisms and to VTE through pro-thrombotic mechanisms, provides a framework to reveal the mechanisms underlying similar cross-phenotype associations.

Association of rs780094 and rs1260326 glucokinase regulatory protein gene polymorphisms with dyslipidemia in a group of Serbian acute ischemic stroke patients

Although genetic variations rs780094 and rs1260326 of the glucokinase regulatory protein gene (GCKR) could be associated with lipid profile imbalance, their influence on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) risk has not yet been established. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of GCKR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs780094 and rs1260326 on lipid profile parameters in patients with AIS, and to evaluate the association of these SNPs with the risk of AIS. In a casecontrol study, a total of 148 subjects were screened for GCKR rs780094 and rs1260326 SNPs using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The lipid profile was determined based on serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triacylglycerol (TG) concentrations. The frequencies of the minor rs780094T allele and the minor rs1260326T allele were significantly lower in AIS patients compared to controls. The rs780094TT genotype and the rs1260326TT genotype were associated with decreased risk of AIS compared to wildtype carriers. In conclusion, this is the first study implying that decreased risk of AIS in rs780094 and rs1260326 homozygous minor allele carriers is not caused by dyslipidemia, but possibly by the lack of coagulation factor glycosylation.

Large-scale integration of the plasma proteome with genetics and disease

The plasma proteome can help bridge the gap between the genome and diseases. Here we describe genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of plasma protein levels measured with 4,907 aptamers in 35,559 Icelanders. We found 18,084 associations between sequence variants and levels of proteins in plasma (protein quantitative trait loci; pQTL), of which 19% were with rare variants (minor allele frequency (MAF) < 1%). We tested plasma protein levels for association with 373 diseases and other traits and identified 257,490 associations. We integrated pQTL and genetic associations with diseases and other traits and found that 12% of 45,334 lead associations in the GWAS Catalog are with variants in high linkage disequilibrium with pQTL. We identified 938 genes encoding potential drug targets with variants that influence levels of possible biomarkers. Combining proteomics, genomics and transcriptomics, we provide a valuable resource that can be used to improve understanding of disease pathogenesis and to assist with drug discovery and development.

Association Between Hemostatic Profile and Migraine: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess support for a causal relationship between hemostatic measures and migraine susceptibility using genetic instrumental analysis.

METHODS

Two-sample Mendelian randomization instrumental analyses leveraging available genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics were applied to hemostatic measures as potentially causal for migraine and its subtypes, migraine with aura (MA) and migraine without aura (MO). Twelve blood-based measures of hemostasis were examined, including plasma level or activity of 8 hemostatic factors and 2 fibrinopeptides together with 2 hemostasis clinical tests.

RESULTS

There were significant instrumental effects between increased coagulation factor VIII activity (FVIII; odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.05 [1.03, 1.08]/SD, p = 6.08 × 10^-05), von Willebrand factor level (vWF; 1.05 [1.03, 1.08]/SD, p = 2.25 × 10^-06), and phosphorylated fibrinopeptide A level (1.13 [1.07, 1.19]/SD, p = 5.44 × 10^-06) with migraine susceptibility. When extended to migraine subtypes, FVIII, vWF, and phosphorylated fibrinopeptide A showed slightly stronger effects with MA than overall migraine. Fibrinogen level was inversely linked with MA (0.76 [0.64, 0.91]/SD, p = 2.32 × 10^-03) but not overall migraine. None of the hemostatic factors was linked with MO. In sensitivity analysis, effects for fibrinogen and phosphorylated fibrinopeptide A were robust, whereas independent effects of FVIII and vWF could not be distinguished, and FVIII associations were potentially affected by pleiotropy at the ABO locus. Causal effects from migraine to the hemostatic measures were not supported in reverse Mendelian randomization. However, MA was not included due to lack of instruments.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings support potential causality of increased FVIII, vWF, and phosphorylated fibrinopeptide A and decreased fibrinogen in migraine susceptibility, especially for MA, potentially revealing etiologic relationships between hemostasis and migraine.

Genetic association study of fatal pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a complex multi-factorial disease and represents one manifestation of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Most commonly PE constitutes a complication of VTE’s other clinical presentation deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The majority of studies concerning risk factors do not distinguish between PE and DVT. The risk factors are often estimated to be alike, but the prevalence and the risk associated with the major genetic factor Factor V Leiden differ between the two disease states. We have investigated the association of 22 SNPs with PE in 185 PE case and 375 healthy control subjects. At p = 0.05, eight SNPs presented with nominally significant evidence of association (EOA), although no significantly different genotype distributions remained between cases and controls after Bonferroni correction. Three of these variants (rs1800790, rs3813948, rs6025) showed EOA in the main analysis, and five variants (rs169713, rs1801131, rs4524, rs5985 and rs8176592) demonstrated EOAs in subgroups. Genomic variation modulating Factor V, Factor XIII, Beta fibrinogen (FGB), TFPI or HIVEP1 should be worth to be followed in subsequent studies. The findings of this study support the view that PE represents a complex disease with many factors contributing relatively small effects. Larger sample sizes will be required to reliably detect these small effects.

Mendelian Randomization Analysis of Hemostatic Factors and Their Contribution to Peripheral Artery Disease-Brief Report

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the third most common form of atherosclerotic vascular disease and is characterized by significant functional disability and increased cardiovascular mortality. Recent genetic data support a role for a procoagulation protein variant, the factor V Leiden mutation, in PAD. The role of other hemostatic factors in PAD remains unknown. We evaluated the role of hemostatic factors in PAD using Mendelian randomization. Approach and Results: Two-sample Mendelian randomization to evaluate the roles of FVII (factor VII), FVIII (factor VIII), FXI (factor XI), VWF (von Willebrand factor), and fibrinogen in PAD was performed using summary statistics from GWAS for hemostatic factors performed within the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in the Genome Epidemiology Consortium and from GWAS performed for PAD within the Million Veteran Program. Genetically determined FVIII and VWF, but not FVII, FXI, or fibrinogen, were associated with PAD in Mendelian randomization experiments (FVIII: odds ratio, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.23-1.62], P=6.0×10^-7, VWF: odds ratio, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.07-1.52], P=0.0073). In single variant sensitivity analysis, the ABO locus was the strongest genetic instrument for both FVIII and VWF.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest a role for hemostasis, and by extension, thrombosis in PAD. Further study is warranted to determine whether VWF and FVIII independently affect the biology of PAD.

Role of microRNAs in Hemophilia and Thrombosis in Humans

MicroRNAs (miRNA) play an important role in gene expression at the posttranscriptional level by targeting the untranslated regions of messenger RNA (mRNAs). These small RNAs have been shown to control cellular physiological processes including cell differentiation and proliferation. Dysregulation of miRNAs have been associated with numerous diseases. In the past few years miRNAs have emerged as potential biopharmaceuticals and the first miRNA-based therapies have entered clinical trials. Our recent studies suggest that miRNAs may also play an important role in the pathology of genetic diseases that are currently considered to be solely due to mutations in the coding sequence. For instance, among hemophilia A patients there exist a small subset, with normal wildtype genes; i.e., lacking in mutations in the coding and non-coding regions of the F8 gene. Similarly, in many patients with missense mutations in the F8 gene, the genetic defect does not fully explain the severity of the disease. Dysregulation of miRNAs that target mRNAs encoding coagulation factors have been shown to disturb gene expression. Alterations in protein levels involved in the coagulation cascade mediated by miRNAs could lead to bleeding disorders or thrombosis. This review summarizes current knowledge on the role of miRNAs in hemophilia and thrombosis. Recognizing and understanding the functions of miRNAs by identifying their targets is important in identifying their roles in health and diseases. Successful basic research may result in the development and improvement of tools for diagnosis, risk evaluation or even new treatment strategies.

Role of microRNAs in Venous Thromboembolism

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that execute their function by targeted downregulation of gene expressions. There is growing evidence from epidemiological studies and animal models suggesting that the expression level of miRNAs is dysregulated in venous thromboembolism (VTE). In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of miRNAs as biomarkers for VTE and provide general insight into research exploring the modulation of miRNA activity in animal models of venous thrombosis. Up to now, published studies have yielded inconsistent results on the role of miRNAs as biomarkers for VTE with most of the reports focused on diagnostic research. The limited statistical power of the individual studies, due to the small sample sizes, may substantially contribute to the poor reproducibility among studies. In animal models, over-expression or inhibition of some miRNAs appear to influence venous thrombus formation and resolution. However, there is an important gap in knowledge on the potential role of miRNAs as therapeutic targets in VTE. Future research involving large cohorts should be designed to clarify the clinical usefulness of miRNAs as biomarkers for VTE, and animal model studies should be pursued to unravel the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of VTE and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Bayesian network analysis of plasma microRNA sequencing data in patients with venous thrombosis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs participating to several biological processes and known to be involved in various pathologies. Measurable in body fluids, miRNAs have been proposed to serve as efficient biomarkers for diseases and/or associated traits. Here, we performed a next-generation-sequencing based profiling of plasma miRNAs in 344 patients with venous thrombosis (VT) and assessed the association of plasma miRNA levels with several haemostatic traits and the risk of VT recurrence. Among the most significant findings, we detected an association between hsa-miR-199b-3p and haematocrit levels (P = 0.0016), these two markers having both been independently reported to associate with VT risk. We also observed suggestive evidence for association of hsa-miR-370-3p (P = 0.019), hsa-miR-27b-3p (P = 0.016) and hsa-miR-222-3p (P = 0.049) with VT recurrence, the observations at the latter two miRNAs confirming the recent findings of Wang et al. Besides, by conducting Genome-Wide Association Studies on miRNA levels and meta-analyzing our results with some publicly available, we identified 21 new associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms with plasma miRNA levels at the statistical significance threshold of P < 5 × 10-8, some of these associations pertaining to thrombosis associated mechanisms. In conclusion, this study provides novel data about the impact of miRNAs' variability in haemostasis and new arguments supporting the association of few miRNAs with the risk of recurrence in patients with venous thrombosis.

The role of haematological traits in risk of ischaemic stroke and its subtypes

Thrombosis and platelet activation play a central role in stroke pathogenesis, and antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies are central to stroke prevention. However, whether haematological traits contribute equally to all ischaemic stroke subtypes is uncertain. Furthermore, identification of associations with new traits may offer novel treatment opportunities. The aim of this research was to ascertain causal relationships between a wide range of haematological traits and ischaemic stroke and its subtypes. We obtained summary statistics from 27 published genome-wide association studies of haematological traits involving over 375 000 individuals, and genetic associations with stroke from the MEGASTROKE Consortium (n = 67 000 stroke cases). Using two-sample Mendelian randomization we analysed the association of genetically elevated levels of 36 blood cell traits (platelets, mature/immature red cells, and myeloid/lymphoid/compound white cells) and 49 haemostasis traits (including clotting cascade factors and markers of platelet function) with risk of developing ischaemic (AIS), cardioembolic (CES), large artery (LAS), and small vessel stroke (SVS). Several factors on the intrinsic clotting pathway were significantly associated (P < 3.85 × 10-4) with CES and LAS, but not with SVS (e.g. reduced factor VIII activity with AIS/CES/LAS; raised factor VIII antigen with AIS/CES; and increased factor XI activity with AIS/CES). On the common pathway, increased gamma (γ') fibrinogen was significantly associated with AIS/CES. Furthermore, elevated plateletcrit was significantly associated with AIS/CES, eosinophil percentage of white cells with LAS, and thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor activation peptide antigen with AIS. We also conducted a follow-up analysis in UK Biobank, which showed that amongst individuals with atrial fibrillation, those with genetically lower levels of factor XI are at reduced risk of AIS compared to those with normal levels of factor XI. These results implicate components of the intrinsic and common pathways of the clotting cascade, as well as several other haematological traits, in the pathogenesis of CES and possibly LAS, but not SVS. The lack of associations with SVS suggests thrombosis may be less important for this stroke subtype. Plateletcrit and factor XI are potentially tractable new targets for secondary prevention of ischaemic stroke, while factor VIII and γ' fibrinogen require further population-based studies to ascertain their possible aetiological roles.

Genomic and transcriptomic association studies identify 16 novel susceptibility loci for venous thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality. To advance our understanding of the biology contributing to VTE, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of VTE and a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) based on imputed gene expression from whole blood and liver. We meta-analyzed GWAS data from 18 studies for 30 234 VTE cases and 172 122 controls and assessed the association between 12 923 718 genetic variants and VTE. We generated variant prediction scores of gene expression from whole blood and liver tissue and assessed them for association with VTE. Mendelian randomization analyses were conducted for traits genetically associated with novel VTE loci. We identified 34 independent genetic signals for VTE risk from GWAS meta-analysis, of which 14 are newly reported associations. This included 11 newly associated genetic loci (C1orf198, PLEK, OSMR-AS1, NUGGC/SCARA5, GRK5, MPHOSPH9, ARID4A, PLCG2, SMG6, EIF5A, and STX10) of which 6 replicated, and 3 new independent signals in 3 known genes. Further, TWAS identified 5 additional genetic loci with imputed gene expression levels differing between cases and controls in whole blood (SH2B3, SPSB1, RP11-747H7.3, RP4-737E23.2) and in liver (ERAP1). At some GWAS loci, we found suggestive evidence that the VTE association signal for novel and previously known regions colocalized with expression quantitative trait locus signals. Mendelian randomization analyses suggested that blood traits may contribute to the underlying risk of VTE. To conclude, we identified 16 novel susceptibility loci for VTE; for some loci, the association signals are likely mediated through gene expression of nearby genes.

Leveraging Human Genetics to Estimate Clinical Risk Reductions Achievable by Inhibiting Factor XI

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Coagulation factor XI (FXI) is a novel target for antithrombotic therapy addressed by various therapeutic modalities currently in clinical development. The expected magnitude of thrombotic event reduction mediated by targeting FXI is unclear.

Significance of a Family-based Study of Hereditary Thrombosis: A Single-family Case Series of Protein C Deficiency

Thrombophilia is a serious unpredictable complication caused by gene mutations, resulting in anticoagulant deficiencies. We herein report a single-family case series of protein C (PC) deficiency. Case 1 involved a Japanese man whose PC deficiency resulted in severe systemic thrombosis. The patients in cases 2 and 3 were his daughters who were diagnosed with PC deficiency via carrier screening in 2001 and later both became pregnant. Owing to appropriate treatments during pregnancy, they did not develop thrombosis and safely gave birth to healthy infants. This family case series suggests that appropriate knowledge concerning thrombophilia helps prevent future emergencies.

A genome-wide association study identifies new loci for factor VII and implicates factor VII in ischemic stroke etiology

Factor VII (FVII) is an important component of the coagulation cascade. Few genetic loci regulating FVII activity and/or levels have been discovered to date. We conducted a meta-analysis of 9 genome-wide association studies of plasma FVII levels (7 FVII activity and 2 FVII antigen) among 27 495 participants of European and African ancestry. Each study performed ancestry-specific association analyses. Inverse variance weighted meta-analysis was performed within each ancestry group and then combined for a trans-ancestry meta-analysis. Our primary analysis included the 7 studies that measured FVII activity, and a secondary analysis included all 9 studies. We provided functional genomic validation for newly identified significant loci by silencing candidate genes in a human liver cell line (HuH7) using small-interfering RNA and then measuring F7 messenger RNA and FVII protein expression. Lastly, we used meta-analysis results to perform Mendelian randomization analysis to estimate the causal effect of FVII activity on coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke (IS), and venous thromboembolism. We identified 2 novel (REEP3 and JAZF1-AS1) and 6 known loci associated with FVII activity, explaining 19.0% of the phenotypic variance. Adding FVII antigen data to the meta-analysis did not result in the discovery of further loci. Silencing REEP3 in HuH7 cells upregulated FVII, whereas silencing JAZF1 downregulated FVII. Mendelian randomization analyses suggest that FVII activity has a positive causal effect on the risk of IS. Variants at REEP3 and JAZF1 contribute to FVII activity by regulating F7 expression levels. FVII activity appears to contribute to the etiology of IS in the general population.