Medical Research Council

About: Medical Research Council is a government organization based out in London, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Malaria. The organization has 16430 authors who have published 19150 publications receiving 1475494 citations.

Genome-wide association meta-analysis of 78,308 individuals identifies new loci and genes influencing human intelligence

Abstract: Intelligence is associated with important economic and health-related life outcomes Despite intelligence having substantial heritability (054) and a confirmed polygenic nature, initial genetic studies were mostly underpowered Here we report a meta-analysis for intelligence of 78,308 individuals We identify 336 associated SNPs (METAL P < 5 × 10-8) in 18 genomic loci, of which 15 are new Around half of the SNPs are located inside a gene, implicating 22 genes, of which 11 are new findings Gene-based analyses identified an additional 30 genes (MAGMA P < 273 × 10-6), of which all but one had not been implicated previously We show that the identified genes are predominantly expressed in brain tissue, and pathway analysis indicates the involvement of genes regulating cell development (MAGMA competitive P = 35 × 10-6) Despite the well-known difference in twin-based heritability for intelligence in childhood (045) and adulthood (080), we show substantial genetic correlation (rg = 089, LD score regression P = 54 × 10-29) These findings provide new insight into the genetic architecture of intelligence

Genetic associations at 53 loci highlight cell types and biological pathways relevant for kidney function

Abstract: Reduced glomerular filtration rate defines chronic kidney disease and is associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. We conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), combining data across 133,413 individuals with replication in up to 42,166 individuals. We identify 24 new and confirm 29 previously identified loci. Of these 53 loci, 19 associate with eGFR among individuals with diabetes. Using bioinformatics, we show that identified genes at eGFR loci are enriched for expression in kidney tissues and in pathways relevant for kidney development and transmembrane transporter activity, kidney structure, and regulation of glucose metabolism. Chromatin state mapping and DNase I hypersensitivity analyses across adult tissues demonstrate preferential mapping of associated variants to regulatory regions in kidney but not extra-renal tissues. These findings suggest that genetic determinants of eGFR are mediated largely through direct effects within the kidney and highlight important cell types and biological pathways.