UK Biobank expands genetic analysis to diverse ancestry groups
Researchers led by Karczewski and Gupta widened genome-wide association analyses across the UK Biobank to include a larger share of participants from diverse genetic ancestry groups, producing summary statistics for 7,266 traits. The meta-analysis turned up 14,676 significant loci that did not show up when the European ancestry group was analyzed alone, among them a new link between CAMK2D and triglycerides. The team also pointed to an ancestry-enriched missense variant in G6PD tied to several biomarker traits, and put all results online along with guidance for interpreting them.
Wider ancestry inclusion could improve how genetic risk findings apply across diverse populations, though the researchers made no claim about clinical relevance.
Written by the Genomes desk from the primary source cited and linked above and checked against it. Research use only; not medical advice. Corrections: [email protected].