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Linkage analysis identifies a locus for plasma von Willebrand factor undetected by genome-wide association.

ABSTRACT: The plasma glycoprotein von Willebrand factor (VWF) exhibits fivefold antigen level variation across the normal human population determined by both genetic and environmental factors. Low levels of VWF are associated with bleeding and elevated levels with increased risk for thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke. To identify additional genetic determinants of VWF antigen levels and to minimize the impact of age and illness-related environmental factors, we performed genome-wide association analysis in two young and healthy cohorts (n = 1,152 and n = 2,310) and identified signals at ABO (P < 7.9E-139) and VWF (P < 5.5E-16), consistent with previous reports. Additionally, linkage analysis based on sibling structure within the cohorts, identified significant signals at chromosome 2q12-2p13 (LOD score 5.3) and at the ABO locus on chromosome 9q34 (LOD score 2.9) that explained 19.2% and 24.5% of the variance in VWF levels, respectively. Given its strong effect, the linkage region on chromosome 2 could harbor a potentially important determinant of bleeding and thrombosis risk. The absence of a chromosome 2 association signal in this or previous association studies suggests a causative gene harboring many genetic variants that are individually rare, but in aggregate common. These results raise the possibility that similar loci could explain a significant portion of the "missing heritability" for other complex genetic traits.

SUBMITTER: Desch KC

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3545809 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Linkage analysis identifies a locus for plasma von Willebrand factor undetected by genome-wide association.

Desch Karl C KC Ozel Ayse B AB Siemieniak David D Kalish Yossi Y Shavit Jordan A JA Thornburg Courtney D CD Sharathkumar Anjali A AA McHugh Caitlin P CP Laurie Cathy C CC Crenshaw Andrew A Mirel Daniel B DB Kim Yoonhee Y Cropp Cheryl D CD Molloy Anne M AM Kirke Peadar N PN Bailey-Wilson Joan E JE Wilson Alexander F AF Mills James L JL Scott John M JM Brody Lawrence C LC Li Jun Z JZ Ginsburg David D

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 20121224 2

The plasma glycoprotein von Willebrand factor (VWF) exhibits fivefold antigen level variation across the normal human population determined by both genetic and environmental factors. Low levels of VWF are associated with bleeding and elevated levels with increased risk for thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke. To identify additional genetic determinants of VWF antigen levels and to minimize the impact of age and illness-related environmental factors, we performed genome-wide association ...[more]

PMID: 23267103

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Project description:Essentials von Willebrand factor (VWF) is synthesized in endothelial cells and platelet precursors. Type 3 patients with Pro2808Leufs*24 have lower bleeding scores than other type 3s. The Pro2808Leufs*24 variant was examined in patient platelets and endothelial cells. Type 3s with this variant contain releaseable VWF, possibly reducing bleeding. SUMMARY:Background A novel variant, p.Pro2808Leufs*24, in the von Willebrand factor (VWF) gene was previously identified in the Canadian von Willebrand disease (VWD) patient population. Clinical observations of type 3 VWD patients with this variant indicate a milder bleeding phenotype compared with other type 3 patients. Objective To assess the effect of the Pro2808Leufs*24 variant on the molecular pathogenesis of VWD and correlate this with the phenotype observed in patients. Patients/Methods Phenotypic data from individuals in the Canadian type 3 VWD study were analyzed. VWF expression in platelets and plasma was assessed via immunoblotting. Cellular expression of VWF in platelets and blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOEC) was examined via immunofluorescence microscopy and biochemical analysis in a type 3 index case and family member with Pro2808Leufs*24. Results Twenty-six individuals with the Pro2808Leufs*24 variant (16 type 3 VWD homozygous or compound heterozygous and 10 heterozygous family members) were studied. Bleeding scores were lower in type 3 patients with Pro2808Leufs*24 compared with type 3 patients with other variants, confirming a milder bleeding phenotype. Immunoblotting of platelet lysates detected VWF in the platelets of type 3 patients with Pro2808Leufs*24. Examination of an index case detected VWF within platelets via immunofluorescence microscopy, and in vitro experiments showed that this VWF was released upon platelet activation. Patient BOECs showed decreased VWF synthesis and secretion, although some VWF-containing granules were observed. Conclusion Type 3 VWD patients with the Pro2808Leufs*24 have bioavailable platelet-derived VWF that may produce a milder bleeding phenotype than other type 3s.

Dataset Information

Linkage analysis identifies a locus for plasma von Willebrand factor undetected by genome-wide association.

Publications

Linkage analysis identifies a locus for plasma von Willebrand factor undetected by genome-wide association.

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