Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies identifies three novel loci for saturated fatty acids in East Asians

We aimed to characterize common genetic variants that influence saturated fatty acid concentrations in East Asians. Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies for circulating SFAs was conducted in two population-based cohorts comprising 3521 participants of Chinese ancestry. We identified two novel 14:0-associated loci at LMX1A (LIM homeobox transcription factor 1) and AMPD3 (AMP deaminase 3) (P = 5.08 x 10(-9) and P = 4.33 x 10(-8), respectively), and a novel 20:0-associated locus at CERS4 (ceramide synthase 4) (P = 1.76 x 10(-10)). We also confirmed the previously reported association of FADS1/2-rs102275 with 18:0 (P = 1.12 x 10(-5)). In addition, the A alleles of rs11042834 in AMPD3 and rs17159388 in CERS4 also exhibited evidence of associations with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.0162 and P = 0.0161, respectively). To our knowledge, this is the first GWAS analysis to examine SFA concentrations in East Asian populations. Our findings provide novel evidence that genetic variations of several genes from multiple pathways are associated with SFA concentrations in human body.