Tandem repeat (TR) size variation is implicated in ~50 neurological disorders, yet its impact on gene regulation in the human brain remains largely unknown. In the present study, we quantified the impact of TR size variation on brain gene regulation across distinct molecular phenotypes, based on 4,412 multi-omics samples from 1,597 donors, including 1,586 newly sequenced ones. We identified ~2.2 million TR molecular quantitative trait loci (TR-xQTLs), linking ~139,000 unique TRs to nearby molecular phenotypes, including many known disease-risk TRs, such as the GC expansion in C9orf72 associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Fine-mapping revealed ~18,700 TRs as potential causal variants. Our in vitro experiments further confirmed the causal and independent regulatory effects of three TRs. Additional colocalization analysis indicated the potential causal role of TR variation in brain-related phenotypes, highlighted by a 3'-UTR TR in NUDT14 linked to cortical surface area and a TG repeat in PLEKHA1, associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41588-024-02057-2DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

size variation
12
gene regulation
12
quantitative trait
8
trait loci
8
tandem repeat
8
repeat size
8
regulation human
8
human brain
8
molecular phenotypes
8
potential causal
8

Similar Publications

The cystic artery is a critical anatomical landmark in both laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy. This report presents a unique case involving two rare anatomical variations: double cystic arteries, along with a superficial branch originating from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) - a previously unreported combination with significant clinical and surgical implications. Unlike earlier studies, this research provides detailed anatomical and embryological insights supported by high-quality imaging and illustrations to guide surgeons in recognizing and managing this novel variation.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Sex-based variations in breath-holding: oxygen storage and diving response among non-divers.

Front Physiol

January 2025

Department of Health Sciences, Environmental Physiology Group, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden.

Breath-hold diving performances are typically better in men than in women. However, it is still being determined if there are differences in the physiological responses to breath-holding between the sexes. We conducted a study comparing the maximum breath-hold duration, heart rate (HR) reduction, peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO), and spleen volume and contraction in 37 men and 44 women, all of whom had no prior breath-holding experience.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Short-term evolutionary implications of an introgressed size-determining supergene in a vulnerable population.

Nat Commun

January 2025

Florida Museum of Natural History, Dickinson Hall, 1659 Museum Road, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.

The Thorny Skate (Amblyraja radiata) is a vulnerable species displaying a discrete size-polymorphism in the northwest Atlantic Ocean (NWA). We conducted whole genome sequencing of samples collected across its range. Genetic diversity was similar at all sampled sites, but we discovered a ~ 31 megabase bi-allelic supergene associated with the size polymorphism, with the larger size allele having introgressed in the last ~160,000 years B.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Prey depletion, interspecific competition, and the energetics of hunting in endangered African wild dogs, .

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

February 2025

Swansea Lab for Animal Movement, Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, United Kingdom.

Large herbivores are in decline in much of the world, including sub-Saharan Africa, and true apex carnivores like the lion () decline in parallel with their prey. As a consequence, competitively subordinate carnivores like the African wild dog () are simultaneously experiencing a costly reduction in resources and a beneficial reduction in dominant competitors. The net effect is not intuitively obvious, but wild dogs' density, survival, and reproduction are all low in areas that are strongly affected by prey depletion.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Microbial competition for iron determines its availability to the ferrous wheel.

ISME J

January 2025

Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP), Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, TAS, 7004, Australia.

Iron plays a pivotal role in regulating ocean primary productivity. Iron is supplied from diverse sources such as the atmosphere and the geosphere, and hence iron biogeochemical research has focused on identifying and quantifying such sources of "new" iron. However, the recycling of this new iron fuels up to 90% of the productivity in vast oceanic regions.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!