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Trans-acting genetic variants have a substantial, albeit poorly characterized, role in the heritable determination of gene expression. Using paired purified primary monocytes and B cells, we identify new predominantly cell type-specific cis and trans expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs), including multi-locus trans associations to LYZ and KLF4 in monocytes and B cells, respectively. Additionally, we observe a B cell-specific trans association of rs11171739 at 12q13.2, a known autoimmune disease locus, with IP6K2 (P = 5.8 × 10(-15)), PRIC285 (P = 3.0 × 10(-10)) and an upstream region of CDKN1A (P = 2 × 10(-52)), suggesting roles for cell cycle regulation and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) signaling in autoimmune pathogenesis. We also find that specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles form trans associations with the expression of AOAH and ARHGAP24 in monocytes but not in B cells. In summary, we show that mapping gene expression in defined primary cell populations identifies new cell type-specific trans-regulated networks and provides insights into the genetic basis of disease susceptibility.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/ng.2205

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nat Genet

Publication Date

25/03/2012

Volume

44

Pages

502 - 510

Keywords

Alleles, Autoimmune Diseases, B-Lymphocytes, Gene Expression Profiling, Gene Expression Regulation, Genetic Markers, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Genome-Wide Association Study, HLA Antigens, Humans, Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors, Monocytes, PPAR gamma, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide, Quantitative Trait Loci