Next generation sequencing to dissect the genetic architecture of KNG1 and F11 loci using factor XI levels as an intermediate phenotype of thrombosis

PLoS One. 2017 Apr 26;12(4):e0176301. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176301. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism is a complex disease with a high heritability. There are significant associations among Factor XI (FXI) levels and SNPs in the KNG1 and F11 loci. Our aim was to identify the genetic variation of KNG1 and F11 that might account for the variability of FXI levels. The KNG1 and F11 loci were sequenced completely in 110 unrelated individuals from the GAIT-2 (Genetic Analysis of Idiopathic Thrombophilia 2) Project using Next Generation Sequencing on an Illumina MiSeq. The GAIT-2 Project is a study of 935 individuals in 35 extended Spanish families selected through a proband with idiopathic thrombophilia. Among the 110 individuals, a subset of 40 individuals was chosen as a discovery sample for identifying variants. A total of 762 genetic variants were detected. Several significant associations were established among common variants and low-frequency variants sets in KNG1 and F11 with FXI levels using the PLINK and SKAT packages. Among these associations, those of rs710446 and five low-frequency variant sets in KNG1 with FXI level variation were significant after multiple testing correction and permutation. Also, two putative pathogenic mutations related to high and low FXI levels were identified by data filtering and in silico predictions. This study of KNG1 and F11 loci should help to understand the connection between genotypic variation and variation in FXI levels. The functional genetic variants should be useful as markers of thromboembolic risk.

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA / metabolism
  • Factor XI / analysis
  • Factor XI / genetics*
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Loci
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenotype*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Thrombosis / diagnosis*
  • Thrombosis / genetics*
  • Thrombosis / pathology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • DNA
  • Factor XI

Grants and funding

This study was supported by funds from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria PI 11/0184, PI 12/01494 and PI 15/00269 and Red Investigación Cardiovascular RD12/0042/0032 and RD12/0042/0053. Laura Martin-Fernandez was supported by Ayudas Predoctorales de Formación en Investigación en Salud (PFIS) FI12/00322. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.