Integration of Multiple-Omics Data to Analyze the Population-Specific Differences for Coronary Artery Disease

Significant differences may exist among different descents, but the current studies are mainly based on European populations. In the present study, we analyzed the population-specific differences of coronary artery disease (CAD) between European and East Asian descents. In stage 1, we identified CAD susceptibility genes by gene-based tests in European and East Asian populations. We identified two novel susceptibility genes for CAD, namely, CUX2 and OAS3. In stage 2, we carried out meta-analyses for the population-specific variants. rs599839 (PSRC1) represented a protective variant for CAD in East Asian populations (OR_ASN = 0.72. 95% CI: 0.63-0.81) but a risk factor in European populations (OR_EUR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.93-1.36). In stage 3, we enriched the risk genes and explored the population-specific differences in Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), regulatory element, tissues, and cell types. In stage 4, in order to predict genes that showed pleiotropic/potentially causal association with CAD, we integrated summary-level data from independent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) by using summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR). The results showed that NBEAL1 and FGD6 were population-specific pleiotropic/causal genes. Although some potential mutations and risk genes of CAD are shared, it is still of great significance to elucidate the genetic differences among different populations. Our analysis provides a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for CAD.