Integrating TWAS and GWAS identifies gut microbiota-immune interactions to alcohol dependence genetics in European...

Alcohol dependence (AD) is a global public health concern with strong genetic characteristics. The purpose of this study was to explore the underlying pathogenic genes and mechanisms associated with AD.

This study employed a multi-omics Mendelian randomization approach to identify potential disease-causing genes for AD. Specifically, we integrated transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) with summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) to pinpoint candidate genes associated with AD. Additionally, mediating Mendelian randomization was utilized to investigate the mediating role of the gut microbiota in the relationship between immune cell phenotypes and AD.

Two susceptibility genes associated with AD, ADH1C and POLI, were identified a joint analysis of SMR and integrated cross-tissue and single tissue TWAS in European population. A new genetic locus associated with AD, rs62307318, was uncovered through cross-organism TWAS. This finding was further validated using Mendelian randomization and Phenome-wide association analysis. Additionally, Mendelian randomization identified Paceibacteria as a possible mediator between Myeloid DC AC and AD.

This study identified two genes closely related to AD and explored the possible pathogenesis of AD, which provides a new insight into the treatment and pathogenesis of AD.