Chromosome X-wide association study in multiple system atrophy identifies sex-differential risk loci

The human X chromosome accounts for ∼5% of the genome. Despite its size, the role of X-chromosomal variants in human diseases is not well understood, mainly due to its distinct inheritance pattern and the frequent omission of sex chromosomes from genome-wide association studies. This study used whole-genome sequencing data from 888 multiple system atrophy (MSA) cases and 7,128 controls to perform an X-chromosome-wide common variant association study. Our analyses revealed two sex-differential risk loci: one located at Xq28, associated with increased risk for MSA in females (index variant: rs4898389, odds ratio [OR] = 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.40–2.03, p-value = 2.43×10⁻⁸), and another at Xp22.2 within the TBL1X gene, identified in males (index variant: rs6638956, OR = 1.48, 95%CI = 1.26–1.73, p-value = 9.92×10⁻⁷). In the Xq28 locus, colocalization analyses pointed to FAM3A and PLXNA3 as genes of interest. These findings emphasize the vital role of sex-differential genetic factors in the pathogenesis of MSA.