Shared genetics of IgA nephropathy and cardiometabolic diseases revealed by integrative genomic analysis

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), the most common primary glomerular disease and a leading cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities. To explore these genetic overlaps, we integrated large-scale GWAS data from IgAN, 21 pan-vascular diseases (PVDs), 13 metabolic traits, 11 immune cell phenotypes, and established IgAN risk factors. Cross-trait analyses (LDSC, GNOVA, SUPERGNOVA) revealed significant genetic correlations between IgAN and multiple PVDs, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, aortic aneurysm, and varicose veins. Multi-omics prioritization (TWAS, SMR, MAGMA, and fastBAT) identified shared variants and candidate genes associated with immune regulation, lipid transport, and cardiovascular function. Gene expression profiling demonstrated enrichment of these genes in endothelial cells, macrophages, spleen, lung, and blood. Drug repurposing analysis based on gene-drug matching scores (>0.5) identified promising therapeutic candidates, including immunosuppressants (prednisolone, cyclosporine, azathioprine), lipid-lowering agents (pitavastatin, fenofibrate), and the antiplatelet drug aspirin. These findings offer novel opportunities for precision medicine and drug repurposing in IgAN patients with cardiometabolic disorders.