Key result
Genome-wide association studies of MRI-derived fat depot volumes identified 250 independent common variants (39 newly-identified) associated with local adiposity traits.
Why the study?
Individuals vary considerably in fat distribution for any given level of overall adiposity, but the inherited basis of fat distribution in the general population is not fully understood.
Population
Up to 38,965 UK Biobank participants with MRI-derived adipose tissue volumes
Comparison
Genetic associations across VAT, ASAT, GFAT, and six local adiposity traits
Design
Genome-wide and rare variant association study
Authors
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Supports heritable fat distribution independent of BMI; leaves open causal cardiometabolic links pending validation.
Observational (n=38,965)
Yes
p-value: p=<5x10^-8
MRI-derived, BMI-independent measures of local adiposity confirm fat distribution as a highly heritable trait with distinct genetic architectures and important implications for cardiometabolic health outcomes.
Agrawal et al. (2022) conducted an observational in Healthy (General Population) (n=38,965). Genetic variants associated with local adiposity traits vs. Reference alleles was evaluated on Genome-wide significant associations with at least one of nine adiposity traits (VAT, ASAT, GFAT, VATadj, ASATadj, GFATadj, VAT/ASAT, VAT/GFAT, ASAT/GFAT) (p=<5x10^-8). Genome-wide association studies of MRI-derived fat depot volumes identified 250 independent common variants (39 newly-identified) associated with local adiposity traits.
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