Genome-wide association study identifies 74 loci associated with educational attainment.
Okbay A, Beauchamp JP, Fontana MA et al.
Publication Details
Comprehensive information about this research publication
Authors
Abstract
Summary of the research findings
Educational attainment is strongly influenced by social and other environmental factors, but genetic factors are estimated to account for at least 20% of the variation across individuals. Here we report the results of a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for educational attainment that extends our earlier discovery sample of 101,069 individuals to 293,723 individuals, and a replication study in an independent sample of 111,349 individuals from the UK Biobank. We identify 74 genome-wide significant loci associated with the number of years of schooling completed. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with educational attainment are disproportionately found in genomic regions regulating gene expression in the fetal brain. Candidate genes are preferentially expressed in neural tissue, especially during the prenatal period, and enriched for biological pathways involved in neural development. Our findings demonstrate that, even for a behavioural phenotype that is mostly environmentally determined, a well-powered GWAS identifies replicable associated genetic variants that suggest biologically relevant pathways. Because educational attainment is measured in large numbers of individuals, it will continue to be useful as a proxy phenotype in efforts to characterize the genetic influences of related phenotypes, including cognition and neuropsychiatric diseases.
405,072 European ancestry individuals
Study Statistics
Key metrics and study information
Analysis
Comprehensive review of health and genetic findings
Important Disclaimer: This review has been performed semi-automatically and is provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, this analysis may contain errors, omissions, or misinterpretations of the original research. DNA Genics disclaims all liability for any inaccuracies, errors, or consequences arising from the use of this information. Users should independently verify all information and consult original research publications before making any decisions based on this content. This analysis is not intended as a substitute for professional scientific review or medical advice.
Analysis In Progress
Our analysis of this publication is currently being prepared. Please check back soon for comprehensive insights into the health and genetic findings discussed in this research.
Summary
Key Findings
Health Insights
Disease Analysis
Genetic Trait Analysis
Clinical Relevance
Scientific Assessment
Related Publications
Other publications that may be of interest
The DNA virome varies with human genes and environments.
Kamitaki N
Nature
Torque teno virus 16 (TUS01) DNA load in blood
Host control of persistent Epstein-Barr virus infection.
Schmidt A
Nature
EBV read positivity (EBV-read count 1-18)
Human and bacterial genetic variation shape oral microbiomes and health.
Kamitaki N
Nature
Relative abundance of genus Peptostreptococcaceae unclassified in oral microbiome
Insights into DNA repeat expansions among 900,000 biobank participants.
Hujoel MLA
Nature
Somatic instability of CAG repeats at TCF4
A cross-population compendium of gene-environment interactions.
Namba S
Nature
Total bilirubin x ever-smoking interaction
Explore More Research
Discover the latest findings in health and genetic research