Time-dependent genetic effects on gene expression implicate aging processes

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Bryois, J (Author) Other; Buil, A (Author) Other; Ferreira, PG (Author) Other; Panousis, NI (Author) Other; Brown, AA (Author) Other; Viñuela, A (Author) Other; Planchon, A (Author) Other; Bielser, D (Author) Other; Small, K (Author) Other; Spector, T (Author) Other; Dermitzakis, ET (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Genome Research

Vol. 27

Pages: 545-552

ISSN: 1088-9051

Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

Indexing

Scopus - 18 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Computer and information sciences

CORDIS: Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Biology > Computational biology

FOS: Natural sciences > Biological sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Q-55F

DOI: 10.1101/gr.207688.116

Abstract (EN): Gene expression is dependent on genetic and environmental factors. In the last decade, a large body of research has significantly improved our understanding of the genetic architecture of gene expression. However, it remains unclear whether genetic effects on gene expression remain stable over time. Here, we show, using longitudinal whole-blood gene expression data from a twin cohort, that the genetic architecture of a subset of genes is unstable over time. In addition, we identified 2213 genes differentially expressed across time points that we linked with aging within and across studies. Interestingly, we discovered that most differentially expressed genes were affected by a subset of 77 putative causal genes. Finally, we observed that putative causal genes and down-regulated genes were affected by a loss of genetic control between time points. Taken together, our data suggest that instability in the genetic architecture of a subset of genes could lead to widespread effects on the transcriptome with an aging signature. ©2017 Bryois et al.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific