Genome-wide association study identifies RNF123 locus as associated with chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain. Issue 9 (29th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rahman, Md Shafiqur; Winsvold, Bendik S; Chavez Chavez, Sergio O; Børte, Sigrid; Tsepilov, Yakov A; Sharapov, Sodbo Zh; Aulchenko, Yurii S; Hagen, Knut; Fors, Egil A; Hveem, Kristian; Zwart, John Anker; van Meurs, Joyce B; Freidin, Maxim B; Williams, Frances MK
• Other Names: author non-byline.; Martinsen Amy E author non-byline.; Skogholt Anne Heidi author non-byline.; Brumpton Ben author non-byline.; Heuch Ingrid author non-byline.; Mundal Ingunn author non-byline.; Nielsen Jonas Bille author non-byline.; Storheim Kjersti author non-byline.; Nilsen Kristian Bernhard author non-byline.; Fritsche Lars author non-byline.; Thomas Laurent F author non-byline.; Pedersen Linda M author non-byline.; Gabrielsen Maiken E author non-byline.; Johnsen Marianne Bakke author non-byline.; Lie Marie Udnesseter author non-byline.; Holmen Oddgeir author non-byline.; Stensland Synne Øien author non-byline.; Zhou Wei author non-byline.; Willer Cristen author non-byline.
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 80:Issue 9(2021)
• Page Start: 1227
• Page End: 1235
• Publication Date: 2021-04-29
• Subjects: fibromyalgia -- polymorphism -- genetic -- epidemiology; Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-219624
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Background and objectives: Chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain (CWP) is a symptom of fibromyalgia and a complex trait with poorly understood pathogenesis. CWP is heritable (48%–54%), but its genetic architecture is unknown and candidate gene studies have produced inconsistent results. We conducted a genome-wide association study to get insight into the genetic background of CWP. Methods: Northern Europeans from UK Biobank comprising 6914 cases reporting pain all over the body lasting >3 months and 242 929 controls were studied. Replication of three independent genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms was attempted in six independent European cohorts (n=43 080; cases=14 177). Genetic correlations with risk factors, tissue specificity and colocalisation were examined. Results: Three genome-wide significant loci were identified ( rs1491985, rs10490825, rs165599 ) residing within the genes Ring Finger Protein 123 ( RNF123 ), ATPase secretory pathway Ca 2+ transporting 1 ( ATP2C1 ) and catechol-O-methyltransferase ( COMT ). The RNF123 locus was replicated (meta-analysis p=0.0002), the ATP2C1 locus showed suggestive association (p=0.0227) and the COMT locus was not replicated. Partial genetic correlation between CWP and depressive symptoms, body mass index, age of first birth and years of schooling were identified. Tissue specificity and colocalisation analysis highlight the relevance of skeletal muscle in CWP. Conclusions: We report a novel association of RNF123 locus and a suggestive association of ATP2C1 locus with CWP. Both loci are consistent with a role of calcium regulation in CWP. The association with COMT, one of the most studied genes in chronic pain field, was not confirmed in the replication analysis.