New METSIM dataset adds individual-level GWAS data to the T2DKP

The Finnish population is a valuable genetic resource. Having undergone multiple population bottlenecks, this relatively homogeneous population is enriched in low-frequency and loss-of-function variants. Even better, Finns are generally willing to participate in research studies, and many measures of their health are detailed in comprehensive electronic health records.

To take advantage of these characteristics, the METSIM (Metabolic Syndrome in Men) study (Laakso et al. 2017, J. Lipid Res. 58, 481-493) was initiated in 2005. Over 10,000 Finnish men were examined between 2005 and 2010. All of the subjects were phenotyped extensively, with an emphasis on traits associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease, and insulin resistance, and their genotypes and exome sequences were determined. Subsets of the group have been characterized in more detail, with whole-genome sequencing and detailed analyses of transcripts and gene expression, DNA methylation, gut microbiome composition, and other phenotypes.

Now, you can easily access results from the METSIM cohort in the T2D Knowledge Portal. Variant associations with T2D, fasting glucose levels, and fasting insulin levels are available, both unadjusted or adjusted for body mass index. The individual-level data are also available for interactive analyses using our Genetic Association Interactive Tool (GAIT; see below), which allows you to design and run custom association analyses using custom subsets of the samples, while always protecting patient privacy. The addition of METSIM data brings to nearly 68,000 the number of samples available for analysis in GAIT.

The Foundation for the NIH and the Accelerating Medicines Partnership in Type 2 Diabetes were instrumental in bringing these data, generated by researchers in Finland and the U.S., to the T2DKP. Individual-level genotype data from 1,185 T2D cases and 7,357 controls were deposited into the Data Coordinating Center (AMP T2D DCC), and analysis and quality control were performed by the DCC analysis team. The experiment design and analysis are summarized on our Data page, and detailed reports that fully document the analysis are available for download.

The METSIM GWAS dataset currently has "Early Access Phase 1" status in the T2DKP, which is assigned to new data. This status denotes that although analysis and quality control checks have been performed, the data are not yet considered to be in their final state. During the early access period, users may analyze the data but may not submit the results of these analyses for publication. Find full details about the different phases of data release on our Policies page.

Results from METSIM GWAS may be viewed at these locations in the T2D Knowledge Portal:

• On Gene Pages (e.g., MTNR1B) in the Common variants and High-impact variants tables and in LocusZoom static plots, for the phenotypes T2D, T2D adjusted for BMI, fasting glucose, fasting glucose adjusted for BMI, fasting insulin, and fasting insulin adjusted for BMI;

• On Variant Pages (e.g., rs579060) in the Associations at a glance section, the Association statistics across traits table, and in LocusZoom static plots;

• From the View full genetic association results for a phenotype search on the home page: first select one of the phenotypes listed above, and then on the resulting page, select the METSIM GWAS dataset.

Individual-level METSIM GWAS data may be used for custom interactive analyses using these tools in the T2DKP:

• Using the Variant Finder tool, you may specify multiple criteria and retrieve the set of variants meeting those criteria;

• Using the Genetic Association Interactive Tool (GAIT) on Variant Pages, you may select the METSIM GWAS dataset, choose one of 5 phenotypes for association analysis, choose custom covariates, and filter the sample pool by specifying a range of values for one or more of 8 different phenotypes, then run on-the-fly analysis.

Phenotypes available for association analysis of METSIM GWAS data in GAIT

Covariates available for selection when analyzing METSIM GWAS data in GAIT

Samples may be filtered by setting ranges for one or more of 8 phenotypes for the METSIM GWAS dataset