Rare variants at KCNJ2 are associated with LDL-cholesterol levels in a cross-population study.

Leveraging whole genome sequencing data of 1751 individuals from the UK and 2587 Qatari subjects, we suggest here an association of rare variants mapping to the sour taste-associated gene KCNJ2 with reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, P = 2.10 × 10 -12 ) and with a 22% decreased dietary trans-fat intake. This study identifies a novel candidate rare locus for LDL-C, adding insights into the genetic architecture of a complex trait implicated in cardiovascular disease.