Genome-Wide Association Study Meta-Analysis Uncovers Novel Genetic Variants Associated with Olfactory Dysfunction

IMPORTANCE

Olfactory dysfunction is among the earliest signs of many age-related neurodegenerative diseases and has been associated with increased mortality in older adults; however, its genetic basis remains largely unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the genetic loci associated with olfactory dysfunction in the general population.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTIICIPANTS

This genome-wide association study meta-analysis (GWMA) included participants of European ancestry (N = 22,730) enrolled in four different large population-based studies, followed by a multi-ancestry GWMA including participants of African ancestry (N = 1,030). The data analysis was performed from March 2023 through June 2024.

EXPOSURES

Genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Olfactory dysfunction was the outcome and assessed using a 12-item smell identification test.

RESULTS

GWMA revealed a novel genome-wide significant locus (tagged by rs11228623 at 11q12) associated with olfactory dysfunction. Gene-based analysis revealed a high enrichment for olfactory receptor genes in this region. Phenome-wide association studies demonstrated associations between genetic variants related to olfactory dysfunction and blood cell counts, kidney function, skeletal muscle mass, cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease. Using individual-level data, we also confirmed and quantified the strength of these associations on a phenotypic level. Moreover, employing two-sample Mendelian Randomization analyses, we found evidence for causal associations between olfactory dysfunction and these phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide novel insights into the genetic architecture of the sense of smell and highlight its importance for many aspects of human health.

Key Points

Question

What is the genetic basis of olfactory dysfunction, and is it causally related to adverse health outcomes?

Findings

This genome-wide association study meta-analysis (GWMA) of 22,730 European and 1,030 African participants identified a novel genomic locus, enriched for olfactory receptor genes, robustly associated with olfactory dysfunction. Two-sample Mendelian Randomization analyses provided evidence for causal associations of olfactory dysfunction with biochemical, anthropometric and cardiovascular health outcomes.

Meaning

These findings provide new insights into the genetic architecture of olfaction and implicate olfactory dysfunction as a causal risk factor for many aspects of human health.