1098-Exome-Wide Lipid Association in 1.1 Million Individuals

This study presents an exome-wide association study involving over 1.1 million individuals from diverse global populations to investigate the genetic basis of blood lipid levels. By analyzing nearly 3 million rare coding variants, researchers identified 800 significant associations linked to conditions like dyslipidemia and coronary artery disease. The findings reveal that rare variants significantly influence lipid traits across different ancestries, offering new insights into the pathogenicity of previously misunderstood genetic markers. Notably, the research highlights RORC as a potential drug target for lowering cholesterol levels. Ultimately, this large-scale analysis provides a robust framework for improving clinical diagnoses and developing precision therapies for cardiovascular health.

References:

• Koyama, S., Yu, Z., Choi, S.H. et al. Exome-wide association study of blood lipids in 1,158,017 individuals from diverse populations. Nat Genet (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-026-02613-y