Summary
Platelet activation in response to stimulation of the Protease Activated Receptor
4 (PAR4) receptor differs by race. One factor that contributes to this difference
is the expression level of Phosphatidylcholine Transfer Protein (PCTP), a regulator
of platelet PAR4 function. We have conducted an expression Quantitative Trait Locus
(eQTL) analysis that identifies single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to the
expression level of platelet genes. This analysis revealed 26 SNPs associated with
the expression level of PCTP at genome-wide significance (p < 5×10–8). Using annotation from ENCODE and other public data we prioritised one of these
SNPs, rs2912553, for functional testing. The allelic frequency of rs2912553 is racially-dimorphic,
in concordance with the racially differential expression of PCTP. Reporter gene assays
confirmed that the single nucleotide change caused by rs2912553 altered the transcriptional
potency of the surrounding genomic locus. Electromobility shift assays, luciferase
assays, and overexpression studies indicated a role for the megakaryocytic transcription
factor GATA1. In summary, we have integrated multi-omic data to identify and functionalise
an eQTL. This, along with the previously described relationship between PCTP and PAR4
function, allows us to characterise a genotype-phenotype relationship through the
mechanism of gene expression.
Keywords
Platelets - genetics - PAR4 - PCTP - eQTL