Genetic correlation between inflammatory bowel disease and educational attainment: unveiling shared genetic mechanisms

BACKGROUND: A potential genetic link between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and educational attainment has been suggested. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of this genetic relationship is crucial for advancing the knowledge of their co-occurrence patterns. METHODS: Using genome-wide association study data for both IBD and educational attainment, a multiphase analytical approach was applied to examine their genetic correlation. The study involved three phases: first, linkage disequilibrium score regression and high-definition likelihood models were used to assess genome-wide genetic correlation; second, SUPERGNOVA was employed to analyze the genetic structure across specific chromosomal regions; and third, conditional/conjunctional false discovery rate (cond/conjFDR) methods were applied to measure genetic overlap and identify shared genetic loci between the two traits. RESULTS: The genome-wide analysis revealed significant genetic correlations between IBD, especially Crohn's disease, and educational attainment, while the association with ulcerative colitis was weaker. Regional analyses identified localized genetic correlation signals across several chromosomal regions between these traits. The application of the conjFDR framework confirmed the presence of overlapping genetic components, leading to the identification of key genetic variants contributing to disease susceptibility and progression. CONCLUSION: This genetic study provides new theoretical insights into the association between IBD and educational attainment, contributing to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying their co-occurrence.