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Associations of 2923 plasma proteins with incident inflammatory bowel disease in a prospective cohort study and genetic analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Xuening Zhang

    (Qilu Hospital of Shandong University
    Shandong University
    Shandong University)

  • Hao Zhao

    (Sun Yat-sen University)

  • Meng Wan

    (Qilu Hospital of Shandong University
    Qilu Hospital of Shandong University)

  • Jinyu Man

    (Qilu Hospital of Shandong University
    Shandong University
    Shandong University)

  • Tongchao Zhang

    (Qilu Hospital of Shandong University
    Shandong University
    Shandong University)

  • Xiaorong Yang

    (Qilu Hospital of Shandong University
    Shandong University
    Shandong University
    Qilu Hospital of Shandong University)

  • Ming Lu

    (Qilu Hospital of Shandong University
    Shandong University
    Shandong University)

Abstract

The prospective relationship between proteomics and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains largely underexplored, presenting potential of therapeutic interventions. Using data from 48,800 IBD-free participants in the UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project (UKB-PPP), we assessed associations between 2923 plasma proteins and incident IBD risk using Cox analysis. Mendelian randomization (MR) meta-analysis, integrating cis-protein quantitative trait loci data from the UKB-PPP with IBD genome-wide association study data from the International Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium and FinnGen studies, identified causal proteins. Colocalization analysis strengthened evidence of shared common causal variants. Cohort study revealed associations of 673, 295, and 125 proteins with the risk of IBD, Crohn’s disease (CD), and ulcerative colitis (UC), respectively. MR and colocalization analyses prioritized IL12B, CD6, MXRA8, CXCL9, IFNG, CCN3, RSPO3, and IL18 as having causal and high colocalization evidence with IBD or its subtypes. Our findings advance understanding of IBD’s molecular etiology and highlight potential therapeutic targets.

Suggested Citation

  • Xuening Zhang & Hao Zhao & Meng Wan & Jinyu Man & Tongchao Zhang & Xiaorong Yang & Ming Lu, 2025. "Associations of 2923 plasma proteins with incident inflammatory bowel disease in a prospective cohort study and genetic analysis," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57879-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57879-3
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