Association of WDR36 polymorphisms with primary open angle glaucoma

Abstract

The association of the WDR36 gene with glaucoma has been controversial in the literature. We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association of all reported common polymorphisms in WDR36 with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and its subtypes: high tension glaucoma (HTG) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG). Publications in PUBMED and EMBASE databases up to March 9, 2016 were searched for case–control association studies of WDR36 with POAG, HTG, and/or NTG. Reported studies giving adequate genotype and/or allele information were included. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of individual polymorphisms were estimated using the allelic model. Our literature search yielded 122 records, among which 5 studies were eligible for meta-analysis, involving a total of 1352 POAG patients and 894 controls. Five WDR36 polymorphisms were meta-analyzed, rs11241095, rs10038177, rs17553936, rs13186912, and rs13153937. However, none of them was significantly associated with POAG, HTG, or NTG. The most-investigated polymorphisms, rs11241095 and rs10038177, had a pooled-OR of 1.09 (95% CI: 0.94–1.28, P = .25, I2 = 0) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.71–1.39, P = .97, I2 = 77%), respectively, for POAG. The existing data in the literature do not support a significant role of WDR36 in the genetic susceptibility of POAG or its subtypes. Further replication studies in specific populations are warranted.