Shared genetic architectures of subjective well-being in East Asian and European ancestry populations

Subjective well-being (SWB) has been explored in European ancestral populations; however, whether the SWB genetic architecture is shared across populations remains unclear. We conducted a cross-population genome-wide association study for SWB using samples from Korean (n = 110,919) and European (n = 563,176) ancestries. Five ancestry-specific loci and twelve cross-ancestry significant genomic loci were identified. One novel locus (rs12298541 near HMGA2) associated with SWB was also identified through the European meta-analysis. Significant cross-ancestry genetic correlation for SWB between samples was observed. Polygenic risk analysis in an independent Korean cohort (n = 22,455) demonstrated transferability between populations. Significant correlations between SWB and major depressive disorder, and significant enrichment of central nervous system-related polymorphisms heritability in both ancestry populations were found. Hence, large-scale cross-ancestry genome-wide association studies can advance our understanding of SWB genetic architecture and mental health. Won et al. compare genetic associations with subjective well-being in Korean and European populations, and show significant cross-population genetic correlations

Automated summary

This study conducted a genetic association analysis of subjective well-being (SWB) in Korean and European populations, identifying several genetic loci associated with SWB. Significant cross-population genetic correlations were observed, indicating the shared genetic architecture of SWB. The study also found significant correlations between SWB and major depressive disorder, as well as enrichment of central nervous system-related polymorphisms heritability. This research highlights the importance of large-scale cross-population genome-wide association studies in understanding the genetic basis of SWB and mental health.