Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have led to the identification of genes underlying renal traits such as glomerular filtration rate, and improved our understanding of the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease. In this Review, O'Seaghdha and Fox discuss how GWASs have revolutionized genetic research, using several large-scale studies as examples, and explain how the knowledge derived from these studies can be applied to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of kidney disease and to identify novel therapeutic targets.
- Conall M. O'Seaghdha
- Caroline S. Fox
