Importance of including individuals of Latin American ancestry in genetic studies of feeding and eating disorders

Abstract

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of psychiatric disorders have focused primarily on individuals of European ancestry, excluding other ancestries, including Latin American populations. We explore representation of Latin American populations in psychiatric genetics, with a focus on eating disorders. Latin America is “admixed,” representing the rich migration history from Africa, Europe, and Asia. Early GWAS technology and analytic strategies performed best in European-ancestry populations. New technology and statistical methods are designed to be inclusive of the genetic richness of admixed populations. Failure to include Latin American and other underrepresented ancestries in genetic studies could lead to incomplete or faulty conclusions about genetic and environmental contributions to psychiatric disease. This raises ethical questions and has critical scientific repercussions, as GWAS findings may not fully replicate across ancestries, ultimately exacerbating health disparities. We review efforts to accelerate genetic research by the Latin American Genetics Consortium (LAGC); highlight strategies to increase transparency and willingness of Latin American individuals to participate in research; and efforts to build capacity throughout Latin America. Achieving these goals advance etiological understanding of psychiatric disorders and assure that future treatments will serve people across all ancestries.