The lead SNP from our primary analysis, rs7531118, (MAF=0.48, p=8.9×10−29) maps close to the neuronal growth regulator 1 gene (NEGR1) and is a brain eQTL for NEGR1. This SNP was at least nominally significant with concordant effect direction in all four studies included in this meta-analysis (MVP p=4.9×10−5, FinnGen p=0.04, PGC+UKB p=1.6×10−17, 23andMe p=2.8×10−8). The S-MultiXcan analysis prioritized hypothalamus as related to NEGR1. Negr −/− mice have shown irregularities in several brain regions, including reduced brain volume in the hippocampus and have also shown abnormalities in social behavior and non-social interest.20 Another study of Negr −/− mice identified a variety of depression-like and anxiety-like features in behavioral assays such as elevated plus maze and forced swim tests.21
