To our knowledge, this is the first GWA study and meta-analysis of MaxDrinks as a quantitative phenotype. Based on meta-analysis of two GWA data of Caucasian samples, we have identified a number of novel genes/regions associated with MaxDrinks. Six genes/regions (SGOL1, DTWD2, NDST4, KCNB2, NR4A2 and DDC), most of which had significant cis-eQTL signals, are most promising. In the replication study by using a family sample, several flanking SNPs in those six genes/regions were confirmed.
