The major genes identified from MLTC GWAS (HLA-DQA1, PHTF1, RSBN1, ATXN2, MAD1L1, ZNF831, FTO, TCFL2) played a significant role in ageing and lifespan23, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases24,25, multiple neurodegenerative diseases26, several MLTC risk factors (smoking, educational attainment) and diseases (schizophrenia and depression)27–30, antihypertensive drug use and cardiovascular diseases31, obesity mechanisms32, diabetes risk33. Here, ATXN2 is linked to major depressive disorder.