Genome-wide analysis of alcohol dependence onset
Author Information
Author(s): Tayo Bamidele O, Liang Yulan, Stranges Saverio, Trevisan Maurizio
Primary Institution: University at Buffalo
Hypothesis
Can dense SNP maps provide better linkage analysis for age at onset of alcoholism compared to microsatellites?
Conclusion
Dense SNP maps perform better than sparse microsatellite maps for linkage analysis of age at onset of alcoholism.
Supporting Evidence
- Heritability of age at onset was estimated to be approximately 12%.
- Results from SNPs revealed more and stronger linkage signals across the genome compared with those from microsatellites.
- The only suggestive evidence of linkage from microsatellites was on chromosome 1 with a LOD of 1.43.
Takeaway
This study found that using more detailed genetic markers called SNPs helps scientists find genes related to when people start drinking too much alcohol, better than older methods using microsatellites.
Methodology
Multipoint nonparametric variance component linkage analysis was applied to the survival distribution function from a semiparametric proportional hazards model.
Limitations
The study did not find significant evidence of linkage for age at onset of alcohol dependence from any of the genetic markers used.
Participant Demographics
The study included 1,614 family members from 143 families, with diverse ethnic backgrounds including American Indian, Asian, Pacific Islander, Black Hispanic, and White Hispanic.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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