Genome-wide linkage analysis for alcohol dependence
Author Information
Author(s): Ma Qianli, Yu Yi, Meng Yan, Farrell John, Farrer Lindsay A, Wilcox Marsha A
Primary Institution: Boston University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Is high-density SNP analysis more effective than microsatellite markers in identifying genomic regions related to alcohol dependence?
Conclusion
A high-density SNP scan may offer a more rapid, cost-effective, and powerful tool in genome-wide linkage analysis compared to traditional microsatellite marker scans.
Supporting Evidence
- High-density SNP datasets had significantly higher linkage information content than microsatellite markers.
- 12 genomic regions were nominally linked to alcoholism under both definitions of alcohol dependence.
- Microsatellite markers failed to detect some nominal linkage peaks due to lower information content.
Takeaway
This study shows that using a lot of small genetic markers (SNPs) is better for finding genes related to alcohol problems than using bigger markers (microsatellites).
Methodology
Multipoint nonparametric linkage analysis was performed using SNP and microsatellite markers on families with alcohol dependence.
Limitations
The study may not generalize to other ethnic groups as it focused only on White, non-Hispanic families.
Participant Demographics
115 White, non-Hispanic families were analyzed.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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