Linkage Analysis of Blood Pressure Influencing Loci
Author Information
Author(s): Shephard Neil, Falcaro Milena, Zeggini Eleftheria, Chapman Philip, Hinks Anne, Barton Anne, Worthington Jane, Pickles Andrew, John Sally
Primary Institution: University of Manchester
Hypothesis
Do longitudinally derived phenotypes provide better power to detect loci influencing blood pressure compared to cross-sectional measures?
Conclusion
Longitudinally derived phenotypes performed better than cross-sectional measures in linkage analyses.
Supporting Evidence
- Longitudinal data provided better evidence for linkage to genes influencing systolic blood pressure.
- Cross-sectional measures showed a high rate of false positives.
- Replicability of results was poor for loci, indicating weak effects.
Takeaway
This study found that looking at blood pressure over time helps scientists find genes that affect it better than just looking at one point in time.
Methodology
The study analyzed simulated data using various phenotypic models of systolic blood pressure and conducted linkage analyses across multiple replicates.
Potential Biases
The study was conducted blind to simulation conditions, which may introduce bias in interpreting results.
Limitations
The sample design and size may limit the power to detect true loci, and there was poor replicability of results.
Participant Demographics
The analysis included 3155 subjects from 277 pedigrees, with 33% having genotype data available.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website