Linkage Analysis of Adult Height with Parent-of-Origin Effects
Author Information
Author(s): Nandita Mukhopadhyay, Daniel E. Weeks
Primary Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Hypothesis
Does incorporating imprinting effects improve the power of linkage analysis for adult height?
Conclusion
The study found significant evidence of imprinting effects on adult height when using sex-averaged maps, but not with sex-specific maps.
Supporting Evidence
- Four regions on three chromosomes were identified with LOD scores above 2.0.
- The maximum LOD score of 3.12 was found at D18S1364 on chromosome 18.
- Significant evidence of imprinting effects was observed using sex-averaged maps.
- Using sex-specific maps, no significant differences were found between imprinted and non-imprinted LOD scores.
Takeaway
The researchers looked at how parents' genes affect their children's height and found that considering which parent the genes come from can change the results.
Methodology
Genome-wide linkage analysis using variance components while allowing for imprinting effects.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on self-reported height measurements and the exclusion of outliers.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be generalizable due to the specific population studied and the complexity of genetic interactions.
Participant Demographics
Participants were from the Framingham Heart Study, which includes adult members from about two-thirds of the homes in Framingham, Massachusetts.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0012
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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