Linkage Studies and Gene Expression Analysis
Author Information
Author(s): Lantieri Francesca, Rydbeck Halfdan, Griseri Paola, Ceccherini Isabella, Devoto Marcella
Primary Institution: Istituto G. Gaslini, Università degli Studi di Genova, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Università La Sapienza
Hypothesis
Can limiting the analysis to a small number of well-characterized candidate genes improve the detection of linkage in genetic studies?
Conclusion
The study identified a genomic region on chromosome 9q31 that may contain a common expression regulator for several genes involved in enteric nervous system development.
Supporting Evidence
- The study identified a 'master regulator' locus for several genes involved in the enteric nervous system.
- LOD scores above 2 were observed for specific traits in the analysis.
- Bivariate analysis increased the power to detect linkage of related traits.
Takeaway
The researchers looked at specific genes to find out how they affect a part of the nervous system in the gut, and they found a key area in the DNA that might control these genes.
Methodology
The study used genome-wide linkage analysis on selected traits and followed up with bivariate analysis to identify common regulatory loci.
Limitations
The study was limited by the number of traits analyzed and the potential for multiple testing issues.
Participant Demographics
Participants were from 14 three-generation CEPH Utah families.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website