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Incorporation of covariates in multipoint model-free linkage analysis of binary traits: how important are unaffecteds?

When the mode of inheritance is unknown, genetic linkage analysis of binary trait is commonly performed using affected-sib-pair approaches. When there is evidence that some covariates influence the phenotype, incorporation of this information is expected to increase the power of the analysis since it allows (1) a better specification of the phenotype and (2) to take into account unaffected subjects. Here, we show how to account for covariates in the sibship-oriented Maximum-Likelihood-Binomial (MLB) linkage method by means of Pearson's logistic regression residuals which are computed using phenotypic and covariate information on both affected and unaffected subjects. These residuals are subsequently analysed as a quantitative phenotype with the corresponding extension of the MLB approach which can be used without any assumption on the distribution of these residuals. Then, a large simulation study is performed to study the relative power of incorporating or not unaffected sibs. To this aim, two different strategies in the multipoint analysis of family data are compared: (1) using residuals of the whole sibships (ie both covariate and genotypic information on unaffecteds is needed), and (2) using affecteds only (no information on unaffecteds is needed), under different generating models according to genetic and covariate effects. The results show that there is a clear increment in the power to detect the susceptibility locus when making use of the information carried by unaffecteds, in particular for dominant mode of inheritance and when values of the covariates influencing the disease are shared by all the members of the family.

Analysis of Variance↗

[The inheritance of obsessive-compulsive disorders].

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterised by obsessions and/or compulsions. Genetic research into obsessive-compulsive disorder is significantly limited by the difficulty in clearly defining the disease. There are only a few good studies and the populations investigated are small. Family and twin studies have provided evidence for a genetic component in obsessive-compulsive disorders. Segregation analyses suggest Mendelian inheritance of a dominant allele. In addition to one gene with a major effect, genes with smaller effects also play a role.

Chromosome Segregation↗

Associations between cytoplasmic and nuclear Loci in hybridizing populations.

We extend current multilocus models to describe the effects of migration, recombination, selection, and nonrandom mating on sets of genes in diploids with varied modes of inheritance, allowing us to consider the patterns of nuclear and cytonuclear associations (disequilibria) under various models of migration. We show the relationship between the multilocus notation recently presented by Kirkpatrick, Johnson, and Barton (developed from previous work by Barton and Turelli) and the cytonuclear parameterization of Asmussen, Arnold, and Avise and extend this notation to describe associations between cytoplasmic elements and multiple nuclear genes. Under models with sexual symmetry, both nuclear-nuclear and cytonuclear disequilibria are equivalent. They differ, however, in cases involving some type of sexual asymmetry, which is then reflected in the asymmetric inheritance of cytoplasmic markers. An example given is the case of different migration rates in males and females; simulations using 2, 3, 4, or 5 unlinked autosomal markers with a maternally inherited cytoplasmic marker illustrate how nuclear-nuclear and cytonuclear associations can be used to separately estimate female and male migration rates. The general framework developed here allows us to investigate conditions where associations between loci with different modes of inheritance are not equivalent and to use this nonequivalence to test for deviations from simple models of admixture.

Animals↗

Evidence of a major gene from Bayesian segregation analyses of liability to osteochondral diseases in pigs.

Bayesian segregation analyses were used to investigate the mode of inheritance of osteochondral lesions (osteochondrosis, OC) in pigs. Data consisted of 1163 animals with OC and their pedigrees included 2891 animals. Mixed-inheritance threshold models (MITM) and several variants of MITM, in conjunction with Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, were developed for the analysis of these (categorical) data. Results showed major genes with significant and substantially higher variances (range 1.384-37.81), compared to the polygenic variance (sigmau2). Consequently, heritabilities for a mixed inheritance (range 0.65-0.90) were much higher than the heritabilities from the polygenes. Disease allele frequencies range was 0.38-0.88. Additional analyses estimating the transmission probabilities of the major gene showed clear evidence for Mendelian segregation of a major gene affecting osteochondrosis. The variants, MITM with informative prior on sigmau2, showed significant improvement in marginal distributions and accuracy of parameters. MITM with a "reduced polygenic model" for parameterization of polygenic effects avoided convergence problems and poor mixing encountered in an "individual polygenic model." In all cases, "shrinkage estimators" for fixed effects avoided unidentifiability for these parameters. The mixed-inheritance linear model (MILM) was also applied to all OC lesions and compared with the MITM. This is the first study to report evidence of major genes for osteochondral lesions in pigs; these results may also form a basis for underpinning the genetic inheritance of this disease in other animals as well as in humans.

Animals↗

Segregation analysis of phenotypic components of learning disabilities. I. Nonword memory and digit span.

Dyslexia is a common and complex disorder with evidence for a genetic component. Multiple loci (i.e., quantitative-trait loci [QTLs]) are likely to be involved, but the number is unknown. Diagnosis is complicated by the lack of a standard protocol, and many diagnostic measures have been proposed as understanding of the component processes has evolved. One or more genes may, in turn, influence these measures. To date, little work has been done to evaluate the mode of inheritance of individual component-as opposed to composite-phenotypes, beyond family or twin correlation studies that initially demonstrate evidence for a genetic basis of such components. Here we use two approaches to segregation analysis in 102 nuclear families to estimate genetic models for component phenotypes associated with dyslexia: digit span and a nonword-repetition task. Both measures are related to phonological skills, one of the key component processes in dyslexia. We use oligogenic-trait segregation analysis to estimate the number of QTLs contributing to each phenotype, and we use complex segregation analysis to identify the most parsimonious inheritance models. We provide evidence in support of both a major-gene mode of inheritance for the nonword-repetition task, with approximately 2.4 contributing QTLs, and for a genetic basis of digit span, with approximately 1.9 contributing QTLs. Results obtained by reciprocal adjustment of measures suggest that genes contributing to digit span may contribute to the nonword-repetition score but that there are additional QTLs involved in nonword repetition. Our study adds to existing studies of the genetic basis of composite phenotypes related to dyslexia, by providing evidence for major-gene modes of inheritance of these single-measure component phenotypes.

Age Factors↗

Sex inheritance in gynodioecious species: a polygenic view.

Gynodioecy is defined as the coexistence of two different sexual morphs in a population: females and hermaphrodites. This breeding system is found among many different families of angiosperms and is usually under nucleo-cytoplasmic inheritance, with maternally inherited genes causing male sterility and nuclear factors restoring male fertility. Numerous theoretical models have investigated the conditions for the stable coexistence of females and hermaphrodites. To date, all models rest on the assumption that restoration of a given male sterile genotype is controlled by a single Mendelian factor. Here, we review data bearing on the genetic determinism of sex inheritance in three gynodiecious plant species. We suggest that restoration of male fertility is probably best viewed as a quantitative trait controlled by many loci. We develop a threshold model that accommodates an underlying polygenic trait, which is resolved at the phenotypic level in discrete sexual morphs. We use this model to reanalyse data in Thymus vulgaris, Silene vulgaris and Plantago coronopus. A simple Mendelian inheritance of sex determinism is unlikely in all three species. We discuss how our model can shed additional light on the genetics of restoration and point towards future efforts in the modelling of gynodioecy.

Genotype↗

Cleft lip with or without cleft palate: reanalysis of a three-generation family study from England.

The study population consists of 424 three-generation families originally ascertained through nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL +/- P) surgical probands by Carter et al [J Med Genet 19:246-261, 1982] in London, England. Carter et al proposed that the multifactorial threshold model (MF/T) could explain the data. The goal of our study was to test that hypothesis, plus alternatives, rigorously. Two approaches were used: 1) Carter et al had proposed that these data were consistent with the predictions of the MF/T as presented by Carter [Br Med Bull 25:52-57, 1969]. However, we tested those predictions using standard chi 2 tests and found statistically significant departures from the predictions in these families. 2) Complex segregation analysis under the mixed model was performed. Again, the MF/T model could be rejected, as could a model of a major locus alone. The best-fitting model included both major locus and multifactorial components. When the data were analyzed in two parts based on the proband's phenotype (CL vs CL + P) there was some evidence of heterogeneity in that there was a significant proportion of sporadic cases in the families of CL probands but not in the families of CL + P probands. Our results provide no support for the MF/T model. The results from segregation analyses of CL +/- P in these families were most consistent with autosomal major gene inheritance plus multifactorial contributions.

Cleft Lip↗

Inheritance of white head spotting in natural populations of South American water rat (Nectomys squamipes Rodentia: Sigmodontinae).

Specimens with white head spots are present at low frequency in the natural populations of South American water rat (Nectomys squamipes) and absent in the sibling species Nectomys rattus. We analyzed the pattern of inheritance of the phenotype using complex segregation analysis of pedigrees of a captive-bred population of N. squamipes. We found that the inheritance of the white head spot in this species can be described within the framework of the major gene recessive model with incomplete penetrance of genotypes.

Animals↗

A test of linkage for complex discrete and continuous traits in nuclear families.

This article presents a score test for genetic linkage in nuclear families which applies to any trait having a distribution belonging to the exponential family, which includes binary and normal distributions, and distributions which are skewed or have nonnormal kurtosis. The specific distribution need not be specified and the method applies to sibships of arbitrary size. Tests of complex genetic effects are given, including unspecified mode of inheritance or additive, dominant, overdominant, and recessive modes of inheritance, covariates, multiple-locus models, including gene-gene interactions, and gene-environment interactions. The relation of our method to the Haseman-Elston methods is studied theoretically and by simulation.

Computer Simulation↗

[Analysis on the major gene and polygene mixed inheritance of lycopene content in fresh consumptive tomato fruit].

Two cultivars significantly different in lycopene content were used for the study of inheritance pattern of lycopene content in fresh consumptive tomato fruit. Combination analysis of six generations proved that a major gene plus additive-dominance-epistasis polygenes dominate the inheritance of lycopene in fresh consumption tomato. The major gene heritability in B1, B2 and F2 was 6.85%, 34.78% and 58.33%, respectively, and the polygene heritability was 58.48%, 30.69% and 0, correspondingly.

Carotenoids↗

[Identification and genetic study of major genes of resistance to Cerospora Sojina Hara in soybean].

Soybean frogeye leaf spot is one of the main diseases in Heilongjiang province. Usually, under several physical races of Cerospora Sojina Hara existed condition, the inheritance of resistance to this disease is controlled by equal-effect polygene. While high resistant parent 'Dongnong 9674 and other sensitive parents were used to make the three resistance-sensitive combinations in this paper, the resistance to Cerospora Sojina Hara had appeared the significant major gene effect. When P1, P2, F1, F2, B1, and B2 six generations were used to study and estimate the gene effects, major genes of resistance to Cerospora Sojina Hara were identified and the genetic parameters were also estimated in three combinations. The inheritance of genes resistant to this disease was fitted to the major gene and polygene mixed inheritance model or two gene loci inheritance model. The estimation of genetic parameters indicated that the additive, dominance and epistasis effects were existed and played an important role in the resistance to Cerospora Sojina Hara. It is meaningful in soybean resistance breeding to frogeye leaf spot.

Epistasis, Genetic↗

[Strategies and methods to identify genes for complex diseases].

Genes underlie numerous human diseases and traits. Although we have witnessed a great deal of success in identifying disease-susceptible genes, the task remains challenging for most of the complex diseases. This paper reviews evidence for the role of genetic factors in complex diseases, and strategies that can potentially optimize our chance of success in identifying genes involved in complex diseases. Advances in molecular biology, particularly mapping of the human genome, statistical methods that provide more accurate models of complex patterns of inheritance, and advances in basic medical science, which have increased our understanding of disease pathophysiology, will ultimately strengthen the ability of the current generation of genetic epidemiological studies to identify the genetic basis of complex human disorders.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Evidence for further breast cancer susceptibility genes in addition to BRCA1 and BRCA2 in a population-based study.

We used data from a population based series of breast cancer patients to investigate the genetic models that can best explain familial breast cancer not due to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The data set consisted of 1,484 women diagnosed with breast cancer under age 55 registered in the East Anglia Cancer registry between 1991-1996. Blood samples taken from the patients were analysed for mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2. The genetic models were constructed using information on breast and ovarian cancer history in first-degree relatives and on the mutation status of the index patients. We estimated the simultaneous effects of BRCA1, BRCA2, a third hypothetical gene BRCA3, and a polygenic effect. The models were assessed by likelihood comparisons and by comparison of the observed numbers of mutations and affected relatives with the predicted numbers. BRCA1 and BRCA2 could not explain all the familial clustering of breast cancer. The best-fitting single gene model for BRCA3 was a recessive model with a disease allele frequency 24% and penetrance 42% by age 70. However, a polygenic model gave a similarly good fit. The estimated population frequencies for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations were similar under both recessive and polygenic models, 0.024 and 0.041%, respectively. A dominant model for BRCA3 gave a somewhat worse fit, although the difference was not significant. The mixed recessive model was identical to the recessive model and the mixed dominant very similar to the polygenic model. The BRCA3 genetic models were robust to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 penetrance assumptions. The overall fit of all models was improved when the known effects of parity on breast and ovarian cancer risks were included in the model-in this case a polygenic model fits best. These findings suggest that a number of common, low-penetrance genes with additive effects may account for the residual non-BRCA1/2 familial aggregation of breast cancer, but Mendelian inheritance of an autosomal recessive allele cannot be ruled out.

Adult↗

Complex segregation analysis provides compelling evidence for a major gene underlying obsessive-compulsive disorder and for heterogeneity by sex.

Evidence from twin and family studies supports a genetic etiology for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The purpose of this study was to test whether a major gene is implicated in a proportion of families with OCD. Complex segregation analyses of 153 families (80 case and 73 control), ascertained in the Johns Hopkins OCD Family Study, provided strong evidence for a major gene. A Mendelian-dominant model, with significant sex effects and with residual familial effects, best explained the observed data. Stratification of the sample by the sex of probands provided further evidence of heterogeneity with respect to familial aggregation. Segregation analyses of 86 families with a female proband and of the 67 families with a male proband suggested that a Mendelian-dominant model with familial residual effects was the most parsimonious model explaining the inheritance of OCD in both subgroups.

Adolescent↗

Fractional populations in multiple gene inheritance.

MOTIVATION: With complete knowledge of the human genome sequence, one of the most interesting tasks remaining is to understand the functions of individual genes and how they communicate. Using the information about genes (locus, allele, mutation rate, fitness, etc.), we attempt to explain population demographic data. This population evolution study could complement and enhance biologists' understanding about genes. RESULTS: We present a general approach to study population genetics in complex situations. In the present approach, multiple allele inheritance, multiple loci inheritance, natural selection and mutations are allowed simultaneously in order to consider a more realistic situation. A simulation program is presented so that readers can readily carry out studies with their own parameters. It is shown that the multiplicity of the loci greatly affects the demographic results of fractional population ratios. Furthermore, the study indicates that some high infant mortality rates due to congenital anomalies can be attributed to multiple loci inheritance. AVAILABILITY: The simulation program can be downloaded from http://won.hongik.ac.kr/~mhchung/index_files/yapop.htm. In order to run this program, one needs Visual Studio.NET platform, which can be downloaded from http://msdn.microsoft.com/netframework/downloads/default.asp.

Alleles↗

The modular nature of genetic diseases.

Evidence from many sources suggests that similar phenotypes are begotten by functionally related genes. This is most obvious in the case of genetically heterogeneous diseases such as Fanconi anemia, Bardet-Biedl or Usher syndrome, where the various genes work together in a single biological module. Such modules can be a multiprotein complex, a pathway, or a single cellular or subcellular organelle. This observation suggests a number of hypotheses about the human phenome that are now beginning to be explored. First, there is now good evidence from bioinformatic analyses that human genetic diseases can be clustered on the basis of their phenotypic similarities and that such a clustering represents true biological relationships of the genes involved. Second, one may use such phenotypic similarity to predict and then test for the contribution of apparently unrelated genes to the same functional module. This concept is now being systematically tested for several diseases. Most recently, a systematic yeast two-hybrid screen of all known genes for inherited ataxias indicated that they all form part of a single extended protein-protein interaction network. Third, one can use bioinformatics to make predictions about new genes for diseases that form part of the same phenotype cluster. This is done by starting from the known disease genes and then searching for genes that share one or more functional attributes such as gene expression pattern, coevolution, or gene ontology. Ultimately, one may expect that a modular view of disease genes should help the rapid identification of additional disease genes for multifactorial diseases once the first few contributing genes (or environmental factors) have been reliably identified.

Computational Biology↗

Epi-alleles in plants: inheritance of epigenetic information over generations.

Epigenetic modification of plant gene and transposon activity, which correlates with their methylation, is often heritable over many generations. Such heritable properties allow conventional genetic linkage analysis to identify the sequences affected in epigenetic variants. Machinery controlling the establishment of the epigenetic state and role of the epigenetic controls in plant development are also discussed.

Alleles↗

Triallelic inheritance in Bardet-Biedl syndrome, a Mendelian recessive disorder.

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by multiple clinical features that include pigmentary retinal dystrophy, polydactyly, obesity, developmental delay, and renal defects. BBS is considered an autosomal recessive disorder, and recent positional cloning efforts have identified two BBS genes (BBS2 and BBS6). We screened our cohort of 163 BBS families for mutations in both BBS2 and BBS6 and report the presence of three mutant alleles in affected individuals in four pedigrees. In addition, we detected unaffected individuals in two pedigrees who carry two BBS2 mutations but not a BBS6 mutation. We therefore propose that BBS may not be a single-gene recessive disease but a complex trait requiring three mutant alleles to manifest the phenotype. This triallelic model of disease transmission may be important in the study of both Mendelian and multifactorial disorders.

Alleles↗