Role of genetic variability in Mendelian and multifactorial diseases

The first draft of the human genome sequencing published in 2001 reported a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Given that these polymorphisms could practically represent all the variability involved in the susceptibility, protection, severity, among other aspects, of various common diseases, as well as in their response to medications, it was thought that they might be “the biomarkers of choice” in personalized genomic medicine. With the new information obtained from the sequencing of a larger number of genomes, we have understood that SNPs are only an important part of the genetic markers involved in these traits. In addition to SNPs, other variants have been identified, such as insertions/deletions (INDELs) and copy number variants (CNVs), which – in addition to classic variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) and short tandem repeats (STRs) – originate or contribute to the development of diseases. The use of these markers has served to identify regions of the genome involved in Mendelian diseases (one gene-one disease) or genes directly associated with multifactorial diseases. This review has the purpose to describe the role of STRs, VNTRs, SNPs, CNVs and INDELs in linkage and association studies and their role in Mendelian and multifactorial diseases.

Analysis of chromosome regions 8q11.1-q13.3, 1q32-q34.3 and 14q31.1-q13.3 in a Chinese family with congenital preauricular fistula / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify the candidate chromosomal region for congenital preauricular fistula (CPF) through analysis of an affected Chinese family.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Conventional linkage analysis using short tandem repeats (STR) markers was performed to investigate three chromosomal regions 8q11.1-q13.3, 1q32-q34.3 and 14q31.1-q31.3.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>None of 16 STRs could attain a LOD score of more than -2.0 (theta=0). Therefore, the three regions were all excluded as the candidate region for the disease.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CPF features high genetic heterogeneity. The family may have a causative gene elsewhere. Whole-genome-based study is needed to identify its genetic etiology.</p>

Genome-wide linkage scan for an ethnic Han Chinese pedigree affected with schizophrenia / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To perform genome-wide linkage analysis for an ethnic Han Chinese pedigree with schizophrenia in order to locate the susceptibility genes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Genomic DNA was extracted from 4 mL of peripheral blood using conventional phenol-chloroform method. Illumina Infinium Linkage 24 BeadChips chip was used for determining the genotypes through detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). After processing the raw data using Illumina BeadStudio software, two-point nonparametric linkage analysis and two-point parametric linkage analysis were performed with Merlin software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>By two-point nonparametric linkage analysis, 27 sites with high LOD scores (LOD=0.63-0.75, P U+003C 0.05) were identified. Among these, 3 SNPs(rs993694, rs992690 rs1861577) were located in 12p12.3 region, whilst the remainders were located in 4p12-q22 region. Two-point parametric linkage analysis under a dominant model has yielded almost identical results.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Chromosomal regions 4p12-q22 and 12p12.3 probably contain susceptibility genes for schizophrenia.</p>

Candidate gene linkage analysis indicates genetic heterogeneity in Marfan syndrome

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant disease of the connective tissue that affects the ocular, skeletal and cardiovascular systems, with a wide clinical variability. Although mutations in the FBN1 gene have been recognized as the cause of the disease, more recently other loci have been associated with MFS, indicating the genetic heterogeneity of this disease. We addressed the issue of genetic heterogeneity in MFS by performing linkage analysis of the FBN1 and TGFBR2 genes in 34 families (345 subjects) who met the clinical diagnostic criteria for the disease according to Ghent. Using a total of six microsatellite markers, we found that linkage with the FBN1 gene was observed or not excluded in 70.6 percent (24/34) of the families, and in 1 family the MFS phenotype segregated with the TGFBR2 gene. Moreover, in 4 families linkage with the FBN1 and TGFBR2 genes was excluded, and no mutations were identified in the coding region of TGFBR1, indicating the existence of other genes involved in MFS. Our results suggest that the genetic heterogeneity of MFS may be greater that previously reported.

Genetic power of a brazilian three-generation family with generalized aggressive periodontitis. II

The genetic power of a Brazilian three-generation family with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) has been reported. The empirical logarithms of the odds (LOD) score thresholds for genetic linkage analysis of complex diseases proposed by Haines rely on confirmation from independent datasets. This study estimated the power of another large Brazilian family with GAgP for future linkage analysis. The three-generation family was seen at the Dental School of the Federal University of Bahia. Following the previously described methodology, full-mouth periodontal probing at 6 sites/tooth was performed in all 19 family members. Six out of 12 siblings were affected with GAgP. All affected family members were non-smokers and did not present diabetes or any other systemic condition or consanguinity. A parametric simulation (?=0) was performed on 100 replicates using the statistical software SLINK for linkage analysis. There was maximum expected LOD scores of 3.75 and 3.45 at penetrance rate F=0.98, and both studied phenocopy rates P=0.0 and P=0.02, respectively. The power of the study increased with the increase of the adopted penetrance rates in both studied phenocopy rates. The studied Brazilian three-generation family showed statistical power for future genetic linkage analysis of candidate genes to GAgP.

O poder genético em uma família brasileira de três gerações com periodontite agressiva generalizada (PAgG) foi reportado. Os valores dos escores logarítmicos (LOD) empíricos para análise genética de ligação de doenças complexas propostos por Haines se baseam na confirmação em conjuntos de dados independentes. O objetivo deste estudo foi de estimar o poder de uma nova grande família com PAgG para futura análise de ligação. A família de três gerações foi vista na Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal da Bahia. De acordo com metodologia previamente descrita, sondagem periodontal em 6 sítios/dente foi realizada em todos 19 membros da família. Seis de 12 irmãos apresentaram PAgG. Todos os membros afetados da família eram não fumantes, não apresentaram diabetes ou qualquer condição sistêmica ou consangüinidade. Uma simulação paramétrica (?=0) foi realizada em 100 réplicas usando software estatístico SLINK para análise de ligação. Houve escore LOD esperado máximo de 3,75 e 3,45 no valor de penetrância F=0,98 em ambas razões de fenocópia estudadas P=0,0 e P=0,02, respectivamente. O poder do estudo aumento com o aumento do grau de penetrância adotado em ambas razões fenotípicas estudadas. A família brasileira de três gerações estudada mostrou poder estatístico para futura análise de ligação genética de genes candidatos para PAgG.

Directed Causal Network Construction Using Linkage Analysis with Metabolic Syndrome-Related Expression Quantitative Traits

In this study, we propose a novel, intuitive method of constructing an expression quantitative trait (eQT) network that is related to the metabolic syndrome using LOD scores and peak loci for selected eQTs, based on the concept of gene-gene interactions. We selected 49 eQTs that were related to insulin resistance. A variance component linkage analysis was performed to explore the expression loci of each of the eQTs. The linkage peak loci were investigated, and the "support zone" was defined within boundaries of an LOD score of 0.5 from the peak. If one gene was located within the "support zone" of the peak loci for the eQT of another gene, the relationship was considered as a potential "directed causal pathway" from the former to the latter gene. SNP markers under the linkage peaks or within the support zone were searched for in the database to identify the genes at the loci. Two groups of gene networks were formed separately around the genes IRS2 and UGCGL2. The findings indicated evidence of networks between genes that were related to the metabolic syndrome. The use of linkage analysis enabled the construction of directed causal networks. This methodology showed that characterizing and locating eQTs can provide an effective means of constructing a genetic network.

Identification of VEGFR3 gene mutation in a Chinese family with autosomal dominant primary congenital lymphoedema / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify the disease-causing gene in a four-generation Chinese family with 9 members affected with primary congenital lymphoedema (PCL, also known as Milroy disease).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Linkage analysis was performed with a few microsatellite markers flanking the candidate genetic loci for PCL, including 3 known genes associated with autosomal dominant PCL. For mutation analysis, VEGFR3 gene was sequenced with DNA from the proband. Direct DNA sequencing of exon 25 of the VEGFR3 gene was performed in all family members.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The disease gene in the family was mapped to chromosome 5q35.3 with a maximum Lod score of 2.07. Direct DNA sequencing of VEGFR3 gene revealed a heterozygous C to T transition at nucleotide 3341, resulting in p.Pro1114Leu mutation. The p.Pro1114Leu mutation co-segregated with all affected individuals in the family.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This study identified a C3341T (p.Pro1114Leu) mutation in the VEGFR3 gene in a Chinese family with PCL, provided evidence that VEGFR3 mutation can cause PCL in Chinese.</p>

Linkage analysis and gene mapping of one Chinese family with benign familial infantile convulsions / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The present study performed linkage analysis and gene mapping to find the possible chromosome locus harboring in one family with benign familial infantile convulsions (BFIC) and investigate the possible molecular pathogenesis of BFIC.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A four-generation family with BFIC was investigated. The family was genotyped using eight hypervariable microsatellite markers covering four loci: D19S245 and D19S250 for the 19q12-13.1 region, D16S3131 and D16S3133 for the 16p12-q12 region, D2S156 and D2S286 for the 2q24 region, and D20S480 and D20S481 for the 20q13.3 region. Polymorphism fragments were amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. PCR products for the markers were subjected to electrophoresis on 8% denatured polyacrylamide gel and silver staining for length judgment of amplification fragment. Linkage analysis was performed by use of MLINK in the LINKAGE computer package. Two-point LOD scores were calculated to estimate the linkage relationship.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The two-point LOD scores were less than -2.0 for the genetic markers at chromosomes 19q12-13.1, 16p12-q12 and 2q24 at the recombination rate between 0.000 and 0.01. The two-point LOD scores for D20S481 at the 20q13.3 region were 0.3 and 0.25 at the recombination rate of 0.000 and 0.01, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>There is no evidence that this family with BFIC is linked to one of the following loci: 19q12-13.1, 16p12-q12 and 2q24, but a possible linkage with 20q13.3 region cannot be excluded.</p>

Genome-wide and interaction linkage scan for nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in two multiplex families in Shenyang, China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To identify the loci involved in nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) in Northern Chinese people in Shenyang by using genomewide and interaction linkage scan.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two multiplex families in Shenyang from North China were ascertained through probands with NSCL/P. Blood of every member was drawn for DNA extraction and analysis. Genotypes were available for 382 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) markers from the ABI Prism Linkage Mapping Set version 2.5. Linkage between markers and NSCL/P was assessed by 2-point parametric LOD scores, multipoint-heterogeneity parametric LOD scores (HLODs), and multipoint nonparametric linkage score (NPL).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The initial scan suggested linkage on Chromosomes 1, 2, and 15. In subsequent fine mapping, 1q32-q42 showed a maximum multipoint LOD score of 1.9(empirical P=0.013) and an NPL score of 2.35 (empirical P=0.053). For 2p24-p25, the multipoint NPL increased to 2.94 (empirical P=0.007). 2-locus interaction analysis obtained a maximum NPL score of 3.73 (P=0.00078) and a maximum LOD score of 3 for Chromosome 1 (at 221 cM) and Chromosome 2 (at 29 cM).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Both parametric and nonparametric linkage scores greatly increased over the initial linkage scores on 1q32-q42, suggesting a susceptibility locus in this region. Nonparametric linkage gave a strong evidence for a candidate region on chromosome 2p24-p25. The superiority of 2-locus linkage scores compared to single-locus scores gave additional evidence for linkage on 1q32-q42 and 2p24-p25, and suggested that certain genes in the two regions may contribute to NCSL/P risks with interaction.</p>

Genetic power of a Brazilian three-generation family with generalized aggressive periodontitis

Aggressive periodontitis is a multifactorial disease with strong familial aggregation. Genetic linkage analysis is a method to localize causative or predisposing genes along the chromosome, thus helping to unravel important pathogenic pathways. Prior to applying this method, however, it is essential to estimate the power of the study design. The aim of this study was to estimate the power of a large Brazilian family with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) for future linkage analysis. A three-generation family was seen at the Dental School of the Federal University of Bahia. A full-mouth periodontal probing at 6 sites/tooth was performed in all 23 family members. Five out of 10 siblings were affected with GAgP. A parametric simulation (? = 0) was performed on 100 replicates using the statistical software SLINK for linkage analysis. The linkage LOD score criteria for complex diseases described by Haines was adopted. There was maximum expected LOD scores of 3.56 and 3.48 at penetrance rate F = 0.98, and both studied phenocopy rates p=0.0 and p=0.02, respectively. The analyzed family showed statistical power for future genetic linkage analysis of candidate genes to GAgP.

Periodontite agressiva é uma doença multifatorial que apresenta forte agregação familiar. Análise de ligação genética é um método que localiza genes que causem ou predisponham doenças ao longo do cromossomo e pode ser útil na descoberta de importantes mecanismos patogênicos. No entanto, antes de se realizar uma análise genética de ligação, é essencial estimar o poder do estudo delineado. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar o poder de uma grande família apresentando periodontite agressiva generalizada para futura análise genética de ligação. Uma família de três gerações (23 membros) que procurou por tratamento periodontal na Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal da Bahia foi analisada. Em todos os membros familiares foi realizado um exame periodontal completo em seis sítios/dente em todas as unidades dentais presentes por um único examinador. Dos dez irmãos, cinco apresentaram a periodontite agressiva generalizada de acordo com o sistema de classificação da Academia Americana de Periodontia 1999. Uma simulação paramétrica (? = 0) foi realizada em 100 repetições com o uso do software SLINK para ligação genética. O escore logarítmico LOD descrito como critério para doenças complexas (poligênicas ou multifatoriais) por Haines foi adotado. Em nosso estudo foi encontrado um LOD esperado máximo de 3,56 e 3,48 na razão de penetrância F=0,98 nas duas razões de fenocópia estudadas p=0,0 e p =0,02, respectivamente. A família analisada mostrou ter poder estatístico suficiente para futura análise de ligação genética de genes candidatos para periodontite agressiva generalizada.

Genome-wide linkage analysis for ocular and nasal anthropometric traits in a Mongolian population

Anthropometric traits for eyes and nose are complex quantitative traits influenced by genetic and environmental factors. To date, there have been few reports on the contribution of genetic influence to these traits in Asian populations. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic effect and quantitative trait locus (QTL) of seven traits eyes- and nose-related anthropometric measurements in an isolated Mongolian population. Frontal and lateral photographs were obtained from 1,014 individuals (434 males and 580 females) of Mongolian origin. A total of 349 short tandem repeat markers on 22 autosomes were genotyped for each individual. Heritability estimates of the seven ocular and nasal traits, adjusted for significant covariates, ranged from 0.48 to 0.90, providing evidence for a genetic influence. Variance-component linkage analyses revealed 10 suggestive linkage signals on 5q34 (LOD = 3.2), 18q12.2 (LOD = 2.7), 5q15 (LOD = 2.0), 9q34.2 (LOD = 1.9), 5q34 (LOD = 1.9), 17q22 (LOD = 1.9), 13q33.3 (LOD = 2.7), 1q36.22 (LOD = 1.9), 4q32.1 (LOD = 2.1) and 15q22.31 (LOD = 2.9). Our study provides the first evidence that genetics influences nasal and ocular traits in a Mongolian population. Additional collaborative efforts will further extend our understanding of the link between genetic factors and human anthropometric traits.

Linkage analysis of three families with arrythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in India.

BACKGROUND: Arrythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a primary myocardial disorder morphologically characterized by subtle to severe replacement of the right ventricular myocardium by fatty and fibrous tissue. ARVC is known to be highly prevalent in European population with recent reports implicating it to be a major cause of sudden death in young individuals even from American and Asian population. AIM: To implicate or exclude TMEM43 (ARVC-5), DSP(ARVC-8) genes and the yet to be identified gene at ARVC-6 locus in the pathogenesis in three families affected with ARVC from India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three families comprising of 42 affected/unaffected members were included in the study. Three microsatellite markers, D3S3613 (ARVC5) D10S1664 (ARVC6), D6S309 (ARVC8) were genotyped by PCR-based native PAGE. Two-point Linkage analysis was performed using LINKAGE program version 5.2 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: LOD scores from linkage analysis for the microsatellite marker D10S1664 (ARVC-6) in families KS and REV have shown positive value hinting the involvement of this locus in the etiology of ARVC, while linkage analysis in the SB family ruled out involvement of DSP, TMEM43 and ARVC-6, as negative LOD scores were obtained with all three loci. Therefore, linkage analysis carried out in the present study indicates that ARVC-6 (cumulative LOD score is equal to plus 1.203376 at θ is equal to 0.05) could be the locus harboring the mutated gene in two out of three families.

Linkage analysis of a Chinese family with autosomal dominant congenital retinaochoroidal coloboma / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To map the candidate gene by linkage analysis in a Chinese family with autosomal dominant congenital retinaochoroidal coloboma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A detailed clinical examination was performed for all patients in the family. The genomic DNA of all family members was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. Linkage analysis and genome-wide linkage screening was conducted using fluorescent detection of 398 microsatellite markers representing all autosomes at an average resolution of approximately 10 cM. Polymerase chain reaction was carried out to amplify all 398 microsatellite markers. The allele sizes were determined on ABI 3130-Avant genetic analyzer according to an internal size standard, and the results were analyzed using Genescan 3.1 and Genotyper 2.0 software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Linkage analysis showed the markers D2S2382-D2S301-D2S2244-D2S163 co-segregated with the disease locus in all affected members. The maximum Lod score was 3.01(D2S2382).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The candidate region of the disease gene in the family was located in 2q34-2q35.</p>

Linkage analysis of a family with familial hypertriglyceridemia / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To perform linkage analysis and mutation screening in a Chinese family with familial hpertriglyceridemia (FHTG).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-two family members including 12 hypertriglyceridemia patients participated in the study. Genotyping and haplotype analysis for 22 subjects were performed using short tandem repeat (STR) microsatellite polymorphism markers on 16 candidate genes and/or loci related to lipid metabolism. Two of the sixteen known candidate genes, APOA2 and USF1 were screened for mutation by direct DNA sequencing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No linkage was found between the candidate genes/loci of APOA5, LIPI, RP1, APOC2, ABC1, LMF1, APOA1-APOC3-APOA4, LPL, APOB, CETP, LCAT, LDLR, APOE and the phenotype in this family. The two-point Lod scores (theta =0) were all less than-1.0 for all the markers tested. Linkage analysis suggested linkage to chromosome 1q23.3-24.2 between the disease phenotype and STR marker D1S194 with a two-point maximum Lod score of 2.44 at theta =0. Fine mapping indicated that the disease gene was localized to a 5.87 cM interval between D1S104 and D1S196. No disease-causing mutation was detected in the APOA2 and USF1 genes.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The above mentioned candidate genes were excluded as the disease causing genes for this family. The results implied that there might be a novel gene/locus for FHTG on chromosome 1q23.3-1q24.2.</p>

Localization of Quantitative Trait Loci for Bone Mineral Density on Chromosome 13 in the Mongolian Population

Although the genetic basis for bone mineral density (BMD) has been studied by many groups so far, genes responsible for this complex trait has not been completely revealed. In order to localize quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for BMD variation in Asian population, the study was designed using a group of Mongolian population, a genetically closed population with a homogeneous lifestyle. BMD was measured at the left and right wrists and ankles using DEXA in 1,082 participants from 142 families. Genotyping of 13 polymorphic microsatellitemarkers on chromosome 13 (average spacing 8-9 cM) and two-point and multipoint linkage analysis wereperformed. In two-point linkage analysis, we identified two markers, D13S175 (6.03 cM) and D13S265 (68.73cM) that had LOD scores greater than 1 for left ankle (LOD=2.09, LOD=1.49, respectively). We also found a marker D13S175 (6.03 cM) with a high LOD for left wrist (LOD=1.49) and the markers D13S265 (68.73 cM) and D13S217 (17.21 cM) for the right wrist (LOD= 1.82, LOD= 1.62, respectively). Among these significant marker regions, only two regions at 17 cM (13p11) and 65 cM (13q21) for the right wrist overlapped with major QTLs reported in following multipoint linkage analysis (LOD= 1.7549, LOD=1.4462, respectively). This study provides the possible evidence of the presence of QTLs affecting right wrist BMD in Mongolian populations on 13p11 and 13q21. Modest evidence was also found for genes affecting left ankle and left wrist BMD on 13p13.

Novel non-HLA-susceptible regions determined by meta-analysis of four genomewide scans for ankylosing spondylitis.

We identified novel non-HLA-susceptible regions for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) by applying the genome-search-metaanalysis (GSMA) method to combine the previous four AS genomewide scan studies including 479 families with 1175 affected individuals. Three original genomescans were mainly analysed for Caucasian families and one analysed for Han Mongolian families. Ten bins had both Psumrnk and Pord <0.05, suggesting these bins most likely contain AS-linked loci. The 10 bins are 6.2, 16.3, 6.1, 3.3, 6.3, 16.4, 10.5, 17.1, 2.5 and 2.9. The most significant result of linkage was on chromosome 6p22.3-p21.1 (bin 6.2, Psumrnk <0.000417), where HLA loci are located. By addition of a genome scan of Chinese origin, our GSMA result further confirmed the HLA loci as the greatest susceptible region to AS and suggested that non-HLA loci chromosome 16q, 3p, 10q, 2p, 2q and 17p, may also contain AS-linked loci. The novel loci identified in our result give hints to further studies.

Linkage analysis of one family with autosomal dominant high myopia / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To map the high myopia gene in a Chinese family with autosomal dominant high myopia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A family with autosomal dominant high myopia in three generations was collected. Eighteen short-tandem-repeat markers on previously reported loci linked to high myopia were chosen for genotyping and two-point linkage analysis was carried out.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The spherical equivalent of affected individuals ranges from -6.00D to -20.00D and the genetic pattern is autosomal dominant. The LOD score was less than -1 in all 18 microsatellite markers, indicating that there was no linkage between these markers and the high myopia related genes in this family.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A novel myopia locus for high-grade myopia may exist in the kindred. Genome-wide scan will be needed to determine this novel locus.</p>

A novel candidate locus on chromosome 11p14.1-p11.2 for autosomal dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a group of inherited neurodegenerative disorders with the shared characteristics of slowly progressive spasticity and weakness of the lower limbs. Thirteen loci for autosomal dominant HSP have been mapped.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A Chinese family with HSP was found in the Shandong province and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China and genomic DNA of all 19 family members was isolated. After exclusion of known autosomal dominant loci, a genome wide scan and linkage analysis were performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The known autosomal dominant loci of SPG3A, SPG4, SPG6, SPG8, SPG9, SPG10, SPG12, SPG13, SPG17, SPG19, SPG29, SPG31 and SPG33 were excluded by linkage analysis. The results of a genome wide scan demonstrated candidate linkage to a locus on chromosome 11p14.1-p11.2, over an 18.88 cM interval between markers D11S1324 and D11S1933. A maximal, two point LOD score of 2.36 for marker D11S935 at a recombination fraction (theta) of 0 and a multipoint LOD score of 2.36 for markers D11S1776, D11S1751, D11S1392, D11S4203, D11S935, D11S4083, and D11S4148 at theta=0, suggest linkage to this locus.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The HSP neuropathy in this family may represent a novel genetic entity, which will facilitate discovery of this causative gene.</p>

Genome-wide Linkage Study for Plasma HDL Cholesterol Level in an Isolated Population of Mongolia

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) whose primary role is to transport cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver, is associated with the incidence of coronary heart disease. We analyzed HDL cholesterol levels in a genetically isolated population of extended Mongolian families. A total of 1002 individuals (54.5% women) from 95 families were enrolled. After genotyping by use of 1000 microsatellite markers, we performed a genome-wide linkage search with variance component analysis. The estimated heritability of HDL cholesterol was 0.45, revealing that HDL cholesterol was under significant genetic influence. We found peak evidence of linkage (LOD score=1.88) for HDL cholesterol level on chromosome 6(nearest marker D6S1660) and potential evidences for linkage on chromosomes 1, 12 and 19 with the LOD scores of 1.32, 1.44 and 1.14, respectively. These results should pave the way for the discovery of the relevant genes by fine mapping and association analysis.

Genome-wide Linkage Study for Plasma HDL Cholesterol Level in an Isolated Population of Mongolia

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) whose primary role is to transport cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver, is associated with the incidence of coronary heart disease. We analyzed HDL cholesterol levels in a genetically isolated population of extended Mongolian families. A total of 1002 individuals (54.5% women) from 95 families were enrolled. After genotyping by use of 1000 microsatellite markers, we performed a genome-wide linkage search with variance component analysis. The estimated heritability of HDL cholesterol was 0.45, revealing that HDL cholesterol was under significant genetic influence. We found peak evidence of linkage (LOD score=1.88) for HDL cholesterol level on chromosome 6(nearest marker D6S1660) and potential evidences for linkage on chromosomes 1, 12 and 19 with the LOD scores of 1.32, 1.44 and 1.14, respectively. These results should pave the way for the discovery of the relevant genes by fine mapping and association analysis.