E-Book Overview
In Quantitative Trait Loci: Methods and Protocols, a panel of highly experienced statistical geneticists demonstrate in a step-by-step fashion how to successfully analyze quantitative trait data using a variety of methods and software for the detection and fine mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL). Writing for the nonmathematician, these experts guide the investigator from the design stage of a project onwards, providing detailed explanations of how best to proceed with each specific analysis, to find and use appropriate software, and to interpret results. Worked examples, citations to key papers, and variations in method ease the way to understanding and successful studies. Among the cutting-edge techniques presented are QTDT methods, variance components methods, and the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method for joint linkage and segregation analysis.
E-Book Content
Methods in Molecular Biology
TM
VOLUME 195
Quantitative Trait Loci Methods and Protocols Edited by
Nicola J. Camp Angela Cox
HUMANA PRESS
1 Association Studies Jennifer H. Barrett
1. Introduction A classical case-control study design is frequently used in genetic epidemiology to investigate the association between genotype and the presence or absence of disease. Association studies can also be useful in the investigation of quantitative traits. The aim of such studies is to test for association at the population level between the quantitative trait and genotype at a particular locus. Whether investigating qualitative or quantitative traits, such studies depend on the prior identification of a candidate gene or genes. The genotyped locus could either be a polymorphism within a potentially trait-affecting gene or a marker in linkage disequilibrium with such a gene. Currently, screening of the whole genome is only feasible using linkage analysis, which is