Open AccessThe Newfoundland population: a unique resource for genetic investigation of complex diseases
Author(s) -
Proton Rahman,
Albert Jones,
Joseph Curtis,
Sylvia E. Bartlett,
Lynette Peddle,
Bridget A. Fernandez,
Nelson B. Freimer
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
human molecular genetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.811
H-Index - 276
eISSN - 1460-2083
pISSN - 0964-6906
DOI - 10.1093/hmg/ddg257
Subject(s) - biology , linkage disequilibrium , population , evolutionary biology , genetic drift , identification (biology) , founder effect , genetics , population genetics , genetic architecture , genetic variation , genotype , gene , ecology , demography , quantitative trait locus , haplotype , sociology
The population of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador is genetically isolated. This isolation is evidenced by an overabundance of several monogenic disorders. The Newfoundland population, like that of other isolates, is now the focus of interest for identification of genes implicated in common diseases. However, the utility of such populations for this purpose remains unproven. In this paper, we review the current genetic architecture of the province, with respect to geographic isolation, homogeneity, founder effect, genetic drift and extended linkage disequilibrium. Based on these factors, we propose that the population of Newfoundland offers many advantages for genetic mapping of common diseases, compared with admixed populations, and even compared with other isolates.
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