Open AccessIndirect Genetic Effects: A Cross-disciplinary Perspective on Empirical Studies
Author(s) -
Amelie Baud,
Sarah J. McPeek,
Nancy Chen,
Kimberly A. Hughes
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of heredity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 92
eISSN - 1471-8505
pISSN - 0022-1503
DOI - 10.1093/jhered/esab059
Subject(s) - perspective (graphical) , biology , evolutionary biology , cross disciplinary , discipline , cognitive science , data science , sociology , computer science , psychology , social science , artificial intelligence
Indirect genetic effects (IGE) occur when an individual's phenotype is influenced by genetic variation in conspecifics. Opportunities for IGE are ubiquitous, and, when present, IGE have profound implications for behavioral, evolutionary, agricultural, and biomedical genetics. Despite their importance, the empirical study of IGE lags behind the development of theory. In large part, this lag can be attributed to the fact that measuring IGE, and deconvoluting them from the direct genetic effects of an individual's own genotype, is subject to many potential pitfalls. In this Perspective, we describe current challenges that empiricists across all disciplines will encounter in measuring and understanding IGE. Using ideas and examples spanning evolutionary, agricultural, and biomedical genetics, we also describe potential solutions to these challenges, focusing on opportunities provided by recent advances in genomic, monitoring, and phenotyping technologies. We hope that this cross-disciplinary assessment will advance the goal of understanding the pervasive effects of conspecific interactions in biology.