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Genomic Regions Identified for BMD in a Large Sample Including Epistatic Interactions and Gender‐Specific Effects
Author(s) -
Xiao Peng,
Shen Hui,
Guo YanFang,
Xiong DongHai,
Liu YaoZhong,
Liu YongJun,
Zhao LanJuan,
Long JiRong,
Guo Yan,
Recker Robert R,
Deng HongWen
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of bone and mineral research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.882
H-Index - 241
eISSN - 1523-4681
pISSN - 0884-0431
DOI - 10.1359/jbmr.060717
Subject(s) - epistasis , quantitative trait locus , linkage (software) , genetic linkage , genetics , biology , population , osteoporosis , gene , medicine , endocrinology , environmental health
A genome‐wide linkage scan was conducted using a large white sample to identify QTLs for BMD. We found QTLs in the total sample and the gender‐specific subgroups, as well as significant epistatic interactions underlying BMD variations. Introduction: Low BMD is an important risk factor for osteoporosis and under strong genetic control. Materials and Methods: To identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for regulation of BMD, we performed a large‐scale whole genome linkage scan (WGS) involving 4126 individuals from 451 families. In addition to the conventional linkage analyses in the total combined sample of males and females, we conducted epistatic interaction analyses and gender‐specific linkage analyses. Results: Significant linkage was detected on 5q23 for wrist BMD (LOD = 3.39) and 15q13 for female spine BMD (LOD = 4.49). For spine BMD, we revealed significant epistatic interactions between 3p25 and 2q32 ( p = 0.0022) and between 3p25 and 11q23 ( p = 0.0007). We replicated several genomic regions that showed linkage with BMD in previous studies by others and ours, such as 3p21, 1p36, and Xq27. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of large sample size, incorporation of epistatic interaction, and consideration of gender‐specific effects in identifying QTLs for BMD variation. The results of this study provide a foundation for the future fine mapping and gene identification in our population.