A Twin-Pronged Attack on Complex Traits
Martin N; Boomsma D; Machin G
Queensland Institute of Medical Research, PO Royal Brisbane Hospital,
Australia. nickM@qimr.edu.au
Nature Genetics, 17(4):387-392 (Dec 1997)
Abstract
Before one starts the hunt for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for a complex
trait, it is necessary to show that the trait is genetically influenced. This
evidence is most likely to come from the classical twin study--the
demonstration that monozygotic twins are more similar for the trait than
dizygotic twins. The strengths and weaknesses of twin studies are discussed,
and it is suggested that, far from becoming irrelevant with advances in
molecular biology, they can improve the efficiency of QTL detection and
play an important role in unravelling developmental genetic mechanisms.
Variance component linkage analysis