Analysis of heterogeneity and epistasis in physiological mixed populations by combined structural equation modelling and latent class analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Biological systems are interacting, molecular networks in which genetic variation contributes to phenotypic heterogeneity. This heterogeneity is traditionally modelled as a dichotomous trait (e.g. affected vs. non-affected). This is far too simplistic considering the complexity and genetic variations of such networks.

Methods

In this study on type 2 diabetes mellitus, heterogeneity was resolved in a latent class framework combined with structural equation modelling using phenotypic indicators of distinct physiological processes. We modelled the clinical condition "the metabolic syndrome", which is known to be a heterogeneous and polygenic condition with a clinical endpoint (type 2 diabetes mellitus). In the model presented here, genetic factors were not included a

SUBMITTER: Fenger M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2483291 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature