Mapping eQTLs in the Norfolk Island genetic isolate identifies candidate genes for CVD risk traits.

ABSTRACT: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects millions of people worldwide and is influenced by numerous factors, including lifestyle and genetics. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) influence gene expression and are good candidates for CVD risk. Founder-effect pedigrees can provide additional power to map genes associated with disease risk. Therefore, we identified eQTLs in the genetic isolate of Norfolk Island (NI) and tested for associations between these and CVD risk factors. We measured genome-wide transcript levels of blood lymphocytes in 330 individuals and used pedigree-based heritability analysis to identify heritable transcripts. eQTLs were identified by genome-wide association testing of these transcripts. Testing for association between CVD risk factors (i.e., blood lipids, bloo

SUBMITTER: Benton MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3853002 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature