Identifying rare variants for genetic risk through a combined pedigree and phenotype approach: application to suicide and asthma.

ABSTRACT: Suicidal behavior is a complex disorder, with evidence for genetic risk independent of other genetic risk factors including psychiatric disorders. Since 1996, over 3000 DNA samples from Utah suicide decedents have been collected and banked for research use through the Utah Medical Examiner. In addition, over 12,000 Utah suicides were identified through examination of death certificates back to 1904. By linking this data with the Utah Population Database, we have identified multiple extended pedigrees with increased risk for suicide completion. A number of medical conditions co-occur with suicide, including asthma, and this study was undertaken to identify genetic risk common to asthma and suicide. This study tests the hypothesis that a particular comorbid condition may identify a more homo

SUBMITTER: Darlington TM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4350517 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature