Genes, Vol. 15, Pages 547: Statistical Genetic Approaches to Investigate Genotype-by-Environment Interaction: Review and Novel Extension of Models

Genes, Vol. 15, Pages 547: Statistical Genetic Approaches to Investigate Genotype-by-Environment Interaction: Review and Novel Extension of Models Genes doi: 10.3390/genes15050547 Authors: Vincent P. Diego Eron G. Manusov Marcio Almeida Sandra Laston David Ortiz John Blangero Sarah Williams-Blangero Statistical genetic models of genotype-by-environment (G×E) interaction can be divided into two general classes, one on G×E interaction in response to dichotomous environments (e.g., sex, disease-affection status, or presence/absence of an exposure) and the other in response to continuous environments (e.g., physical activity, nutritional measurements, or continuous socioeconomic measures). Here we develop a novel model to jointly account for dichotomous and continuous environments. We develop the model in terms of a joint genotype-by-sex (for the dichotomous environment) and genotype-by-social determinants of health (SDoH; for the continuous environment). Using this model, we show how a depression variable, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II survey instrument, is not only underlain by genetic effects (as has been reported elsewhere) but is also significantly determined by joint G×Sex and G×SDoH interaction effects. This model has numerous applications leading to potentially transformative research on the genetic and environmental determinants underlying complex diseases.
Source: Genes - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research