Two-Variance-Component Model Improves Genetic Prediction in Family Datasets

Genetic prediction based on either identity by state (IBS) sharing or pedigree information has been investigated extensively with best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) methods. Such methods were pioneered in plant and animal-breeding literature and have since been applied to predict human traits, with the aim of eventual clinical utility. However, methods to combine IBS sharing and pedigree information for genetic prediction in humans have not been explored. We introduce a two-variance-component model for genetic prediction: one component for IBS sharing and one for approximate pedigree structure, both estimated with genetic markers.

Source: The American Journal of Human Genetics - November 5, 2015 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: George Tucker, Po-Ru Loh, Iona M. MacLeod, Ben J. Hayes, Michael E. Goddard, Bonnie Berger, Alkes L. Price Tags: Article Source Type: research