Family-based linkage disequilibrium mapping using SNP marker haplotypes: application to a potential locus for schizophrenia at chromosome 22q11

Mol Psychiatry. 2000 Jan;5(1):77-84. doi: 10.1038/sj.mp.4000638.

Abstract

Family-based linkage disequilibrium mapping using SNP markers is expected to be a major route to the identification of susceptibility alleles for complex diseases. However there are a number of methodological issues yet to be resolved, including the handling of extended haplotype data and analysis of haplotype transmission in sib-pair or family trio samples. In the present study, we have analysed two dinucleotide repeat and six SNP markers at the COMT locus at chromosome 22q11, a region implicated in psychosis, for transmission distortion in 198 Chinese schizophrenic family trios. When individual markers were analysed using the TDT, two showed modest evidence of transmission distortion (186C/T, P = 0.04; Val158Met, P = 0.01). Using haplotypes of paired markers analysed by the program TRANSMIT, the most significant P value was 0.001, for the Met158Val and 900ins/delC polymorphisms in the COMT gene. The global P value for the haplotypes of all six SNP markers tested was 0.004, largely a result of the excess transmission of two extended haplotypes which differed at the marker 408C/G. The exclusion of this marker from the analysis gave a global P value of 0.002 and produced a five marker haplotype system which was significant at P = 0.0006. This haplotype consisted of the alleles -287G:186C:Val158:900insC:ARVCF930C, which may represent a background haplotype for the transmission of a schizophrenia susceptibility allele at chromosome 22q11. Our results support the hypotheses that either COMT is itself a susceptibility gene, or more likely that this region of chromosome 22 contains a susceptibility gene that is in linkage disequilibrium with COMT alleles. Molecular Psychiatry (2000) 5, 77-84.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Alleles
  • Asian People / genetics
  • Chromosome Mapping*
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22*
  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Satellite / analysis
  • Family Health*
  • Female
  • Genetic Markers
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Haplotypes
  • Humans
  • Linkage Disequilibrium*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymorphism, Single-Stranded Conformational
  • Schizophrenia / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Satellite
  • Genetic Markers