Work

A nonparametric approach for mapping quantitative trait loci.

Year: 1995

Type: article

Abstract: Genetic mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) is performed typically by using a parametric approach, based on the assumption that the phenotype follows a normal distribution. Many traits of interest, however, are not normally distributed. In this paper, we present a nonparametric approach to QTL mapping applicable to any phenotypic distribution. The method is based on a statistic ZW, which generalizes the nonparametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test to the situation of whole-genome search by interval mapping. We determine the appropriate significance level for the statistic ZW, by showing that its asymptotic null distribution follows an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process. These results provide a robust, distribution-free method for mapping QTLs.

Source: Genetics

DOI: 10.1093/genetics/139.3.1421

Authors: L Kruglyak, E S Lander

Institution: Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research

Language: English

Topic: Genetic Mapping and Diversity in Plants and Animals

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Human Genome Research Institute

Award: G1044086946