Affected-only multiplex pedigree analysis of GAW10 problem 2.

From a single extended pedigree simulation replicate, high density, affected only subpedigrees were isolated, based on the T > 40 affected status for the disease trait, Q1. On this sample of 14 pedigrees, with a range of two to six affected members (48 total), we conducted a haplotype based, multilocus, nonparametric genome-wide search of the provided data (367 markers) using the computer program GENEHUNTER. As with most genome screens in complex diseases, the objective of this strategy was to identify regions (hot-spots) which breached our predetermined threshold (p < 0.05), requiring confirmation by other groups or consortia. Of the six regions with threshold breaching scores (p < 0.05), the most promising, on chromosome 8 and chromosome 4, corresponded to the locations of MG2 and MG3. Both of these regions have multiple, consecutive markers above threshold and contained the only scores that exceeded p < 0.01. In addition, a fourth hot-spot consisting of a single marker above threshold, was less than 15 cM from MG1 on chromosome 5. The positions of the remaining three hot-spots did not correspond to the any of the major genes and are therefore false positives. An additional analysis of a single nuclear pedigree simulation replicate, using the extended transmission disequilibrium test (ETDT), was applied to markers in each of the above hot-spot regions to look for evidence of disequilibrium with the disease trait. This analysis provided weak additional support for the chromosome 8 finding, even though the sample was very small (36 pedigrees containing 44 affected offspring).