Genomic searches for genes that influence atherosclerosis and its risk factors.
We are performing genomic searches in randomly ascertained families to identify new quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that influence atherosclerosis and its risk factors. The genetic markers used for genomic searches are random microsatellite markers distributed throughout the human chromosomes. These markers are used for linkage analysis with variance component methods to identify QTLs for measured phenotypes related to lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis. We conducted such a genomic search in 477 participants of the San Antonio Family Heart Study. This genomic search identified QTLs on chromosomes 3 and 4 that influence LDL size class, an important risk factor of atherosclerosis. In addition to lipid risk factors, we measured a variety of gene products involved in atherogenesis in the arterial wall (such as adhesion molecules and components of hemostasis). We found QTLs for serum levels of soluble P-selectin on chromosome 15 (LOD = 3.8) and chromosome 12 (LOD = 2.6).
Hixson
J E
JE
Department of Genetics, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, Texas 78245, USA. jhixson@darwin.sfbr.org
Blangero
J
J
D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D002881:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 12; D002884:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans; D008126:Lod Score; D019007:P-Selectin / Q000235:genetics*; D019655:Quantitative Trait, Heritable; D012307:Risk Factors; D013781:Texas
D005819:Genetic Markers; D019007:P-Selectin