Copy number variants and genetic traits: closer to the resolution of phenotypic to genotypic variability.
A considerable and unanticipated plasticity of the human genome, manifested as inter-individual copy number variation, has been discovered. These structural changes constitute a major source of inter-individual genetic variation that could explain variable penetrance of inherited (Mendelian and polygenic) diseases and variation in the phenotypic expression of aneuploidies and sporadic traits, and might represent a major factor in the aetiology of complex, multifactorial traits. For these reasons, an effort should be made to discover all common and rare copy number variants (CNVs) in the human population. This will also enable systematic exploration of both SNPs and CNVs in association studies to identify the genomic contributors to the common disorders and complex traits.
Beckmann
Jacques S
JS
Department of Medical Genetics, University of Lausanne and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, 2 Avenue Pierre Decker, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland. Jacques.Beckmann@chuv.ch
Estivill
Xavier
X
Antonarakis
Stylianos E
SE
D005260:Female; D018628:Gene Dosage; D005799:Genes, Dominant; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000235:genetics; D014644:Genetic Variation; D015894:Genome, Human; D023281:Genomics / Q000266:history; D005838:Genotype; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019683:Penetrance; D010641:Phenotype; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D014314:Trisomy