title: Multilocus genetic models of handedness closely resemble single-locus models in explaining family data and are compatible with genome-wide association studies.
abstract: Right- and left-handedness run in families, show greater concordance in monozygotic than dizygotic twins, and are well described by single-locus Mendelian models. Here we summarize a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) that finds no significant associations with handedness and is consistent with a meta-analysis of GWASs. The GWAS had 99% power to detect a single locus using the conventional criterion of P < 5 × 10(-8) for the single locus models of McManus and Annett. The strong conclusion is that handedness is not controlled by a single genetic locus. A consideration of the genetic architecture of height, primary ciliary dyskinesia, and intelligence suggests that handedness inheritance can be explained by a multilocus variant of the McManus DC model, classical effects on family and twins being barely distinguishable from the single locus model. Based on the ENGAGE meta-analysis of GWASs, we estimate at least 40 loci are involved in determining handedness.
authors: Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom. i.mcmanus@ucl.ac.uk
authors: I C
authors: IC
authors: McManus
authors: Angus
authors: A
authors: Davison
authors: John A L
authors: JA
authors: Armour
mesh_terms: D005190:Family; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000235:genetics*; D055106:Genome-Wide Association Study; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008957:Models, Genetic
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