A QTL for genotype by sex interaction for anthropometric measurements in Alaskan Eskimos (GOCADAN Study) on chromosome 19q12-13

Obesity (Silver Spring). 2011 Sep;19(9):1840-6. doi: 10.1038/oby.2011.78. Epub 2011 Apr 28.

Abstract

Variation in anthropometric measurements due to sexual dimorphism can be the result of genotype by sex interactions (G×S). The purpose of this study was to examine the sex-specific genetic architecture in anthropometric measurements in Alaskan Eskimos from the Genetics of Coronary Artery Disease in Alaska Natives (GOCADAN) study. Maximum likelihood-based variance components decomposition methods, implemented in SOLAR, were used for G×S analyses. Anthropometric measurements included BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist/height ratio, percent body fat (%BF), and subscapular and triceps skinfolds. Except for WC, mean values of all phenotypes were significantly different in men and women (P < 0.05). All anthropometric measures were significantly heritable (P < 0.001). In a preliminary analysis not allowing for G×S interaction, evidence of linkage was detected between markers D19S414 and D19S220 on chromosome 19 for WC (logarithm of odds (lod) = 3.5), %BF (lod = 1.7), BMI (lod = 2.4), waist/height ratio (lod = 2.5), subscapular (lod = 2.1), and triceps skinfolds (lod = 1.9). In subsequent analyses which allowed for G×S interaction, linkage was again found between these traits and the same two markers on chromosome 19 with significantly improved lod scores for: WC (lod = 4.5), %BF (lod = 3.8), BMI (lod = 3.5), waist/height ratio (lod = 3.2), subscapular (lod = 3.0), and triceps skinfolds (lod = 2.9). These results support the evidence of a G×S interaction in the expression of genetic effects resulting in sexual dimorphism in anthropometric phenotypes and identify the chromosome 19q12-13 region as important for adiposity-related traits in Alaskan Eskimos.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alaska
  • Body Weights and Measures*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / genetics
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / pathology
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 19 / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Humans
  • Inuit / genetics*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity, Abdominal / genetics
  • Obesity, Abdominal / pathology
  • Quantitative Trait Loci*
  • Sex Characteristics*
  • Young Adult