Examples and outlook of family-based cohort study.
- Author:
Jae Woong SULL
1
;
Sue Kyung PARK
;
Heechoul OHRR
;
Sun Ha JEE
Author Information
1. Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA. jsunha@yuhs.ac
- Publication Type:Multicenter Study ; Original Article
- Keywords:
Family-based cohort study;
transmission disequilibrium test (TDT);
linkage study
- MeSH:
Bias (Epidemiology);
Cohort Studies;
Epigenomics;
Genetic Association Studies;
Genome;
Genome-Wide Association Study;
Heart;
Joints;
Lifting;
Population Characteristics
- From:Korean Journal of Epidemiology
2008;30(1):49-59
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Family-based designs are commonly used in genetic association studies to identify and to locate genes that underlie complex diseases. In this paper, we review two examples of genome-wide association studies using family-based cohort studies, including the Framingham Heart Study and International Multi-Center ADHD Genetics Project. We also review statistical methods of family-based designs, including the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT), linkage analysis, and imprinting effect analysis. In addition, we evaluate the strengths and limitations of the family-based cohort design. Despite the costs and difficulties in carrying out this type of study, a family-based cohort study can play avery important role in genome wide studies. First, the design will be free from biases due to population heterogeneity or stratification. Moreover, family-based designs provide the opportunity to conduct joint tests of linkage and association. Finally, family-based designs also allow access to epigenetic phenomena like imprinting. The family-based cohort design should be given careful consideration in planning new studies for genome-wide strategies.
