Non‐Parametric Linkage

Abstract

Model-free methods are commonly used to detect linkage to both dichotomous and quantitative traits. This review begins by discussing the principles underlying model-free methods for detecting linkage, and their merits relative to traditional lod-score methods (see also Chapter 33). Affected sib-pair methods and their extensions to include other typed unaffected relatives and extra affected siblings are discussed, together with model-free methods for the analysis of dichotomous traits on larger pedigrees. Extensions of the methods for the analysis of covariates, multiple marker loci and disease loci are reviewed, together with an investigation of methods for meta-analysis of genome scans. Finally, methods for the analysis of quantitative traits are briefly discussed.