Testing replication of a 5-SNP set for general cognitive ability in six population samples
Michelle Luciano1, Penelope A Lind, Ian J Deary
1Department of Psychology, MRC Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. michelle.luciano@ed.ac.uk
European Journal of Human Genetics : EJHG
|May 22, 2008
Summary
A set of five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously linked to cognitive ability in children was re-examined. The study found no significant association between these SNPs and general cognitive ability across diverse populations.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- A prior study identified a five-single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) set associated with general cognitive ability in a large cohort of 7-year-old children.
- The identified SNPs were discovered via microarray analysis and targeted sequencing of brain-expressed genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the association between the five-SNP set and general cognitive ability.
- To investigate the generalizability of the initial finding across diverse populations and age groups.
Main Methods:
- Replication study involving six independent population samples from Australia, the UK, and the Netherlands.
- Meta-analysis incorporating effect size heterogeneity to combine results from all samples.
Main Results:
- The largest sample (N=1310) showed a trend towards significance (P=0.06) in the original direction.
- Results from smaller samples were inconsistent.
- The overall meta-analysis yielded a non-significant correlation (r=-0.01, P=0.57).
Conclusions:
- The five-SNP set previously associated with general cognitive ability was not replicated in the studied populations.
- The findings suggest that the initial association may not be robust or generalizable.
Related Concept Videos
01:05Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs
A single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP is a single nucleotide variation at a specific genomic position in a large population. It is the most prevalent type of sequence variation found in the human genome. Point mutations that occur in more than 1% of the population qualify as SNPs. These are present once every 1000 nucleotides on an average in the human genome. Replacement of a purine with another purine (A/G) or a pyrimidine with another pyrimidine (C/T) is known as a transition. In contrast,...
01:11Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
Genome-wide association studies or GWAS are used to identify whether common SNPs are associated with certain diseases. Suppose specific SNPs are more frequently observed in individuals with a particular disease than those without the disease. In that case, those SNPs are said to be associated with the disease. Chi-square analysis is performed to check the probability of the allele likely to be associated with the disease.
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
01:23Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
Behavior genetics explores how genetic inheritance influences human behavior. It focuses on how genes, passed from parents to offspring, contribute to the development of behavioral traits and tendencies. This branch of genetics seeks to understand the complex interplay between inherited genetic factors and environmental influences in shaping our behaviors.
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
02:26Comparing Copy Number Variations and SNPs
Sequencing of the human genome has opened up several best-kept secrets of the genome. Scientists have identified thousands of genome variations that exist within a population. These variations can be a single nucleotide or a larger chromosomal variation.
Copy number variations or CNVs are the structural variations that cover more than 1kb of DNA sequence. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), on the other hand, is a single nucleotide change or a point mutation that is found in more than 1%...
Copy number variations or CNVs are the structural variations that cover more than 1kb of DNA sequence. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), on the other hand, is a single nucleotide change or a point mutation that is found in more than 1%...