Genome-wide linkage analysis for ocular and nasal anthropometric traits in a Mongolian population

Anthropometric traits for eyes and nose are complex quantitative traits influenced by genetic and environmental factors. To date, there have been few reports on the contribution of genetic influence to these traits in Asian populations. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic effect and quantitative trait locus (QTL) of seven traits eyes- and nose-related anthropometric measurements in an isolated Mongolian population. Frontal and lateral photographs were obtained from 1,014 individuals (434 males and 580 females) of Mongolian origin. A total of 349 short tandem repeat markers on 22 autosomes were genotyped for each individual. Heritability estimates of the seven ocular and nasal traits, adjusted for significant covariates, ranged from 0.48 to 0.90, providing evidence for a genetic influence. Variance-component linkage analyses revealed 10 suggestive linkage signals on 5q34 (LOD=3.2), 18q12.2 (LOD=2.7), 5q15 (LOD=2.0), 9q34.2 (LOD=1.9), 5q34 (LOD=1.9), 17q22 (LOD=1.9), 13q33.3 (LOD=2.7), 1q36.22 (LOD=1.9), 4q32.1 (LOD=2.1) and 15q22.31 (LOD=2.9). Our study provides the first evidence that genetics influences nasal and ocular traits in a Mongolian population. Additional collaborative efforts will further extend our understanding of the link between genetic factors and human anthropometric traits.