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Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Using Cholesky Decomposition to Explore Individual Differences in Longitudinal Relations between Reading Skills
Published on: September 17, 2019
Shared genetic architecture of reading and attention disorders using genomic structural equation modeling
Shiying Wang1, Joan Bosson-Heenan2, Andrew Grotzinger3,4
1Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, US.
This study reveals shared genetic factors between reading disorder (RD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A key genetic locus on chromosome 12 influences both conditions and related traits.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Reading disorder (RD) is a common learning disability.
- RD frequently co-occurs with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Shared genetic factors are suspected to underlie the co-occurrence of RD and ADHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic overlap between RD and ADHD.
- To identify shared genetic influences using genomic structural equation modeling.
- To explore the pleiotropic effects of genetic loci associated with RD and ADHD.
Main Methods:
- Leveraged summary statistics from large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for reading traits and ADHD.
- Employed genomic structural equation modeling to model a common genetic factor.
- Conducted transcriptome-wide association analyses and genetic correlation analyses.
Main Results:
- Identified a significant pleiotropic locus on chromosome 12 (rs7969091) associated with the common genetic factor.
- Found associations between this locus and the expression of RHEBL1 and LMBR1L genes.
- Revealed significant genetic correlations between the common factor and various psychiatric and behavioral traits.
Conclusions:
- The study provides evidence for shared genetic underpinnings between RD and ADHD.
- Identified a specific genetic locus and candidate genes contributing to the shared etiology.
- Highlights the complex genetic architecture of RD and ADHD and their relationship with other traits.
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