General models for segregation analysis

Abstract

Theoretical details are given of various oligogenic models for segregation analysis that are available as a general segregation analysis ("GENSEG") package, programmed in FORTRAN iv. The models allow for up to two autosomal loci and one X-linked locus, normally distributed or dichotomous phenotypes, variable age of onset, and various ascertainment functions (including one that allows the probability of becoming a proband to be dependent on the age of onset). Current programs are limited to the analysis of 2-generational data, using the joint likelihood of the sibship and parental phenotypes, unless it can be assumed that the pedigrees being analyzed are a random sample from the population; half-sibships and twins, however, are explicitly allowed.