Genome-wide association study of height and body mass index in Australian twin families

Twin Res Hum Genet. 2010 Apr;13(2):179-93. doi: 10.1375/twin.13.2.179.

Abstract

Human height and body mass index are influenced by a large number of genes, each with small effects, along with environment. To identify common genetic variants associated with these traits, we performed genome-wide association studies in 11,536 individuals composed of Australian twins, family members, and unrelated individuals at approximately 550,000 genotyped SNPs. We identified a single genome-wide significant variant for height (P value=1.06x10(-9)) located in HHIP, a well-replicated height-associated gene. Suggestive levels of association were found for other known genes associated with height (P values<1x10(-6)): ADAMTSL3, EFEMP1, GPR126, and HMGA2; and BMI (P values<1x10(-4)): FTO and MC4R. Together, these variants explain less than 2% of total phenotypic variation for height and 0.5% for BMI.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Twin Study

MeSH terms

  • Body Mass Index*
  • Family
  • Female
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genome, Human*
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Twins / genetics