Estimating genetic nurture with summary statistics of multigenerational genome-wide association studies

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2023184118
• Publication Date: 2021-06-15T20:30:16Z
• Authors: Yuchang Wu; Xiaoyuan Zhong; Yunong Lin; Zijie Zhao; Jiawen Chen; Boyan Zheng; James J. Li; Jason M. Fletcher; Qiongshi Lu
• Keywords: Genome-wide Association Study; Genetic Association; Nature versus nurture; Genetic correlation

Significance It has been shown that human genomes can affect phenotype both directly (through inherited genetic variants) and indirectly parents the family environment they create). Due to correlation between parental offspring genotypes, a standard genome-wide association study (GWAS) captures direct indirect effects. In this study, we introduce statistical framework named DONUTS estimate effects using summary statistics from GWAS conducted on own phenotypes. requires only as input, allows differential paternal maternal effects, accounts for sample overlap assortative mating. provides deeper etiological insights complex traits practical guidance future designs.