THE ROLE OF SMOOTHING TECHNIQUES IN THE INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS FROM GENOMIC SCANS USING SIB-PAIR DATA

We compare the results of genomic scans conducted with the Haseman-Els ton sib-pair method using either (1) the average marker information fr om several adjacent loci or (2) each marker individually. Under smooth ing, the squared sib-pair trait difference is regressed on the average number of alleles shared identical by descent averaged at several adj acent loci. This results in a significant decrease in the number of fa lse-positives when compared to the individual marker approach. Linkage of Q4 to MG4 was found only with smoothing but not the individual mar ker approach. Overall, smoothing resulted in the loss of two true link ages. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.