Using recursive partitioning for exploration and follow-up of linkage and association analyses

We first conducted a genome-wide screen for association with discordant sib ships using the multi allelic and diallelic SDT. Markers at D4S1628, D8S110 9, D9S66 and D7S1797 showed multi-allelic association. Deleterious dialleli c association was found for markers at D1S1613, D1S534, D3S2459, D7S1817, a nd D9S131. Protective association was found at markers D8S1109, D8S1136, an d D9S66. We then incorporated these findings with previous linkage findings in the exploration of oligogenes and epistasis using recursive partitionin g. We conclude that recursive partitioning can be a useful adjunct to tradi tional linkage and association analyses in the exploration of these effects . (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.