Genome-wide complex trait analysis: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 18:14, 6 November 2020

Revision as of 07:55, 13 February 2021

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== Interpretation ==

GCTA estimates are often misinterpreted as "the total genetic contribution", and since they are often much less than the twin study estimates, the twin studies are presumed to be biased and the genetic contribution to a particular trait is minor.<ref>[https://www.independentsciencenews.org/health/still-chasing-ghosts-a-new-genetic-methodology-will-not-find-the-missing-heritability/ "Still Chasing Ghosts: A New Genetic Methodology Will Not Find the 'Missing Heritability'"], Charney 2013</ref>{{rs?|date=November 2020}} This is incorrect, as GCTA estimates are lower bounds.{{cn|date=February 2021}}

A more correct interpretation would be that: GCTA estimates are the expected amount of variance that could be predicted by an indefinitely large GWAS using a simple additive linear model (without any interactions or higher-order effects) in a particular population at a particular time given the limited selection of SNPs and a trait measured with a particular amount of precision. Hence, there are many ways to exceed GCTA estimates: