Extensions to multivariate normal models for pedigree analysis

Abstract

Lange, Westlake & Spence (1976) used the assumption of multivariate normality to apply a likelihood method to the analysis of quantitative traits measured over pedigrees. We now introduce a test of the assumption of multivariate normality and methods for the detection of outlying families and outlying individuals. We also introduce a method for the estimation of effects of measured genetic markers as variance components, a flexible parameterization to estimate effects of shared family environment, and a method to allow for the ascertainment of pedigrees through probands. These innovations have been applied using numerical methods for maximization of the likelihood. Simulation studies and ava..