Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping Using the False Discovery Rate

• Activity Number: 289
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Wednesday, August 14, 2002 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
• Sponsor: Biometrics Section*
• Author(s): Daniel Yekutieli*+ and Yoav Benjamini
• Affiliation(s): Tel-Aviv University and Tel-Aviv University
• Keywords: QTL Mapping ; Multiple Comparisons ; False Discovery Rate

Abstract

Quantitative Trait Loci are genes that affect quantitative traits. Discovery of QTL is achieved through a series of individual statistical tests, each testing the effect of the genotype at a given locus on one of many quantitative traits. The problem of multiple comparisons is the main statistical problem in QTL mapping; some researchers even stressed that the resolution of this problem has important consequences on the future of the field.

Our approach to the multiplicity problem inherent to QTL mapping is controlling for the False Discovery Rate. The FDR is a new and a less conservative measure of type I error in multiple comparisons. Thus, FDR controlling procedures offer more power than conventional FWE controlling procedures, especially in large multiple-comparison problems where the conventional approach lacks power.

In the presentation, we shall discuss the validity of the existing FDR controlling procedures in QTL mapping and present a new hierarchical FDR controlling procedure for pinpointing the position of the QTL, with as much precision as possible. We shall apply these procedures to experimental data.