Inference of the genetic architecture underlying BMI and height with the use of 20,240 sibling pairs

Evidence that complex traits are highly polygenic has been presented by population-based genome-wide association studies (GWASs) through the identification of many significant variants, as well as by family-based de novo sequencing studies indicating that several traits have a large mutational target size. Here, using a third study design, we show results consistent with extreme polygenicity for body mass index (BMI) and height. On a sample of 20,240 siblings (from 9,570 nuclear families), we used a within-family method to obtain narrow-sense heritability estimates of 0.42 (SE = 0.17, p = 0.01) and 0.69 (SE = 0.14, p = 6 x 10(-)(7)) for BMI and height, respectively, after adjusting for covariates. The genomic inflation factors from locus-specific linkage analysis were 1.69 (SE = 0.21, p = 0.04) for BMI and 2.18 (SE = 0.21, p = 2 x 10(-10)) for height. This inflation is free of confounding and congruent with polygenicity, consistent with observations of ever-increasing genomic-inflation factors from GWASs with large sample sizes, implying that those signals are due to true genetic signals across the genome rather than population stratification. We also demonstrate that the distribution of the observed test statistics is consistent with both rare and common variants underlying a polygenic architecture and that previous reports of linkage signals in complex traits are probably a consequence of polygenic architecture rather than the segregation of variants with large effects. The convergent empirical evidence from GWASs, de novo studies, and within-family segregation implies that family-based sequencing studies for complex traits require very large sample sizes because the effects of causal variants are small on average.

Growth of Mycobacterium smegmatis in minimal and complete media

The growth patterns of Mycobacterium smegmatis SN2 in a minimal medium and in nutrient broth have been compared. The growth was monitored by absorbancy (Klett readings), colony forming units, wet weight and content of DNA, RNA and protein. During the early part of the growth cycle, the bacteria had higher wet weight and macromolecular content in nutrient broth than in minimal media. During the latter half of the growth cycle however, biosynthesis stopped much earlier in nutrient broth and the bacteria had a much lower content of macromolecules than in the minimal medium. In both the media, a general pattern of completing biosynthesis rapidly in the initial phase and a certain amount of cell division at a later time involving the distribution of preformed macromolecules was seen. The possible adaptive significance of this observation has been discussed.

Marker development for genes controlling mango tree architecture

Identification of candidate genes controlling, mango tree architecture.

Exterior view of expressionist painter Emil Luethy's home; Gotthardstr. 41 (Basel?) Architecture Residences Exterior

Handwritten on verso: zu obest mein Atelier (My studio on the top floor)

Rudolf and Antoinette von Kahler in living room; Vienna-Doebling Architecture; Residences

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Albert Einstein's Weekend Home; Caputh, near Berlin Architecture; Residences; Exterior

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Deck; Albert Einstein's Weekend Home; Caputh, near Berlin Architecture; Residences; Exterior

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Study; Albert Einstein's Weekend Home; Caputh, near Berlin Architecture; Residences; Interior

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Staircase; Albert Einstein's Weekend Home; Caputh, near Berlin Architecture; Residences; Interior

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Albert Einstein's Weekend Home; Caputh, near Berlin Architecture; Residences; Exterior

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Deck; Albert Einstein's Weekend Home; Caputh, near Berlin Architecture; Residences; Exterior

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View from Deck; Albert Einstein's Weekend Home; Caputh, near Berlin Architecture; Residences; Exterior

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Elsa Einstein with unidentified woman sitting on the porch of Albert Einstein's Weekend Home; Caputh, near Berlin Architecture; Residences; Exterior

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