Robust genetic linkage analysis based on a score test of homogeneity: The weighted pairwise correlation statistic

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Abstract
In testing genetic linkage using large or complex pedigrees, robust methods may be preferred to the Lod‐score method. The affected‐pedigree‐member method is robust but does not use the information available in nonaffected subjects, which results in a loss of power. We propose a new test of genetic linkage based on a score test of homogeneity derived from a random effect model. The statistic is simple and uses only pairs of subjects. In contrast with the affected‐pedigree‐method, it uses all the available pairs and does not depend on the marker alleles frequencies. A rank version of this weighted pairwise correlation statistic is proposed, its exact first and second moment derived. We show that for age‐dependent diseases, it provides a simple nonparametric test.