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(Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. 1999;19:2826.)
© 1999 American Heart Association, Inc.

Brief Reviews

Dissecting the Genetic Architecture of Lipids, Lipoproteins, and Apolipoproteins

Lessons From Twin Studies

Harold Snieder; Lorenz J. P. van Doornen; Dorret I. Boomsma

From the Department of Psychophysiology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Correspondence and reprint requests to Dr Harold Snieder, Twin Research Unit, St Thomas’ Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, London, UK, SE1 7EH. E-mail harold.sneider{at}KCL.AC.UK

Abstract—We review the ways in which twin studies have been used to investigate the genetic architecture of lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins. We focus on the age dependency of genetic effects and the importance of pleiotropy for the lipid system. Finally, consequences are discussed of age dependency and pleiotropy for the design and power of twin studies aimed at detecting the actual quantitative trait loci (QTLs) involved. It is concluded that twin studies have played an important role and will remain highly valuable for the elucidation of the genetic architecture of lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins. Twins can efficiently be used to identify the location and function of QTLs. Taking account of pleiotropy and age-dependent gene expression in study design and data analysis will improve the power and efficiency to find these QTLs for components of the lipid system.

Key Words: lipids • genetics • twin studies • age • pleiotropy

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