Systems Genetics Analysis of Obesity in a Porcine Model using WISH Network Method

Abstract Text: High-throughput genotype data have been extensively used to investigate the biological and genetic background of complex traits, such as obesity. However, results explaining complete genetic variation are limited. Systems genetics approaches are increasingly used to elucidate more of the currently limited knowledge of complex traits. Weighted Interaction SNP Hub (WISH) network method is a novel tool which is able to elucidate underlying biology and capture potential causal variants. Here we studied obesity, using systems genetics approaches in an F2 pig population. We created an Obesity Index (OI) based on multi-trait selection indexes containing nine obesity-related phenotypes, to perform a GWAS and WISH network analysis. WISH detected several modules associated with OI. Functional annotation revealed several genes (e.g. NPC2) and pathways (e.g. the insulin signaling pathway) which were (in-)directly related to obesity. This study shows the potential for systems genetics analysis of high-throughput genotype data for obesity.

Keywords: Animal Model