Indirect Genetic Effects: A Cross-disciplinary Perspective on Empirical Studies

2021/10/11 by Amelie Baud, Sarah McPeek, Sarah J. McPeek +3 · 46 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Artificial intelligence #Biology #Computer science #Cross disciplinary #Data science #Discipline #Empirical research #Epistemology #Evolutionary biology #Genetic Associations and Epidemiology #Genetic Mapping and Diversity in Plants and Animals #Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock #Perspective (graphical) #Social science #Sociology

paper · open access · doi:10.1093/jhered/esab059

published in Journal of Heredity 113(1), 1-15 (Oxford University Press)

openalex publication_date 2021/10/11 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23

Abstract

Indirect genetic effects (IGE) occur when an individual's phenotype is influenced by genetic variation in conspecifics. Opportunities for IGE are ubiquitous, and, when present, IGE have profound implications for behavioral, evolutionary, agricultural, and biomedical genetics. Despite their importance, the empirical study of IGE lags behind the development of theory. In large part, this lag can be attributed to the fact that measuring IGE, and deconvoluting them from the direct genetic effects of an individual's own genotype, is subject to many potential pitfalls. In this Perspective, we describe current challenges that empiricists across all disciplines will encounter in measuring and understanding IGE. Using ideas and examples spanning evolutionary, agricultural, and biomedical genetics, we also describe potential solutions to these challenges, focusing on opportunities provided by recent advances in genomic, monitoring, and phenotyping technologies. We hope that this cross-disciplinary assessment will advance the goal of understanding the pervasive effects of conspecific interactions in biology.

Citations

• Observational Study of Behavior: Sampling Methods
• Applications of next generation sequencing in molecular ecology of non-model organisms
• The quantitative genetics of indirect genetic effects: a selective review of modelling issues
• The Covariance between Relatives for Characters Composed of Components Contributed by Related Individuals

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