Background

The identification of genes involved in human behaviour is challenging. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have shown evidence of genetic contribution in relation to human traits including smoking behaviour and suicidal behaviour (http://www.genome.gov/gwastudies/). We have recently published a study showing a strong (P less than 10^-20) association between rs17822931, a functional SNP located in the ABCC11 gene, and deodorant usage (Rodriguez et al., 2013). A detailed analysis in ALSPAC showed a 5-fold over-representation of AA homozygous in categories of never using deodorant or using it unfrequently. Previous studies offer a biological basis for this association, since there are clear-cut differences in secretion of odour precursors dependent on rs17822931 genotype.

Two remarkable findings in relation to the behaviour of axillary deodorant use were that nearly 80% of European genetically non-odorous still use deodorant, whereas one in 20 individuals genetically odorous did not use it. This opens the possibility of a more complex scenario to explain the genetic basis of this human behaviour. To explore this possibility, an analysis of association at the whole genome level would therefore be required. However, a genome-wide analysis of genetic factors associated with deodorant usage has not been performed to date.

Aim

To conduct a (GWAS) in relation to deodorant usage in ALSPAC

Approach

We will perform a standard GWAS using genome-wide SNP data and phenotypic data already available in ALSPAC. Our proposal does not require the generation of new additional data.

Reference

Rodriguez S, Steer CD, Farrow A, Golding J, Day IN. 2013. Dependence of Deodorant Usage on ABCC11 Genotype: Scope for Personalized Genetics in Personal Hygiene. J Invest Dermatol. 2013 Jan 17. doi: 10.1038/jid.2012.480.