Genetics of SDB

Complex genetic diseases such as OSA do not follow Mendelian patterns of inheritance and characteristically involve many genes that interact with many environmental factors. Although rapid advances in the understanding of the genetic basis of other chronic diseases, such as obesity and cardio­vascular disease, have occurred over the previous decade, the genet­ics of OSA remains poorly understood. In part, this is due to the lack of large population-based and clinical cohorts internationally. Such resources are a prerequisite for successful gene discovery. In this chapter, we review the analytic approaches that can be used to detect genes for OSA, including family-based heritability studies, linkage studies, candidate-gene studies, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). In addition, we review the current knowledge of genetics of OSA and the intermediate phenotypes that are important factors increasing susceptibility to OSA.