A genome-wide association study of global gene expression:
We found that 15,084 transcripts (28%) representing 6,660 genes had narrow-sense heritabilities (H^2) > 0.3. We executed genome-wide association scans for these traits and found peak lod scores between 3.68 and 59.1. The most highly heritable traits were markedly enriched in Gene Ontology descriptors for response to unfolded protein (chaperonins and heat shock proteins), regulation of progression through the cell cycle, RNA processing, DNA repair, immune responses and apoptosis. SNPs that regulate expression of these genes are candidates in the study of degenerative diseases, malignancy, infection and inflammation. We have created a downloadable database to facilitate use of our findings in the mapping of complex disease loci.
And, Population genomics of human gene expression:
Genetic variation influences gene expression, and this variation in gene expression can be efficiently mapped to specific genomic regions and variants...We find that gene expression is heritable and ...
