Modeling assortative mating and genetic similarities between partners, siblings, and in-laws

Fartein Ask Torvik (), Espen Moen Eilertsen, Laurie J. Hannigan, Rosa Cheesman, Laurence J. Howe, Per Magnus, Ted Reichborn-Kjennerud, Ole A. Andreassen, Pål R. Njølstad, Alexandra Havdahl and Eivind Ystrom
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Fartein Ask Torvik: Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Espen Moen Eilertsen: Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Laurie J. Hannigan: Nic Waals Institute, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital
Rosa Cheesman: University of Oslo
Laurence J. Howe: University of Bristol
Per Magnus: Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Ted Reichborn-Kjennerud: Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Ole A. Andreassen: University of Oslo
Pål R. Njølstad: University of Bergen
Alexandra Havdahl: University of Oslo
Eivind Ystrom: University of Oslo

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Assortative mating on heritable traits can have implications for the genetic resemblance between siblings and in-laws in succeeding generations. We studied polygenic scores and phenotypic data from pairs of partners (n = 26,681), siblings (n = 2,170), siblings-in-law (n = 3,905), and co-siblings-in-law (n = 1,763) in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study. Using structural equation models, we estimated associations between measurement error-free latent genetic and phenotypic variables. We found evidence of genetic similarity between partners for educational attainment (rg = 0.37), height (rg = 0.13), and depression (rg = 0.08). Common genetic variants associated with educational attainment correlated between siblings above 0.50 (rg = 0.68) and between siblings-in-law (rg = 0.25) and co-siblings-in-law (rg = 0.09). Indirect assortment on secondary traits accounted for partner similarity in education and depression, but not in height. Comparisons between the genetic similarities of partners and siblings indicated that genetic variances were in intergenerational equilibrium. This study shows genetic similarities between extended family members and that assortative mating has taken place for several generations.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28774-y

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