Analysis of Complex Disease Association Studies: A Practical Guide

According to the National Institute of Health, a genome-wide association study is defined as any study of genetic variation across the entire human genome that is designed to identify genetic associations with observable traits (such as blood pressure or weight), or the presence or absence of a disease or condition. Whole genome information, when combined with clinical and other phenotype data, offers the potential for increased understanding of basic biological processes affecting human health, improvement in the prediction of disease and patient care, and ultimately the realization of the promise of personalized medicine. In addition, rapid advances in understanding the patterns of human genetic variation and maturing high-throughput, cost-effective methods for genotyping are providing powerful research tools for identifying genetic variants that contribute to health and disease.

This burgeoning science merges the principles of statistics and genetics studies to make sense of the vast amounts of information available with the mapping of genomes. In order to make the most of the information available, statistical tools must be tailored and translated for the analytical issues which are original to large-scale association studies. Analysis of Complex Disease Association Studies will provide researchers with advanced biological knowledge who are entering the field of genome-wide association studies with the groundwork to apply statistical analysis tools appropriately and effectively. With the use of consistent examples throughout the work, chapters will provide readers with best practice for getting started (design), analyzing, and interpreting data according to their research interests. Frequently used tests will be highlighted and a critical analysis of the advantages and disadvantage complimented by case studies for each will provide readers with the information they need to make the right choice for their research. Additional tools including links to analysis tools, tutorials, and references will be available electronically to ensure the latest information is available.

Easy access to key information including advantages and disadvantage of tests for particular applications, identification of databases, languages and their capabilities, data management risks, frequently used testsExtensive list of references including links to tutorial websitesCase studies and Tips and Tricks

Chapter 1 Genetic architecture of complex disease Chapter 2 Population genetics and linkage disequilibrium Chapter 3 Genetic association study design Chapter 4 Selection of SNPs Chapter 5 Genotype calling Chapter 6 Data handling Chapter 7 Data quality control Chapter 8 Single-locus tests of association for population-based studies Chapter 9 Population structure Chapter 10 Haplotype-based methods Chapter 11 Interaction analyses Chapter 12 Copy number variant analysis Chapter 13 Analysis of family-based association studies Chapter 14 Bioinformatics approaches Chapter 15 Interpreting association signals Chapter 16 Delineating association signals Chapter 17 Case study: obesity Chapter 18 Case study: rheumatoid arthritis