A gene-based association method for mapping traits using reference transcriptome data.

ABSTRACT: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified thousands of variants robustly associated with complex traits. However, the biological mechanisms underlying these associations are, in general, not well understood. We propose a gene-based association method called PrediXcan that directly tests the molecular mechanisms through which genetic variation affects phenotype. The approach estimates the component of gene expression determined by an individual's genetic profile and correlates 'imputed' gene expression with the phenotype under investigation to identify genes involved in the etiology of the phenotype. Genetically regulated gene expression is estimated using whole-genome tissue-dependent prediction models trained with reference transcriptome data sets. PrediXcan enjoys the benefi

SUBMITTER: Gamazon ER 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4552594 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature