A novel path-specific effect statistic for identifying the differential specific paths in systems epidemiology.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Biological pathways play an important role in the occurrence, development and recovery of complex diseases, such as cancers, which are multifactorial complex diseases that are generally caused by mutation of multiple genes or dysregulation of pathways.

Results

We propose a path-specific effect statistic (PSE) to detect the differential specific paths under two conditions (e.g. case VS. control groups, exposure Vs. nonexposure groups). In observational studies, the path-specific effect can be obtained by separately calculating the average causal effect of each directed edge through adjusting for the parent nodes of nodes in the specific path and multiplying them under each condition. Theoretical proofs and a series of simulations are conducted to validate the path-

SUBMITTER: Li H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7414699 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature