Co-expression analysis reveals interpretable gene modules controlled by trans-acting genetic variants.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the causal processes that contribute to disease onset and progression is essential for developing novel therapies. Although trans-acting expression quantitative trait loci (trans-eQTLs) can directly reveal cellular processes modulated by disease variants, detecting trans-eQTLs remains challenging due to their small effect sizes. Here, we analysed gene expression and genotype data from six blood cell types from 226 to 710 individuals. We used co-expression modules inferred from gene expression data with five methods as traits in trans-eQTL analysis to limit multiple testing and improve interpretability. In addition to replicating three established associations, we discovered a novel trans-eQTL near SLC39A8 regulating a module of metall

SUBMITTER: Kolberg L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7470823 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature