Gene-environment interaction in genome-wide association studies

Am J Epidemiol. 2009 Jan 15;169(2):219-26. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwn353. Epub 2008 Nov 20.

Abstract

It is a commonly held belief that most complex diseases (e.g., diabetes, asthma, cancer) are affected in part by interactions between genes and environmental factors. However, investigators conducting genome-wide association studies typically test for only the marginal effects of each genetic marker on disease. In this paper, the authors propose an efficient and easily implemented 2-step analysis of genome-wide association study data aimed at identifying genes involved in a gene-environment interaction. The procedure complements screening for marginal genetic effects and thus has the potential to uncover new genetic signals that have not been identified previously.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Case-Control Studies
  • Environment*
  • Epidemiologic Methods
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Markers
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genome, Human*
  • Genome-Wide Association Study*
  • Humans
  • Odds Ratio
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

Substances

  • Genetic Markers