Approved Research

Systematic investigation of interactions between genetic variants underlying human phenome

Lay summary

We all have a set of genetic variants that shape us. These genetic variants actually have different classes and they all contribute to different aspects of us, such as height, weight, hair colour and risks of getting certain diseases and so on. However, we are not sure how they work together in determining these personal characteristics. In this three-year-long study, we would like to use a statistical framework to help us identify genetic variants that can interact with other variants, such as modifying their effects on human diseases. The findings of this research can help us better understand the genetic architecture of human characteristics and better predict the risk of getting certain diseases from the current polygenic risk score method.