Analytical and empirical approaches in large-scale association studies. (360G-Wellcome-079557_Z_06_Z)

The proposed research will focus on design and power aspects related to the implementation and analysis of genome-wide association (GWA) studies. Initial goals will be (a) to evaluate the relationship between tag-set selection and downstream analysis methods, and (b) to identifyoptimal strategies for combining results and defining replication across GWA scans. Both represent unresolved issues of clear relevance to ongoing GWA studies. These studies, which extend my previous work in this field, will make use of both simulated and empirical large-scale datasets. A subsequent goal will be application of the findings to the analysis and interpretation of large-scale association studies being conducted in the sponsoring department (including the International type 2 Diabetes 1q Consortium and Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium). In the later stages of the Fellowship, I would aim to address further related issues, including second-stage design and optimal analysis strategy selection. On a personal level, the aim of the Fellowship period willbe to establish myself as an independent researcher within the field of statistical genetics. To further my personal development, and to realise the research goals, I will spend part of the Fellowship with collaborating groups in the USA (at the Broad, and University of Michigan).