Will the real disease gene please stand up?
2005

Identifying True Disease Genes in Genetic Studies

Sample size: 100 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Neil Shephard, Sally John, Lon Cardon, Mark I McCarthy, Eleftheria Zeggini

Primary Institution: University of Manchester

Hypothesis

Can different analytical approaches effectively discern real associations in genetic studies?

Conclusion

Using comprehensive assays in large datasets is the most effective strategy for identifying true disease genes.

Supporting Evidence

  • Haplotype-based analyses did not significantly improve results over single-point analysis.
  • Multiple testing correction methods were generally over-conservative.
  • Replication of nominally positive results in a second dataset was less stringent.
  • Comprehensive assays in large datasets were the most effective for identifying true disease genes.

Takeaway

This study looked at how to find real disease genes by using different methods and found that testing a lot of samples helps a lot.

Methodology

Linkage analysis and association studies were performed using simulated datasets and various statistical methods.

Potential Biases

The methods used for multiple testing corrections were conservative, potentially masking true disease genes.

Limitations

The study did not account for biological mechanisms that could influence gene prioritization.

Participant Demographics

The study involved populations from Aipotu, Karangar, and Danacaa.

Statistical Information

P-Value

< 1 × 10-5

Confidence Interval

2.07–2.68

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2156-6-S1-S66

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