Statistical Genetics

In statistical genetics, our primary emphasis is the development of methodology for gene detection, location and characterisation. Two projects in this area are currently supported by the Wellcome Trust: one is to develop more general methods for the analysis of data from family based association studies, and the other is to develop methodology to predict the functional importance of genetic variants. GlaxoSmithKline is sponsoring a project on the effects of population stratification on genetic association studies. Two further projects are getting underway under the Department of Trade and Industry’s LINK programme in Applied Genomics. One, funded by the MRC and collaboration with Solexa Inc, involves investigating the benefits of whole-genome data in genetic association studies. The other, funded by the BBSRC and in collaboration with Masterfoods and the Kennel Club, involves modelling the population genetics of various dog breeds in order to facilitate canine genetic association studies. Members of the group are also collaborating on a large BHF-funded candidate-gene study that is currently getting underway to help understand the genetic architecture of insulin resistance, a major factor in heart disease as well as metabolic disorders (see Lolipop study, below).

Extending family-based tests of association and linkage to complex phenotypes as exemplified by systemic lupus eruthematosus, and to haplotype-based analyses

Statistical prediction of the functional consequences of single nucleotide polymorphisms