Multi-tissue and network models for next-generation EQTL studies

Univ Of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill NC

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Abstract

Project Summary The long-term objective of this research proposal is to provide a framework, and statistical and computational tools, to advance the analysis and understanding of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) in single and multi-tissue studies, and to elucidate the genotypic basis of differences between tissues. The proposal is divided into four Aims: (1) to develop bipartite extensions of statistical tools from the analysis of networks that can enhance the identification of distal (trans) eQTLs; (2) to develop new statistical methods for fast eQTL association mapping that provide reliable estimates of effect size; (3) to extend our existing multi-tissue eQTL procedure into a High-Tissue modeling platform capable of handling existing data sets with 20 to 30 tissues; and (4) to develop gene-based statistical models for eQTL analysis. Development of the proposed methods will be driven by recent, large-scale eQTL studies in which the investigators have played key roles. The resulting computational tools will address current, critical shortcomings in the analysis of these new data sets, and will have broad utility for the wider eQTL analysis community.