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Elucidating cis- and trans-regulatory variation using genetical genomics.
Robert Sladek1, Thomas J Hudson
1McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, 740 Ave Dr. Penfield, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 1A4.
Trends in Genetics : TIG
|March 28, 2006
Summary
Genetic variation influences traits and disease risk by altering gene expression. Identifying genome-wide trans-regulatory networks, which control gene expression, is challenging but advancing with new mouse models and computational tools.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Systems Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Genetic variation impacts biological phenotypes and disease susceptibility through gene regulatory networks.
- Previous research identified cis-acting polymorphisms affecting gene expression but struggled with genome-wide identification of trans-regulatory effects.
- Trans-regulatory effects are globally important but individually small, posing identification challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the challenge of identifying genome-wide trans-regulatory networks.
- To leverage novel computational methods and intercrossed mouse strains for studying gene regulation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized segregating populations to characterize gene expression variation.
- Employed well-established assays to identify cis-acting polymorphisms.
- Applied novel computational methods and intercrossed mouse strains to study trans-regulatory networks.
Main Results:
- Characterized genetic variation in gene expression.
- Identified numerous cis-acting polymorphisms.
- Provided examples of trans-regulatory networks through innovative approaches.
Conclusions:
- Genetic variation plays a crucial role in shaping phenotypes and disease risk.
- New methodologies are enabling the genome-wide identification of challenging trans-regulatory networks.
- Advances in mouse models and computational biology are crucial for understanding complex gene regulation.