Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Mapping Alzheimer's Disease Variants to Their Target Genes Using Computational Analysis of Chromatin Configuration
Published on: January 9, 2020
Genome-wide association studies: a powerful tool for neurogenomics
Matthew C Cowperthwaite1, Deepankar Mohanty, Mark G Burnett
1NeuroTexas Institute, St. David's Medical Center, Austin, Texas 78705, USA. matthew.cowperthwaite@stdavids.com
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are becoming crucial for neurosurgeons. This review covers practical and theoretical issues in using GWAS for neurological disease research and genetic testing.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Genome-wide association studies (GWA) are increasingly powerful tools.
- These studies are becoming vital for diagnosing and treating neurological diseases.
- Neurosurgical conditions are a key focus for GWA research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings in GWA studies for neurological diseases.
- To discuss practical and theoretical issues in GWA data analysis for neurosurgeons.
- To enhance clinician understanding of GWA research in neurosurgery.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent GWA study findings.
- Discussion of data gathering and analysis challenges.
- Focus on genetic markers and their association with disease.
Main Results:
- GWA studies test hundreds of thousands of genetic markers across the genome.
- Thousands of individuals are often included in GWA studies.
- Significant associations between markers and diseases are identified.
Conclusions:
- GWA studies hold significant promise for understanding neurological diseases.
- These studies can lead to new genetic tests for clinical use.
- Understanding GWA study methodologies is crucial for neurosurgeons.
More Related Videos
08:22A Novel Strategy Combining Array-CGH, Whole-exome Sequencing and In Utero Electroporation in Rodents to Identify Causative Genes for Brain Malformations
Published on: December 1, 2017
08:27Large-Scale Multi-Omics Genome-Wide Association Studies (Mo-GWAS): Guidelines for Sample Preparation and Normalization
Published on: July 27, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
Genetic Screens
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which result in visible changes...
Genomics
Evolutionary Relationships through Genome Comparisons
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs