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Genetic variation in metabolic phenotypes: study designs and applications
Karsten Suhre1, Christian Gieger
1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, PO BOX 24144, Doha, Qatar. karsten@suhre.fr
Nature Reviews. Genetics
|October 4, 2012
Summary
Understanding genetic influences on metabolic phenotypes is crucial for complex disorders. Genome-wide association studies and metabolomics reveal genetic contributions to human metabolic individuality, aiding biomedical research.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Metabolomics
- Systems Biology
Background:
- Complex disorders are frequently linked to metabolic phenotypes.
- Understanding the genetic basis of metabolic individuality is essential for deciphering disease etiology.
- Interactions between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors contribute to complex disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of genetic influences on metabolic phenotypes.
- To highlight the application of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and metabolomics in this field.
- To discuss optimal study designs and analytical tools for genotype-phenotype mapping.
Main Methods:
- Coupling genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with metabolomics to analyze large panels of metabolic traits.
- Exploring genetic contributions to human metabolic individuality.
- Reviewing study designs and analytical approaches for genotype-phenotype mapping.
Main Results:
- Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are beginning to unravel the genetic basis of metabolic individuality.
- These studies demonstrate the relevance of genetic influences on metabolic phenotypes for biomedical and pharmaceutical research.
- The coupling of GWAS and metabolomics enables exploration of genetics across large metabolic trait panels.
Conclusions:
- Refining the genotype-phenotype map is critical for understanding genetic influences on metabolic phenotypes.
- Appropriate study designs and analytical tools are paramount for advancing this research.
- This knowledge is vital for systems-wide understanding of complex disorders and their origins.
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