Molecular Epidemiology and Evolution Research Programme
Project title:
THE GENETIC BASIS OF COMPLEX TRAITS: STATISTICAL MODELLING AND ANALYSIS
Short description of the research project:
Advances in molecular genetic methods, statistical theory and computing have allowed for new approaches to the analysis of complex diseases and other kinds of quantitative variation in populations. The purpose of the statistical gene mapping methods is to find and localise genes responsible for the phenotypic variation, by using genetic marker maps. The number and the positions of the loci, their relative contribution to the variation, genotype-environment interactions, and the mode of gene action can be analysed. These techniques are well established for crosses between inbred homozygous lines, but applications to random mating highly heterozygous populations are only now being developed. Within this research project, we combine expertise in Bayesian statistical theory and methods, human molecular genetics, and plant quantitative and population genetics to develop this area in Finland.
The Finnish population structure, combined with the medical infrastructure and a high level of expertise in molecular genetics, provide a unique setting for this research. The well studied plant systems where basic quantitative variation has been characterised and the molecular methods are being improved allow for good possibilities of mapping adaptively and economically important traits. Developing and testing the appropriate statistical methods for more efficient QTL mapping will take place in a sound biological context.
This project will result in improved methods for gene mapping of complex traits, in an efficient transfer of expertise between the three participating research groups with distinct (but overlapping) backgrounds, and the development of well trained scientists in biostatistics which is much needed in Finland.
Project coordinator/Principal investigator:
Professor Elja Arjas, Rolf Nevanlinna Institute (RNI), University of Helsinki, e-mail Elja.Arjas@RNI.Helsinki.Fi
Co-principal investigators:
Professor Leena Peltonen (Palotie), Department of Human Molecular Genetics (DHMG), National Public Health Institute, Finland, and UCLA School of Medicine, USA
Professor Outi Savolainen, Department of Biology (DBO), University of Oulu
Further information regarding activities relating to this project available from:
RNI: http://www.rni.helsinki.fi/biometry
DBO:
DHMG: http://www.ktl.fi/molbio/
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