Identifying parent-of-origin effects and their impact on complex traits. (2018–2020)
Abstract:
This project aims to systematically identify genetic variants whose effects depend on whether they were inherited
from the mother or the father, and to assess their impact on complex human traits. Most gene mapping studies to
date assume that the effects of genetic variants are equal regardless of the parent of origin, thus have not
explored this source of genetic variation. However, animal studies indicate that parent-of-origin specific effects
(POEs) are important contributors to variability of developmental and behavioural traits. Leveraging genetic and
epigenetic data from some of the world¿s largest cohorts, this project aims to improve our understanding of POEs
on complex human traits related to early development, growth and behavior.