Epidemiology and Genetic Epidemiology

Abstract

The Handbook for Statistical Genetics is widely regarded as the reference work in the field. However, the field has developed considerably over the past three years. In particular the modeling of genetic networks has advanced considerably via the evolution of microarray analysis. As a consequence the 3rd edition of the handbook contains a much expanded section on Network Modeling, including 5 new chapters covering metabolic networks, graphical modeling and inference and simulation of pedigrees and genealogies. Other chapters new to the 3rd edition include Human Population Genetics, Genome-wide Association Studies, Family-based Association Studies, Pharmacogenetics, Epigenetics, Ethic and Insurance. As with the second Edition, the Handbook includes a glossary of terms, acronyms and abbreviations, and features extensive crossreferencing between the chapters, tying the different areas together. With heavy use of up-to-date examples, real-life case studies and references to web-based resources, this continues to be must-have reference in a vital area of research.

Statistical validation of endophenotypes using a surrogate endpoint analytic analogue

“…One possible alternative is to use generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) [Breslow and Clayton, 1993;Burton and Tobin, 2003]. When a phenotype is continuous, GLMMs are the typical variance component analysis of quantitative traits.…”

“…It then requires heritability of the phenotype becomes null, conditioning on the putative endophenotype; and it implies genetic heritability of the phenotype is captured by the endophenotype. Given a phenotype of continuous measurements, significance of (2) can be judged through the following variance component model for quantitative traits [Burton and Tobin, 2003]:…”