Whole genome association study: Tobacco consumption in the Cohorte Lausannoise

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Background: The Cohorte Lausannoise (CoLaus) includes more than 6,000 individuals that have been extensively phenotyped for clinical observables related to cardiovascular risk factors and who have been genotyped for about half a million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Goal: The goal of the project is to perform a genome-wide association study that will potentially identify SNPs that are related to tobacco consumption and related phenotypes. Particular emphasis will be put on SNP tagging taste-specific genes such as the TAS2R.

Mathematical tools: The tool of choice for this project is logistic regression analysis. The student will learn the basics of regressing a given phenotype to a genotype and how this analysis is implemented on a computer to handle a large number of SNPs. If time permits the student will explore the effect of other phenotypes as covariables and/or environmental interactions.

Biological or Medical aspects: The “biology supervisor” will provide background of the medical significance of smoking in the general population and in the context of cardiovascular risks.

Supervisor: Pedro Marques-Vidal

References: see Genome Wide Association Studies


(Project in Course: "Solving Biological Problems that require Math")