Genetics of liver enzymes levels

Background

The liver is a vital organ in the abdomen. It harbors a wide range of functions, from metabolites detoxification to secretion of digestive biochemicals. Three enzymes present in the liver are used as marker for hepatic function, Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (AP) and alanine transaminase (ALT).

Aim

We will try to find genetic determinants of the GGT, ALT and AP levels

Materials and Methods

We will perform and analyse multiple association tests between millions of SNPs throughout the genome and the phenotypes measured in the COLAUS population, a population based study from the Lausanne area comprising more than 5000 individuals. Such approach is called Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS).

Mathematical Tools

Linear regressions, multiple testing corrections

Biological or Medical aspects

The genetics underlying changes in ALT and PA levels is not enterily known and finding new determinants (genes, regulatory elements...) will help to undersrand the physiology behind.

Supervisor

Tanguy Corre