Linkage Disequilibrium Score Statistic Regression for Identifying Novel Trait Associations

AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this paper, we review the linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSR) statistical method for computing correlation and shared heritability between complex polygenetic traits.Recent FindingsApplications of the LDSR method have been prominent and wide ranging, building off the abundance of GWAS summary statistic data available both publicly and privately. LDSR has provided insight into the shared genetic architecture of many complex diseases, including anxiety disorders, psychiatric disorders, neurologic disorders, and many cancers including lung, breast, and pancreatic cancer. A recent HDL method development complements LDSR for more precise genetic correlation that estimates utilizing summary statistics with smaller sample sizes.SummaryGenetic correlation analysis provides a powerful tool for rapidly studying many potential genetically influenced factors to identify novel host factors that influence disease development. The LDSR method is a useful and effective approach for determining the genetic correlation between traits. The method is computationally efficient and robust to some sources of spurious association.
Source: Current Epidemiology Reports - Category: Epidemiology Source Type: research