Key research themes
1. How do statistical and methodological challenges affect the detection and interpretation of gene-environment (G×E) interactions in complex traits?
This research theme focuses on critical evaluation of statistical models, study designs, and methodological limitations that influence the detection, replication, and interpretation of gene-environment interactions. Understanding these challenges helps clarify why many reported G×E interactions fail to replicate and how biased inference can arise due to properties of effect measures and data heterogeneity, thereby guiding the development of more robust analytic frameworks.
2. What are the biological and mechanistic bases underlying gene-environment interactions, particularly regarding chromosomal context and regulatory architecture?
Understanding how gene-environment interactions are shaped at the molecular and chromosomal levels is critical to clarifying the mechanisms of phenotypic variation and disease susceptibility. This theme explores how genetic architectures such as X chromosome unique features, cis-regulatory element positional constraints, epigenetic regulation, and nuclear organization modulate gene expression in response to environmental triggers, ultimately affecting G×E dynamics.
3. How can computational and experimental systems genetics approaches integrate gene and environmental data to elucidate G×E interactions across traits and diseases?
This theme investigates the development of integrated databases, software tools, and experimental cohorts that aggregate genetic, environmental, phenotypic, and molecular data allowing systematic detection and functional interpretation of gene-environment interactions. It emphasizes the role of genome-wide data, statistical genomics, and model organisms in facilitating precision medicine and biological insight into complex trait variation caused by G×E.