Power analysis for genome-wide association studies.
BACKGROUND
Genome-wide association studies are a promising new tool for deciphering the genetics of complex diseases. To choose the proper sample size and genotyping platform for such studies, power calculations that take into account genetic model, tag SNP selection, and the population of interest are required.


RESULTS
The power of genome-wide association studies can be computed using a set of tag SNPs and a large number of genotyped SNPs in a representative population, such as available through the HapMap project. As expected, power increases with increasing sample size and effect size. Power also depends on the tag SNPs selected. In some cases, more power is obtained by genotyping more individuals at fewer SNPs than fewer individuals at more SNPs.


CONCLUSIONS
Genome-wide association studies should be designed thoughtfully, with the choice of genotyping platform and sample size being determined from careful power calculations.
Klein
Robert J
RJ
Program in Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, USA. kleinr@mskcc.org
D019295:Computational Biology; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005819:Genetic Markers; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D015894:Genome, Human; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008957:Models, Genetic; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
D005819:Genetic Markers