title: [Genome-wide association studies: methodology and interpretation for clinicians].
abstract: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are performed to find associations between genetic variants (i.e. single-nucleotide polymorphisms) and diseases. This review describes the basic principles of GWAS. To date, GWAS have identified thousands of genetic variants associated with complex diseases and biological characteristics such as LDL cholesterol levels. GWAS can provide important insights into the underlying mechanisms of complex diseases and biological characteristics, thereby aiding the development of biomarkers and potentially pinpointing novel drug targets.
authors.affiliation: Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht.
authors.forename: Folkert W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Asselbergs
authors.forename: Sander W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: van der Laan
authors.forename: Paul I W
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: de Bakker
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D055106:Genome-Wide Association Study; D006801:Humans; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D057285:Precision Medicine
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers