Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Statistical Genetics

Center Director: Eden Martin, PhD

Dr. Martin is a statistical geneticist whose expertise applies to the mapping genes for complex diseases using linkage disequilibrium methods. Her research has focused on extensions of the transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT) for linkage and association studies in nuclear families. She developed the Pedigree Disequilibrium Test (PDT) for analysis of linkage disequilibrium in general pedigrees, and recently developed the APL test for haplotype analysis. In addition to methodological developments, Dr. Martin is involved in studies of several disorders, including Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and autism.

The CGESG provides state-of-the-art analytic methodology to discover human disease genes. The Center includes faculty researchers with expertise in genetic epidemiology and statistical genetics as they relate to human disease.

Genetic Epidemiology Core
The Genetic Epidemiology Core in the CGESG includes faculty involved in the research of human genetic disease with a focus on analytic approaches. Areas of interest include:

• Disease-gene mapping studies
• Environmental factors in genetic diseases
• Modifying factors
• Pharmacogenomics
• Cohort studies

Statistical Programming Core
The Statistical Programming Core includes faculty members with research focusing on statistical methods in human genetics studies. Areas of interest include:

• Methods development for disease gene mapping
• Expression and functional analysis methods
• Population genetics methods as they relate to understanding genetic variation in human disease
• Large-scale statistical analysis methods