Mapping eQTL networks with mixed graphical Markov models

Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) mapping constitutes a challenging problem due to, among other reasons, the high-dimensional multivariate nature of gene-expression traits. Next to the expression heterogeneity produced by confounding factors and other sources of unwanted variation, indirect...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Tur Mongé, Imma, 1985-, Roverato, Alberto, Castelo Valdueza, Robert
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión aceptada para publicación
Fecha de publicación:2014
País:España
Institución:Universitat Pompeu Fabra
Repositorio:Repositorio Digital de la UPF
OAI Identifier:oai:repositori.upf.edu:10230/70637
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10230/70637
http://dx.doi.org/10.1534/genetics.114.169573
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:eQTL
Gene network
Exact-likelihood-ratio test
Conditional Gaussian distribution
Mixed graphical Markov model
Descripción
Sumario:Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) mapping constitutes a challenging problem due to, among other reasons, the high-dimensional multivariate nature of gene-expression traits. Next to the expression heterogeneity produced by confounding factors and other sources of unwanted variation, indirect effects spread throughout genes as a result of genetic, molecular, and environmental perturbations. From a multivariate perspective one would like to adjust for the effect of all of these factors to end up with a network of direct associations connecting the path from genotype to phenotype. In this article we approach this challenge with mixed graphical Markov models, higher-order conditional independences, and q-order correlation graphs. These models show that additive genetic effects propagate through the network as function of gene–gene correlations. Our estimation of the eQTL network underlying a well-studied yeast data set leads to a sparse structure with more direct genetic and regulatory associations that enable a straightforward comparison of the genetic control of gene expression across chromosomes. Interestingly, it also reveals that eQTLs explain most of the expression variability of network hub genes.