MixMAP helps researchers identify genes linked to heart disease

Genes linked to the development of heart disease have been identified by a team of researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

The investigators, led by biostatistician Andrea Foulkes, have used existing databases and applied sophisticated statistical tools to find new information on these genes.

This new approach is called mixed modeling of Meta-Analysis P-values (MixMAP) and is being promoted as a low-cost tool based on the fact it uses public databases that have already been created.

MixMAP works by following a principled statistical modeling framework, which uses genetic association study data to carry out tests at a locus-level association, while also taking into account the structure of the genome.

Ms Foulkes said: "Our method is straightforward to use with freely available computer software and can be applied broadly to advance genetic knowledge of many diseases."

She explained greater uptake of this technique could result in an improved understanding of common disorders and to better health throughout society.