Uncovering the Genetic Architecture of Complex Diseases

Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 3:00 PM until 4:00 PMUTC -05:00

Room 298 in Crerar Library
5730 S Ellis Ave
Chicago, IL 60637
United States

Understanding the genetic architecture of complex diseases is a central challenge in human genetics. Disease risk loci identified in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) can account for only a small proportion of the genetic heritability for most complex diseases. By developing new analytical approaches that combined clinical, GWAS, and whole-genome sequencing data from women affected by a common endocrine disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)​, we were able to determine whether various genetic phenomena such as rare noncoding variation and genetic heterogeneity contribute to the disease. Our findings reveal novel insights into the genetic architecture of PCOS that should inform the way complex diseases are studied going forward.​

Speaker: Matt Dapas

Matt Dapas is a PhD candidate studying life sciences and biomedical informatics at Northwestern University. Prior to pursuing his doctorate, Matt was a consultant at Accenture. His BS in biomedical engineering and MS in biotechnology were awarded by Johns Hopkins University.

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