Point-of-View

Mapping gene-environment interactions at regulatory polymorphisms: Insights into mechanisms of phenotypic variation

Volume 3, Issue 2   March/April 2012
Pages 56 - 62
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/trns.19497
Keywords: gene-environment interaction, polymorphism, regulatory variation, transcription factor binding, transcriptional response
Authors: Joseph C. Maranville, Francesca Luca, Matthew Stephens and Anna Di Rienzo

View affiliations

Abstract:
Genetic effects on gene regulation make a substantial contribution to phenotypic diversity, yet their mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we discuss the potential insights to be gained from mapping gene-environment interactions at regulatory polymorphisms (i.e., genetic variation that affects gene expression under specific environmental conditions). We highlight a novel statistical method to identify specific patterns of gene-environment interaction at these regulatory polymorphisms. Reviewing its application to a study that mapped gene expression in the presence and absence of glucocorticoids, we discuss the mechanistic insights that this approach provides.

Received: December 20, 2011; Accepted: January 26, 2012

Preview:



Advertisements