Casual inference in observational epidemiology: looking into mechanism

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Casual inference in observational epidemiology: looking into mechanism's image

Description:	Berzuini, C (Stats Lab) Monday 26 September 2011, 14:40-14:50


Created:	2011-10-04 10:36
Collection:	Design and Analysis of Experiments Cambridge Statistics Initiative 2011
Publisher:	Isaac Newton Institute
Copyright:	Berzuini, C
Language:	eng (English)


Abstract:	We propose a method for the study of gene-gene, gene-environment and gene-treatment interactions which are interpretable in terms of mechanism. Tests for detecting mechanistic - as opposed to 'statistical' - interactions have been previously proposed, but they are meaningful only if a number of assumptions and conditions are verified. Con- sequently, they are not always applicable and, in those situations where they are, their validity depends on an appropriate choice of stratifying variables. This paper proposes a novel formulation of the problem. We illustrate the method with the aid of studies where evidence from case-control studies of genetic association is combined with information from biological experiments, to elucidate the role of specific molecular mechanism (au- tophagy, ion channels) in susceptibility to specific diseases (Crohn's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis).

Abstract:

We propose a method for the study of gene-gene, gene-environment and gene-treatment interactions which are interpretable in terms of mechanism. Tests for detecting mechanistic - as opposed to 'statistical' - interactions have been previously proposed, but they are meaningful only if a number of assumptions and conditions are verified. Con- sequently, they are not always applicable and, in those situations where they are, their validity depends on an appropriate choice of stratifying variables. This paper proposes a novel formulation of the problem. We illustrate the method with the aid of studies where evidence from case-control studies of genetic association is combined with information from biological experiments, to elucidate the role of specific molecular mechanism (au- tophagy, ion channels) in susceptibility to specific diseases (Crohn's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis).

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