MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) Seminar Series

Title: Leveraging family information to advance complex trait genomics

Abstract: Fundamental questions about the roles of genes, environments, and their interplay in the development of complex behaviours have traditionally been the domain of quantitative genetic (twin, pedigree, and adoption) designs. More recently, the rapidly growing availability of large genomic datasets has generated exciting new insights. However, there are major stumbling blocks. Across complex traits, it has been difficult to capture the full twin-based heritability with measured DNA, and the genetic influence that has been identified may be confounded with environmental effects. This talk will show how integrating insights and data structures from quantitative genetics into genomics can generate more accurate and novel findings. Further, quantitative genetics could chart the direction for genomic research.

Biography: Rosa Cheesman is a 3rd year PhD student at the Social Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre (King’s College London), supervised by Professors Thalia Eley and Robert Plomin. She is particularly interested in the intergenerational transmission of mental health and socio-economic phenotypes. Rosa is also an identical twin, and until recently was a TEDS participant.

All welcome