Exploring regulation in tissues with eQTL networks

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1707375114
• Publication Date: 2017-08-30T00:40:24Z
• Authors: Maud Fagny; Joseph N. Paulson; Marieke L. Kuijjer; Abhijeet R. Sonawane; Cho-Yi Chen; Camila M. Lopes-R...; Kimberly Glass; John Quackenbush; John Platig
• Keywords: Gene regulatory network; Trait

Characterizing the collective regulatory impact of genetic variants on complex phenotypes is a major challenge in developing genotype to phenotype map. Using expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analyses, we constructed bipartite networks which edges represent significant associations between and gene levels found that network structure informs function. We show, 13 tissues, these eQTL are organized into dense, highly modular communities grouping genes often involved coherent biological processes. find representing shared processes across as well associated with tissue-specific coalesce around active chromatin regions. Node centrality also informative, global community hubs differing potential likelihood being disease associated.