Mendelian randomization: A biologist's perspective

Abstract

Mendelian randomization (MR) is a statistical technique used by genetic epidemiologists to determine causal effects, i.e. whether a biomarker actually influences disease risk, is it just a statistical association. It uses common genetic polymorphisms with known biological effects (propensity to drink alcohol) or effects that mimic modifiable exposures (raised blood cholesterol). For MR, it is necessary that the genotype only affects the disease status indirectly through its effect on the exposure of interest.

Keywords

• Genetic polymorphism
• Mendelian randomization
• statistics