Identification of blood eQTLs in older adults

Abstract

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been successful in identifying genetic variation associated with a wide range of phenotypes. However, more detailed knowledge of their functional significance is required to provide insights into the molecular mechanisms involved. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that influence gene expression (Expression Quantitative Trait Loci-eQTLs) may be one such functional mechanism. As gene expression may change over the lifespan, it is important to identify eQTLs for specific age groups. In this study, we aimed to identify blood eQTLs in older adults. Peripheral blood was collected from participants of the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study (Sydney MAS, N..