Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been transformative in elucidating the genetic landscape of human disease, defining hundreds of common and rare genetic variants that contribute to the development of disease. The challenge to date, however, lies in understanding the biological mechanisms that underlie these genetic associations and identification of key targets for therapeutic intervention. Circulating small molecule biomarkers provide an opportunity to bridge the gap between large-scale genetics data and biological understanding.
In this session, we will discuss approaches for the comprehensive assay of small molecule biomarkers on a population-scale and application of these biomarkers to elucidate mechanisms linking genetic variants and human disease.
Learning objectives:
•Discover how small molecule biomarkers can provide the missing link between genetics data and high-quality understanding of mechanisms of disease
•See examples of how the mapping of small molecule biomarkers informs on biological processes linking genetic variants and disease; provides read outs of genetic targeting; and allows for discovery of new biological targets