Genome-wide association studies have problems due to confounding: Are family-based designs the answer?

by Alexander Strudwick Young

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) can be affected by confounding. Family-based GWAS uses random, within-family genetic variation to avoid this. A study in PLOS Biology details how different sources of confounding affect GWAS and whether family-based designs offer a solution. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) can be affected by confounding, but family-based GWASs use random, within-family genetic variation to avoid this. This Primer explores a study in PLOS Biology which asks how different sources of confounding affect GWASs and whether family-based designs offer a solution.