The FORUM

Genome wide association (GWA) studies

GWA studies represent a powerful new tool for deciphering the role of genetics in human biology and common disease. By analysing hundreds of thousands of locations across the genome and comparing individuals with a specific disease against carefully selected controls, the approach is, for the first time, identifying genetic variations associated with common polygenic diseases.

GWA studies have been made possible by detailed mapping of the genetic sequence and by technological advances that allow the simultaneously, genome-wide comparison of these variations. In the last year, the technique has been successfully applied in studies of diseases of major medical importance such as cancer, diabetes and coronary artery disease.

To showcase the latest findings from this research, the Academy of Medical Sciences held a one-day symposium on GWA studies. The symposium aimed to:

• Highlight the latest research findings from GWA studies

• Consider methodological issues relating to GWA studies.

• Identify barriers to translating GWA findings

• Identify areas where further action may be needed

Speakers’ presentations drew on examples from across a number of disease areas to illustrate the significance of GWA studies to date and the potential they offer for the future. A report of the symposium

is available below.