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This protocol describes how to appropriately design a genetic association case-control study, either focusing on a candidate gene (CG) or region or implementing a genome-wide approach. The steps described involve: (i) defining the case phenotype in adequate detail; (ii) checking the heritability of the disease in question; (iii) considering whether a population-based study is the appropriate design for the research question; (iv) the appropriate selection of controls; (v) sample size calculations and (vi) giving due consideration to whether it is a de novo or replication study. General guidelines are given, as well as specific examples of a CG and a genome-wide association study into type 2 diabetes. Software and websites used in this protocol include the International HapMap Consortium website, Genetic Power Calculator, CaT, and SNPSpD. Running each of the programs takes only a few seconds; the rate-limiting steps involve thinking through the designs and parameters in the disease models.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/nprot.2007.366

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nat Protoc

Publication Date

2007

Volume

2

Pages

2492 - 2501

Keywords

Case-Control Studies, Epidemiologic Research Design, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Genomics, Humans, Patient Selection, Polymorphism, Genetic, Sample Size, Software