The Schrodi Lab conducts research into the genetic etiology of human disease, performs work to better illuminate likely theoretical models of disease genetics, and develops statistical methods for analyzing genomic data. We synthesize these lines of research into an integrated effort to better understand the specific molecular changes underlying the inherited component of disease traits.
Molecular Interrogation of Immune System and Metabolic Diseases
A functioning immune system is required for competent action against infection and maintenance of overall health. However, sustained inflammation and misdirection of immune responses can lead to a variety of complex diseases including autoimmune conditions, metabolic dysfunction and neurodegeneration. We take non-traditional approaches to mapping genomic regions that play a role in diseases mediated by the immune system and utilize genomic, epigenomic and proteomic methods to do so. Understanding the mechanisms by which some individuals are prone to these conditions gives insight into how therapeutic interventions can be used to remediate these diseases.
Development and Application of New Mapping Methods
We are actively developing new types of disease gene mapping methods. Several of these approaches are based on shared identity-by-descent regions among distantly related individuals.
Disease Genetics Theory
One of the aims of the Schrodi Lab is to understand the genetic architecture of complex diseases. That is, we strive to understand the genomic regions, alleles, modes of inheritance, penetrances, and interactions that give rise to disease susceptibility. Theoretical models play an important role in this effort, providing insight into plausible disease models and suggesting effective experimental designs and analysis methods. This area has not been well-studied in the past. Hence, there are numerous opportunities to advance the field of human genetics through construction and evaluation of these theoretical models.
Statistical Methods for Analysis of Large-Scale Genetics Studies
There are numerous challenges to properly conducting human genetics studies, ranging from multiple testing, to accounting for linkage disequilibrium, to constructing meaningful metrics for combining genetic markers into a predictive model. The Schrodi Lab is actively investigating many of these areas, primarily using probabilistic machinery.