Molecular Evolution & Evolutionary Genetics

Genetics of Phenotypic Evolution
The primary research of the Epstein lab involves the development and application of statistical methods for identifying genetic variants within the human genome that increase risk for complex diseases. Current methodological interests focus on the construction of statistical tests for gene mapping that utilize data from large and detailed catalogues of single-nucleotide polymorphisms available in genomewide association studies. The focus of the lab’s applied research involves mapping genetic variants that increase risk for post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and autism.

Recent publications:

• Binder EB, Bradley RG, Liu W, Epstein MP, Deveau TC, Mercer K, Tang Y, Gillepsie CF, Heim CM, Nemeroff CB, Schwartz AC, Cubells JF, Ressler KJ (2008) “Association of FKBP5 Polymorphisms and Childhood Abuse with Risk of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Adults.” Journal of the American Medical Association 299: 1291-1305.
• Kwee LC, Liu D, Lin X, Ghosh D, Epstein MP (2008) “A powerful and flexible multi-locus association test for quantitative traits.” American Journal of Human Genetics 82: 386-397.
• Epstein M.P., Allen A.S., Satten G.A. (2007) “A simple and improved correction for population stratification in case-control studies.” American Journal of Human Genetics 80: 921-930.
• Epstein M.P., Waldman I.W., Satten G.A (2006) “Improved association analyses of disease subtypes in case-parent triads.” Genetic Epidemiology 30: 209-219.
• Epstein MP, Veal CD, Trembath RC, Barker J NWN, Li C, Satten GA (2005) “Genetic association analysis using data from triads and unrelated subjects.” American Journal of Human Genetics, 76: 592-608.