reviewAnnual Review of Genomics and Human GeneticsMay 4, 2015BRONZE OA

Mendelian Randomization: New Applications in the Coming Age of Hypothesis-Free Causality

DMDavid M. EvansGDGeorge Davey Smith

Translational Research Institute · The University of Queensland · +1 more institution

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefpubmed

Abstract

Mendelian randomization (MR) is an approach that uses genetic variants associated with a modifiable exposure or biological intermediate to estimate the causal relationship between these variables and a medically relevant outcome. Although it was initially developed to examine the relationship between modifiable exposures/biomarkers and disease, its use has expanded to encompass applications in molecular epidemiology, systems biology, pharmacogenomics, and many other areas. The purpose of this review is to introduce MR, the principles behind the approach, and its limitations. We consider some of the new applications of the methodology, including informing drug development, and comment on some promising…

Citation impact

578
total citations
FWCI
21.23
Percentile
100%
References
161
Citations per year

Authors

2

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Mendelian randomization
  • Causality (physics)
  • Pharmacogenomics
  • Causal inference
  • Computer science
  • Data science
  • Econometrics
  • Biology
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Good health and well-being
No related works found for this paper.

Funding