A framework for the investigation of pleiotropy in two‐sample summary data Mendelian randomization

Mendelian randomization (MR) uses genetic data to probe questions of causality in epidemiological research, by invoking the Instrumental Variable (IV) assumptions. In recent years, it has become commonplace to attempt MR analyses by synthesising summary data estimates of genetic association gleaned from large and independent study populations. This is referred to as two-sample summary data MR. Unfortunately, due to the sheer number of variants that can be easily included into summary data MR analyses, it is increasingly likely that some do not meet the IV assumptions due to pleiotropy. There is a pressing need to develop methods that can both detect and correct for pleiotropy, in order to preserve the validity…

• UO
  University of Bristol
• MR
  Medical Research Council

  Awards: MC_EX_MR/L012286/1, MR/N501906/1, MCUU12013/1, MR/N501906/1