6 April 2018
Yoav Gilad
Department of Human Genetics
University of Chicago
Regulatory variation plays a central role in the genetics of complex traits, however it remains challenging to determine which variants in the genome impact gene regulation. Since 2007, we have used a panel of 70 unrelated HapMap Yoruba individuals to develop a model system for studying the genetic variants that drive variation in gene regulation. We have characterized a wide range of cellular phenotypes in these individuals, thus creating an unparalleled resource for studying links between genetic variation and regulation. I will discuss the insights we have learned from this system and more generally, our current understanding of gene regulation and the gene regulatory code. I will then focus on the (quite a few ... ) remaining open questions and challenges and my views on how to take steps to revolve them.