Analyzing networks of phenotypes in complex diseases: methodology and applications in COPD

BMC Syst Biol. 2014 Jun 25:8:78. doi: 10.1186/1752-0509-8-78.

Abstract

Background: The investigation of complex disease heterogeneity has been challenging. Here, we introduce a network-based approach, using partial correlations, that analyzes the relationships among multiple disease-related phenotypes.

Results: We applied this method to two large, well-characterized studies of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We also examined the associations between these COPD phenotypic networks and other factors, including case-control status, disease severity, and genetic variants. Using these phenotypic networks, we have detected novel relationships between phenotypes that would not have been observed using traditional epidemiological approaches.

Conclusion: Phenotypic network analysis of complex diseases could provide novel insights into disease susceptibility, disease severity, and genetic mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Case-Control Studies
  • Computational Biology / methods*
  • Humans
  • Phenotype*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / genetics*