Sample interview questions: How do you approach identifying candidate genes for specific traits or diseases?
Sample answer:
Association Studies:
- Genome-wide association studies (GWAS): Identify genomic regions associated with traits by comparing genetic variants in affected individuals to controls.
- Candidate gene association studies: Test specific genes based on prior knowledge or biological plausibility.
Linkage Analysis:
- Identify genomic regions linked to traits within pedigrees (families).
- This approach focuses on identifying regions where affected family members share common genetic variants.
Animal Models:
- Create animal models of human diseases or traits to study genetic influences.
- Use techniques like mutagenesis or gene knockout/insertion to identify genes involved in specific phenotypes.
Bioinformatics:
- Analyze large datasets of genetic information using computational methods.
- Search for patterns, identify candidate genes, and predict gene function using sequence analysis, gene expression studies, and gene ontology databases.
Functional Studies:
- Perform laboratory experiments to investigate the role of candidate genes in specific traits or diseases.
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