The Claussnitzer Laboratory specializes in converting GWAS-associated genetic risk loci for metabolic diseases and traits into functions (Variants-to-Function, V2F). GWAS dissection is a layered problem, and the Claussnitzer lab has worked towards a five-step model to address key questions for GWAS dissection applicable to any human phenotype or disease.
The epigenome works with transcription factors to produce the proper pattern of gene expression at the proper developmental time-point for the proper cell type and state. This layer of control is dysregulated is disease. By comparing the epigenomic landscapes of normal and diseased cells, we can find differences that may be responsible for pathology.