Commentary: lessons from molecular genetic studies on reporting false-positive results
Grant W. Montgomery
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia. Email: g.montgomery1@uq.edu.au
Reproduction, Fertility and Development 32(16) 1298-1300 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD20281
Submitted: 19 October 2020 Accepted: 21 October 2020 Published: 23 November 2020
Abstract
Poor replication of published research results is the subject of debate. A common problem is the failure to adequately account for multiple testing issues. In this regard, the evolution of mapping studies to identify genetic risk factors for common diseases has been instructive. Large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) reliably detect the genetic factors with small effects that contribute to risk for many common diseases. GWAS superseded candidate gene studies from the previous decade and looking back, almost no genetic risk factors reported from earlier candidate gene studies replicate in the GWAS results. Candidate gene studies often used small samples and failed to appreciate and adequately account for the multiple testing issues. The failure to replicate results from most candidate gene studies highlights the importance of study power and appropriate statistical analysis to prevent publication of false-positive results.
Keywords: gene expression, genetics, genotyping, reproduction.
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