Community/Scientist Co-Creation of a Testable Genetics Research Question

Special Interest Group | Meeting 4

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During meeting four the Special Interest Group talked through ways to move from co-learning about genetics research, to more specific research questions (hypotheses) that could be tested.

Some key discussion and decision points:

1. Understanding Limitations of the Data: One of the first things we discussed is what we can not do with available All of Us data. For example, Family Linkage Studies are not possible because we don’t have data that ties generations within families together.
2. Exploring Analysis Options: We discussed Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS), Candidate Gene Studies, and Phenome Wide Association (PheWAS)
3. Analysis Selection: There was a consensus around completing a Candidate Gene-specific research approach, both because the procedures are relatively straight forward and because it is within reach with available resources.
4. Localization of analysis: There was high interest in using national data, and then localizing findings to the Milwaukee Metro region from community representatives. Ultimately, the hope is to address local health priorities and see how genetics may be part of the local health story of Milwaukee.
5. Discovery Based Work: Despite the decision to use a Candidate Gene Study approach, there was a strong interest from the group in doing discovery-based work to identify variants that impact health, but are unknown to science at this time.
6. Understanding Assumptions and Sample Size: Common question around what power we have locally/Is our sample-size large enough for the research criteria?