Interactions between Polygenic Scores and Environments: Methodological and Conceptual Challenges

• Published in: Sociological science Vol. 7; no. 19; pp. 365 - 386
• Main Authors: Domingue, Benjamin, Trejo, Sam, Armstrong-Carter, Emma, Tucker-Drob, Elliot
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Society for Sociological Science 01.09.2020
• Subjects: Environment; Environmental Influences; Error of Measurement; Genetics; gene–environment interaction; Genomics; Interaction; Measurement; Methodological problems; polygenic score; Research Methodology; Scientific Research; Scores; Social sciences; gene–environment interaction; polygenic score
• ISSN: 2330-6696; 2330-6696
• DOI: 10.15195/v7.a19

Interest in the study of gene-environment interaction has recently grown due to the sudden availability of molecular genetic data-in particular, polygenic scores-in many long-running longitudinal studies. Identifying and estimating statistical interactions comes with several analytic and inferential challenges; these challenges are heightened when used to integrate observational genomic and social science data. We articulate some of these key challenges, provide new perspectives on the study of gene-environment interactions, and end by offering some practical guidance for conducting research in this area. Given the sudden availability of well-powered polygenic scores, we anticipate a substantial increase in research testing for interaction between such scores and environments. The issues we discuss, if not properly addressed, may impact the enduring scientific value of gene-environment interaction studies.