Mendelian randomization to hypothesis-free causal inference

获得关于疾病原因和对疾病进展的影响的可靠证据是有问题的，因为除了正在研究的因素之外，还有许多其他因素可能影响结果。利用遗传变异来模拟可能导致疾病或影响其进程的潜在可改变因素，已成为一种广泛使用的方法来提高这种理解。被称为“孟德尔随机化”的方法仍在开发中。这项工作方案将有助于加强这一方法的可靠性，特别是研究如何应用这一方法来确定现有疾病的治疗方法。

Obtaining reliable evidence on causes of disease and influences on disease progression is problematic, since many other factors than the ones under study may influence the outcomes. Using genetic variants that mimic potentially modifiable factors that may cause disease or influence its course has become a widely-used approach to improving such understanding. Known as “Mendelian randomization” the methodology is still under development. This programme of work will contribute to strengthening the reliability of the approach, and, in particular, investigate the application to identifying treatments for existing disease.