Exploring data from genetic association studies using Bayesian variable selection and the Dirichlet process: application to searching for gene × gene patterns.

We construct data exploration tools for recognizing important covariate patterns associated with a phenotype, with particular focus on searching for association with gene-gene patterns. To this end, we propose a new variable selection procedure that employs latent selection weights and compare it to an alternative formulation. The selection procedures are implemented in tandem with a Dirichlet process mixture model for the flexible clustering of genetic and epidemiological profiles. We illustrate our approach with the aid of simulated data and the analysis of a real data set from a genome-wide association study. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.