Interactions between polygenic scores and environments: Methodological and conceptual challenges
Benjamin W. Domingue, Sam Trejo, Emma Armstrong‐Carter, Elliot M. Tucker–Drob
Abstract
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 cohort 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 finally offer 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.