Integrating Genetics and Omics to Understand Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The availability of comprehensive assessments of specific types of biologically active molecules, referred to as Omics, in large study populations provides unique opportunities for the discovery of new pathobiological mechanisms for complex diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Omics data can assist in identifying key genes that are driving genetic associations to COPD. However, despite substantial progress in delineating the genetic determinants of COPD, the biological networks influencing COPD remain largely undefined. Multiple methods have recently been developed to integrate multiple Omics data and identify key biological networks. These methods are already beginning to provide new insights into COPD pathogenesis and heterogeneity.