[Genomewide association study: advances, challenges and deliberation].

Genomewide association study (GWAS) is a novel strategy for discovering genetic basis of human complex disease or trait. It utilizes millions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) , which cover the whole genome, to conduct case-control association studies. In recent years, following the newly established Human Genome Project (HGP) and International Human HapMap project, large number of human complex disease/trait associated genetic variants have been identified through GWAS method, which provides important clues for understanding the mechanisms of related disorders. Due to the complexity of these multi-factorial diseases/traits and the complication of GWAS system itself, the GWAS remains many problems. In this review, we will discuss the potential issues in the following aspects as research methods, study subjects, genetic markers and statistical analysis.