Full summary statistics for our cis-eQTL, trans-eQTL and eQTS analyses (www.eqtlgen.org) can be used to interpret GWAS, to prioritize putative trait-related genes for in-depth functional studies and to develop methods to perform those tasks. We envision that upcoming statistical tools and frameworks that enable federated analyses in consortia will facilitate conducting highly powered global trans-eQTL studies. This will expand the work presented here and enable a better connection between distal effects on gene expression and complex phenotypes.
