Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have identified thousands of genomic regions associated with complex diseases and traits. Any associated region may contain thousands of genetic variants with complex correlation structure. Therefore, one of the next challenges is fine-mapping that aims to pinpoint individual variants and genes that have a direct effect on the trait. This step is crucial for fully exploiting the potential of GWAS: to unveil molecular biology of complex traits and, eventually, provide targets for therapeutic interventions. For a recent review on fine-mapping, see Spain and Barrett (2015).
