Home

Network Biology, 2025, 15(2): 24-47
[XML] [EndNote] [RefManager] [BibTex] [ Full PDF (280K)] [Comment/Review Article]

Article

Mendelian randomization: Principles and methods

WenJun Zhang
School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong, China

Received 8 January 2024;Accepted 19 February 2024;Published online 12 November 2024;Published 1 June 2025
IAEES

Abstract
Mendelian randomization (MR) is a methodology for evaluating causality in observational studies. MR tries to find the fact that genotypes are not susceptible to reverse causation and confounding based on Mendel's law of inheritance. MR may provide information on causality in situations where randomized controlled trials are impossible. In present article, the principles and methods of MR were fully discussed.

Keywords Mendelian randomization;causality;causal inference;genetic association;exposure;outcome;confounder.


International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences. E-mail: office@iaees.org
Copyright © 2009-2025 International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences. All rights reserved.
Web administrator: office@iaees.org, website@iaees.org; Last modified: 2025/5/22


Translate page to: