Genetic data simulators and their applications: An overview

Bo Peng, Huann Sheng Chen, Leah E. Mechanic, Ben Racine, John Clarke, Elizabeth Gillanders, Eric J. Feuer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Computer simulations have played an indispensable role in the development and applications of statistical models and methods for genetic studies across multiple disciplines. The need to simulate complex evolutionary scenarios and pseudo-datasets for various studies has fueled the development of dozens of computer programs with varying reliability, performance, and application areas. To help researchers compare and choose the most appropriate simulators for their studies, we have created the genetic simulation resources (GSR) website, which allows authors of simulation software to register their applications and describe them with more than 160 defined attributes. This article summarizes the properties of 93 simulators currently registered at GSR and provides an overview of the development and applications of genetic simulators. Unlike other review articles that address technical issues or compare simulators for particular application areas, we focus on software development, maintenance, and features of simulators, often from a historical perspective. Publications that cite these simulators are used to summarize both the applications of genetic simulations and the utilization of simulators.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2-10
Number of pages9
JournalGenetic epidemiology
Volume39
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2015

Keywords

  • Genetic simulation
  • Genetic simulation resources
  • Software

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Genetics(clinical)

MD Anderson CCSG core facilities

  • Bioinformatics Shared Resource

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