Title: “Causal inference using Mendelian randomization: potential issues and novel applications”
Key takeaways:
· Causal interpretation of Mendelian randomization (MR) studies requires a critical appraisal of the MR assumptions and an understanding of the causal effect being estimated.
· Proxying drug effects using the MR framework may be useful first step towards identifying new repurposing opportunities for existing medications.
Bio:
Dr. Khankari is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Genetic Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He received his bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Michigan, a Master’s in Public Health from Wayne State University (Detroit), and his doctorate in Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He completed his postdoctoral work in molecular and genetic epidemiology in cancer at VUMC, during which he was successful in obtaining a K99/R00 award. Dr. Khankari taught “Epidemiology Theory and Methods” in the Epidemiology PhD Program and was awarded a VUMC Teaching Award for his course in 2022. Recently, he also received the Excellence in Mentoring Award in 2023. His research focuses on applying causal inference methodologies, including Mendelian randomization (MR) to elucidate the role of nutrition on cancer risk and survival. Many of his projects have utilized MR methods to proxy nutritional exposures including polyunsaturated fatty acids, and lipids, for various disease outcomes. Recently, he has applied the MR approach to identify opportunities for drug repurposing.