| Citation | Trudy Mackay has made major contributions to understanding the genetic and molecular basis of variation in quantitative traits by integrating new methods into classical biometric approaches. She applied transposon tagging, recombination mapping, genetic complementation tests, and whole genome transcript profiling in Drosophila to identify novel genes affecting morphology, lifespan and behaviour. She demonstrated that the effects of genes on complex traits are conditional on the genetic and environmental background, and identified molecular polymorphisms associated with naturally occurring genetic variation. Her work provides guidelines for analysis of complex traits and candidate genes for studying homologous traits in other species, including humans. |