This volume details fast-moving research while providing in-depth descriptions of methods and analytical approaches that are helping to understand the genome and how it is related to complex diseases. Chapters guide the reader through common and rare variation, gene-gene and gene-environment interactions and state-of-the-art approaches for the synthesis of genome-wide and gene expression data. Novel approaches for associations in the HLA region, family-based designs, Mendelian Randomization and Copy Number Variation are also presented.  The volume concludes with the challenges researchers face while moving from identifying variants to their functional role and potential drug targets. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, a thorough presentation of methods and approaches and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.