tstrait

tstrait simulates quantitative traits directly on ancestral recombination graphs (ARGs) to enable phenotype simulation for biobank-scale datasets without genotype data export.

Key Features:

• ARG-native trait simulation: Simulates quantitative traits directly on ARGs rather than requiring export to genotype data formats.
• Biobank-scale capability: Simulates phenotypes for large-scale datasets computable on a laptop computer.
• Python library integration: Implemented as an open-source Python library compatible with tskit-based ARG data structures.

Scientific Applications:

• Genome-wide association studies (GWAS): Supports trait simulation for GWAS applications at biobank scale using ARG-based methods.
• Population genetics research: Enables analysis of quantitative traits while preserving ancestral process information encoded in ARGs.
• Statistical genetics methods development: Provides a platform for testing and validating ARG-based analytical methods without information loss from genotype export.

Methodology:

tstrait simulates quantitative traits directly on ancestral recombination graphs using population genetics models, operating on tskit-compatible ARG data structures without intermediate genotype data export.