PGS Distribution Analysis

Compare score distributions across different cohorts or PGS IDs using interactive visualizations.

Configuration

Analysis Type

PGS ID

Score Type

Chart Type

Density Plot

Histogram

Box Plot

Plot Title

Cohorts

Active Cohorts

No cohorts added yet

Distribution Plot

Configure your analysis and click "Generate Plot" to visualize the distributions.

Overview

The Distribution Analysis tool allows you to compare polygenic score distributions in two ways:

Compare Cohorts: View how the same PGS varies across different population groups
Compare PGS Scores: Compare distributions of multiple PGS for the same cohort

Analysis Types

1. Compare Cohorts (Same PGS)

Purpose: Compare how a single polygenic score is distributed across different population groups or custom cohorts.

Steps:

Select "Compare Cohorts" from Analysis Type
Choose a PGS ID from the dropdown
Select a score type (SUM, Z_MostSimilarPop, Z_norm1, or Z_norm2)
Select cohorts from the available options
Generate your visualization

Tip: This is ideal for studying differences between population groups or identifying patterns across different study cohorts.

2. Compare PGS Scores (Same Cohort)

Purpose: Compare distributions of multiple PGS within the same population group.

Steps:

Select "Compare PGS Scores" from Analysis Type
Choose a cohort from the dropdown
Select a score type (all PGS will use the same type)
Select multiple PGS IDs from the available options
Generate your visualization

Tip: Useful for comparing related traits or validating multiple PGS for the same phenotype.

Visualization Types

Density Plot

Smooth distribution curves showing probability density

Histogram

Binned counts showing frequency distribution

Box Plot

Statistical summary with quartiles and outliers

Available Cohorts

Cohorts are pre-defined groups of samples that allow you to compare distributions across different populations or study groups. These cohorts are created using the Indiana Biobank system and are imported into the system. We automatically load the computed ancestry cohorts in every session.

Score Type Selection

Choose the appropriate normalization based on your analysis goals:

SUM

Raw polygenic score values. Use when you need the actual calculated scores without normalization.

Z_MostSimilarPop

Normalized by ancestry group. Best for cross-population comparisons.

Z_norm1

Continuously normalized for mean. Use for ancestry-adjusted analyses.

Z_norm2

Normalized for both mean and standard deviation. Most standardized form.

Typical Workflow

Choose Analysis Type: Decide whether to compare cohorts or PGS scores
Select Data: Pick your PGS ID(s) and/or cohort(s)
Configure Visualization: Choose chart type and score normalization
Generate Plot: Create your interactive visualization
Explore Results: Use the interactive features, view metadata, and download data
Export: Save your plots as HTML or view in new tab for presentations

PGS Distribution Analysis

Configuration

Cohorts

Active Cohorts

PGS Management

Active PGS IDs (0)

Distribution Plot

PGS Metadata

Sample Scores

PGS Distribution Analysis

Configuration

Cohorts

Active Cohorts

PGS Management

Active PGS IDs (0)

Distribution Plot

PGS Metadata

Sample Scores

Create New Database

Add Temporary Score Data

Session Information