MiRKAT: kernel machine regression-based global association tests for the microbiome

Distance-based tests of microbiome beta diversity are an integral part of many microbiome analyses. MiRKAT enables distance-based association testing with a wide variety of outcome types, including continuous, binary, censored time-to-event, multivariate, correlated and high-dimensional outcomes. Omnibus tests allow simultaneous consideration of multiple distance and dissimilarity measures, providing higher power across a range of simulation scenarios. Two measures of effect size, a modified R-squared coefficient and a kernel RV coefficient, are incorporated to allow comparison of effect sizes across multiple kernels.

Automated summary

MiRKAT enables distance-based association testing for microbiome beta diversity with various outcome types. Omnibus tests allow simultaneous consideration of multiple distance measures, providing higher power across different simulation scenarios. Two measures of effect size are incorporated to allow comparison of effect sizes across multiple kernels.