Novel genetic approaches to the resolution of complex diseases

Up to very recent times, genetics as been the science of monogenic disorders based on Mendelian laws. Completion of human genome sequencing as well as that of other species, including mainly the mouse and rat are now providing the opportunity to resolve complex diseases, i.e., those based on several genes and significantly modified by the environment. This complex paradigm, however, requires novel strategies. We propose an integrated use of experimental genetic animal models, with that of relatively isolated human populations with large families and accessible genealogical data. Foreseeably, genetics will be part of this novel medicine in which the prediction of diseases will be based on individual genomic makeup.