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Published on: August 24, 2013
Genotype to phenotype: lessons from model organisms for human genetics.
1EMBL-CRG Systems Biology, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) and UPF, Carrer Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. ben.lehner@crg.eu
Nature Reviews. Genetics
|January 30, 2013
Summary
Predicting individual disease risk from genome sequences alone is often impossible. Combining genetic data with in vivo biological measurements is crucial for accurate human genetic predictions.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Systems Biology
- Quantitative Genetics
Background:
- Accurate prediction of phenotypic variation, including disease risk, from individual genome sequences is a significant challenge in genetics.
- Understanding the limitations of whole-genome reverse genetics is essential for advancing personalized medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies in model organisms relevant to predicting phenotypic variation from genome sequences.
- To explore the reasons why accurate genetic predictions for individuals may be impossible in many cases.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies in model organisms focusing on whole-genome reverse genetics.
- Analysis of the interplay between genetic information and biological states.
Main Results:
- Studies in model organisms demonstrate the limitations of predicting phenotypic variation solely from genome sequences.
- The complexity of biological systems often precludes accurate predictions based on genetics alone.
Conclusions:
- Accurate genetic predictions for individual humans require integrating genomic data with in vivo measurements of biological states.
- A combined approach is necessary to overcome the inherent complexities in predicting phenotypes from genotypes.
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