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G = E: What GWAS Can Tell Us about the Environment
Suzanne H Gage1,2, George Davey Smith1,3, Jennifer J Ware1,3
1MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) at the University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
Plos Genetics
|February 12, 2016
Summary
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) may identify genetic variants linked to diseases that actually reflect lifestyle factors, not just direct genetic effects. This highlights the need to consider modifiable risks when interpreting genetic findings.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Genomics
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have advanced our understanding of genetic influences on health and behavior.
- GWAS commonly identify genetic variants associated with complex traits and diseases.
- The interpretation of these genetic associations often focuses on direct genetic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the possibility that genetic variants identified in disease GWAS may reflect modifiable risk factors rather than solely direct genetic effects.
- To examine the implications of this possibility for the interpretation of GWAS findings.
- To provide examples from tobacco and alcohol research to illustrate the concept.
Main Methods:
- Review and discussion of existing literature and GWAS findings.
- Illustrative examples from tobacco and alcohol research.
- Conceptual analysis of genetic associations and behavioral phenotypes.
Main Results:
- Genetic variants identified in GWAS of diseases may be associated with behavioral phenotypes influenced by modifiable risk factors.
- Examples from tobacco and alcohol research demonstrate genetic variants predicting behaviors linked to diseases.
- These findings suggest that some GWAS associations might represent indirect effects mediated by lifestyle choices.
Conclusions:
- The interpretation of GWAS findings should consider the potential influence of modifiable risk factors.
- Genetic associations with disease may partially or wholly reflect the impact of lifestyle behaviors.
- Understanding these indirect genetic effects is crucial for accurate genetic risk assessment and public health strategies.
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