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Strategies to identify genes for complex diseases
H Zhang1, H Zhao, K Merikangas
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA. heping.zhang@yale.edu
Annals of Medicine
|April 30, 1998
Summary
Identifying genes for complex diseases like cancer and diabetes is challenging. This review covers genetic factors and strategies to improve gene discovery for better understanding of human disorders.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
- Genomics
Background:
- Genes play a crucial role in human diseases and traits.
- Identifying disease-susceptible genes has seen success, but remains challenging for complex diseases.
- Complex diseases like breast cancer, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis have genetic components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for the role of genetic factors in complex diseases.
- To describe strategies for optimizing the identification of genes involved in complex diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on genetic factors in complex diseases.
- Discussion of strategies to enhance gene identification in genetic epidemiological studies.
Main Results:
- Genetic factors are implicated in complex diseases such as breast cancer, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.
- Advances in human genome mapping, statistical methods, and medical science are crucial.
- Improved understanding of disease pathophysiology strengthens genetic epidemiological studies.
Conclusions:
- Continued advances in molecular biology, genomics, and statistical methods are essential.
- Enhanced understanding of disease pathophysiology will improve the identification of the genetic basis of complex human disorders.
- Genetic epidemiological studies are vital for uncovering the genetic underpinnings of complex diseases.