Prospects of genetic epidemiology in the 21st century.
Genetic epidemiology is a young but rapidly developing discipline. Although its early years were largely dedicated to family-based research in monogenic disorders, now genetic-epidemiologic research increasingly focuses on complex, multifactorial disorders. Along with the development of the human-genome map and advances in molecular technology grows the importance of genetic-epidemiologic applications. Large-scale population-based studies, requiring close integration of genetic and epidemiologic research, determine future research in the field. In this paper, we review the basic principles underlying genetic-epidemiologic research, such as molecular genetics and familial aggregation of disease, as well as the typical study approaches of genome screening and candidate-gene studies.
Dekker
Marieke C J
MC
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
van Duijn
Cornelia M
CM
D015982:Bias; D002874:Chromosome Mapping / Q000379:methods; D015340:Epidemiologic Research Design; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D005544:Forecasting; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics; D005820:Genetic Testing; D005828:Genetics, Population; D006801:Humans; D008967:Molecular Biology / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D017720:Molecular Epidemiology / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D010375:Pedigree; D011634:Public Health; D018570:Risk Assessment