|
|
|
GEMS Program Overview
What is Genetic Epidemiology?
Genetic Epidemiology is the scientific discipline that deals with the
analysis of the familial distribution of traits, with a view to understanding
any possible genetic basis. However, one cannot study genes except
as they are expressed in people living in certain environments, and one
cannot study environmental factors except as they affect people who have
certain genotypes. Genetic Epidemiology is a uniquely interdisciplinary
field that seeks to understand both the genetic and environmental factors
and how they interact to produce various diseases and traits in humans.
These studies are carried out in relatively large samples of subjects from
relevant populations, thus, the population history and dynamics often come
into play. Population dynamics alter the frequency and distribution
of both genetic and environmental factors, and thus, their net effect on
the phenotype of interest. Some population characteristics also can
be exploited for the purposes of gene discovery and mapping because the
history has affected the genomic structure in a way that specific genotypes
associated with disease can be identified.
Human diseases have been the focal point of genetic epidemiologic studies
and recent efforts are directed toward complex disorders such as coronary
heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cancer, atopy and allergies, and
neurological and psychiatric disorders, to name a few. It is commonly
thought that an understanding of the genetic underpinnings of such diseases
will revolutionize medicine in the 21st century enabling better preventive
measures, diagnosis, prognosis, and novel treatments. Given progress
in the Human Genome Project, in computing power, and in the creation of
powerful statistical methods of analysis, we are poised to shepherd this
revolution. It is an exciting time in science, and opportunities
for careers in genetic epidemiology abound.
|
|
|
Genetic Epidemiology Masters of Science (GEMS) Program,
Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Biostatistics,
Campus Box 8067, 660 South
Euclid, St. Louis, MO 63110-1093.
Phone (314)-362-1052, Fax: (314) 362-2693, Contact
© Content copyright 2001-2007 GEMS • webmaster
|
|
