Genetic Effects on Environmental Vulnerability to Disease: Novartis Foundation Symposium 293 (Repost)

Much research has attempted to show direct linear relations between genes and disorder. However, scientists have been discouraged by inconsistent findings based on this simple gene-phenotype approach. The alternative approach is to incorporate information about the environment. A gene-environment interaction approach assumes that environmental pathogens cause disorder, whereas genes influence susceptibility to environmental pathogens. This book brings together contributions from experts from multiple disciplines who discuss: How epidemiological cohort studies can better integrate physiological (mechanistic) measures; How best to characterise subjects’ vulnerability versus resilience by moving beyond single genetic polymorphisms; How gene hunters can benefit from recruiting samples selected for known exposures; How environmental pathogens can be used as tools for gene hunting; How to deal with potential spurious (statistical) interactions, and How genes can help explain fundamental demographic properties of disorders (e.g. sex distribution, age effects). Content: Chapter 1 Introduction: Whither Gene–Environment Interactions? (pages 1–12): Michael RutterChapter 2 Gene–Environment Interaction: Overcoming Methodological Challenges (pages 13–30): Rudolf UherChapter 3 Gene–Environment Interaction and Behavioral Disorders: A Developmental Perspective Based on Endophenotypes (pages 31–47): Marco Battaglia, Cecilia Marino, Michel Maziade, Massimo Molteni and Francesca D'AmatoChapter 4 Use of Monozygotic Twins to Investigate the Relationship between 5HTTLPR Genotype, Depression and Stressful Life Events: An Application of Item Response Theory (pages 48–67): Naomi R. Wray, William L. Coventry, Michael R. James, Grant W. Montgomery, Lindon J. Eaves and Nicholas G. MartinChapter 5 Role of Gene–Stress Interactions in Gene?Finding Studies (pages 71–86): Harold Snieder, Xiaoling Wang, Vasiliki Lagou, Brenda W. J. H. Penninx, Harriette Riese and Catharina A. HartmanChapter 6 Practice and Public Policy in the Era of Gene–Environment Interactions (pages 87–102): Kenneth A. DodgeChapter 7 Gene–Environment Interaction and the Metabolic Syndrome (pages 103–121): Kristi B. Adamo and Frederique TessonChapter 8 Longitudinal Studies of Gene–Environment Interaction in Common Diseases—Good Value for Money? (pages 128–142): Stephen P. Robertson and Richie PoultonChapter 9 Gene–Environment Interactions in Breast Cancer (pages 143–155): Kee?Seng ChiaChapter 10 Unbiased Forward Genetics and Systems Biology Approaches to Understanding how Gene–Environment Interactions Work to Predict Susceptibility and Outcomes of Infections (pages 156–167): Malak Kotb, Nourtan Fathey, Ramy Aziz, Sarah Rowe, Robert W. Williams and Lu LuChapter 11 Gene–Environment Interactions in Environmental Lung Diseases (pages 168–180): Steven R. Kleeberger and Hye?Youn ChoChapter 12 Gene–Environment Interaction in Complex Diseases: Asthma as an Illustrative Case (pages 184–197): Fernando D. MartinezChapter 13 Conclusions: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead (pages 198–205): Michael Rutter