Genetics in population health science: Strategies and opportunities

D.W. Belsky, T.E. Moffitt and A. Caspi

American Journal of Public Health, 2013, vol. 103, issue SUPPL.1, S73-S83

Abstract: Translational research is needed to leverage discoveries from the frontiers of genome science to improve public health. So far, public health researchers have largely ignored genetic discoveries, and geneticists have ignored important aspects of population health science. This mutual neglect should end. In this article, we discuss 3 areas where public health researchers can help to advance translation: (1) risk assessment: investigate genetic profiles as components in composite risk assessments; (2) targeted intervention: conduct life-course longitudinal studies to understand when genetic risks manifest in development and whether intervention during sensitive periods can have lasting effects; and (3) improved understanding of environmental causation: collaborate with geneticists on gene-environment interaction research. We illustrate with examples from our own research on obesity and smoking.

Keywords: article; genetic engineering; genetics; genotype environment interaction; human; methodology; obesity; public health; risk assessment; smoking; translational research, Gene-Environment Interaction; Genetic Engineering; Genetic Research; Humans; Obesity; Public Health; Risk Assessment; Smoking; Translational Medical Research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2012.301139_5

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.301139

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