Conceptualisation of Gene-Environment- Interaction and their Meaning for the Prevention of Disease

Explorative Study

The influence of single genetic risk factors on prevalent diseases such as diabetes, arteriosclerosis, Alzheimer or cancer is – despite specific exceptional cases – rather small. Additionally, it is modulated through other factors. Against this backdrop and in view of the possible implementation of the concept of genetic risk factors in the healthcare system, the following questions must be asked (amongst others):

1. How is the interaction of genetic and environmental factors conceptualised in the models and analysis procedures of genetic epidemiology?
2. Which consequences are there in the identification and clinical-prognostic detection of genetic risk factors in view of the preventive measures and lifestyle recommendations for the individuals?
3. Which recommendations can be derived from genetic epidemiological findings for those whom the prevention strategies are directed?
4. Which consequences does the detection and (preventive) consideration of genetic risk factors carry for the allocation of resources in the healthcare system? The core of the research concentrates on the gaining of (scientific) knowledge, which could identify genetic risk factors first for the understanding of diseases, their causes as well as their development and second, for the design of potential preventive strategies personalised for individuals or groups of individuals. As of yet, comparable questions have been discussed at least on a general level. The project aims to analyse concrete examples taken from reports on these prevalent diseases.

http://www.uni-hamburg.de/fachbereiche-einrichtungen/fg_ta_med/gene_umwelt_e.html