Genome-based prediction of common diseases: methodological considerations for future research.

ABSTRACT: The translation of emerging genomic knowledge into public health and clinical care is one of the major challenges for the coming decades. At the moment, genome-based prediction of common diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and cancer, is still not informative. Our understanding of the genetic basis of multifactorial diseases is improving, but the currently identified susceptibility variants contribute only marginally to the development of disease. At the same time, an increasing number of companies are offering personalized lifestyle and health recommendations on the basis of individual genetic profiles. This discrepancy between the limited predictive value and the commercial availability of genetic profiles highlights the need for a critical appraisal of the usefulne

SUBMITTER: Janssens AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2664953 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature