Gene-environment correlations: a review of the evidence and implications for prevention of mental illness.

ABSTRACT: Family studies have demonstrated genetic influences on environmental exposure: the phenomenon of gene-environment correlation (rGE). A few molecular genetic studies have confirmed the results, but the identification of rGE in studies that measure genes and environments faces several challenges. Using examples from studies in psychology and psychiatry, we integrate the behavioral and molecular genetic literatures on rGE, describe challenges in identifying rGE and discuss the implications of molecular genetic findings of rGE for future research on gene-environment interplay and for attempts to prevent disease by reducing environmental risk exposure. Genes affect environments indirectly, via behavior and personality characteristics. Associations between individual genetic variants and behavio

SUBMITTER: Jaffee SR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3703541 | biostudies-literature | 2007 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature