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Last Posted: Apr 25, 2024
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An approach to identify gene-environment interactions and reveal new biological insight in complex traits

From the abstract: " Here, we present a powerful new approach to screen for interactions across the genome, an approach that shares substantial similarity to the Mendelian randomization framework. We identify and confirm 5 loci (6 independent signals) interacted with either cigarette smoking or alcohol consumption for serum lipids, and empirically demonstrate that interaction and mediation are the major contributors to genetic effect size heterogeneity across populations. "

Many roads to a gene-environment interaction.
Kenneth E Westerman et al. Am J Hum Genet 2024 4 (4) 626-635

From the abstract: "Despite the importance of gene-environment interactions (GxEs) in improving and operationalizing genetic discovery, interpretation of any GxEs that are discovered can be surprisingly difficult. There are many potential biological and statistical explanations for a statistically significant finding and, likewise, it is not always clear what can be claimed based on a null result. Here, we provide a detailed explanation of five “phenomena,” or data-generating mechanisms, that can lead to nonzero interaction estimates, as well as a discussion of specific instances in which they might be relevant. "

It’s time to admit that genes are not the blueprint for life The view of biology often presented to the public is oversimplified and out of date.
D Noble, Nature book Review, February 5, 2024

From the article: " When the human genome was sequenced in 2001, many thought that it would prove to be an ‘instruction manual’ for life. But the genome turned out to be no blueprint. In fact, most genes don’t have a pre-set function that can be determined from their DNA sequence. Instead, genes’ activity — whether they are expressed or not, for instance, or the length of protein that they encode — depends on myriad external factors, from the diet to the environment in which the organism develops."

A gene-by-sex interaction contributes to liver disease susceptibility in women
Nature Medicine, October 2, 2023

From the abstract: "Clinical and population-based cohorts revealed an interaction between the inherited PNPLA3 p.I148M variant and female sex in determining liver disease. Transcriptomic and functional studies showed that the mechanism encompasses ERa-dependent upregulation of PNPLA3 in hepatocytes, highlighting a target for precision medicine therapeutics in cisgender women. "

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Disclaimer: Articles listed in the Public Health Genomics and Precision Health Knowledge Base are selected by the CDC Office of Public Health Genomics to provide current awareness of the literature and news. Inclusion in the update does not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor does it imply endorsement of the article's methods or findings. CDC and DHHS assume no responsibility for the factual accuracy of the items presented. The selection, omission, or content of items does not imply any endorsement or other position taken by CDC or DHHS. Opinion, findings and conclusions expressed by the original authors of items included in the update, or persons quoted therein, are strictly their own and are in no way meant to represent the opinion or views of CDC or DHHS. References to publications, news sources, and non-CDC Websites are provided solely for informational purposes and do not imply endorsement by CDC or DHHS.

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