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Using Genetically Informed Prevention Trials to Test Gene × Environment Hypotheses

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Gene-Environment Transactions in Developmental Psychopathology

Abstract

In this chapter, I describe research in which prevention science principles are combined with genomic science to produce gene × intervention (G × I) research. I note the roles of molecular genetics in risk mechanisms for drug use and describe the results of first-generation genetically informed prevention trials that my colleagues and I have undertaken. I next describe second-generation research that focused on G × I effects on mediators or intermediate processes. This research can be used to further understanding of etiological processes, to identify individuals’ responses to risk, and to increase the precision of prevention programs. The chapter ends with a discussion of caveats about using genetic data to select intervention participants.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Family Research, University of Georgia, 1095 College Station Road, Athens, GA, 30602-4527, USA

    Gene H. Brody

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  1. Gene H. Brody
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Correspondence to Gene H. Brody .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Youth-Nex Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

    Patrick H. Tolan

  2. Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA

    Bennett L. Leventhal

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Brody, G.H. (2017). Using Genetically Informed Prevention Trials to Test Gene × Environment Hypotheses. In: Tolan, P., Leventhal, B. (eds) Gene-Environment Transactions in Developmental Psychopathology. Advances in Development and Psychopathology: Brain Research Foundation Symposium Series, vol 2. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49227-8_11

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