Abstract
Approaches to the study of the genetic basis of common complex diseases and their clinical applications are considered. Monogenic Mendelian inheritance in such conditions is infrequent but its elucidation may help to detect pathogenic mechanisms in the more common variety of complex diseases. Involvement by multiple genes in complex diseases usually occurs but the isolation and identification of specific genes so far has been exceptional. The role of common polymorphisms as indicators of disease risk in various studies is discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
References
Burke, W., Coughlin, S.S., Lee, N.C., Weed, D.L., Khoury, M.J., 2001. Application of population screening principles to genetic screening for adult-onset conditions. Genet. Test., 5(3):201–211. [doi:10.1089/10906570152742245]
Davey Smith, G., Ebrahim, S., Lewis, S., Hansell, A.L., Palmer, L.J., Burton, P.R., 2005. Genetic epidemiology and public health: hope, hype, and future prospects. The Lancet, 366(9495):1484–1498. [doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(05)67601-5]
Motulsky, A.G., Brunzell, J.D., 2002. Genetics of Coronary Atheroschlerosis. In: The Genetic Basis of Common Diseases, 2nd Ed. Oxford University Press, New York.
Pagon, R.A., 2002. Genetic testing for disease susceptibilities: consequences for genetic counseling. Trends in Molecular Medicine, 8(6):306–307. [doi:10.1016/S1471-4914(02)02348-1]
Scheuner, M.T., Yoon, P.W., Khoury, M.J., 2004. Contribution of mendelian disorders to common chronic disease: opportunities for recognition, intervention, and prevention. American Journal of Medical Genetics, 125C(1):50–65. [doi:10.1002/ajmg.c.30008]
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Special topic report in the First Hangzhou International Symposium on the Medical and Laboratory Applications of Medical Genetics and Genomics held in Hangzhou, China, 2005
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Motulsky, A.G. Genetics of complex diseases. J. Zhejiang Univ. - Sci. B 7, 167–168 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.2006.B0167
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.2006.B0167