Citation

Traynor BJ, Singleton AB. Neuron 2010; 68(2): 196-200.

Affiliation

Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Cell Press)

DOI

10.1016/j.neuron.2010.10.002

PMID

20955927

PMCID

PMC2974322

Abstract

Interaction between the genome and the environment has been widely discussed in the literature, but has the importance ascribed to understanding these interactions been overstated? In this opinion piece, we critically discuss gene-environment interactions and attempt to answer three key questions. First, is it likely that gene-environment interactions actually exist? Second, what is the realistic value of trying to unravel these interactions, both in terms of understanding disease pathogenesis and as a means of ameliorating disease? Finally, and most importantly, do the technologies and methodologies exist to facilitate an unbiased search for gene-environment interactions? Addressing these questions highlights key areas of feasibility that must be considered in this area of research.

Language: en