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Assessing
Genetic Risk Factors for Disease
Health Problem
By the year 2005, most—if not all—of the estimated 100,000 human
genes will have been identified.
The impact of these genes on the development of disease needs further
study.
Knowledge of genetic risk factors may help target public health
interventions to populations most in need.
Laboratory Response
CDC uses a state-of-the-art genetic test to determine what proportion of the population has mutations in a gene associated with hereditary hemochromatosis (iron overload disease).
CDC studies genetic risk factors for neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida and
anencephaly.
CDC develops and evaluates technology to improve the measurement of the genetic risk factors for type 1 diabetes and its complications.
CDC studies genetic risk factors for stroke among young women and how these risk factors interact with nutritional and behavioral factors.
CDC is establishing a DNA bank using specimens from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants. Public health researchers will use the DNA bank to conduct studies of genetic risk factors.
Future Opportunities
Future opportunities for CDC include conducting additional studies
of gene-environment interactions, determining how genetics affects
levels of environmental toxicants in people, and identifying genetic
risk factors for diseases and conditions such as birth defects and
cardiovascular disease.
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