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Genetic epidemiology is a young but rapidly developing discipline. Although its early years were largely dedicated to family-based research in monogenic disorders, now genetic-epidemiologic research increasingly focuses on complex, multifactorial disorders. Along with the development of the human-genome map and advances in molecular technology grows the importance of genetic-epidemiologic applications. Large-scale population-based studies, requiring close integration of genetic and epidemiologic research, determine future research in the field. In this paper, we review the basic principles underlying genetic-epidemiologic research, such as molecular genetics and familial aggregation of disease, as well as the typical study approaches of genome screening and candidate-gene studies.

Original publication

DOI

10.1023/a:1024933620315

Type

Journal article

Journal

European journal of epidemiology

Publication Date

01/2003

Volume

18

Pages

607 - 616

Addresses

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Keywords

Humans, Genetic Diseases, Inborn, Risk Assessment, Epidemiologic Studies, Epidemiologic Research Design, Chromosome Mapping, Pedigree, Genetics, Population, Molecular Biology, Public Health, Mutation, Forecasting, Genetic Testing, Molecular Epidemiology, Bias