Family Based Studies and Genetic Epidemiology: Theory and Practice

Vol. 64, No. 2, 2007

Free Abstract Article (References) Article (PDF 108 KB)

Original Paper

Family Based Studies and Genetic Epidemiology: Theory and Practice
J.H. Barrett^a, N.A. Sheehan^b, A. Cox^c, J. Worthington^d, C. Cannings^c, M.D. Teare^c

^aGenetic Epidemiology Division, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds,
^bDepartment of Health Sciences and Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester,
^cSchool of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, and
^dThe Medical School, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

Address of Corresponding Author

Hum Hered 2007;64:146-148 (DOI: 10.1159/000101993)

Key Words

Population Based Association Studies
Family Study Design
Case-Control-Design

Abstract

Family based studies have underpinned many successes in uncovering the causes of monogenic and oligogenic diseases. Now research is focussing on the identification and characterisation of genes underlying common diseases and it is widely accepted that these studies will require large population based samples. Population based family study designs have the potential to facilitate the analysis of the effects of both genes and environment. These types of studies integrate the population based approaches of classic epidemiology and the methods enabling the analysis of correlations between relatives sharing both genes and environment. The extent to which such studies are feasible will depend upon population- and disease-specific factors. To review this topic, a symposium was held to present and discuss the costs, requirements and advantages of population based family study designs. This article summarises the features of the meeting held at The University of Sheffield, August 2006.

Author Contacts

M. Dawn Teare, PhD
Mathematical Modelling and Genetic Epidemiology
School of Medicine, The University of Sheffield
Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
Tel. +44 114 271 3195, Fax +44 114 271 1711, E-Mail m.d.teare@sheffield.ac.uk

Article Information

Received: January 19, 2007
Accepted: February 19, 2007
Published online: May 4, 2007
Number of Print Pages : 3
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 31

Medline Abstract (ID 17476114)

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