Center on Population Health and Aging

GENETIC RISK FACTORS IN POPULATION RESEARCH ON AGING

Introduction (draft -- under development)

Increasingly, population researchers are investigating the role of genetic risk factors influencing individual variability in aging related phenotypes. Population science perspectives are being blended with genetic perspectives to examine the contributions of genetic and environmental factors to health and longevity at the level of the whole organism. The role of genes in understanding health disparities is also receiving increased attention, and this may be one avenue for understanding race/ethnic disparities in aging processes.

Although it is evident that many genetic and environmental factors influence aging processes, current understanding is relatively rudimentary reflecting the early stages of the integration of genetic and population perspectives. Which genes come into play for specific phenotypes is a rapidly moving target. The frequency of genetic risks in the population and across socially important groups is also not well established. Especially important, and the likely subject of much future research, is how environmental conditions switch genes "on and off" to affect aging processes - often referred to as gene-environment interaction.

Below, resources are provided for population researchers interested in the role of genetic factors in aging research. One resource is a summary of which genes are associated with phenotypic outcomes of population researchers. In presenting this material, it is important to keep in mind the caveat that this is a rapidly evolving field. The body of knowledge linking genetic risk factors with phenotypic outcomes is exploding. New genetic risks are being identified - and the ways in which earlier genetic risks factors are being clarified and nuanced. Other resources include scientific papers showcasing the relevance of genetic risk factors in population research on aging.

As the body of knowledge, so too will the resources available here. The goal is a dynamic set of resources reflecting the how the developments of genetic research are relevant to population researchers.

Genetic Risk Factors and Phenotypes in Population Research on Aging

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Summary of Research (draft -- under development)

Specific major genetic risk factors are identified that are associated with important phenotypes of interest to population researchers (e.g., chronic disease outcomes, cognitive aging, functioning, and longevity). We emphasize that only a brief summary is offered - and that the body of knowledge is rapidly changing. By definition, what is presented is incomplete - and dynamic.

We have organized the presentation of genetic risks of phenotypic outcomes by the gene. Some genes clearly have multiple phenotypic outcomes. Some phenotypic outcomes, of course, involve more than one genetic risk and population investigators should be cognizant of this issue. We also attempt to provide some information about the population groups on which the associations were established.

Less clear - but important to keep in mind - are the environmental conditions under which genes are switched on and off. A genetic risk, for example, may be relatively common in the population, yet unless environmental conditions provide the appropriate stimulus, the gene may not be expressed.

Resources on Genetic Risk Factors in Population Research on Aging (draft -- under development)

Shanahan, Michael J. and Scott M. Hofer. 2005. "Social Context in Gene-Environment Interactions: Retrospect and Prospect." Journals of Gerontology 60B (Special Issue I): 65-76.

Whitfield, Keith E. and Gerald McClearn. 2005. "Genes, Environment, and Race: Quantitative Genetic Approaches." American Psychologist 60(1) (Special Issue: Genes, Race, and Psychology in the Genome Era): 104-114.