The role of gene-environment interactions in lung disease: the urgent need for the exposome

Since the human genome was sequenced, extensive effort has been placed into mapping the role of genes in the onset of disease. It was expected that we would be able to explain the cause of disease and understand the genetic basis of health. However, we have found that while the genetic contribution to individual diseases varies, non-genetic factors have far greater attributable risks, often in the range of 80–90%. The dominance of non-genetic components highlights the importance of the environment to chronic disease risks and has led to the advent of the nascent field of exposome science.
Source: European Respiratory Journal - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Editorials Source Type: research