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Science 24 October 2003:
Vol. 302. no. 5645, pp. 599 - 601
DOI: 10.1126/science.1091468
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Genomic Priorities and Public Health

Kathleen Ries Merikangas1* and Neil Risch2,3

Given the continuing difficulty of identifying genes for complex disorders in a robust, replicable manner, and the extensive resources devoted to this effort, it is becoming increasingly important to analyze the relative benefits of genomics research for public health applications and for the understanding of disease pathogenesis. To establish priorities for genetics research, we review and evaluate several characteristics of selected exemplary complex diseases, including phenotypic accuracy, knowledge of specific and nonspecific genetic and environmental risk factors, and population prevalence and impact. We propose that complex diseases with the strongest evidence for genetic etiology, limited ability to modify exposure or risk factors, and high public health impact should have the highest priority for genetics research.

1 Section on Developmental Genetic Epidemiology, Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, 15K North Drive, Mail Stop Code 2670, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
2 Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305–5120, USA.
3 Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, CA 94612, USA.

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: kathleen.merikangas{at}nih.gov

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