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Given the continuing difficulty of identifying genes for complexdisorders in a robust, replicable manner, and the extensiveresources devoted to this effort, it is becoming increasinglyimportant to analyze the relative benefits of genomics researchfor public health applications and for the understanding ofdisease pathogenesis. To establish priorities for genetics research,we review and evaluate several characteristics of selected exemplarycomplex diseases, including phenotypic accuracy, knowledge ofspecific and nonspecific genetic and environmental risk factors,and population prevalence and impact. We propose that complexdiseases with the strongest evidence for genetic etiology, limitedability to modify exposure or risk factors, and high publichealth impact should have the highest priority for geneticsresearch.
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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