Genetics is about all people, all diseases, and all risk factors.

Model System for Evaluating Genetic Tests: Awarded a 3-year cooperative funding agreement to the Foundation for Blood Research to develop a model system for assembling, analyzing, disseminating, and updating existing data on the safety and effectiveness of DNA-based genetic tests. This effort will facilitate the appropriate transition of genetic tests from investigational settings to use in clinical and public health practice. The ultimate goal of such a model system is to develop ongoing publicly available information on genetic tests to help develop policies around the appropriate use of genetic information. 

Public Attitudes About Genetic Research: Analyzed data from the 1998 CDC Healthstyles Survey to determine public attitudes about (1) blood storage for future DNA-based research and (2) the relative importance of genetic factors in determining health. Public attitudes will contribute both to methods in recruiting participants for population based genetic studies and to methods of communicating research goals to the public. The results could influence the future course of integrating genetics into public health research.

Extramural Prevention Research: Funded, with support from the Division of Laboratory Sciences at NCEH, a prevention research project entitled "Diabetes Elimination in Washington: Stratified Population Screen." The project is a population-based study of infants with combinations of genetic markers that place them at high risk for developing diabetes. Researchers will measure autoantibodies associated with diabetes and offer subjects the opportunity to enroll in clinical prevention trials designed to interrupt disease progression. Two previously funded projects, "Gene-Environment Interactions in Cardiovascular Disease" (University of Texas) and "Educating Families About Colon Cancer Genetic Risk" (University of Rochester), will continue through 2001. These studies are designed to (1) demonstrate the effectiveness of using genetic information to prevent disease, disability, and death by identifying people at risk and offering appropriate interventions and (2) indicate how genetic information can help target disease prevention efforts by assessing the interaction of modifiable risk factors (e.g., diet, chemical exposures, infections, lifestyle) with known genetic disease risk factors.

Genetics and Public Health Course: Developed and presented a course entitled "Human Genome Epidemiology." The course introduced concepts in human genome epidemiology (HuGE), which translates gene discoveries to disease prevention by integrating population-based data about gene-disease relationships and interventions. Participants acquired conceptual and practical tools for critically evaluating the growing scientific literature in the area of human genetics. Such knowledge should help them integrate human genome data into public health practice.

Genetics and Disease Prevention Weekly Update: Published the weekly "Genetics and Disease Prevention Update" which features current news stories, scientific articles, upcoming events, and other relevant Web links. The Public Health Perspective Page, a new addition to the Update, focuses on a single topic derived from stories reported in the news and scientific journals. The object of the page is to examine current genetic issues from a public health perspective. Readers are presented with a page of information including links to relevant articles, slides, videos, fact sheets, and editorials and are also encouraged to contribute to the discussion on the readers' comment page. The weekly update provides current information in a condensed and organized manner, enhances training, and raises awareness to current genetic issues.

Career Development in Genetics and Public Health: Presented career development awards to five recipients who will serve 3-year assignments in different CDC programs pertaining to genetics. At the conclusion of their assignments, the individuals will be proficient at applying genetic discoveries to public health and are expected to significantly contribute to CDC's strategic goals regarding genetics.

Maternal Phenylketonuria Study: Collaborated with the Division of Birth Defects, Child Development, and Disability and Health on a maternal phenylketonuria (PKU) study. The study evaluated factors affecting access to and use of a low-phenylalanine diet among women with PKU. Researchers conducted the study in response to a growing concern that the benefits of newborn screening for PKU could be undermined and result in retarded offspring if women with PKU do not have access to a low-phenylalanine diet before and during pregnancy. This investigation helped identify barriers to successful dietary control of phenylalanine levels among childbearing women with PKU. These barriers included factors specific to the diet regimen itself (adverse taste), economic, health care system, and psychosocial issues. Addressing these barriers will enhance a woman's ability to follow medical recommendations and could potentially result in improved pregnancy outcomes for these women.

Textbook on Genetics and Public Health: Edited Genetics and Public Health in the 21^st Century: Using Genetic Information to Improve Health and Prevent Disease. The book, published in 2000 by Oxford University Press, is the first comprehensive genetics and public health text and will serve as a reference for professionals who are integrating genetics into public health programs. Portions of the Book are Available on the NOPHG website.