Environmental Genomics Workshop, June 28 - 29, 2005
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
National Institutes of Health
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
Session I: Gene Discovery
The first workshop session on Gene Discovery was moderated by Dr. Jeffrey Murray (University of Iowa). The charge of this session was to assess current approaches and identify novel methodologies for gene discovery as it pertains to understanding environmentally related disease. Dr. Murray asked participants how the power of the present databases (EGP, HapMap, ENCODE, etc.) and resources could be best utilized to do multiple analyses to identify genetic and environmental factors for human diseases. Both candidate gene and whole genome approaches were discussed as valid in environmental studies. A general discussion of the importance of developing bioinformatics and biostatistical infrastructure and the utilization of cross-strain/cross-species comparisons for gene discovery ensued. The development of pathway analysis tools informed by comparative genomics to understand toxicological mechanisms was suggested. Workshop participants emphasized the overall value of utilizing model organism systems in parallel with human studies. Since there are many “genome projects” in existence today, participants agreed that NIEHS should focus EGP-related efforts on studying how environmental exposures can be utilized to understand individual susceptibility to disease.
Session II: Gene Function
The second workshop session on Gene Function was moderated by Dr. Doug Bell (NIEHS). Dr. Bell pointed out that genomics-based technologies provide tools for understanding the mechanisms by which exposures lead to disease and why the risk of disease varies from individual to individual. This information can form the basis of developing models and policies for risk assessment and risk management. Historically, NIEHS has made important contributions in these areas. Dr. Bell suggested that future NIEHS goals in advancing the field of risk assessment are to identify susceptible human populations with greater precision and more fully understand the mechanisms of toxic responses as well as the function of human disease-susceptibility genes. Workshop participants discussed current issues in exposure assessment and risk assessment during Session II. The participants recommended the development of improved DNA biomarkers of exposure. Numerous investigators in this workshop recommended the incorporation of genetics into toxicological and environmental health studies. The importance of studying age-related susceptibility to exposure was stressed during this session. It was also suggested that NIEHS could make a unique contribution to the understanding of the role of epigenetics in disease susceptibility.
Session III: Disease Susceptibility and Risk
The third workshop session on Disease Susceptibility and Risk was moderated by Dr. Martyn Smith (University of California). In his opening remarks, Dr. Smith suggested that the next phases in the "omics" revolution will be shaped by an increased use of nanotechnology, proteomics, and metabolomics. Dr. Smith stated that an emphasis of “omics” applications and systems biology approaches will be necessary in molecular epidemiology. To implement and apply these technologies effectively to the study of gene-environment interactions, Dr. Smith encouraged biomedical scientists to recruit and interact extensively with engineers. The Superfund Basic Research Program was mentioned as a good model for getting engineers involved and utilizing the power of interdisciplinary research. Dr. Smith encouraged the development of consortia to study exposed populations as well. The development of new initiatives to study genome-wide association studies for environmentally induced diseases and new studies on the impact of environmental exposures on disease progression was discussed during this session. The participants recommended the development of “omics” technology and biomarkers of exposure and effect with a focus on disease outcome. Numerous scientists attending this workshop encouraged NIEHS to utilize existing large-scale longitudinal cohort studies for environmental exposure studies and to focus on disease outcomes and prognostic factors. There was also a general discussion relating to the possible creation of an NIEHS repository of samples from environmental health studies. Participants stressed the importance of connecting epidemiologists with scientists who measure environmental exposures.
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