About Our Research

Gene-Environment Interaction

"I like that Kaiser Permanente is looking into how your lifestyle influences your physical makeup"

- Member from San Francisco          

Common conditions include many risk factors

Most common diseases are complex and influenced by multiple genes interacting together and with environmental factors, as well. These diseases include cancer, heart disease and stroke, diabetes, asthma and lung diseases, autoimmune disorders, Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders, mental health problems and chemical dependency, pregnancy and reproductive disorders, and even infectious diseases like hepatitis.

Environmental factors

Scientists believe that recent increases in many common chronic diseases are due to changes in the environment and our lifestyles. However, not everyone responds to these changes in the same way. Some individuals are much more vulnerable to changes than others, and this is thought to be due to small differences in individual genetic factors.

Genes can contribute to risk or they can be protective

In some cases, an individual gene may only contribute a small risk to a particular disease, but when certain genes interact – together or with specific environmental conditions – the risk may be much larger. Other genes may be protective, and when they interact with the right gene(s) or environmental factor(s) they may reduce a person’s risk of certain diseases.

Sampling for genetic and environmental factors

In the Research Program, saliva and/or blood samples are being used for genetic analysis. We are obtaining environmental data from the following sources:

1. Measurements from participant blood samples.
2. Participant responses to the RPGEH Health Survey, and other surveys that may be done.
3. Air quality and other geographically based environmental measurements that can be linked to the neighborhoods where participants live and/or work. 

Recent advances have made this research possible

Recent advances in understanding the human genome and faster computers have made research into these more complex conditions possible, and scientists are responding by developing new studies and the infrastructure needed to support them.

A great deal of research is needed to discover which genes are linked to common diseases and how they interact with environmental conditions to affect health. Ultimately, we hope to use this information to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and even prevention of some diseases.

In the future health care will be different

One day, your doctor may be able to make a health care plan just for you based on your genetic profile and life experiences. This could include early testing for the diseases you are most likely to get, prescribing medications that will work best for you, and recommending lifestyle changes that will help keep you healthier.

This research does not involve cloning or doing stem cell research

This research does not involve cloning, stem cell research, gene therapy, or genetic engineering. The use of DNA samples will be restricted to analysis and genetic material will not be altered.

The content of this Web site has been reviewed and approved by the KPNC IRB.

Major Risk Factors for Breast Cancer Aging. Family history – especially having a mother, sister, or daughter who has had breast cancer. Female Hormones – using hormone replacement therapy for more than 4 years, starting your period before age 12, or beginning menopause after age 55. Genetics – inheriting BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Other genes that may be important have not yet been identified. Older age at time of first birth or never being pregnant. Having a risk factor increases your chance of developing a disease, but it does not mean that you will get it. Similarly, it’s possible to get a disease without having any risk factors at all. Major Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes Being overweight. Lack of physical activity. Family history of diabetes. Race and ethnicity (African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are at greater risk). Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes. It occurs when a person’s body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it produces properly. Although these risk factors are important, our knowledge of the causes of breast cancer and Type 2 diabetes is still very incomplete. Having a risk factor increases your chance of developing a disease, but it does not mean that you will get it. Similarly, it’s possible to get a disease without having any risk factors at all.

 

The Division of Research     KaiserPermanente.org