Commentary: Mendelian randomization and gene-environment interaction

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Abstract
Genetic association studies for non-familial diseases typically focus on a particular candidate gene and one or more environmental exposures (gene–environment interaction). The long term rationale of such studies appears to be that an accumulation of knowledge regarding susceptibility genes will allow us to identify high risk population subgroups. This in turn may subsequently allow the development of intervention strategies aimed at such high risk groups including modification of lifestyle habits and increased surveillance for those at most risk. However, the feasibility of this strategy is uncertain and indeed it may ultimately prove to be unfeasible, especially if there is a strong stochastic component inherent in the development of individual cases of a particular disease.

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