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Priorities and standards in pharmacogenetic research

Nature Genetics volume 37, pages 671–681 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

The current enthusiasm for pharmacogenetics draws much of its inspiration from the relatively few examples of polymorphisms that have marked and seemingly clinically relevant effects on drug response. In this regard, pharmacogenetic research has paralleled the study of human disease, which has enjoyed success in identifying mutations underlying mendelian conditions. Progress in deciphering the genetics of complex diseases, involving the interaction of multiple genes with each other and with the environment has been considerably less successful. In most instances, drug responses will probably also prove to be complex, influenced by both the environment and multiple genetic factors. For pharmacogenetics to deliver on its potential, this complexity will need to be recognized and accommodated, both in basic research and in clinical application of pharmacogenetics. As the attention of researchers begins to shift toward more systematic pharmacogenetic investigations, we suggest some priorities and standards for pharmacogenetic research.

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Acknowledgements

We thank S. Sisodiya, R. Shah, S. Tate, S. Huang and H. Willard for suggestions and critical reading of the manuscript. A.G.M.'s work is supported by NIEHS Ecogenetics Center Grant P30ES07033.

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  1. Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy, Center for Population Genomics & Pharmacogenetics, Duke University, 103 Research Drive, DUMC Box 3471, Durham, 27710, North Carolina, USA

    Anna C Need & David B Goldstein

  2. Departments of Medicine (Medical Genetics) and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, 98195, Washington, USA

    Arno G Motulsky

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Need, A., Motulsky, A. & Goldstein, D. Priorities and standards in pharmacogenetic research. Nat Genet 37, 671–681 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/ng1593

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