Molecular Epidemiology and Evolution Research Programme
Introduction
1997-1999
The Academy Research Councils for health care, the environment and natural resources initiated together a research programme in molecular epidemiology and evolution to to be carried out in 1997-1999. The aim of this programme is to integrate the input and expertise of the highly-advanced research teams in various fields. This creates sufficiently large top research networks and teams and improves Finland's national and competitive know-how in the rapidly advancing research fields covered by the programme. On the conclusion of the programme, the results and the impact of the programme on the development of the field in Finland will be evaluated by a team of international experts.
1. The contribution of the environment, life habits and genome to common diseases
As more details of the structure of the genetic heritage have come to light, knowledge of the genetic background to the common diseases has rapidly increased and made it possible to combine epidemiological, molecular biological and genetic methods in determining the causes and possible prevention of methods in determining the causes and possible prevention of the most common diseases (such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, mental disturbances, diabetes, disorders of the locomotor system, alcoholism and neurological diseases). Research of this kind has already yielded signficant new information on the combined effect of living habits, the environment and hereditary factors on the triggering of diseases.
Epidemiological, molecular-biological and genome research will in the new future already permit the identification of population groups genetically at risk, the screening of risk groups and the intensification of health education in high-risk groups. Determination of the mechanisms triggering common diseases and an understanding of various combined factors are also vital for correctly targeted health promotion measures at national level.
The comprehensive health care service system, the advanced epidemiological materials and Finland's epidemiological research tradition, which is of the highest international standard, together offer the Finnish research community an outstanding advantage in seeking to determine the causes and triggering of the common diseases. The carefully compiled epidemiological materials and statistics on samples of the population also provide unique potential for close analysis of the interaction between genome and environmental factors.
Finnish scientists are exceptionally well placed to determine the gene mutations causing the common diseases and the ensuing functional disorders. It is, for example, probable that, because of their settlement history, the Finns have only a small proportion of the gene mutations conducive to hypertension and cholesterol metabolism disorders. In the course of dozens of generations these genes have become concentrated in the Finnish population and are thus easier to identify than in other populations. The careful examination and identification of disorders common among the Finns is of vital importance to treatments that may call for different approaches from those used in other populations.
Molecular epidemiological methods can also be used to yield basic information for the analysis of the consequences of behaviour and other risk factors. These consequences can be exammined in projects addressing the linkage between risk behaviour, biological indicators and genetic predisposition. Examples of interesting subjects for research are the effect of diet on coagulation factors, fat metabolism and blood pressure, the impact of smoking and virus infections on asthma and allergies in genetically predisposed people, and screening methods for genetically transmitted cancer. The connection between the genetic mutation of microbes, their infectiveness and epidemiology is another important research topic, likewise the link between genetic variation in the immune system and predisposition to infection.
There are at present numerous extremely advanced research teams working on problems of molecular epidemiology in Finland. The scientists collecting and analyzing the statistics are also wrestling with the same problems. Mathematical modelling and creating the calculation models vital in the investigation of multifactor diseases call for specialist konw-how which Finland either does not have or possesses only to a limited extent. The research programme would create better potential for collaboration in analysing materials, for the national development of know-how and for the optimal utilisation of the unique materials.
2. The rapidly renewing research field of molecular evolution
Research into molecular evolution is concerned with both the mechanisms of evolution and the history of organisms. DNA sequencing techniques and other research methods on nucleic acids have become so effective as to be widely applicable in population research.
Molecular evolution is a broad and rapidly advancing field of research. Molecular systematics examining the history of organisms by comparing the order of bases of e.g. nucleic acids is already an established research field. DNA methods can provide significant new information on the relationships between all organisms. On the other hand, it is now also possible to effectively examine organisms for which the use of other indicators has been problematic (such as bacterial systems). Population genetics at DNA level reveals the short-term evolution. Study of this mutation is an important tool in, for example, nature conservation biology. Finland has only few endemic species, but the populations of many species may be genetically distinct. There are also numerous applications for the study of polymorphisms in, for example, the manipulative sciences. Study of mutation at DNA level can also reveal the evolution mechanisms. While the scientist may select a specific DNA area, the findings may, due to the close linkage, cover the genome much further. Molecular evolution research is also concerned with the evolution of individual genes. By studying the differences in DNA mutation and species, it is possible to deduce the main functional areas of a gene from the speed of evolution.
Back to the Molecular Epidemiology Research Programme Home Page