What Are Some Examples of Gene-Environment Interactions?
Several well-documented examples highlight the importance of gene-environment interactions:
Smoking and Lung Cancer: Individuals with certain genetic polymorphisms in the CYP1A1 gene may have a higher risk of developing lung cancer when exposed to cigarette smoke. Alcohol Consumption and Liver Disease: Variants in the ADH and ALDH genes can affect the metabolism of alcohol, influencing the risk of liver damage. Air Pollution and Asthma: Genetic variants in the GSTM1 gene can modify the impact of air pollutants, such as ozone and particulate matter, on the development of asthma.