Molecular Epidemiology Flashcards
What is molecular epidemiology?
Contribution of genetic, epigenetic and environmental risk factors, identified at the molecular level to the cause, distribution and prevention of disease
Where does molecular epidemiology originate from?
Interrogation of molecular biology into traditional epidemiological research.
Why is molecular epidemiology important?
Improves understanding of pathogenesis of disease by identifying specific pathway, molecules and genes that influence the risk of developing disease
What is epigenetic alteration?
A heritable change that does not affect the DNA sequence but results in a change in gene expression.
What are biomarkers?
Any substance, structure or process that can be measured in the human body or its products and may influence or predict the incidence or outcome of disease.
What are the 3 types of biomarkers?
Environment - Exposure
Disease - Effect
Genetics - Susceptibility
What needs to be considered when using biomarkers?
Collection
Transportation
Storage
Analytic reliability
Technical consideration
Ethical consideration
What needs to be considered when collecting biomarker samples?
Trained staff and equipment
Quality controlled
Blind for bias prevention
What needs to be considered during biomarker sample transportation?
Temp control
Labelling
Tracking
Protocol
What needs to be considered when storing biomarker samples?
Basic processing to reduce analysis
Stabilization of analytes
Separation of components
Monitoring of temps
What needs to be considered for analytical reliabiloty?
Validation
Reproducibility
What is validation?
Reliably measuring what you want it to measure
What is reproducibility?
Do you get the same result if you analyse the same sample at different times with different people and different machines?
What are the technical considerations of biomarker usage?
Quality control in the collection
Intra-individual variation may exit unrelated to exposure
Disease state may affect biomarker
What are the ethical considerations of using biomarkers?
Accessibility of tissue
Less invasive alternative
Feedback results to study participants
