Using genetics to predict disease

We know what causes some diseases, like chicken pox and measles. As a result, we know how to treat them. We also know vaccines can prevent them. Gene changes can also cause diseases. Sometimes we are born with these gene changes. But gene changes also happen after we are born. Activity, diet, and environment also play a role. Many diseases are a result of gene changes. But we do not know what those gene changes are. Scientists at Vanderbilt will find known links between genes and diseases. They will also find known links between gene changes and diseases. They will use this information to create a system to figure out which genes or gene changes to study next. They will test their system with data from BioVU. They hope their system will give us the top genes or gene changes related to disease. This will give us the best chance to find new links between genes or gene changes and disease. Knowing what causes a disease can help us better treat it. It may even help us learn how to prevent it.