What are gene-environment and gene-gene interactions?
Common chronic diseases are the result of gene-environment interactions. This included interactions between your genes and your environment, such as pollutants in the air or water, infections, diet, exercise, weight, smoking and alcohol use, sun exposure, and even stress. Disease may also be caused by gene-gene interactions. For example mutations in certain genes such as the BRCA 1 and 2 genes can increase one’s risk of breast cancer. Remember though that the majority of genetic mutations have no harmful health effects. Some diseases may also be caused by multiple “mutated” genes interacting with each other and the environment to predispose individuals to disease. Heart disease is an example of a complex disease that can have many different genes interacting with each other and the environment to cause disease.
