12.2 Genomics and Global Health
How the Environment and Genetics Shape Health Outcomes
In Unit Three, we examined the interplay between the environment and genetics in shaping health outcomes. The evidence for climate change is undeniable, as demonstrated by the increasing frequency and intensity of forest fires, floods, warming oceans, hurricanes and weather terms that have become a part of our vernacular like heat domes, atmospheric rivers, and cyclone bombs. These events have profound direct effects on environmental health and biodiversity which, in turn, impact human physical, mental, and social health. Additionally, indirect effects emerge through exposure to environmental toxins such as pollution and forest fire smoke, disruptions to the food chain, and the rising costs of essential goods. Global pandemics, often exacerbated by environmental degradation and changes in human-animal interactions, further illustrate the far-reaching health consequences of a disrupted ecosystem. Our ecosystem is an interconnected system, and when one link is disrupted, the consequences ripple broadly across all aspects of life.
Watch GenARCC | Will Canadian species be able to adapt to climate change? (5 mins) on YouTube
Video source: Environment and Climate Change Canada. (2024, September 23). GenARCC | Will Canadian species be able to adapt to climate change? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKGzvffK6uA
Read
The following article examines the role of genetic variation and environmental exposures, such as toxicants, pollution, and viruses, in disease pathogenesis. Applied examples include Chron’s disease and cystic fibrosis. Genomics offers tremendous potential for global public health but there are also significant challenges to overcome.
Virolainen, S. J., VonHandorf, A., Viel, K. C. M. F., Weirauch, M. T., & Kottyan, L. C. (2023). Gene-environment interactions and their impact on human health. Genes and immunity, 24(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41435-022-00192-6
In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) Science Council produced a report containing 15 recommendations for WHO to promote the current and future use of genomic technologies for global health.
Some examples of ways in which genomics is used for global health include:
- Genomic surveillance for pathogens with pandemic and epidemic potential
- Using genomic surveillance to track MRSA “superbugs”
- Using phylogenetics (the study of evolutionary relationships between organisms) to track disease outbreaks
- Examining genetic and environmental factors influencing health disparities
- Using genomics to understand malaria
Concept in Action
Watch how genomic surveillance can be used to track diseases with pandemic potential in COVID-19 Genomic Surveillance (5 mins) on YouTube
Video source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022, December 1). COVID-19 genomic surveillance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiX7jvdE8KI
To effect change, global health must be addressed at the policy level. Genomics-informed global health research can provide evidence for policy development to address the impacts of climate change on the health of populations through monitoring and mitigating environmental health risks. Genomic surveillance can be utilized to track pathogens as part of a pandemic preparedness public health strategy. Genomic sciences can help to identify genetic and environmental factors that contribute to health disparities in order to promote greater health equity. Additionally, developing policies that recognize the interconnectedness of the environment and human health can help reduce environmental degradation and associated health risks.
Attribution & References
Except where otherwise noted, this page is written by Andrea Gretchev, CC BY-NC 4.0
