Public Health Genomics (PHG)
- Overview
- Funding Opportunities
- Funded Projects
- Training Opportunities
- Research Resources
- Public Health Resources
- Conferences, Meetings, Seminars, and Presentations
- Publications
- News
- Contacts
Overview
Public Health Genomics (PHG) is defined as "a multidisciplinary field concerned with the effective and responsible translation of genome based knowledge and technologies to improve population health" (Bellagio Statement
, 2006).
With the accelerating pace of discoveries of human genetic variation, epigenetic, molecular, biochemical and cellular technologies for cancer care and prevention, there is an urgent need to develop clinical and population-level research, policy and practice processes to translate basic science discoveries into actions that reduce the population burden of cancer in the United States.
The emerging scientific translation needs in the genomics era are substantial. Population sciences are now urgently needed to assess the distribution of genetic variants and their products biomarkers, and interactions with other genes and environmental factors. New methods are needed to assess the contribution of genes and gene-environment interactions (behavior, nutrition, chemicals, and other exposures) to individual and population risks for various cancers. Behavioral and social sciences are needed to assess how genetic information can be used to effect behavior change to reduce the burden of cancer. As importantly, delivery research on clinical utility, effectiveness, and economics of genomics-based health care applications are needed to assess their added value in cancer care and prevention. Genomics and related fields will also affect surveillance, dissemination and diffusion research as well as evaluation of cancer progression and survivorship. Without the expansion of population sciences in genomics, the promise of genome research and discoveries may not reach its full potential.
PHG at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) promotes the integration of genomics and personalized medicine into public health cancer research, policy, and control to reduce the burden of cancer in the United States and around the world. Learn more about PHG priorities.
NCI's mission is to integrate genomics into public health cancer research, policy, and programs. Its vision is to use genomic knowledge to reduce the burden of cancer.
Funding Opportunities
EGRP is co-sponsoring a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) related to public health genomics:
Ethical, Legal, Social Implications of Human Genome Research - expires September 8, 2014:
- PA-11-250 (R01)
EGRP joins with other NCI Divisions, Offices, and Centers and other Institutes and Centers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fund grant applications submitted in response to FOAs.
View the full list of EGRP FOAs.
EGRP also encourages investigator-initiated grant applications for public health genomics research projects.
Funded Projects
View a list of active grants in genomics translational research supported by NCI.
Training Opportunities
Training Opportunities through the CDC
CDC-supported training programs, courses and materials in public health genomics, family history, and human genome epidemiology
Research Resources
The goal is to improve public health interventions of cancer through the following major projects or initiatives:
- Cancer Genomic Evidence-Based Medicine Knowledge Base (CancerGEM KB)
Resource for researchers, public health professionals, policy makers, and health care providers interested in the use of genomic information in cancer care and prevention. - Cancer Risk Prediction and Assessment Models
Links to risk prediction models in peer-reviewed scientific journals and other online risk prediction models for multiple cancer types. - Evaluation of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention (EGAPP)
EGAPP offers a systematic, evidence-based process for assessing genetic tests and other applications of genomic technology in transition from research to clinical and public health practice. - Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention Network (GAPPNet)
Collaborative initiative involving diverse stakeholder organizations working together to realize the promise of genomics in healthcare and disease prevention. - GWAS Policy Home Page
Information about NIH's implementation of a policy for sharing data obtained in NIH-supported or conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS). - Human Genome Epidemiology Network (HuGENet™)
HuGENet is a global collaboration of individuals and organizations committed to the assessment of the impact of human genome variation on population health and how genetic information can be used to improve health and prevent disease. - Knowledge Synthesis
Information about knowledge synthesis related to genes and cancer. - The Cancer Genome Atlas
TCGA is generating comprehensive, multi-dimensional maps of the key genomic changes in major types and subtypes of cancer. TCGA data is available to the research community for use in developing better ways of diagnosing, treating and preventing cancer. - Translational Research Working Group (TRWG)
The TRWG reviewed NCI's current intramural and extramural translational research portfolio (within the scope of the TRWG mission), facilitated broad community input, invited public comment, and recommended ways to improve and integrate efforts. This Website contains links to the final report, related documents and presentations, and other materials.
A trans-NIH Public Health Genomics Interest Group (PHGIG) has been created. This group will lead NIH regarding scientific input on PHG training, workshops, and initiatives. Sign up for the PHGIG listserv (NIH only).
Public Health Resources
- CDC National Office of Public Health Genomics
Contains links to information on the health impact of genomics, information about genomic tests, selected genomic resources, and more. - Genomics, Cancer, and Family History
CDC information about disease, genetics, and family history, updated on a regular basis. - Genomics Workforce Competencies
Genomics competencies for public health workers. - NCI's Dictionary of Genetic Terms
Contains definitions for more than 100 terms related to genetics. - NCI's PDQ Cancer Information Summaries: Genetics
PDQ (Physician Data Query) is NCI's comprehensive cancer database. It contains summaries on a wide range of cancer topics, including cancer genetics.
Conferences, Meetings, Seminars, and Presentations
- Upcoming Events
- View a list of selected upcoming genomics-related events
This CDC Webpage contains a list of upcoming genomics-related meetings and conferences. New events will be added regularly.
- View a list of selected upcoming genomics-related events
- Public Health Genomics Interest Group (PHGIG) Seminars
- Past Events
- 4th National Conference on Genomics and Public Health: Using Genomic Information to Improve Health Now and in the Future (December 2010)
- Personal Genomics: Establishing the Scientific Foundation for Using Personal Genome Profiles for Risk Assessment, Health Promotion, and Disease Prevention (December 2008)
- Presentations
- What is PHG and why should we care?
A presentation by Muin Khoury - Public Health Genomics and its Integration into Cancer Control and Prevention
A presentation by Muin Khoury
- What is PHG and why should we care?
Publications
- Khoury MJ, Clauser SB, Freedman AN, Gillanders EM, Glasgow RE, Klein WM, Schully SD. Population sciences, translational research and the promise of genomics to reduce the burden of cancer in the 21st Century. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2011 Jul 27 [Epub ahead of print].
- Schully SD, Yu W, McCallum V, Benedicto CB, Dong LM, Wulf A, Clyne M, Khoury MJ. Cancer GAMAdb: database of cancer genetic associations from meta-analyses and genome-wide association studies. Eur J Hum Genet. 2011 Apr 13. [Epub ahead of print].
- Janssens ACJW, Ioannidis JPA, Bedrosian S, Boffetta P, Dolan SM, Dowling N, Fortier I, Freedman AN, Grimshaw JM, Gulcher J, Gwinn M, Hlatky MA, Janes H, Kraft P, Melillo S, O'Donnell CJ, Pencina MJ, Ransohoff D, Schully SD, Seminara D, Winn DM, Wright CF, van Duijn CM, Little J, Khoury MJ. Strengthening the Reporting of Genetic Risk Prediction Studies (GRIPS): Explanation and Elaboration. Eur J Hum Genet. 2011 May;19(5):18 p preceding 494; J Clin Epidemiol. 2011 Mar 10; Eur J Epidemiol. 2011 Apr;26(4):313-37; and Eur J Clin Invest. 2011 Mar 15.
- Schully SD, Benedicto CB, Gillanders EM, Wang SS, Khoury MJ. Translation Research in Cancer Genetics: The Road Less Traveled. Public Health Genomics. 2011;14(1):1-8. Epub 2009 Dec 29.
- Genetics in Medicine special issue, August 2009, Volume 11, Issue 8
- Khoury MJ, Berg A, Coates R, Evans J, Teutsch SM, Bradley LA. The evidence dilemma in genomic medicine. Health Aff (Millwood). 2008 Nov-Dec;27(6):1600-11.
- Khoury MJ, Gwinn M, Burke W, Bowen S, Zimmern R. Will genomics widen or help heal the schism between medicine and public health? Am J Prev Med. 2007 Oct;33(4):310-7.
- Khoury MJ, Gwinn M, Yoon PW, Dowling N, Moore CA, Bradley L. The continuum of translation research in genomic medicine: how can we accelerate the appropriate integration of human genome discoveries into health care and disease prevention. Genet Med. 2007 Oct;9(10):665-74.
News
- CDC Genomics & Health Impact Update
CDC's Office of Public Health Genomics (OPHG) provides updated and credible information on how genomic information and family health history can improve health and influence policy and practice
Contacts
- Sheri Dixon Schully, Ph.D.
Public Health Genomics Coordinator and Program Director, Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, and Program Director,
schullys@mail.nih.gov - Muin J. Khoury M.D., Ph.D.
Director, National Office of Public Health Genomics, CDC
Acting Associate Director, Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, NCI
mkhoury@cdc.gov
