With an empirical ethics program addressing the key ethical and social issues raised by applied genomics research (and its applications), such as pharmacogenomics, nutrigenomics and agrigenomics, the OMICS-ETHICS Research Group at the University of Montreal performs high-quality research and knowledge tra... Read more

With an empirical ethics program addressing the key ethical and social issues raised by applied genomics research (and its applications), such as pharmacogenomics, nutrigenomics and agrigenomics, the OMICS-ETHICS Research Group at the University of Montreal performs high-quality research and knowledge transfer in an international context. Omics is a neologism referring to a broad field of inquiry in applied bioscience that employs the high throughput biomarker technologies (e.g., genomics, metabolomics) integratively, for example, in pharmaceutical research (pharmacogenomics), nutrition science (nutrigenomics) and agricultural research (agrigenomics). The overarching goal is to mechanistically analyze the relationships between phenotypic variation (e.g., disease susceptibility, response to drugs and food) with variation in various biological information domains such as in the human genome; some etymological analysis suggests that the suffix "ome" is derived from the Sanskrit OM referring to "completeness and fullness". With computational biology and bioinformatics tools that allow to analyze and interpret large scale omics datasets, omics bioscience research and its attendant social and ethical corollaries gain substantial significance. The OMICS-ETHICS is the study of ethical and social aspects of OMICS research and their diverse application contexts.

While 'omics' technologies are increasingly adopted, their research, clinical and environmental applications face important ethical and social issues. Socio-ethical engagement with omics technologies is crucial because the study of ethical aspects could influence and shape the promotion of health and welfare of individuals in a more predictable and sustainable manner while these technologies and associated innovations develop, instead of waiting until the science has already set its course. This has the potential to contribute substantially more to society than what is achievable with post-hoc (i.e., after the fact) ethical inquiries. The OMICS-ETHICS Research Group aims (1) to lay an evidence-based empirical foundation that can both discern and anticipate the socio-ethical issues associated with -omics technologies and (2) to study the feasibility of developing tools that can provide appropriate guidance in ethics-related matters to stakeholders in omics research and its applications, in particular in the above sub-disciplines as well as in personalized health interventions. The increasing application of 'omics science and technologies' signals a need for major and complex policy changes that address ways to promote health and welfare of individuals and make the technology available to all populations.

See our Research projects in pharmacogenomics, nutrigenomics and public health genomics.

January 2010: the Science and Development Network (SciDev.Net) highlights the need to boost nutrition in the developing world in a series of opinion and feature articles. (See Editorial.) In one of these articles, Jim Kaput, from the US Food and Drug Administration, states that the emerging field of nutrigenomics could pote... Read more

January 2010: the Science and Development Network (SciDev.Net) highlights the need to boost nutrition in the developing world in a series of opinion and feature articles. (See Editorial.) In one of these articles, Jim Kaput, from the US Food and Drug Administration, states that the emerging field of nutrigenomics could potentially help to tailor nutritional policies for specific populations, including in the developing world. But “he also warns that nutrigenomics is unlikely to deliver practical solutions any time soon”. (See J. Kaput, “Using genetics to tackle malnutrition”, January 20, 2010, online on SciDiv.net).
 

An article by G. S. Omenn, published in PNAS 2010 Jan. ; 107(S1): 1702-9.

Author's abstract: Evolution and its elements of natural selection, population migration, genetic drift, and founder effects have shaped the world in which we practice public health. Human cultures and technologies have modified life on this planet and have coevolved with myriad other species, including microorganisms; plant and animal sources of food; invertebrate vectors of disease; a... Read more

An article by G. S. Omenn, published in PNAS 2010 Jan. ; 107(S1): 1702-9.

Author's abstract: Evolution and its elements of natural selection, population migration, genetic drift, and founder effects have shaped the world in which we practice public health. Human cultures and technologies have modified life on this planet and have coevolved with myriad other species, including microorganisms; plant and animal sources of food; invertebrate vectors of disease; and intermediate hosts among birds, mammals, and nonhuman primates. Molecular mechanisms of differential resistance or susceptibility to infectious agents or diets have evolved and are being discovered with modern methods. Some of these evolutionary relations require a perspective of tens of thousands of years, whereas other changes are observable in real time. The implications and applications of evolutionary understanding are important to our current programs and policies for infectious disease surveillance, gene–environment interactions, and health disparities globally.

An article by S. D. Grosse, W. H. Rogowski, L. F. Ross, M. C. Cornel, W. J. Dondorp, and M. J. Khoury published in Public Health Genomics 2010; 13(2): 106-15.

Authors’ abstract: BACKGROUND: Proposals for population screening for genetic diseases require careful scrutiny by decision makers because of the potential for harms and the need to demonstrate benefits commensurate with the opportunity cost of resources expended. METHODS: We review current eviden... Read more

An article by S. D. Grosse, W. H. Rogowski, L. F. Ross, M. C. Cornel, W. J. Dondorp, and M. J. Khoury published in Public Health Genomics 2010; 13(2): 106-15.

Authors’ abstract: BACKGROUND: Proposals for population screening for genetic diseases require careful scrutiny by decision makers because of the potential for harms and the need to demonstrate benefits commensurate with the opportunity cost of resources expended. METHODS: We review current evidence-based processes used in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands to assess genetic screening programs, including newborn screening programs, carrier screening, and organized cascade testing of relatives of patients with genetic syndromes. In particular, we address critical evidentiary, economic, and ethical issues that arise in the appraisal of screening tests offered to the population. Specific case studies include newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia and cystic fibrosis and adult screening for hereditary hemochromatosis. RESULTS: Organizations and countries often reach different conclusions about the suitability of screening tests for implementation on a population basis. Deciding when and how to introduce pilot screening programs is challenging. In certain cases, e.g., hereditary hemochromatosis, a consensus does not support general screening although cascade screening may be cost-effective. CONCLUSION: Genetic screening policies have often been determined by technological capability, advocacy, and medical opinion rather than through a rigorous evidence-based review process. Decision making should take into account principles of ethics and opportunity costs.

An article by B. J. McCabe-Sellers, C. A. Chenard, D. Lovera, C. M. Champagne, M. L. Bogle,  and J. Kaput published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 2009 Dec.; 22S: S57-S62.

Authors’ abstract: The two-fold purpose of this paper is to examine the adequacy of food composition databases and dietary assessment techniques to meet the needs of nutritional genomic research and to explore the challenges and opportunities presented by the eme... Read more

An article by B. J. McCabe-Sellers, C. A. Chenard, D. Lovera, C. M. Champagne, M. L. Bogle,  and J. Kaput published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 2009 Dec.; 22S: S57-S62.

Authors’ abstract: The two-fold purpose of this paper is to examine the adequacy of food composition databases and dietary assessment techniques to meet the needs of nutritional genomic research and to explore the challenges and opportunities presented by the emerging field of nutrigenomics to future development of food composition databases and food composition analysis systems. A review of published literature and the Internet for organizations and their ongoing dialogues were used to explore how current food composition databases and nutritional assessment methodology could be made more useful in nutrigenomics research. An outline of current projects and potential approaches to develop more reliable and cost-effective methods for the study of nutrigenomics in diverse populations is presented. Many issues related to these dietary and database methodologies need to be addressed and overcome if nutrigenomics is to reach its potential for promoting optimal health through better individualization of diet and physical activity recommendations. To meet the complex research and clinical challenges of individualizing nutrition and health care, a network of diverse health care professionals and scientists is needed to move the world toward optimal health practices.

A “short communication” by B. Penders, R. Vos and K. Horstman published in the Bristish Journal of Nutrition 2009 Nov.; 102(10): 1400-3.

Authors’ abstract: Solving complex problems in large-scale research programmes requires cooperation and division of labour. Simultaneously, large-scale problem solving also gives rise to unintended side effects. Based upon 5 years of researching two large-scale nutrigenomic research programmes, we argue tha... Read more

A “short communication” by B. Penders, R. Vos and K. Horstman published in the Bristish Journal of Nutrition 2009 Nov.; 102(10): 1400-3.

Authors’ abstract: Solving complex problems in large-scale research programmes requires cooperation and division of labour. Simultaneously, large-scale problem solving also gives rise to unintended side effects. Based upon 5 years of researching two large-scale nutrigenomic research programmes, we argue that problems are fragmented in order to be solved. These sub-problems are given priority for practical reasons and in the process of solving them, various changes are introduced in each sub-problem. Combined with additional diversity as a result of interdisciplinarity, this makes reassembling the original and overall goal of the research programme less likely. In the case of nutrigenomics and health, this produces a diversification of health. As a result, the public health goal of contemporary nutrition science is not reached in the large-scale research programmes we studied. Large-scale research programmes are very successful in producing scientific publications and new knowledge; however, in reaching their political goals they often are less successful.

An article by B. Penders, R. Vos and K. Horstman published in Endeavour 2009 Sept; 33(3): 93-8.

Authors’ abstract: Controversies in science often centre on methodology and integrity; these are the gatekeepers of proper science. But what exactly defines proper science as proper is not universal, especially in collaborative fields of enquiry where different perspectives meet. These encounters often result in friction, yet may equally give rise to ... Read more

An article by B. Penders, R. Vos and K. Horstman published in Endeavour 2009 Sept; 33(3): 93-8.

Authors’ abstract: Controversies in science often centre on methodology and integrity; these are the gatekeepers of proper science. But what exactly defines proper science as proper is not universal, especially in collaborative fields of enquiry where different perspectives meet. These encounters often result in friction, yet may equally give rise to new perspectives on proper science. A tour of collaborative endeavours like structural biology and nutrigenomics highlights some of those frictions and the controversies that can result from the encounter of 'wet' and 'dry' science. Attuning scientists to the plurality of proper science may safeguard many a scientist's integrity from being questioned unjustly.

A book published by the OECD in November 2009. Accessible online.

Publisher's abstract: Pharmacogenetics helps us understand the relationship between an individual’s genetic make-up and the way medicines work for each person. This book reviews the use of pharmacogenetics across all stages of the health innovation cycle from research through to uptake by doctors and ... Read more

A book published by the OECD in November 2009. Accessible online.

Publisher's abstract: Pharmacogenetics helps us understand the relationship between an individual’s genetic make-up and the way medicines work for each person. This book reviews the use of pharmacogenetics across all stages of the health innovation cycle from research through to uptake by doctors and patients. It focuses on how to optimise the use of pharmacogenetics to deliver effective innovations for public health, and design policies that enhance their economic and social benefits.

The book argues for large-scale studies to validate the biomarkers that underpin pharmacogenetics and policies to share the cost and risk of using  pharmacogenetics to improve the use of existing medicines. Governments and others need to align regulatory, reimbursement and other incentives and work with industry to measure better the impacts of pharmacogenetics. Health systems need to take positive steps to adapt to the use of pharmacogenetics and ensure that health professionals receive adequate training.

An article by P.M. Saukko, M. Reed, N. Britten and S. Hogarth published in Social Science & Medicine (December 17, 2009): Epub ahead of print (see Articles in Press).

Authors’ abstract: Genomics researchers and policy makers have accused nutrigenetic testing companies-which provide DNA-based nutritional advice online-of misleading the public. The UK and USA regulation of the tests has hinged on whether they are classed as "medical" devices... Read more

An article by P.M. Saukko, M. Reed, N. Britten and S. Hogarth published in Social Science & Medicine (December 17, 2009): Epub ahead of print (see Articles in Press).

Authors’ abstract: Genomics researchers and policy makers have accused nutrigenetic testing companies-which provide DNA-based nutritional advice online-of misleading the public. The UK and USA regulation of the tests has hinged on whether they are classed as "medical" devices, and alternative regulatory categories for "lifestyle" and less-serious genetic tests have been proposed. This article presents the findings of a qualitative thematic analysis of the webpages of nine nutrigenetic testing companies. We argue that the companies, mirroring and negotiating the regulatory debates, were creating a new social space for products between medicine and consumer culture. This space was articulated through three themes: (i) how "genes" and tests were framed, (ii) how the individual was imagined vis a vis health information, and (iii) the advice and treatments offered. The themes mapped onto four frames or models for genetic testing: (i) clinical genetics, (ii) medicine, (iii) intermediate, and (iv) lifestyle. We suggest that the genomics researchers and policy makers appeared to perform what Gieryn (Gieryn, T.F. (1983). Boundary-work and the demarcation of science from non-science: strains and interests in professional ideologies of scientists. American Sociological Review, 48, 781-795.) has termed "boundary work", i.e., to delegitimize the tests as outside proper medicine and science. Yet, they legitimated them, though in a different way, by defining them as lifestyle, and we contend that the transformation of the boundaries of science into a creation of such hybrid or compromise categories is symptomatic of current historical times. Social scientists studying medicine have referred to the emergence of "lifestyle" products. This article contributes to this literature by examining the historical, regulatory and marketing processes through which certain goods and services become defined this way.

An article by K.D. Lewis and B.M. Burton-Freeman published ahead of print  (December 23, 2009) in The Journal of Nutrition.

Authors' abstract: Few Americans meet the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and many do not know how to apply food and nutrition information to develop a personal approach to preventing diet/lifestyle-related diseases. In a ... Read more

An article by K.D. Lewis and B.M. Burton-Freeman published ahead of print  (December 23, 2009) in The Journal of Nutrition.

Authors' abstract: Few Americans meet the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and many do not know how to apply food and nutrition information to develop a personal approach to preventing diet/lifestyle-related diseases. In a time of rapid technologic advancement and rewards for innovation, a critical opportunity in food and nutrition science exists for improving health and reducing disease risk. The National Center for Food Safety and Technology (NCFST) recently established the Health Promoting Foods research platform to support the availability of safe food by using emerging technologies for improving food quality and consumer choice. A workshop convened with leading regulators and nutrition, genetic, medical, toxicological, behavioral, and consumer scientists to: discuss challenges facing personalized nutrition and health, develop strategies to overcome challenges using innovations in food and information technology, and define and prioritize a short- and long-term research agenda for the research platform. The workshop included presentations and in-depth discussions on the state of the science in genomics, behavior, food, and information technology. Workshop participants identified gaps, intersections, and new opportunities for delivering individualized food-based solutions that would be more accessible, affordable, and convenient. The research agenda, which was developed within a framework of providing information and guidance to the food and associated industries, supporting the process for health-related claims, building consumer confidence in data and food-health information, and providing a pathway for implementation of the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans and other public policies, reflects the commitment of the community, government, food industry, health organizations, and academia to improving health.

An article by G.S. Omenn published in the Annual Review of Public Health (Epub ahead of print).

Author's abstract: Genomic and genetic information is rapidly becoming a major element in public health research and emerging public health practice. This symposium reviews the methods, findings, and significance of genomewide association studies from ... Read more

An article by G.S. Omenn published in the Annual Review of Public Health (Epub ahead of print).

Author's abstract: Genomic and genetic information is rapidly becoming a major element in public health research and emerging public health practice. This symposium reviews the methods, findings, and significance of genomewide association studies from epidemiological and statistical points of view. We examine infectious and inflammatory components of geneenvironment interaction in the respiratory system. We note the need for nutrient and dietary data and many other kinds of environmental exposure data in population-based genomic studies. Then we explore the sufficiency of a well-informed family history for public health and family counseling purposes. Finally, in an era of direct-to-consumer genomic test promotion, we review the evidence on the critical question, will genetic risk profiles motivate individuals and families to choose more healthful behaviors? This symposium builds on the foundation of the symposium on Public Health Genetics in Volume 21 (2000) of the Annual Review of Public Health. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Public Health Volume 31 is March 17, 2010. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/catalog/pubdates.aspx for revised estimates.

An article by M.B. Engler published in Progress in Cardiovascular Nursing 2009; 24(4): 190-5.

Author’s abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, is a complex multifactorial disease which is influenced by environmental and genetic factors. There is substantial evidence on the relationship between diet and CVD risk. An understanding of how genetic variation interacts with the diet to influence CVD risk... Read more

An article by M.B. Engler published in Progress in Cardiovascular Nursing 2009; 24(4): 190-5.

Author’s abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, is a complex multifactorial disease which is influenced by environmental and genetic factors. There is substantial evidence on the relationship between diet and CVD risk. An understanding of how genetic variation interacts with the diet to influence CVD risk is a rapidly evolving area of research. Since diet is the mainstay of risk factor modification, it is important to consider potential genetic influences on CVD risk. Nutrigenomics is the study of the interaction between diet and an individual's genetic makeup. Single nucleotide polymorphisms are the key factors in human genetic variation and provide a molecular basis for phenotypic differences between individuals. Whole genome and candidate gene association studies are two main approaches used in cardiovascular genetics to identify disease-causing genes. Recent nutrigenomics studies show the influence of genotype on the responsiveness to dietary factors or nutrients that may reduce CVD risk. Nutrigenomics research is expected to provide the scientific evidence for genotype-based personalized nutrition to promote health and prevent chronic disease, including CVD. It is imperative that healthcare providers, including cardiovascular nurses, are trained in genetics to foster delivery of competent genetic- and genomic-focused care and to facilitate incorporation of this new knowledge into current clinical practice, education, and research.

4th Asia Pacific International Nutrigenomics conference: Genes, diet and gut health

According to the organizers of this event, "the conference will address issues relevant to a wide range of interest groups including scientists, nutritionists, dieticians, gastroenterologists, nurses, food scientists, members of the food Industry from managers to technologists, food regulators.  It will particularly interest scientists performing basic research in nutrition, gen... Read more

4th Asia Pacific International Nutrigenomics conference: Genes, diet and gut health

According to the organizers of this event, "the conference will address issues relevant to a wide range of interest groups including scientists, nutritionists, dieticians, gastroenterologists, nurses, food scientists, members of the food Industry from managers to technologists, food regulators.  It will particularly interest scientists performing basic research in nutrition, genetics, genomics, epigenetics, epigenomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, the microbiome, gut physiology and immunology. Individuals interested in how they can influence their health through food will also gain significant benefit by attending."