Significant advances in the understanding of how genes and environments interact have occured in the last ten years.  Advances in this area are just beginning to infiltrate research and thinking in the area of prevention.  Our work in this area consists of several components:

Basic Research:

Does Gene x Environment interaction (in addition to the main effects of genes and environments) account for variance in adolescent antisocial behavior and depression?  In this study, utilizing the Nonshared and Environment and Adolescent Development (NEAD) dataset (PIs: Reiss, Hetherington, Plomin), we are assessing the interaction of latent G and measured E--specifically, parental negativity.  This study involves careful, multi-method and multi-reporter assessments of constructs, as well as a normative sample.  The question then is whether GxE interaction exists within the normal range of parental negativity (i.e. not maltreatment).

Preventive Intervention as the Environment in GxE interaction

Latent, unmeasured genes:  In one study, PROSPER, we have collected data on the twins within the larger longitudinal, student sample of 11,000.  We will examine whether the early adolescent family and school programs implemented in this cluster randomized trial represent an environmental effect that is moderated by genetic risk.

Measured genes: In a second study, led by Dr. George Vogler and the PI's of the Fast Track study, DNA is being collected from research participants.  Dr. Vogler will lead analyses of whether specific genes moderate the effect of the intervention.