Trial Information

Genetic Factors and Interrelationships for Cancer Risk-Related Behaviors and Complex Traits

We propose to conduct a multifactorial genetic study of cancer risk-related behaviors and
other complex human characteristics. The main areas of interest are tobacco smoking, excess
alcohol consumption, psychological traits, and HIV/AIDS susceptibility and progression. The
subjects will be adult male and female probands who display one or more of the phenotypes of
interest together with their brothers, sisters and parents. Information on tobacco and
alcohol use, psychological and personality traits, sexual behavior, HIV status and
progression, and other characteristics with possible genetic components will be obtained
through structured interviews and questionnaires. DNA will be prepared from blood samples
and typed for a series of candidate genes chosen for function and for random polymorphic
markers. By correlating the genotypic and phenotypic information, we hope to identify
individual loci that interactively contribute to many different aspects of human health and
disease.