[Genetic epidemiology--from gene to disease understanding].

Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the aetiology of many common diseases. Recently, progress has been made in the identification of susceptibility genes by candidate gene and genome-wide association studies. Thereby, a further molecular understanding of pathophysiological pathways has been obtained and the development of new therapeutic modalities based on rational drug design has been initiated. However, a host of methods and approaches are necessary to further increase the knowledge on the aetiology of the complex diseases.