Response to commentaries on discussion paper Gene–environment interdependence

Abstract

There is a high measure of agreement on the key issues concerning gene–environment interdependence. Contrary to arguments on the need for direct exact replication of findings, it is suggested that “robust” replication using the same constructs is needed. RCTs have an important role for testing for environmental mediation but cannot be used for environmental risks in childhood that show G×E in relation to adult outcomes. Instead, greater use needs to be made of natural experiments. Experimental methods are needed to study biological mediating mechanisms and these should include both animal models and human brain imaging studies. In addition to further research on G×E, further studies of gene–environment correlations are required. Many challenges remain but the future for gene–environment interdependence is bright.

Keywords:

• Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
• Gene–environment interaction (G×E)
• Gene–environment correlations (rGE)
• Natural experiments
• Brain imaging
• Causal pathways