Over the last decade, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have uncovered the contribution of inherited variants to common complex disorders. Our current understanding is that most non-communicable disorders with a major public health impact have a genetic underpinning that is highly polygenic, comprising hundreds or thousands of genetic variants (or polymorphisms), each having a small effect on disease risk. Each genetic variant associated with a disease is valuable in indicating a gene or pathway of biological relevance to the disorder, but there are also expectations that the genetic data could be used to predict disease risk, with potential clinical utility.
