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Tracy Hampton, PhD

JAMA. 2004;291:933.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Scientists at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in Research Triangle Park, NC, and at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, plan to establish a new gene registry to study the relationship between environmental exposures, genetic susceptibility, and human disease.

The collaborative effort, which will include DNA samples from 20 000 individuals, has begun with a pilot study in which 600 individuals visiting University of North Carolina outpatient clinics have been asked to allow a portion of blood drawn for other medical purposes be used for DNA isolation for the registry. About 80% have agreed.

The DNA samples (coded to protect donor identity) will be screened for polymorphisms, or variants, of known "environmentally sensitive" genes. These genes encode a variety of proteins involved in such activities as toxicant and drug metabolism, cell differentiation and death, DNA repair, and inflammatory responses.

Because donor identifiers will be maintained . . . [Full Text of this Article]