追溯过去遗传学：罕见基因变异与肺癌风险的历史

Population data uncover the history of a rare genetic variant associated with high risk of lung cancer Smoking-related lung cancer is in decline, but the number of cases in never-smokers is rising. Screening tools can detect early lung cancer in smokers (1). However, no comparable approach exists for the latter group, mainly because the biology, risk factors, and genetic mechanisms underlying the disease in these individuals remain elusive. International consortia are investigating the role of alterations in nongerm (somatic) cells and genetic susceptibility in the development of lung cancer in never-smokers. Understanding these biological mechanisms could lead to new therapeutic and screening approaches (2–4). Sometimes, a look at an old problem with different tools can yield unexpected insights. …