Editorial

The Contributions of Nursing to Genetics, Epigenetics, Genomics, and Epigenomics: A Word From the Current President of ISONG

Biological Research for Nursing 2015, Vol. 17(4) 362-363 ª The Author(s) 2015 Reprints and permission: sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/1099800415586250 brn.sagepub.com

Sheila A. Alexander, PhD, RN1

Historically, nurses and other health care professionals have considered the genetic contribution to disease as relevant only to single-gene disorders such as phenylketonuria and cystic fibrosis. In the 21st century, however, genetic and genomic science is advancing at a rapid pace. The significant contributions of genetic, epigenetic, genomic, and epigenomic variation to common disorders like cardiovascular disease and asthma as well as response to illness, injury, and interventions are becoming clearer through the work of researchers in both basic and clinical science. The increased knowledge this research generates is advancing our understanding of various health, disease, and injurious states and contributing to our ability to truly apply personalized medicine. Nurses are making important contributions to this work at multiple levels. This special issue of Biological Research for Nursing highlights some of the areas in which nurse researchers are generating evidence to increase our understanding of genetic, epigenetic, and genomic contributions to common and complex physiologic conditions as well as response to treatment. These articles provide excellent examples of how nurses are contributing to the growing body of evidence supporting individual, genetic variability as a contributor to health and health care. Nurse clinicians are translating research findings into clinical reality, using genetic variants to determine appropriate dosing of select medications and better quantify risk of disease development or adverse events from therapeutics. For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires genetic testing for select drugs. Carbamazepine is one such drug, with the FDA recommending human leukocyte antigen-B (HLA-B) genotyping for patients of Asian ancestry. Individuals with the HLA-B*1502 allele are at very high risk of developing Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis with carbamazepine treatment and therefore should not be treated with this medication unless the benefits clearly outweigh this risk (http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm? fuseaction¼Search.SearchAction&searchTerm¼carbamazepine& SearchType¼BasicSearch). This example highlights just one of many ways clinicians, and nurses in particular, use genetic information to make decisions about clinical care.

Finally, nurse educators play an important role in preparing the next generation of nurses to care for patients in the current health care environment. Although many nurses educated more than 10 years ago had minimal genetic content in their training, today genetics is required content for baccalaureate and master’s educational programs. These educators must ensure that the future nursing workforce understands the complex nature of genetic influence on health and disease and the clinical implications of the rapid pace at which new knowledge is being gained. Nurse authors have contributed to this effort in the past few years by publishing textbooks for nursing students focused on clinical applications of genetic and genomic concepts. The International Society of Nurses in Genetics (ISONG; http://www.isong.org/index.php) serves as a powerful resource for nurses in all areas who utilize genetic and genomic concepts in research, education, and clinical care. ISONG was founded by a group of nurses practicing in genetic settings in 1987 who realized the potential benefits of joining together for support, guidance, and resource sharing about their specialized areas of practice. Since that time, ISONG has evolved into a global organization with members from the fields of research, education, and clinical practices with expertise in a variety of types of nursing including critical care, acute care, and outpatient settings. ISONG has generated multiple resources to aid nurse researchers, educators, and clinicians. Throughout the year, the group offers live and asynchronous webinars on topics of interest to clinicians and educators alike. The annual congress brings in speakers with expertise in genetic education, clinical practice, and research to present a balanced program that has something for every nurse. The 2015 ISONG World Congress (http://www.isong.org/ISONG_program.php) will be held November 6–8, 2015, in Pittsburgh, PA, USA, with the theme

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International Society of Nurses in Genetics, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Corresponding Author: Sheila A. Alexander, PhD, RN, Acute & Tertiary Care, School of Nursing, Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 336 Victoria Building, 3500 Victoria Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. Email: [email protected]

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Alexander

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of ‘‘Epigenetics Across the Lifespan.’’ As the current president of ISONG, I invite you to attend this annual congress to see how nurses are making significant contributions to genetic, epigenetic, genomic, and epigenomic research and clinical practice as part of our ongoing mission to improve patient care.

Author Contribution Sheila A. Alexander contributed to conception and design, drafted and critically revised the manuscript, gave final approval, and agrees to be accountable for all aspects of work ensuring integrity and accuracy.

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The Contributions of Nursing to Genetics, Epigenetics, Genomics, and Epigenomics: A Word From the Current President of ISONG.

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