Research in the Douglas lab is focused on three inter-related areas: statistical genetics, genetic epidemiology, and cancer genetics. The major emphasis of the lab is to identify and characterize the genetic contributions to complex traits and diseases in human populations, with a special interest in the hereditary predisposition to breast cancer and related risk factors. Current projects in the Douglas lab include

(1) Mapping genes for mammographic breast density

(2) Examining and characterizing susceptibility genes for prostate cancer

(3) Identifying genetic variation underlying blood pressure response to changes in dietary salt intake

(4) Testing and developing methods and strategies to facilitate our gene mapping studies