Putting genome analysis to good use: lessons from C-reactive protein and cardiovascular disease.

New methods of studying the human genome offer novel ways to examine the relationship between biomarkers and common, chronic human diseases. As an example, we will review a large genomics study (Elliott et al, JAMA 2009; 302:37-48) that concluded that C-reactive protein (CRP) is likely not a cause of coronary heart disease, although it is a marker for it.