Integrative -omics Analysis in the UK Biobank and the Hong Kong Osteoporosis Study

Several genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been conducted to find genes associated with dieases. Many other studies have also identified genes associated with levels of proteins and metabolites in the body. Integrative-omics is a powerful approach which combines this data to identify proteins and metabolites through which DNA variation causes an effect on diseases. These findings can help identify biomarkers of disease and potential therapeutic agents. Furthermore, these findings can be linked with information about current medications to find whether the medications may result in any unwanted side effects or in potential repurposing opportunities. Using UK biobank data, we aim to conduct GWAS studies and integrative- omics to better understand the genetic basis of disease and elucidate the mechanism through which genetic variants effect diseases. These findings will be further replicated in the Hong Kong Osteoporosis Study (HKOS), which is the first prospective longitudinal cohort study of osteoporosis and fracture in Asia which comprises of around 10,000 Southern Chinese residing in Hong Kong. Moreover, we will conduct population-based studies in the Hong Kong population to further validate results where possible. The study, which will be conducted continuously for various diseases over the next three years, aims to uncover the association among genetic variants, metabolites, proteins and health-related phenotypes. The research will help identify biomarkers and new treatments of diseases, as well as identify potential adverse drug reactions and potential repurposing opportunities associated with currently existing medications. Such findings can help reduce prevent unwanted side effects and bring treatments to populations who stand to benefit from it.