Chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis, and urticaria significantly burden public health, affecting millions worldwide and contributing to substantial healthcare costs. These diseases are often accompanied by chronic pruritus (itch), which can itself become a debilitating condition. Despite their widespread prevalence, these conditions are under-researched as they do not typically lead to increased mortality. However, due to their heterogeneity, treatment can be challenging. Furthermore, recent evidence points to considerable overlap between between these skin diseases and conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the genetic and environmental interactions linking these conditions remain poorly understood.
In this project, we will leverage the UK Biobank’s extensive genomic and healthcare data to conduct genome-wide association studies (GWAS) aimed at investigating how genetic variations and environmental exposures (the exposome) influence susceptibility to AD, psoriasis, urticaria, and itch-related phenotypes (e.g., pruritus, lichen simplex chronicus, and prurigo). We will also explore the genetic links between these skin conditions and comorbidities, such as ADD/ADHD and ASD, to uncover biological mechanisms underlying these associations. By identifying novel genetic determinants and understanding how they interact with lifestyle factors, we aim to inform the development of more effective, personalized therapies to reduce the burden of these diseases on individuals and healthcare systems.