Research question
According to data from GLOBOCAN 2021, digestive system cancers accounted for 33.2% of all global cancer-related deaths, underscoring the critical necessity for effective early intervention and precise identification. However, current diagnostic methods often detect diseases at advanced stages, while preventive strategies remain limited. Current research indicates that despite colonoscopy being the gold standard for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer, a significant proportion of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. However, preventive measures for biliary stones are relatively weak. The current prevention and control relies on symptom-driven diagnosis and treatment and lacks early risk stratification tools targeting multi-omics biomarkers. The lack of early-warning biomarkers and causal evidence for modifiable risks hinders effective intervention.
Objectives
To address this gap, Through leveraging the wealth of genetics, metabolomics, proteomics, and comprehensive epidemiological data, we aim to discover new risk factors, identify potential biomarkers, and understand causal relationships for digestive system diseases.
Scientific rationale
Previous gastrointestinal disease research has limitations that impede early intervention and precise prevention strategy development. Most studies use a single – omics method like genetics or metabolomics and lack multi – omics integration. Existing clinical tools (e.g., FIB – 4 for liver fibrosis) rely on late-stage biomarkers and lack multi-omics-driven early warning models. This project aims to systematically investigate the associations of genetic, metabolic, proteomic profiles, as well as external environmental exposures with development of digestive system diseases. We will: 1) explore the integrating effects of genetic, metabolic, proteomic, environmental exposures, and disease and medication use history on digestive system diseases; 2) infer causality using genetic instruments.
