This project will investigate the interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and biomarkers in the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases (e.g., fatty liver, cancer) and related metabolic disorders. Using the UK Biobank’s multi-modal data, we aim to elucidate aetiological pathways to improve disease prediction and prevention.
Research Questions:
What are the key genetic and lifestyle risk factors for adverse liver outcomes?
How does genetic susceptibility interact with modifiable lifestyle factors to influence liver and metabolic disease risk?
Can multi-omic biomarkers improve the early detection and risk stratification of liver disease?
What are the causal relationships between metabolic traits and the risk of severe liver disease?
Objectives:
To quantify the effects of genetic and lifestyle factors on liver health outcomes.
To evaluate how genetic background modifies the impact of environmental exposures on disease risk.
To identify and validate biomarkers for early diagnosis and prediction of disease progression.
To develop integrative models combining multi-modal data for improved risk prediction.
Scientific Rationale:
Chronic liver disease and associated metabolic dysfunction are a major public health burden. Their development is multifactorial, but the gene-environment interplay is poorly understood, hindering effective prevention. The UK Biobank’s large-scale, prospective design with deep genetic and phenotypic data offers an unparalleled resource to address this knowledge gap. This research will advance our understanding of disease mechanisms and provide an evidence base for novel prevention strategies and personalised risk assessment.