Research Background: Neurological disorders-including neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s), cerebrovascular conditions (e.g., stroke, small vessel disease), epilepsy, psychiatric disorders, and sleep disturbances-are major global health challenges. They arise from complex interactions among genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, lifestyle behaviors, immune dysregulation, and aging. Despite their burden, mechanisms, early biomarkers, and therapeutic targets remain poorly defined.
Aims and Objectives:
1.Identify genetic variants and biomarkers associated with neurological disease onset and progression; construct polygenic risk scores (PRS) and integrate them with transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and imaging data to improve prediction and stratification.
2.Evaluate causal relationships between lifestyle and environmental risk factors and disease outcomes using Mendelian randomization and mediation analysis; delineate modifiable molecular pathways for prevention and intervention.
3. Explore shared genetic architecture and comorbidity patterns across neurological and other chronic diseases; i
Scientific Rationale: Neurological diseases are disabling and costly, often developing silently over decades, shaped by genetic predisposition, environment, immune responses, and aging. Early detection and prevention remain limited.
UK Biobank provides a unique platform, offering genetic data, lifestyle information, brain imaging, and multi-omics profiles from over 500,000 participants. By integrating these diverse data types, we aim to identify early warning signs, modifiable risk factors, and molecular mechanisms driving disease.
This research will advance precision neurology by enabling earlier identification of at-risk individuals, supporting personalized prevention strategies, and informing therapeutic development. Ultimately, it will contribute to healthier aging and improved brain health across populations.