Approved Research

Disentangle the interplay between genetic predisposition, social environment, and lifestyle in the development of complex and common aging-related diseases and syndromes

Lay summary

This proposal seeks to access UK Biobank data for an analysis of disentangling the interplay of genetic predisposition, social environment, and lifestyles in the development of complex and common aging-related diseases and syndromes. Both genetic predisposition and environmental factors (including social determinants and lifestyles) play a critical role in determining the individual risk of these traits. Recently, we developed a novel tool called polysocial score for quantifying the aggregate effect of a wide variety of social factors that are multifaceted and interconnected, including socioeconomic status, life events and social support, and neighborhood environment. We will create three composite scores to comprehensively capture genetic predisposition, social environment, and healthy lifestyles. We will use cutting-edge statistical methods to examine whether genetically predetermined disease risk could be counteracted by a favorable social environment, a healthy lifestyle, or a combination of both. The research we plan is in agreement with the aim of UK Biobank research intended to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illness and the promotion of health throughout society. The findings of this work will generate solid evidence for evaluating the necessity of taking social environment and lifestyle into consideration in preventing common and complex diseases and syndromes.