Approved Research

Exploration of the multi-level biomarkers, mechanisms, and drug target of age-related diseases in the UK Biobank cohort

Lay summary

Age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and certain cancers, constitute substantial contributors to both morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is of the utmost importance to comprehend the multifaceted biomarkers and underlying mechanisms of these diseases for the purpose to formulate efficacious preventive and therapeutic approaches. We seek to perform genome-wide association study (GWAS), proteome-wide association study (PWAS), mendelian randomization, and advanced statistical techniques, such as machine learning algorithms, to elucidate the underlying molecular and physiological mechanisms contributing to disease pathogenesis, and identify potential biomarkers, as well as the potential drug target of age-related diseases. The determinants found in this study, if verified to be causal, will provide valuable insights into the complex nature, early detection, prevention, and treatment strategies of these diseases and help inform public health policies and clinical practice.