Approved Research

Identification and Characterization of Loci Associated with Cardiometabolic Disease

Lay summary

Cardiometabolic disease, which includes components of elevated fasting blood sugar, high blood pressure (hypertension), cholesterol imbalance (dyslipidemia) and obesity, is a significant public health concern. The objective of this study is to use genomic (whole genome sequencing, metabolomics, etc.) and clinical data regarding patient symptoms from the UK Biobank to provide insight into the genomic contributors to cardiometabolic disease and its components. To test our hypotheses we will carry out the following Specific Aims. Aim 1 will analyze individual genetic variants identified from whole genome sequencing data to identify variants associated with cardiometabolic disease and its components. Aim 2 will analyze combinations of variants within genes, i.e. burden testing, to determine if the variants are more commonly found in individuals with cardiometabolic disease and its components. Our rationale for the proposed work is that previous published studies have provided evidence for a strong genetic component contributing to the development of cardiometabolic disease and and its components. In addition, prior work has identified genetic variants associated with cardiometabolic disease and its components. We anticipate a project duration of three years. Toward a public health impact, these results will  provide insight into the genomic contributors to cardiometabolic disease and its components by identifying patients with cardiometabolic disease (diagnosis ), understanding how cardiometabolic disease will affect the patient (prognosis) and identifying new disease treatment approaches.