This project aims to investigate the associations of genetic factors, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and environmental pollution with the development of common chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory disorders. Using data from the UK Biobank (UKB), the research will address the following key questions:
1. How do genetic risk interact with modifiable lifestyle factors (e.g., diet, physical activity, smoking) to influence the risk of chronic diseases?
2. What is the role of environmental pollution (e.g., air pollution, noise) in modifying these associations?
3. Can a healthy lifestyle mitigate the adverse effects of genetic risk and environmental exposures on chronic disease outcomes?
The objectives are:
1. To identify genetic variants associated with chronic diseases and assess their interaction with lifestyle and environmental factors.
2. To quantify the independent and joint effects of genetic risk, lifestyle behaviors, and environmental pollution on disease risk.
3. To explore potential mechanisms underlying these interactions using multi-omics data (e.g., genomics, metabolomics).
The scientific rationale is rooted in the growing burden of chronic diseases globally, which are influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors. Understanding these interactions can inform personalized prevention strategies and public health interventions to reduce disease risk, particularly in populations with high genetic susceptibility or environmental exposures. The UKB’s rich phenotypic, genetic, and environmental data provides a unique opportunity to address these questions comprehensively.
This research will contribute to the development of targeted interventions that integrate genetic risk profiling, lifestyle modification, and environmental policy to improve population health outcomes.