Recent advances in genetic testing have revealed that clonal hematopoiesis (CH)-a condition that can lead to blood cancers-also appears in healthy individuals and is linked to higher risks of many diseases. However, further analysis is needed to understand how different types of CH, each with specific genetic changes, relate to these disease risks. Additionally, the biological reasons behind these links remain unclear. Although some genetic and environmental factors associated with CH have been identified in European populations, they have not been studied in Asian populations, leaving regional differences unknown. Addressing these issues could enhance our understanding of CH and its potential clinical applications. In this project, we will analyze genetic and clinical datasets from the UK Biobank (UKBB) and other cohorts to address the following questions:
How accurately can disease risk be predicted based on CH characteristics?
What are the biological mechanisms linking CH to various diseases?
Which genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of CH?
How do CH characteristics differ across ethnic groups?
The expected duration of this project is three years.
Our analysis will clarify the clinical and biological traits of CH in detail, helping to assess disease risks by CH subtype and guide risk management. By studying CH’s molecular features, we aim to understand its connection to disease risks and identify new treatment targets.
