This project will use the UK BioBank database to explore germline mutations within the general population that contribute both directly or indirectly to the pathogenesis of diseases, including cancer. We aim to uncover novel insights that could directly contribute to new treatment strategies for cancer and chronic diseases. The Biobank data will clearly support our discovery programs at iTeos Therapeutics but also favorize innovation by identifying new targets and/or biomarkers related to cancer incidence.
Objectives:
* Explore germline mutations and DNA variations data for specific cancer and health related genes.
* Investigate the prevalence and distribution of DNA variations associated with cancer and health risks across different demographic groups in the general population.
* Analyze genetic and phenotypic data to identify potential biomarkers that could serve as indicators for cancer susceptibility and prognosis.
* Assess the impact of identified genetic variations and biomarkers on the overall health and cancer incidence in the general population.
Methodology:
* Access and extract relevant genetic and health data from the UK BioBank.
* Perform bioinformatics analyses to explore DNA mutations in cancer and health related genes.
* Use statistical and machine learning methods to associate DNA variations with cancer incidence and other health outcomes.
* Validate potential biomarkers through cross-referencing with existing literature and public databases.
* The project will rely entirely on UK BioBank data and additional data available in the public domain.