Research questions:
1- How does cold exposure influence aging phenotypes across multiple biological layers?
2-What is the relationship between cold exposure-related aging phenotypes and the development of chronic diseases, and the underlying genetic mechanisms driving cold exposure-related aging phenotypes and associated diseases?
3-How can genetic analyses (e.g., GWAS, Mendelian Randomization) and multi-omics data contribute to identifying biomarkers for early detection of cold exposure-related aging phenotypes and chronic diseases, and how can predictive models inform personalized prevention strategies?
Objectives:
1-Construct Cold Exposure-Related Aging Phenotypes
2-Examine the Relationship Between Aging Phenotypes and Chronic Diseases
3-Explore Genetic Mechanisms and Develop Predictive Models
Scientific Rationale:
Cold exposure represents a critical environmental factor that hierarchically influences aging processes. Unlike traditional risk factors, cold exposure acts as an upstream driver that modulates behavioral patterns (sleep quality, physical activity, dietary intake) and physiological responses (circadian rhythm, metabolic adaptation, immune function, cardiovascular stress), ultimately shaping aging trajectories.The heterogeneity in aging patterns, particularly the existence of distinct subtypes such as cardiovascular aging, immune senescence, and musculoskeletal degeneration, may be partially explained by differential cold exposure responses. By leveraging UK Biobank’s comprehensive multi-modal data-encompassing genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, epigenetics, accelerometer, and imaging-this study will elucidate cold exposure-specific mechanisms driving aging heterogeneity. The integration of multi-omics approaches with environmental exposure data will enable identification of cross-disease biomarkers and development of predictive models for precision prevention, particularly valuable for populations in cold climates.
