A. Research questions
Existing studies have established associations between environmental exposures, socio-economic factors, and the risk of age-related diseases. However, to date, limited research has explored the potential role of multi-omics molecular data (such as genetic, proteomic, and metabolomic information) in elucidating the relationship between environmental exposures, socio-economic factors, and age-related diseases.
B. Objectives
To address this gap, we plan to utilize data from the UK Biobank to investigate (1) the relationships between multi-omics, medicine use, environmental, and socio-economic factors and the incidence and mortality of age-related diseases across various systems and organs, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, or immune systems. (2) We also aim to predict long-term outcomes associated with these diseases. (3) Furthermore, we will explore the potential interactions among these factors and their combined effects on the onset and progression of age-related diseases, as well as their impact on disease burden.
C. Scientific rationale for the research
Age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neuropsychiatric disorders, are the leading causes of disease burden globally. In our recent research, we found significant associations between environmental and socio-economic factors and the increased risk of developing diseases such as atrial fibrillation, abdominal aortic aneurysm, dementia, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis etc. Additionally, we observed that environmental factors and genetic susceptibility may interact, either in a combined or additive manner, to influence the onset of diseases. Considering that environmental and socio-economic factors may impact the levels of small molecules, thereby playing a crucial mediation role in these associations, it is imperative to conduct in-depth molecular-level studies to further investigate the underlying mechanisms of age-related disease.
