Research Question
Hematological diseases, encompassing both malignant (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma) and non-malignant disorders (e.g., anemia, cytopenia), represent a major global health burden. Despite major advances in genomics, the circulating molecular signatures that precede disease onset and drive malignant transformation remain unclear. We aim to address the question: What are the shared and disease-specific plasma proteomic and metabolic signatures associated with the risk and progression of hematologic diseases, and to determine which of these signatures represent causal drivers of disease.
Research Objectives
To address this question, this project will leverage UK Biobank’s large-scale proteomic, metabolomic, and genomic data, along with sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical diagnosis information. We will explore the comprehensive cross-disease plasma biomarkers atlas for hematologic disorders, elucidate shared and specific molecular mechanisms, and provide a foundation for precision prevention, early diagnosis, and therapeutic development.
Scientific Rationale
By systematically profiling the molecular landscape of the hematologic disease spectrum, we will bridge the gap from discovering fundamental pathways and causal biomarkers to developing clinically relevant prediction tools. Integrating proteomic, metabolomic, and genetic data will allow us to identify molecular drivers and distinguish them from downstream consequences of disease. This comprehensive approach will create the pan-hematologic plasma biomarker atlas, providing a powerful resource to advance precision prevention, early diagnosis, and targeted therapy development for hematologic disorders.