Research question
Emerging evidence suggests overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms between neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease) and ocular diseases (e.g., glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration). For instance, !-amyloid deposition has been observed in both brain tissues and retinal layers. However, systemic investigations into shared risk factors (genetic, proteomic, metabolomic, and environmental) remain limited, particularly in large-scale human cohorts.
Objective
To address this gap, the present undertaking aims to employ an integrated approach, leveraging the wealth of genetics, metabolomics, proteomics, and comprehensive epidemiological data. Through multidimensional analyses, we aim to discover new risk factors, identify potential biomarkers, and understand causal relationships for various neurodegenerative and ocular diseases.
Scientific rationale
Probing circulating proteins provides unique opportunities to uncover novel biomarkers and improve our understanding of etiology of those diseases. Similarly, blood metabolome is considered as important readouts of aggregated information from genetic factors, gene expression to protein abundance, as well as external environmental factors. To accomplish this, we will combine multi-omics (i.e., proteomics and metabolomics) and epidemiological data to discover novel risk factors, biomarkers and provide definitive evidence for known associations of neurodegenerative and ocular diseases risk reported by traditional observational studies. Our endeavor will encompass the analysis of multi-omics and epidemiological information, enabling us to unravel new risk factors, identify potential biomarkers, and comprehend the intricate web of relationships underpinning various neurodegenerative and ocular diseases. This comprehensive exploration will include conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and more.
