Objective
To investigate the progression and heterogeneity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) by integrating multi-omics data with key clinical biochemical indicators and environmental exposures, and to explore their associations with major renal comorbidities.
Background
Chronic kidney disease is a major public health burden and commonly coexists with metabolic and cardiovascular conditions that accelerate renal function decline and increase morbidity. Although routine clinical and imaging assessments are widely used, they provide limited insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying disease progression and heterogeneity. Advances in omics technologies offer new opportunities to characterise biological pathways involved in CKD; however, these molecular features are rarely examined alongside environmental and clinical factors in large population-based cohorts.
Scientific Rationale
UK Biobank provides a unique platform to examine CKD using integrated genomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and longitudinal clinical data within a well-characterised population. The primary analyses will focus on identifying molecular and clinical markers associated with CKD progression and renal-related complications. Secondary and exploratory analyses may incorporate imaging-derived phenotypes and body composition measures, including bioelectrical impedance, to further characterise disease heterogeneity where appropriate.