Research Question
Gastrointestinal diseases (GIDs), including gastritis, gastric ulcers, IBS, IBD, liver diseases, and biliary disorders, are on the rise globally, with a significant increase in elderly populations. The etiology of GIDs is complex, involving genetic, immunological, environmental, microbial, and lifestyle factors. While studies suggest that lifestyle (e.g., physical activity, diet, stress management), gene expression, protein modifications, metabolic changes, and aging-related epigenetic changes influence gastrointestinal health, the interactions and specific mechanisms, especially in aging, remain poorly understood.
Research Objectives
To address this gap, this project will leverage UK Biobank’s rich data, including genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, epigenetic, accelerometer-derived activity, lifestyle, and clinical diagnosis information. By integrating these multi-dimensional data, we aim to explore how lifestyle, biological aging, metabolic changes, and protein expression collectively impact GID risk and progression, identifying new biomarkers and modifiable risk factors.
Scientific Rationale
The pathophysiology of GIDs is influenced by genetics, immunity, and environment, but the drivers of disease onset and progression in older adults are not well-defined. Existing studies indicate that lifestyle factors, gene expression, protein modifications, metabolic changes, and aging-related epigenetic changes may increase GID susceptibility. Blood metabolites, protein profiles, and epigenetic markers provide insights into biological processes and exposures. Accelerometer data offer a novel method for assessing biological aging through physical activity patterns, which may significantly affect GID outcomes. By combining multi-omics and multi-dimensional data, we seek to deepen our understanding of how these factors collectively influence GID risk and progression.
