We are dedicated to understanding maternal and paternal health over a lifetime and uncovering the molecular causes, as well as their transgenerational effect. We, and others, have previously documented increased multimorbidity as a consequence of adverse events in the reproductive years.
This project investigates how the interplay of genetic and environmental factors influences healthy ageing across generations, with a focus on the role of fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth. Our research group is at the forefront of women’s and reproductive health using multi-omics data, electronic health records, and nationwide healthcare and socioeconomic registries in Denmark (data and relevant permissions are in place).
We will leverage the rich phenotypic and genotypic data available in UK Biobank cohort (UKB) to address the following research question:
Do health outcomes and molecular signatures related to fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth associate with healthy aging in the UKB?
This research question will be addressed by analyzing UKB to:
* Identify and replicate molecular and environmental factors that influence fertility, pregnancy, and health in women, their partner, and children.
* Investigate the role of these factors in healthy ageing in the UKB, in a sex stratified manner.
* Explore the molecular mechanisms and interactions with environment behind transgenerational effects of factors impacting fertility, pregnancy, and health.
The UKBs large sample size, detailed information on lifestyle factors and health outcomes, and comprehensive omics data make it an ideal resource for this investigation. This study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between genes and environment impacting women’s health and reproduction in shaping healthy ageing across generations, ultimately informing strategies for early prevention.