Last updated:
ID:
838113
Start date:
4 July 2025
Project status:
Current
Principal investigator:
Dr Hainan Zhang
Lead institution:
Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, China

This project aims to systematically investigate the biological underpinnings of aging and major age-related diseases through large-scale multi-omics analyses using UK Biobank data. We will integrate genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and neuroimaging-derived features to identify early biomarkers, risk factors, and potential therapeutic targets. The diseases of interest include, but are not limited to, neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease), cerebrovascular disease (e.g., stroke), sleep-related conditions (e.g., insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness), and other aging-associated outcomes such as cognitive decline, frailty, and multimorbidity.
We will conduct both hypothesis-driven and data-driven analyses, including Mendelian Randomization, unsupervised clustering of omics profiles, risk score development, and longitudinal modeling. A key objective is to stratify aging trajectories and uncover shared or distinct molecular pathways across age-related conditions.
Multiple independent sub-projects will be conducted under this umbrella, contributing to Ph.D. research, cross-disciplinary collaborations, and high-impact publications in aging science and neurological health. Outcomes include new aging biomarker panels, integrative risk prediction tools, and actionable insights for early intervention and precision health.