Research Background:
As global populations age, common chronic diseases in older adults-such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, osteoporosis, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders-have become major public health burdens. These conditions often co-occur, affecting cognition, metabolism, mobility, and quality of life. Their pathogenesis involves complex interactions among genetic predisposition, molecular dysregulation, environmental exposures, and behavioral factors.
Aims and Objectives: This study aims to:
1.Identify genetic variants and multi-omics biomarkers associated with the onset and progression of aging-related diseases;
2.Integrate genomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and imaging data to uncover key biological pathways and population-level heterogeneity;
3.Evaluate the causal impact of modifiable lifestyle and environmental factors using Mendelian randomization and mediation analysis.
4.Investigate multimorbidity patterns and shared molecular mechanisms across aging-related diseases to better understand disease clustering and interactions.
Scientific Rationale: Many aging-related diseases share biological mechanisms such as chronic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, vascular impairment, and immune senescence. Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s) are particularly relevant, as they intersect with cardiovascular and metabolic pathways. UK Biobank offers a unique platform for investigating these mechanisms through large-scale multi-omics data, brain and cardiac imaging, biomarker panels, cognitive assessments, and lifestyle metrics.
By integrating multi-omics profiles with behavioral and environmental exposures, we aim to identify modifiable molecular pathways and validate causal relationships using robust statistical frameworks. This research will support early risk stratification, personalized prevention, and targeted interventions, contributing to healthier aging and reduced disease burden.
