Approved Research

Comprehensive risk factor screening and genetic susceptibility loci for non-communicable diseases

Lay summary

Aims!

Our goals are as follows: 1) To analyze the risk factors of non-communicable diseases (cancer, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes and other system-related diseases) using the large prospective database of UK Biobank, so as to determine the risk factors and facilitate the prevention of the corresponding exposure factors. 2) Determine genetic susceptibility locus according to the corresponding risk factors, and accurately guide individual prevention and clinical application through comprehensive application.

Scientific Rationale!

With the growth of life expectancy, the trend of population aging is becoming more and more obvious. Meanwhile, the incidence of related non-communicable diseases (cancer, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes and other system-related diseases) is on the rise. In this context, it is particularly valuable to carry out research on non-communicable diseases. It is now known that complex diseases such as non-communicable diseases are influenced by genes and environment. For example, not everyone who smokes are susceptible to lung cancer. One possible explanation is that some people may be born with genetic variants that makes them more susceptible to lung cancer if they smoke. The influence of the environment, such as air pollution and occupational exposure, has been identified as the risk factors of diseases. In addition, many lifestyles, drug history, and previous medical history may also have disease risks, so it is necessary to comprehensively analyze the influence of exposure factors on non-communicable diseases. We want to use the large prospective study of UK Biobank to conduct comprehensive risk factor screening and genetic susceptibility locus identification for non-communicable diseases.

Project duration: 36 months

Public health impact:

The identified risk factors can provide preventive advice to the population and reduce the occurrence of diseases, thus reducing the huge medical economic burden caused by non-communicable diseases. The identification of genetic susceptibility locus and polygenic risk scores can indicate the individual's risk of developing corresponding non-communicable diseases and exert clinical application.