Approved research

Genetic markers and biomarkers for age-related diseases

Lay summary

As the population continues to age, the prevalence of chronic age-related conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, cancers and dementia will increase, leading to considerable public health demands. Using the UK Biobank data, the proposed research project aims to better understand the possible causal effects of various biomarkers on a wide range of traits and conditions related to ageing, with the potential to guide drug development and public health prevention policies and optimize treatment strategies. For this study, we will evaluate the associations between the biochemical markers assayed in blood samples from the UK Biobank participants and the wide range of age-related chronic traits and diseases (e.g. osteoporosis, fractures, cardiovascular diseases, prostate cancer, breast cancer, Alzheimer's disease, osteoarthritis). Next, we will explore the possible causality of the observed associations using specific statistical approaches. This will enable us to target the correct modifiable risk factors. Given that a large sample size is required to reach sufficient statistical power, the UK Biobank provides a unique opportunity to evaluate our hypotheses.