Approved Research

Impacts of rapid environmental/societal changes on the genetic architecture of and selection on human traits

Lay summary

Rapid societal and environmental changes in the past century may have substantially reshaped the genetic architecture of and selective pressures on many human heritable traits. To characterize and understand these changes, we aim to conduct a systematic investigation across a spectrum of human diseases and other phenotypic traits. We propose to use UK Biobank to (1) quantify the magnitude of shifts in genetic architecture over time using different birth cohorts, (2) discern genetic architectural changes at the gene level, (3) explore the potential change in selective pressure, (4) and evaluate gene-environment (GxE) interactions. In general, the study will enhance our understanding of genetic predispositions of human diseases and other health related traits and our knowledge of human adaptability and resilience in the face of rapid societal and environmental changes. This is crucial for predicting and managing future health challenges. Thus, our project fits the purpose of UK Biobank to "improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illness and promotion of health throughout society".