Approved research

Integrating genetics and omics data with epidemiologic and EHR data to improve the understanding of etiology of major cancers

Lay summary

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. Although increasing evidence has linked unhealthy lifestyle, external exposures, and genetic alterations to the risk of cancer, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Proteins and metabolites in the blood circulation can be helpful to detect normal/abnormal cell activities in the human body, which are under tight regulation of genes and impact of environmental exposures. This project aims to systematically investigate the associations of genetic, metabolic, proteomic profiles, as well as external environmental exposures with development of major cancers. We will: 1) systematically investigate and compare the effects of genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, disease and medication use history, metabolites, and circulating proteins on risks of different cancers; 2) explore the integrating effects of genetic, metabolic, proteomic, environmental exposures, and disease and medication use history on major cancers; 3) infer causality using genetic instruments. The purpose of this project is to better understand the etiology of cancers. The knowledge will provide novel insights into the identification of potential prevention and/or therapeutic targets for major cancers.