The overall objective of the proposal is to exploit information held within existing cohorts and their population-based biobanks to improve understanding of the determinants of and risk factors for low lung function , respiratory disability and the development of a major cause of disease, disability and death in European adults, namely chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Lung function in adult life is a critical objective marker of good lung health, strongly associated with other major chronic diseases (for example cardiovascular disease) and is a major independent determinant of overall health status (physical and mental health, quality of life, exercise capacity, independent living).

We will

1. identify determinants and risk factors (behavioural, environmental, occupational, nutritional, other modifiable lifestyle, genetic) of poor lung growth, excess lung function decline and occurrence of low lung function, respiratory disability and COPD within existing child and adult cohorts

2. validate the role of risk factors for poor lung growth, excess lung function decline and occurrence of low lung function, respiratory disability and COPD through a) integration of data from relevant disciplines (clinical, epidemiological, molecular, genetics, epigenetics) and b) valorisation of knowledge gained from the cohort-related population-based biobanks

3. generate and integrate information on change in DNA methylation patterns with ageing to identify risk factors and validate the role of these risk factors

4. generate a predictive risk score that takes account of the combined effects of factors that cause poor lung growth and lung function decline and lead to low lung function, respiratory disability, and COPD in older adults

This work will provide an evidence base for risk identification that can underpin future preventive and therapeutic strategies and policies.