B3841 - Identifying genetic and environmental factors underpinning complex trait variation in humans - 24/08/2021

B number: 
B3841
Principal applicant name: 
Jian Yang | School of Life Sciences, Westlake University (China)
Co-applicants: 
Fei-Fei Cheng, MS, Dr Ting Qi
Title of project: 
Identifying genetic and environmental factors underpinning complex trait variation in humans
Proposal summary: 

Most human traits (including diseases) are influenced by many genetic and environmental factors. Population-based genetic studies have been proven valuable for identifying genetic factors responsible for the traits and for predicting an individual's risk of developing a disease. However, a widening knowledge gap exists between cutting-edge genetics research and current clinical practices. Besides the genetic factors, an increasing number of lifestyle and environmental factors that can trigger and exacerbate a condition have been documented. Thus, it is essential to collect well-organised genetic data and health records to identify the genetic and environmental factors and to yield clinically actionable disease predictors.

Impact of research: 
The findings of this project are crucial to deepen the understanding of the disease etiology and prevention, are of great importance for public health, and are also in concordance with the ALSPAS's stated purpose. The combination of new data and new methods will take us into an era of personalized and precision treatments based on an individual's gene, environment, and lifestyle, which has the potential to have a significant impact on health care.
Date proposal received: 
Monday, 9 August, 2021
Date proposal approved: 
Tuesday, 24 August, 2021
Keywords: 
Genetic epidemiology (including association studies and mendelian randomisation), human complex traits and diseases, Statistical methods, Genetics