Researchers from the UK’s Oxford Population Health and China’s Peking University have conducted a comprehensive study analyzing genetic data from a large Chinese population, shedding light on genetic risk factors for diseases such as diabetes, stroke, depression, and chronic respiratory disease. The study aims to provide valuable data for drug target identification and evaluation tailored to the East Asian population.
Data Collection and Focus on China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB)
The study focused on data from the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB), initiated in 2002, which collected DNA data from over 512,000 adults recruited between 2004 and 2008 from 10 urban and rural areas across China. Participants were interviewed regarding their lifestyle and behavior, with hospitalization and death records monitored to provide comprehensive fatal and non-fatal disease information.
Whole Genome Sequencing and Genetic Variants Discovery
Researchers reportedly performed whole genome sequencing on over 100,000 CKB participants using a custom-designed array, supported by the Global Biobank Meta-Analysis Initiative (GBMI) and BGI China (SHE: 300676). The results revealed over 20 million genetic variants within the population, including genetic associations with over 200 diseases. These findings have been made freely available via an online portal, enhancing global access to this critical genetic data.
Publication and Contribution to Medical Research
The study, titled “Genotyping and population characteristics of the China Kadoorie Biobank,” has been published in Cell Genomics. This significant contribution to medical research provides a foundation for further exploration into the genetic underpinnings of various diseases and supports the development of targeted therapies and interventions for the East Asian population.-Fineline Info & Tech
