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'''TwinsUK''' is a United Kingdom-based [[twin registry]] and research resource that was established in 1992. It is one of the largest twin registries in the world, with over 13,000 registered twins. The registry is used for a wide range of [[medical research]] studies, particularly those related to [[genetics]] and [[epigenetics]].
== TwinsUK ==
 
[[File:TwinsUK_Logo.jpg|thumb|right|TwinsUK logo]]
 
'''TwinsUK''' is a comprehensive research resource and cohort study based in the United Kingdom, focusing on the study of [[twins]] to understand the genetic and environmental influences on complex traits and diseases. Established in 1992, TwinsUK is one of the largest twin registries in the world, comprising over 14,000 identical and non-identical twins.


== History ==
== History ==


TwinsUK was founded by Professor Tim Spector, a genetic epidemiologist at [[King's College London]]. The registry was initially established to study the genetic and environmental causes of [[osteoarthritis]], but has since expanded to include research on a wide range of diseases and health conditions.
TwinsUK was founded by Professor [[Tim Spector]] at [[King's College London]]. The registry was initially created to study the heritability of [[osteoarthritis]] and other [[musculoskeletal disorders]]. Over the years, the scope of research has expanded to include a wide range of [[chronic diseases]], [[genetic epidemiology]], and [[epigenetics]].


== Research ==
== Research Focus ==


TwinsUK has contributed to numerous significant scientific discoveries. The registry's unique structure allows researchers to control for genetic factors and focus on environmental influences on disease. This has led to important findings in areas such as [[ageing]], [[microbiome]], [[metabolism]], and [[immune system]] function.
The primary aim of TwinsUK is to explore the genetic and environmental determinants of complex traits and diseases. The study covers a broad spectrum of health-related topics, including:


In addition to its own research, TwinsUK collaborates with other research institutions and contributes data to international research consortia. The registry's data is also made available to external researchers through a data access process.
* [[Cardiovascular disease]]
* [[Diabetes]]
* [[Obesity]]
* [[Aging]]
* [[Mental health]]
* [[Microbiome]]


== Structure and Funding ==
TwinsUK utilizes a variety of research methods, including [[genome-wide association studies]] (GWAS), [[epigenetic]] analyses, and [[metabolomics]].


TwinsUK is based at the Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology at King's College London. The registry is funded through a combination of grants from the [[Wellcome Trust]], the [[Medical Research Council]], and other sources.
== Contributions to Science ==


== See Also ==
TwinsUK has significantly contributed to the understanding of the genetic basis of complex traits. The study has led to the discovery of numerous genetic variants associated with diseases such as [[type 2 diabetes]], [[coronary artery disease]], and [[rheumatoid arthritis]].


* [[Twin study]]
The cohort has also been instrumental in advancing the field of [[epigenetics]], providing insights into how environmental factors can influence gene expression and contribute to disease.
* [[Genetic epidemiology]]
 
* [[King's College London]]
== Collaborations ==
 
TwinsUK collaborates with numerous international research projects and consortia, including the [[International Human Epigenome Consortium]] and the [[Global Microbiome Conservancy]]. These collaborations enhance the study's ability to conduct large-scale analyses and validate findings across different populations.
 
== Data and Resources ==


== References ==
TwinsUK provides a rich resource of [[phenotypic]] and [[genotypic]] data, which is available to researchers worldwide. The data includes detailed health questionnaires, [[biological samples]], and [[imaging data]].


<references />
== Related Pages ==


{{medicine-stub}}
* [[Twin study]]
* [[Genetic epidemiology]]
* [[Epigenetics]]
* [[Genome-wide association study]]


[[Category:Twin registries]]
[[Category:Medical research in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Medical research organizations]]
[[Category:Genetics]]
[[Category:Genetic epidemiology]]
[[Category:Twin studies]]
[[Category:King's College London]]

Latest revision as of 03:52, 13 February 2025

TwinsUK[edit]

File:TwinsUK Logo.jpg
TwinsUK logo

TwinsUK is a comprehensive research resource and cohort study based in the United Kingdom, focusing on the study of twins to understand the genetic and environmental influences on complex traits and diseases. Established in 1992, TwinsUK is one of the largest twin registries in the world, comprising over 14,000 identical and non-identical twins.

History[edit]

TwinsUK was founded by Professor Tim Spector at King's College London. The registry was initially created to study the heritability of osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders. Over the years, the scope of research has expanded to include a wide range of chronic diseases, genetic epidemiology, and epigenetics.

Research Focus[edit]

The primary aim of TwinsUK is to explore the genetic and environmental determinants of complex traits and diseases. The study covers a broad spectrum of health-related topics, including:

TwinsUK utilizes a variety of research methods, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), epigenetic analyses, and metabolomics.

Contributions to Science[edit]

TwinsUK has significantly contributed to the understanding of the genetic basis of complex traits. The study has led to the discovery of numerous genetic variants associated with diseases such as type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

The cohort has also been instrumental in advancing the field of epigenetics, providing insights into how environmental factors can influence gene expression and contribute to disease.

Collaborations[edit]

TwinsUK collaborates with numerous international research projects and consortia, including the International Human Epigenome Consortium and the Global Microbiome Conservancy. These collaborations enhance the study's ability to conduct large-scale analyses and validate findings across different populations.

Data and Resources[edit]

TwinsUK provides a rich resource of phenotypic and genotypic data, which is available to researchers worldwide. The data includes detailed health questionnaires, biological samples, and imaging data.

Related Pages[edit]