TwinsUK: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|A UK-based twin registry for scientific research}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | |||
[[File:TwinsUK_Logo.jpg|thumb|right|Logo of TwinsUK]] | |||
TwinsUK | '''TwinsUK''' is a [[United Kingdom|UK]]-based twin registry that serves as a resource for scientific research. It is one of the largest twin registries in the world and is used to study the genetic and environmental influences on a wide range of diseases and traits. | ||
== | ==History== | ||
TwinsUK was established in 1992 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 time, the scope of research expanded to include a variety of [[chronic diseases]], [[aging]], and [[genetic epidemiology]]. | |||
==Research== | |||
The registry includes over 15,000 twins, both [[monozygotic]] (identical) and [[dizygotic]] (fraternal), who have participated in numerous studies. Research using the TwinsUK registry has contributed to understanding the genetic basis of [[obesity]], [[diabetes]], [[cardiovascular disease]], and [[mental health]] disorders, among others. | |||
TwinsUK has also been instrumental in [[genome-wide association studies]] (GWAS), which have identified genetic variants associated with various traits and conditions. The registry collaborates with other twin registries and research institutions worldwide to enhance the understanding of [[genetics]] and [[epigenetics]]. | |||
== | ==Methodology== | ||
Participants in the TwinsUK registry undergo a variety of assessments, including [[questionnaires]], [[clinical examinations]], and [[biological sample]] collection. These data are used to explore the [[heritability]] of traits and the interaction between genes and the environment. | |||
The registry employs [[longitudinal study]] designs, allowing researchers to track changes in health and behavior over time. This approach helps in identifying risk factors for diseases and understanding the aging process. | |||
== | ==Impact== | ||
Research from TwinsUK has led to significant findings in the field of [[genomics]] and [[personalized medicine]]. The data collected has been used to develop [[biomarkers]] for disease prediction and to explore the [[microbiome]]'s role in health. | |||
The registry's findings have been published in numerous [[peer-reviewed journals]], contributing to the scientific community's understanding of complex traits and diseases. | |||
==Related pages== | |||
* [[Twin study]] | * [[Twin study]] | ||
* [[Genetic epidemiology]] | * [[Genetic epidemiology]] | ||
* [[King's College London]] | * [[King's College London]] | ||
== References == | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | |||
{{ | |||
[[Category: | [[Category:Genetics in the United Kingdom]] | ||
[[Category:Medical research | [[Category:Medical research in the United Kingdom]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Twin studies]] | ||
Revision as of 11:54, 9 February 2025
A UK-based twin registry for scientific research
TwinsUK is a UK-based twin registry that serves as a resource for scientific research. It is one of the largest twin registries in the world and is used to study the genetic and environmental influences on a wide range of diseases and traits.
History
TwinsUK was established in 1992 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 time, the scope of research expanded to include a variety of chronic diseases, aging, and genetic epidemiology.
Research
The registry includes over 15,000 twins, both monozygotic (identical) and dizygotic (fraternal), who have participated in numerous studies. Research using the TwinsUK registry has contributed to understanding the genetic basis of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders, among others.
TwinsUK has also been instrumental in genome-wide association studies (GWAS), which have identified genetic variants associated with various traits and conditions. The registry collaborates with other twin registries and research institutions worldwide to enhance the understanding of genetics and epigenetics.
Methodology
Participants in the TwinsUK registry undergo a variety of assessments, including questionnaires, clinical examinations, and biological sample collection. These data are used to explore the heritability of traits and the interaction between genes and the environment.
The registry employs longitudinal study designs, allowing researchers to track changes in health and behavior over time. This approach helps in identifying risk factors for diseases and understanding the aging process.
Impact
Research from TwinsUK has led to significant findings in the field of genomics and personalized medicine. The data collected has been used to develop biomarkers for disease prediction and to explore the microbiome's role in health.
The registry's findings have been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the scientific community's understanding of complex traits and diseases.
Related pages
References
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