TwinsUK

A UK-based twin registry for scientific research

File:TwinsUK Logo.jpg

Logo of TwinsUK

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

• Twin study
• Genetic epidemiology
• King's College London